Overview
The MSc in Banking, Financial Technology (Fintech) and Risk Management Programme (former MSc in Banking & Finance) is being offered by the School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Economics of the University Center of International Programmes of Studies of the International Hellenic University. The new up-to-date programme with revised curriculum caters to the needs of recent graduates looking for an optimal combination of theory as well as a practical hands-on approach to the highly specified financial and risk management issues of a business or a financial institution. It also widens knowledge on the evolving landscape of the Fintech industry, and the emergence of new financial instruments available. More importantly and considering the recent adversities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program places great emphasis in risk management tools and methods, an essential skill which is greatly desired and appreciated by the business world. Also, it is designed to facilitate learning through a variety of teaching methods, technologies and environments. From the moment you embark on your Master’s programme, you will acquire a key set of skills and the real-world knowledge crucial to achieving success in your chosen career.
* CFA Institute University Affiliation Program is a registered trademark owned by CFA Institute.
Official Government Gazette:
Start date: October 2023
Application deadline: 30 September 2023 or until places are filled
Campus: Thermi, Thessaloniki
Duration/Mode: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time/ weekdays evenings (also available in distance learning mode)
Accreditation: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Recognition: CFA Institute University Recognition Program
Taught language: English
Entry requirements: An undergraduate degree from a recognised University
Language requirements:IELTS (academic 6.5 and above), TOEFL (IBT, 95 and above) or TOEIC (745 and above) score, or a recognised by the Greek State certificate of proficiency in English of C1 level
Fees: 3,900€ (total)
How to apply: Please follow the instructions at the applications page
Who can apply
To be considered for the programme, candidates are required to have:
Course content
The core courses
The core courses ensure that you acquire knowledge of practical concepts and attain skills directly relevant to your career aspirations.
First Term
- Econometrics & Data Analytics
- Foundations of Finance and Financial Technology
- Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Banking and Fintech
Second Term
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Technology and Innovation
- Investments and Portfolio Management
- Risk Management in Banking
The elective courses
The students can choose four electives according to their interests and their current and future career orientation.
- Programming for Fintech
- Blockchain Technologies, Financial Applications and Cyber Security
- Blockchain and Cryptofinance
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Advanced Company Valuation
- Entrepreneurship
- Sustainable Investments and Corporate Social Responsibility
- Financial Derivatives and Structured Products
- Behavioural Finance
- Banking Legal Environment
- Fintech Regulation and Data Protection
Students should select four courses. The above list is indicative and continuously updated. Electives may vary from year to year depending on current interest and student demand.
The Dissertation
As part of the MScs programme students work on a 5-month project on a subject related to their academic interests and career aspirations.
The Master’s dissertation provides a good opportunity to apply theory and concepts learned in their courses to a real-world business environment.
Students submit an individual 10,000 – word project using different types of datasets, as well as the writing of case studies and reports often based on summer internships.
Events & Seminars
The IHU organises regularly events, workshops and business seminars. Some of these are offered exclusively to the IHU students and alumni. The purpose of the Events and Seminars is to act as a link between the academic community and businesses by introducing you to the real world of business and showing you how the notions and techniques learnt in the classroom apply and materialize in the Greek business context. After all, you will get a better taste of many sectors of the market.
Furthermore, the IHU welcomes the presentation of working academic papers of outstanding Greek and international academics. This consists the “Research Seminar” series. The purpose of the Research Seminar Series is to bring together the academic and business community by presenting contemporary research topics in Finance, Financial Technology, Business, Marketing, Accounting and Economics, among others. Through these seminars, as an international centre of knowledge, innovation and research, the IHU attempts to further strengthen its strategic role in academic excellence.
Events & Seminars
The IHU organises regularly events, workshops and business seminars. Some of these are offered exclusively to the IHU students and alumni. The purpose of the Events and Seminars is to act as a link between the academic community and businesses by introducing you to the real world of business and showing you how the notions and techniques learnt in the classroom apply and materialize in the Greek business context. After all, you will get a better taste of many sectors of the market.
