Bachelor's Degree in Finance & Management

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Finance and Management (B.Sc.) Bachelor's Degree in Germany

Study Finance and Management in Cologne

Do you have a passion for numbers? The “Finance and Management” (Bachelor of Science) course is a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on finance. As a Finance Manager you will later take on a key position in companies and will be responsible for money management. Due to their high affinity for analytical processes, graduates of this study programme are predestined for career entry to classic companies in the financial sector, such as banks, insurance companies and the stock exchange.

Career advantage through specialisation

During your studies you will acquire specialist knowledge about financial interrelationships and processes. The curriculum focuses on topics such as models of capital market theory, the presentation of financial instruments and the relationship between the risk and return of financial investments. Rounded off by practical experience from the semester abroad and the Business Project, you will gain expertise to take on challenging tasks in the national and international financial sector.

NXT GEN - Discover the future of business studies

Anyone who studies today as they did yesterday will be left behind tomorrow. A qualification for the labour market of the future cannot be based on the learning experiences of the past. CBS has radically rethought its business degree programme and is launching the next generation of business bachelor's degrees on the education market. We are offering you a qualification that is consistently based on modern business models and principles of our time. Discover what NXT GEN is about here.

Everything at a glance - Finance & Management (B.Sc.)

Campus

Cologne

Start of Studies

Winter & Summer

Semester

ECTS

180

Study Fee*

5.850 €

Highlight

Bachelor NXT GEN

All facts in detail

Language English
Type of Study Full-time
Degree Bachelor of Science
Internship Integrated
Semester Abroad Integrated

Start of Studies Summer Cologne
Start of Studies Winter Cologne

*The displayed prices are semester fees. For non-EU students' fees please check the tuition fees information page. Status: January 2024.

Study Course Plan

Some information about the study plan for the study programme Bachelors in Finance & Management:

Foundation

Business Models6 ECTS

You learn to understand the different types of business models for production, servicing, software development on concrete example. You also learn to analyze the strength and weaknesses of business models.

NXT GEN Insight: Everybody talks about Business Models. CBS not only teaches it in a separate class, but also built a whole study program on it.

Data Analysis & Statistics6 ECTS

Hands-on practice to understand, summarize, and decode data; learn how to frame business questions to enable data analysis, how to use statistical methods and tools to read the story behind the data, and how to visualize your findings and proposed answers to real world problems.

NXT GEN Insight: At CBS we will not just show you statistical theory, but enable you to use your analytical competency to support your company in making and communicating good business decisions.

Economics (with Mathematical Models)6 ECTS

There are plenty of Economic Models. They determine the decisions companies must take. In this class we will discuss demand & supply curves, preference curves, equality models, economic cycles and prisoner dilemmas.

NXT GEN Insight: Out of Macro and Micro Economics we will teach you the most relevant models for businesses. In order to understand them better, we are modelling them in an applied manner with Mathematics.

Marketing & Branding6 ECTS

Marketing is essential in identifying the customer requirements, needs and wants. Branding plays an important role in today´s attention economy. In this course you learn the most modern marketing concepts as well as how to build strong brands, especially in a digital world, and how to measure its success.

General Skills

Rhetoric & Presentation Skills, CV & Letter of Motivation3 ECTS

Spreadsheets (& Financial Maths)3 ECTS

Knowledge Transfer

Guest Lectures1 ECTS

Foundation

Financial Analysis6 ECTS

Whether you want to take an investment decision as an investor, a credit decision as a bank or help to improve a company as a consultant, you need to be able to analyze the financials of a company. We teach you the language, ratios and all the tricks.

Global Management & Strategy6 ECTS

Managers and consultants need a strong analytical mind as well as the ability to use tools and frameworks. In this class we teach you a range of tools & frameworks for analyzing companies and recommending solutions!

Investment, Value & Risk6 ECTS

Product Management, Competition Analysis & Pricing6 ECTS

The success of every great company starts with one more product, that generate so much customer benefit, that customers want to buy it. But one needs to find the right pricing for the product in the context of competition. We teach you all about it.

NXT GEN Insight: Product development cycles are fast. Designing, updating, improving or renovating a product needs competences. We wonder, why do you seldomly get this at other business school or universities?

