I understand this post concerns an MSc. Finance program in HWR-Berlin instead of an MBA program, but I was wondering if I could get any feedback on my questions.

I am interested in applying to HWR-Berlin's MSc. in Finance program and was wondering if anyone could provide me with info concerning if the finance being taught there is more practical and real-world rather than theoretical and academic. I recently spoke with someone who went to Goethe Universitat's finance program for a semester.... he dropped out because the program emphasized theoretical finance much more than practical. I am trying to learn as much practical finance as possible as I wish to work in M&A, equity research or corp finance anywhere in the world upon graduation.

Also, as I am from America and currently attend a university there, is there anyone who could fill me in on my chances of getting in? How hard is it to get into a school like HWR - Berlin? Currently have a 3.0 gpa, graduating from a good liberal arts school in VA with a BBA major... I know my gpa is very low, but I have been passionate about finance and have been doing extra-curricular research in advanced financial topics as well as coauthoring an academic research paper with my finance professor that will hopefully be published this summer. Any thoughts on how I stack up?? Sorry for the long post!

HWR is not a selective school, or one with a notable research programme. If you are familiar with the US system, it's worth saying that the universities of applied science in Germany hold a slightly similar position to the traditional universities as junior colleges and community colleges in the US do.

If you want a practical programme in finance your best bet will be to find a CFA partner programme http://www.cfainstitute.org/partners/university/Pages/cfa_program_university_partners.aspx Of course these programmes must involve theory, but they aim to prepared people for roles in business.

Are you focussing on working in Germany? If so, take an intensive German course and try to get into the best school you can.

So you're saying a Masters of science in finance from HWR is the equivalent of a 2 year degree from a community college? I have spoken to a girl who matriculated into their Economics program; she graduated from Columbia University in the states, and only had the best things to say about the program as well as finding work afterwards.

Considering that the professors in the Finance program have pretty good profiles (I've looked them up and read some of their publications), I don't really understand how a degree from a school like Berlin could be useless? I don't plan on finding work just in Germany; I wish to apply to jobs in the Middle East and America as well (im from america).

I liked the fact that programs such as HWR-Berlin's are virtually free; I currently do not have the money to shell out 40K euros to go to IE Business School (or any of the other programs I found in the website search that you provided) and receive what I believe will probably be the same exact education I could receive at a free German school.... but I'm probably incorrect about this.

Also, any information on these following schools?:

University Kiel, Ulm University, University Nurtingen, Ohm University, University Tuebingen

No, I'm not saying that a MA from a UAS is the same as an AA from a college. I'm saying that a UAS is looked down in the same way that a community college is looked down. Their degrees are not useless. I am sure it will have a similar curriculum to any other MSc in Finance. In practice, the students get very different outcomes, because the students, professors, facilities, teaching methods and so on will be different.

I invite you to consider that the tuition fees are broadly in line with the market value of these qualification. At IE you will have skilled careers services, a powerful and international alumni network, strong facilities and a world class educational experience. Those are expensive to provide.

In terms of the other colleges you mention, I think you'll find the CHE rankings of German universities are really accurate. Check out the rankings for economics and BWL: http://ranking.zeit.de/che2012/de/

Don't mix up the universities with UAS like Ohm in Nuremberg. They are very different, and even appear on different rankings.

Also, any information on these following schools?:

University Kiel, Ulm University, University Nurtingen, Ohm University, University Tuebingen

What are the job prospects in Germany? if i successfully complete a M.Sc International Finance from HWR Berlin?

And What about M.Sc Quantitative Finance from University of Kiel?

Which will be the best fit if i want to develop a career within a Finance Department of a Multinational Organization.

Job prospects in Germany are excellent for German-speaking finance graduates. Generally universities like Kiel have better outcomes than Fachhochschulen like the HWR. Kiel is world-famous for macroeconomics, and I guess also good for finance.

If you want to work in a multinational, then I suggest the FT-ranked programmes (http://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolrankings/masters-in-finance-pre-experience-2012), especially those which are in the CFA Partner programme.

PS I can't stress enough how important local language skills are if you want to work in Europe.

Thank you Duncan, i really appreciate your concern.

Just to know that is it possible in Germany to attain CFA without attaining any partner University as i am already studying CFA first part Syllabus at the same time i will be attaining university of Kiel M.Sc in Quantitative Finance from this Winter.

i also came across the Kiel University Quantitative Finance Modules which i see going to give me a big hand for the CFA program.

ThankYou

Hi Nazib,

Of course, I know that it's possible to take the CFA without an MSc. I'm taking the point that if someone wanted to work in Europe then they would be better placed to take an MSc in the CFA partner programme because it's very easy for employers to recruit large numbers of highly able people from them who, in addition to their CFA, have all the other things that graduates of top schools have.

Kiel's a great city. Work as hard as possible to improve your German. Have fun there, and wrap up warmly!

Duncan.

PS Great to see Kiel in the top 100 worldwide at http://www.best-masters.com/ranking-master-financial-markets.html

Hi All,

I am looking for admission in HWR Ms In International Finance.
I completed my graduation in BBA from India achieving 66% last year.

I am currently working for Sesame Bankhall Group (UK Based Finance Company) for the past one year.

What are my chances of getting in the programme?

Also I have learned german as a language during my schooling for 4 years and will be giving Max Muller's exam next month.