This course combines a deep analysis of traditional concepts, with an open-ended reflection upon the recent transition to a knowledge economy across most developed countries. Each week, you will first engage in a comprehensive examination of a specific topic in traditional corporate finance, analysing both foundational theories and salient empirical evidence. You will then engage in an exploratory analysis of how the traditional topic applies to intangible assets and human capital.

This course explores market microstructure; how trading works and prices form in securities markets. Learn about trading mechanisms deployed in modern securities markets, the role of market makers, and techniques to measure market liquidity empirically. You will discuss theories of market liquidity and price discovery, and further examine how liquidity affects asset prices.

In this course, you apply various statistical techniques to make causal inferences and predictions. You will learn how to work with panel datasets, state-of-the-art statistical techniques for addressing endogeneity and omitted variables problems, and apply econometrics to time-series data analysis. Particular attention will be paid to common failures of the exogeneity assumption and how to solve these through appropriate empirical design, as well as to making predictions with econometric forecasting models.

In this course you learn the system of checks and balances embedded in corporate internal procedures, and also the market institutions that govern the relationship between managers, shareholders and other stakeholders. You will first study a general conceptual framework of corporate governance, and then go in-depth on key corporate governance mechanisms such as ownership structure, the board of directors, shareholder activism, and managerial compensation incentives. The course also reviews current debates on the stakeholder-versus shareholder approach, the corporation's purpose, and governance via algorithms.

Choose 1 out of 2 courses: Banking or Valuation.

In this course, you will learn statistical methodologies used on the current frontier of empirical analysis. You will also learn to implement these methodologies through weekly case assignments, completed using the statistical programme STATA or computing language R. Discover the university’s databases and how to prepare for thesis research.

This course provides you with a solid foundation for your Master's thesis. You will start with a thesis proposal, which will receive multiple rounds of feedback from classmates. The guidance you receive in the course will help you to polish your proposal and prepare for further independent thesis work. Also, you will learn how to provide critical opinions of your classmates’ thesis proposals, and how to give effective presentations.

Choose 2 out of 3 courses: Behavioural Finance, Corporate Restructuring or International Corporate Finance.

Choose 1 out of 2 courses: Ethics and Professional Skills in Finance or Sustainable Finance.

The Master’s thesis is the final requirement for your graduation. It is your chance to dive deep into a topic in your chosen track, and to learn how to independently complete a comprehensive research project. A professor with expertise on your topic will supervise your effort. You will also receive guidance on how to manage your time, break down a long-term project into a series of manageable steps, and communicate in a clear and professional manner.