General Skills

Digital Literacy3 ECTS

Profiles

Profiles3 ECTS

Applied Mathematics
Digital Marketing Tools
Econometrics
Innovation
Intercultural Competence & (European) Business Culture
Leader, Teams & Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Website Development
Self Mgt, Problem Solving Techniques & Resilience
Language

Knowledge Transfer

Guest Lectures1 ECTS

Foundation

Accounting, Managerial Account & Taxation6 ECTS

Accounting is important because it measures the success of a company. You will learn to make the according entries into the Balance Sheet and Income Statement. You’ll also discover what is important to be reported internally to a CEO/CFO and of course will understand taxes that drive decisions on locations.

NXT GEN Insight: Almost all business programs start with Accounting in the 1st semester. We don’t we first ask you to analyze companies’ annual reports before you put them together in parts yourself.

Digital Technology & AI6 ECTS

The future is based on digital technologies. Databases, web services, apps, networks, cloud services, encryption, APIs, and so on. Learn and apply those technologies and become proficient in the use of modern AI tools.

NXT GEN Insight: This course will be your stepping stone to practical AI, machine learning, big data and more advanced studies of digital technology.

Sustainability, CSR & ESG6 ECTS

Every company exists in a context of an environment, a society, a governing authority or an economy. Learn what decisions managers have to take and why it is actually more than sensible to run a sustainable company.

General Skills

(Academic) Writing3 ECTS

Students will be equipped with versatile writing skills applicable in academic and professional settings. It emphasizes audience analysis, research proficiency, and effective communication, while learning how to utilize AI tools for writing. Enhance your writing skills from essays, academic and professional reports, to social media and blog writing to prepare you for your multilingual profession.

Industries

Industries6 ECTS

Financial Markets & Banking

Profiles

Profiles3 ECTS

Negotiation Skills
Project & Change Management
Language

Knowledge Transfer

Guest Lectures1 ECTS

Throughout the semester, we invite at least 12 different company speakers to help you get a good understanding of the different industries and work requirements.

Foundation

HR & Organisation6 ECTS

People are the most valuable resource to companies. Managers firstly must be up to date on the tools used, when it comes to recruitment, onboarding etc. Secondly, we will take a closer look at the place where HRM happens – the organisation.

NXT GEN Insight: The innovative approach of this module is to think and design HR Management and the organisation of a company, its structure, processes and incentive systems, together from the very beginning.

Financial Instruments6 ECTS

Industries

Industries6 ECTS

Corporate Finance

Profiles

Profiles3 ECTS

Applied Mathematics
Digital Marketing Tools
Econometrics
Innovation
Intercultural Competence & (European) Business Culture
Leader, Teams & Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Website Development
Self Mgt, Problem Solving Techniques & Resilience
Language

Knowledge Transfer

Business Projects6 ECTS

You will learn how to define project objectives, develop project plan/concept, formulate evidence-based recommendations, structure complex presentations, work under the set timeframe and collaborate in a project team.

This course will enable you to apply your knowledge in a real business situation and excercise your analytical/ project management/ interpersonal skills.

Guest Lectures1 ECTS

Semester Abroad

Semester Abroad24 ECTS

You will spend the fifth semester at one of our numerous partner universities abroad. Our International Office supports you in the selection & application process and coordinates the courses to be taken abroad with you in advance.

Profiles

Profiles3 ECTS

Applied Mathematics
Digital Marketing Tools
Econometrics
Innovation
Intercultural Competence & (European) Business Culture
Leader, Teams & Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Website Development
Self Mgt, Problem Solving Techniques & Resilience
Language

Knowledge Transfer

Business Plan Writing & Pitching3 ECTS

Should you ever want to be a manager, you probably not only have to explain a product or service, but also calculate its feasibility and profit contribution. For this you need a business plan and this course will help you to put one together.

Simulation Game3 ECTS

In a business simulation game participants have to manage their own virtual company which operates in the same market as other participant-operated competitors. This involves making typical management decisions in realistic environments. Beside the deepening and active examination of subject-specific knowledge the simulation games also include the team environment, where interaction, communication and prioritization are of paramount importance.

Guest Lectures1 ECTS

Throughout the semester, we invite at least 12 different company speakers to help you get a good understanding of the different industries and work requirements.

Thesis Tutorial & Empirical Work3 ECTS

During the last semester of your studies, you will have to opportunity to study a question of particular interest to you in depth over a three month period. As part of the Thesis Tutorial you will learn how to link a question of practical business relevance to concepts learned during your studies, building an hypothesis, gathering data, and contributing new understanding to a topic of interest.