Furthermore, the IHU welcomes the presentation of working academic papers of outstanding Greek and international academics. This consists the “Research Seminar” series. The purpose of the Research Seminar Series is to bring together the academic and business community by presenting contemporary research topics in Finance, Financial Technology, Business, Marketing, Accounting and Economics, among others. Through these seminars, as an international centre of knowledge, innovation and research, the IHU attempts to further strengthen its strategic role in academic excellence.
Schedule
The duration of the MSc in Banking, Financial Technology (Fintech) and Risk Management programme is 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. Teaching takes place during weekday afternoons, usually 18.00 – 21.00. The programme starts every October. The programme is also available in distance learning mode.
The Academic Faculty
| Dr Stergios Leventis | Professor in Accounting |
| Dr Fragiskos Archontakis | Lecturer PhD in Economics |
| Dr Christos Grose | Assistant Professor, Department of Accounting and Finance |
| Alexakis, Christos | Associate Professor in Finance Department of Finance and Accounting at the ESC-Rennes School of Business, France |
| Charitou, Andreas G. | Professor of Accounting University of Cyprus |
| Danbolt, Jo | Director of Postgraduate Studies and Baillie Gifford Chair in Financial Markets University of Edinburgh Business School |
| Kosmidou, Kyriaki | Professor of Finance Department of Economics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki |
| Levis, Mario | Emeritus Professor of Finance Cass Business School, City University, London |
| Dr Antonios Chantziaras | Academic Associate PhD in Accounting |
| Dr Alexandros Sikalidis | Academic Associate PhD in Accounting and Finance |
Fees & Financing
Fees
The programme fees for the MSc in Banking, Financial Technology (Fintech) and Risk Management is 3,900€. The amount is payable in two instalments for the full time mode or in four instalments for the part time mode at the beginning of each semester. The fees are also eligible for financing through LAEK – OAED programme.
Deposits
If you have been accepted to a postgraduate programme, you will need to make a payment of the deposit of 500 Euros to secure your place. This amount will count towards the first instalment of your tuition fees. The deposit is non-refundable once you have commenced your studies at the IHU. Prior to that, a refund can be made but a 20% administrative fee will be retained. The deposit can be paid by bank transfer or bank draft. Credit card payments can be made through electronic banking (contact your Bank as handling fees may apply).
Scholarships
The School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Economics offers a number of scholarships for the programmes it offers, covering a significant proportion of the fees. These scholarships are competitive. Award criteria include the quality of the first degree, the undergraduate grades of the candidate, his/her command of the English language and overall profile. Candidates for scholarships should include a separate letter with their application documents in which they request to be considered for a scholarship, stating the reasons why they think they qualify.
Programme announcement – Admissions
Next MSc in Banking, Financial Technology (Fintech) and Risk Management class starts in October 2023. Interested parties are invited to submit their application by 30 September 2023 or until places are filled, by following instructions at the applications page.
Graduate careers
Completing their studies, the graduates will find their route into risk management, consulting, investment, financial, and banking professions in the private or public sector. The programme is designed to boost employability for students and professionals who aim for international careers in:
- Investments;
- Banking;
- Consulting;
- Finance departments;
- Risk management departments.
Quality Assurance & Evaluation Reports
Quality Assurance Policy
https://www.ihu.gr/politiki-poiotitas
Evaluation Reports
Useful Documents
Student Ombudsman
https://www.ihu.gr/synigoros-foititi
Research Ethics Regulation
https://www.ihu.gr/modip/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/12/Research_Ethics.pdf
Location
The MSc in Banking and Finance takes place in the facilities of the School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Economics of the University Center of International Programmes of Studies of the International Hellenic University in Thermi-Thessaloniki.
Contact
Postal address:
School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Economics
Department of School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Economics
University Center of International Programmes of Studies
14th km Thessaloniki – Nea Moudania 570 01 Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
Tel: +30 2310 807 526/523/530
Email: infoshsse@ihu.edu.gr