Studies
Research
About RU
Duration
1 years
Credits
90 ECTS
Degree
MSc eða MCF
Internship possible
Yes
Distance learning possible
No

What will you learn?

The master’s programme in Corporate Finance is designed for ambitious students aiming for careers in corporate management and financial operations. Combining theory with practical application, the programme provides a strong foundation in financial risk management, investment strategies, and corporate decision-making. With an international perspective, it prepares students to navigate the complexities of the global financial landscape.

Graduates will gain cutting-edge knowledge in management accounting, corporate finance, investment control, and financial markets while developing a deeper understanding of management theory. This will ensure students build a comprehensive knowledge of industry standards and methodologies.

A choice between two paths

Students can choose between a programme structure leading to a Master of Science (MSc) in Corporate Finance and a structure leading to a postgraduate qualification (MCF). Both structures require 90 ECTS credits. The curriculum can be completed in three terms, with full-time study in the autumn, spring, and summer.

MSc degree

Students finish 60 ECTS credits in courses according to the programme structure and a 30 ECTS-credit master’s thesis.

Postgraduate qualification (MCF)

Students finish 90 ECTS credits in courses according to the programme structure and can take an internship of up to 15 ECTS credits.

How will I learn? 

Traditional classroom learning 

Master's programmes in the Department of Business and Economics are on site.

Global expertise in English

Courses are conducted in English by both Icelandic and international specialists, offering students a global perspective on the material.

Organisation of teaching 

The Department of Business and Economics courses are offered in two formats: as intensive modules with full-day sessions spanning two to four consecutive days or as weekly classes. Classes may be scheduled in the afternoon and on Saturdays.

Assessment

Courses feature a combination of assessment components, including group projects, individual assignments, and written or oral exams. Students may expect assignments and exams to occur outside of classroom hours, with final assessments typically completed shortly after each course concludes.

Internship

Students may pursue internships instead of elective courses, earning 7,5 or 15 ECTS credits. Each student is assigned a supervisor from the host company or institution and a faculty advisor for the duration of the internship. Internships are especially beneficial for students with limited work experience or those aiming to use their studies to explore new career opportunities.

*For further information, see the Guidelines for Internships in Master's Programmes.

What next? 

Future prospects

Graduates develop expertise in critical areas of financial management, such as investment analysis, portfolio management, financial planning, risk evaluation, and financial accounting. They are prepared for successful careers as CFOs, corporate finance experts, financial analysts, and financial advisors across diverse sectors, including major corporations, banks, investment firms, and pension funds.

Achievement and skills

Graduates must thoroughly understand financial management techniques, particularly investment appraisal. With this knowledge, students can work effectively in investment management, investment planning, risk management, and financial accounting.

Upon graduation, students have:

  • Dedicated suitable working procedures.
  • Learned how to analyse and communicate numerical information.
  • Learned how to utilise best practice tools and approaches in corporate finance and investment management.
  • Critically assessed financial management methods to recommend and implement improvements.
  • Mastery of relevant methodologies and analysis for understanding practical financial challenges and recommending successful solutions based on this analysis.
  • Implemented an open interface for fresh ideas and innovation.
  • Initiated, led, and accepted responsibility for the activities of individuals and groups.
  • Developed the capacity to make independent, professional decisions and the knowledge to support them.
Area of work

The curriculum provides a diverse working environment in the financial divisions of large corporations, innovative businesses, or financial institutions such as banks, investment firms, insurance companies, securities firms, and pension funds.

Sigrún Ólafsdóttir
Programme administrator
Laufey Bjarnadóttir
Programme administrator

Structure

Programme structure

Length of study

14 months (three terms).

Terms

  • Autumn: August to December
  • Spring: January to May
  • Summer: May to September

Maximum study period

The programme structure is based on full-time study but students have the opportunity to study part-time. The maximum study period is two years (six terms).

Choice between two paths

Students can choose between a programme structure leading to a Master of Science (MSc) in Corporate Finance and a structure leading to a postgraduate qualification (MCF). Both structures require 90 ECTS credits. The curriculum can be completed in three terms, with full-time study in the autumn, spring, and summer terms.

MSc degree

Students finish 60 ECTS credits in courses according to the programme structure and a 30 ECTS-credit master’s thesis.

Postgraduate qualification (MCF)

Students finish 90 ECTS credits in courses according to the programme structure and have the opportunity to take an internship of up to 15 ECTS credits.

Note

Haust
Corporate Finance
V-765-CORP / 8 ECTS
International Finance
V-767-INTF / 8 ECTS
Equity Analysis
V-863-EQUI / 8 ECTS
Portfolio Management
V-862-PORT / 8 ECTS
Vor
Cases in corporate finance
V-763-COR2 / 8 ECTS
Applied Derivatives
V-766-APDE / 8 ECTS
Fixed Income Analysis
V-716-FINC / 4 ECTS
Business Ethics
V-714-BETH / 4 ECTS
Business research methodology in accounting and finance
V-782-BRMA / 8 ECTS
Research Proposal
V-898-REPR / N/A
Sumar
Meistararitgerð
V-898-THES / 30 ECTS
Duration
1 years
Credits
90 ECTS
Degree
MSc eða MCF
Internship possible
Yes
Distance learning possible
No

Facilities

Services and Good Facilities 

Teaching occurs both online and at the RU building. 

Class Rooms and Reading Rooms

Reykjavík University has outstanding facilities for teaching, reading, and student collaboration. The classrooms are well-equipped, and students can use group work areas. Students have access to general facilities all day and night.

Excellent Service 

The university facility offers easy access to study and career help, an international office, and technical aid. The library provides excellent and diverse working facilities. The library provides access to books and scholarly publications, and information specialists host open hours during which students can browse around, ask questions, and obtain assistance with reference work.

Shops and Cafe

RU facilities include the Háskólabúðin (convenience store), a cafe, a World Class training facility, and the Málið canteen.

Why choose our master’s programmes?

  • Accelerated timeline: Earn your master’s degree in just 14 months with our full-time study programme.
  • Exceptional internship opportunities: Gain hands-on experience with industry-leading organisations.
  • Global expertise: Learn from both national and international specialists, offering a diverse and global perspective.
  • Industry-aligned curriculum: Designed in collaboration with leading Icelandic firms, the programmes address both local and global business challenges.
  • Courses delivered in English: All programmes are delivered in English, except Accounting and Auditing.
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