Thesis12 ECTS

During your 6th semester you are working on your Bachelor thesis. You have 12 weeks to complete your thesis and the subject is freely selectible. A supervisor from CBS will support you and you can write the thesis in collaboration with a company as well.

An internship (10 ECTS) in Germany or abroad is integral part of your degree. Our Career Service is happy to support you in finding the perfect company.

How we qualify you for the labour market of tomorrow

The foundation classes are at the heart of your curriculum. These courses map the business world from a current business model and transform it into well-founded and innovative essential qualifications for the future labour market. Here, you will acquire all the necessary skills to understand and actively shape modern entrepreneurial success processes. And so that you can also make a global impact in your dream job, a semester abroad is an integral part of your studies. For this special academic experience, you have a choice of over 160 partner universities worldwide.

This newly designed core competency set significantly differs from conventional business studies programmes. It provides a state-of-the-art qualification to make your mark and establish yourself in tomorrow's business world.

Over the course of your studies, you will develop additional specialist expertise and skill profiles around this core profile, which will effectively advance you and your career.

PROFILES

Sharpen your profile according to your strengths and interests or go on an inquisitive search for unknown talents within you. Leadership, project and change management, languages, intercultural skills - with a selection of 12 profiles, we provide you with the opportunity to continuously develop your personality and capabilities throughout your degree programme through various hard and soft skills and to set individual accents in your qualification profile.

GENERAL SKILLS

The general skills courses teach skills that are invaluable in any professional career, regardless of your future company or role. With the general skills, we will prepare you for your everyday working life of tomorrow, making you attractive to the players in the modern business world.

INDUSTRIES

If you choose the broad-based International Business degree programme, you can gain specific insight and expertise in future-oriented sectors, such as consulting, corporate finance, or e-commerce, in the 3rd and 4th semesters. Find out at an early stage which area you see your professional future in and gain specialised knowledge to give you a decisive advantage when you start your desired career.

When you choose one of the NXT-GEN specialisation courses, such as Finance & Management or Business Psychology, industry-specific application topics and professional fields are automatically part of your foundation classes.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

This bachelor's degree programme is tailored to practical relevance and application in professional life. The formats and subjects you will experience and apply to transfer theoretical knowledge into practice, such as Business Projects and Simulation Games, as well as your multi-week internship, are integral to your day-to-day studies and the curriculum. This is not about optional extras but a core aspect of your education that strengthens your employability right from the start. During your internship, you will gain insights into an industry of your choice and intensive practical experience. Your thesis will crown your expertise with a direct link to reality. With the support from your mentor, you can apply and deepen the skills and knowledge you have acquired in a subject area of your choice. By the way, a wise choice of topic for your thesis can lead to more inspiring job interviews.

PROFILES

GENERAL SKILLS

INDUSTRIES

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

Discover the CBS by joining our Online Information Sessions or Trial Lectures

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#Tryoutstudies - Trial Lectures

Online Information Session Bachelor's

Career, job perspectives & possible salaries

What can you do with a Finance & Management Bachelor's degree?

A Bachelor's degree in Finance and Management (Bachelor of Science) qualifies you for attractive management positions in business and finance. With your theoretical and practical industry expertise, excellent English skills as well as presentation and public speaking skills, you have an ideal profile of expertise for the employment market. Graduates of this course of study often work in the following company and
activity areas:

Controlling
Accounting
Investment banking
Consulting/management consulting
Tax authorities
Insurance
Banks
Financial technology

Of course, you can also complete a Master's degree to specialise even further, e.g. the Global Finance Master at CBS.

What salary can I expect with a Bachelor's degree in Finance & Management?

Career starters with a degree in Finance & Management are in high demand in the business world. Salaries depend heavily on the industry and the size of the organisation (small, medium-sized, global) and tend to range between €50,000 and €70,000.

How do I find the right job with a Bachelor in Finance & Management?

As a student at CBS, you have numerous opportunities to network with companies during your studies. The integrated internship or the business project offer you insights into various areas of a company. With individual support from our Career Service, we can provide you with personalised coaching and an exclusive company network for your job search.

What are you waiting for?

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The most important questions about the programme Finance & Management

What English language skills do I need to study Finance & Management?

If you are a non-native English speaker, your English level for an English-language degree programme at CBS should be at level C1. You can provide us with proof of your English language skills up to the start of your degree programme and do not need it at the time of application. We accept the following certificates: TOEFL certificate (min. 83 points internet-based), IELTS (min. band 6.5),Cambridge English First (FCE), BEC Vantage and other comparable language certificates. These must not be older than two years. Your proof of English is also deemed to have been provided if you can prove that you have spent at least 6 months abroad in an English-speaking country (internship, work) or have completed parts of your school career in English (case-by-case assessment). Alternatively, you can take a free online English test provided by us.

What are the requirements for admission to the Finance & Management degree programme?

The admission requirement for studying at CBS International Business School is a secondary school completion and university qualification or full entrance qualification to an applied sciences university. Equivalent qualifications from schools abroad are recognised accordingly. Examples: A-Levels, General Certificate of Education, or IB Diploma. In case you do not already possess a school leaving certificate you can submit the previous report. If you wish to obtain in advance an initial assessment of whether your degree is recognized by us, please visit the following website: www.anabin.kmk.org (this database is only available in German), or send your documents directly to us via our online form You don’t have a direct university entrance qualification? We’ll be happy to consider your application for Prep4University, our foundation year for Bachelor studies at CBS! For detailed information, head over to the Prep4University page. After successful completion, you are admitted to enter a Bachelor programme at the CBS.

Do I need German language skills?/ Can I take a German language class?

You don't need German language skills in order to enter the Finance & Management programme. But we do offer a free German language course for international students. Though it is not part of the curriculum, we encourage all international students to attend the class. Good German language skills will make it easier for you to find an internship and ensure a successful entry into the German job market.

By when should I apply to study Finance & Management?

The application process differs depending on whether you live in the European Union or not.
This study programmes start in the winter semester (September). In addition, we also offer some study programmes in the summer semester (end of January). Information on the start of the programme can be found on the respective programme pages. Please note that due to the limited number of study places at CBS, an early application is advisable.

The application deadline for international students ends mid-November for the start in summer semester and mid-May for the start in the winter semester. This applies in particular if you require a visa to study in Germany. Since we accept your application all year round - even before you graduate from high school, please apply early if you need a study visa for Germany.

How can I apply for the Finance & Management degree programme and how does the application process work?

Please apply online using our application form and submit the following documents: (Please note: we can only accept documents in German or English)

Your CV in tabular format
Copy of your last school certificate with a transcript of records for each subject (original language plus translation in either English or German)
Letter of Motivation
Copy of your passport (and residence permit, if available)
Proof of English proficiency (if English is not your native language).
We accept the following certificates: TOEFL certificate (at least 83 points Internet-based) or IELTS (at least band 6.5), Cambridge English First (FCE), BEC Vantage and further certificates. The tests must not be older than two years. Alternatively, you can furnish proof by taking the CBS language test within an interview (via skype) with our English Department. Also, you can substitute the required language test if you provide evidence of a six month stay abroad in an English-speaking country or if you prove parts of studies in English (examination of individual case).
Only in the event that you have previously studied at another college or university: Please submit a current transcript of courses taken (official Transcript of Records) or a certified copy of your degree (Bachelor Degree or Diploma; original language plus translation in either English or German)

In order to commence your studies with us, you must first successfully complete our selection process. The next step is an admissions interview. The interviews take place regularly and are carried out via Skype.

Further information on the exact procedure and other technical aspects will be communicated later on during the application process.

Pending successful completion of the interview and a positive evaluation by our Admissions Office, we will make you a contractual offer. In order to be able to study at CBS you have to accept the offer within a given period of time.

How does the planning for the semester abroad in the Finance & Management degree programme work?

Our International Office will advise you on applying to the right partner university for your semester abroad. The application phase usually begins one year before the start of the semester abroad. CBS has a broad international network of over 160 partner universities worldwide. The International Office will find the right match for you, depending on the course content and language skills you want to deepen abroad. Information on financing your studies and special funding opportunities such as ERASMUS or DAAD scholarships are also presented in the International Office's info session. Please note that as an international student you cannot complete your semester abroad in your home country.

How long and where can I do an internship during the Finance & Management Bachelor's programme?

The compulsory internship integrated into the International Business degree programme should be completed full-time for at least 7 weeks and can be carried out in a study-related industry of your choice. The online portal of our Career Services and the Talent Development Specialists will help you to find and apply for a suitable placement. A student working job of at least 250 working hours can also be recognised as a mandatory internship upon application.

Finance manager for the international arena

The global financial crisis has impressively demonstrated how globally networked and highly complex the financial world is today. Anyone who wants to work safely in this arena must learn to keep pace with the industry: FinTechs have given the banking world new impulses and replaced traditional financial services with digital solutions within a very short time. Transactions on international stock exchanges therefore only take a few milliseconds. The “Finance and Management” degree (Bachelor of Science) prepares you optimally for a career in the international business world. In addition to your financial education, you will take part in soft skills and business skills trainings.

Specialists for the global economy

In the international financial sector, corporate growth is often achieved through takeovers or mergers. Whether to enter the market or to open up new business areas – companies need financial experts with the necessary feeling for negotiations to ensure smooth operations. As part of your bachelor’s degree, you will learn how to evaluate key financial figures and check the financial and earnings position. These skills make you the first contact person for transaction decisions with your future employer.

Networking at the CBS Campus

With your bachelor’s degree, you will not only lay the foundation for your professional career, but also for your career network. The student initiative CBS Finance and Business Club is the first point of contact for students interested in financial and investment topics. The club members strive for a close exchange with well-known industry representatives who give guest lectures at the CBS Campus several times a semester. Excursions to stock exchanges or general meetings are also offered regularly.

What are the career opportunities with a finance degree?

A bachelor’s degree in “Finance and Management” (Bachelor of Science) qualifies you for attractive management positions in business and finance. With your theoretical and practical industry know-how, your excellent knowledge of English as well as your presentation and rhetoric skills, you will have an optimal competence profile for the job market.

Practical experience, soft & business skills trainings prepare you for the job market

Practical approaches and projects are at the core of our Finance & Management curriculum so that you can optimally prepare yourself for the job market and get to know various aspects of different industries during your studies. For example, you will complete an eight-week internship during your lecture-free period and work on complex issues in a joint business project with corporate partners. Our Business Simulation Game also offers you the chance to apply your knowledge in practice. Our Career Service supports you in finding an exciting internship in Germany or abroad with a renowned company!

In addition, our soft skills courses teach you how to write the perfect application, use digital programmes and communicate effectively with your fellow students at all levels of the hierarchy. Whether in a job interview or at an important final presentation - a confident appearance is the sum of your experience and targeted training in which you can improve your skills. With convincing charisma and rhetoric, you will always be successful in your working life.

In addition to these practical insights, you will strengthen your intercultural skills during your semester abroad. As CBS has a large network of partner universities, you can spend your semester abroad at one of over 160 universities all over the world. The International Office staff will assist you with your choice and the whole application process.

This is what our alumni say:

Philip Kollmann

Project Manager
Wayne´s Coffee

"Especially the soft skill courses have been of great help for my performance in job interviews. Through my work in the Finance and Business Club I have built up a broad network and acquired project management skills that have enabled me to score points with companies."

Katrin Rieger

Bereichsdirektorin Reisevertrieb Deutschland / Vice President Sales
HanseMerkur Krankenversicherung

"The practical learning in small groups prepared me optimally for today's project and team work. The CBS provided me with the decisive soft skills and current knowledge from the world of business."

Christopher Rosenbaum

Manager
Ernst & Young GmbH
Wirschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft

"The Management Studies programme prepares you thoroughly for the tasks of a consultant. In particular, the development of presentation techniques as well as analytical thinking is of enormous importance in the everyday life of a consultant."

Oliver Kiderle

EMEA Regional Product Expert
Google Inc.

"The focus on internationality and practical skills have had a very positive influence on my development at Google. Especially the structured and very versatile project work, which is often found at a private school, was extremely helpful."

Kalle Kenkel

Commercial Excellence Manager
GE Healthcare

"My studies at CBS prepared me for a career in today's dynamic, global work environment. As one's origin and physical location become less and less decisive, it has become increasingly important to have a multinational network and adapt quickly to various cultures and environments."

Neil Jordaan

Global Digital Content Manager
Elanco

"Many professors shared their professional business experience with us in class and were able to illustrate dry theory with practical examples. I also enjoyed the international atmosphere on campus."

Patrick Stein

Head of Human Resources
Boston Consulting Group

"The strongly practice-oriented studies and the international orientation of the CBS, as well as the lectures held in English, were an absolutely necessary basis for starting a career with a renowned, international company."

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