Program Overview

 

The MBSC MiF maintains a uniquely adaptive design that facilitates training in finance for all students, regardless of whether they have previously pursued formal studies in the discipline. Whether a student has a background in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or business, the Master in Finance accepts students of all backgrounds with a substantial quantitative component, and instils in them the finance fundamentals, before delving into the advanced topics necessary for preparing them to assume financial leadership roles in organizations of all types.

MBSC is distinguished in preparing its graduates to meet the challenges of the 21st-century workplace with the skills to navigate and manage the rapidly changing work environment. CEOs and HR executives, regionally and globally, are increasingly reporting on the importance of personal effectiveness and communication skills as the most important characteristics they seek in their employees, and regret that the education of young graduates is typically deficient in these areas of development. MBSC provides an educational experience and resources that emphasize the development of personal effectiveness skills through interactive practical application and continuous self-reflection focused on personal growth through an innovative multifaceted approach. The emphasis on personal effectiveness development is through required courses, digital learning platforms and a continuous encouragement for students to utilize these skills throughout the curriculum. At the same time, individual mentoring is provided as needed.

The curricular core is comprised of 12 courses that represent three key areas of development:

• Foundational knowledge necessary for the study of finance.
• Functional knowledge of key areas in finance.
• The role and skills of a senior leader.

The core is delivered with MBSC’s signature emphasis on entrepreneurial thinking- developing a mindset that encourages innovation, adaptability, and problem-solving in senior leaders. It is designed to ensure that all students, no matter their background, have the foundational knowledge required for the further study of finance. The first part of the core therefore, Foundations, includes courses in quantitative methods, accounting, economics, and corporate finance. The second set of classes, Functions, covers various key areas of finance, such as investment analysis, portfolio management, and derivatives. The third and final portion of the core is Leadership, which rounds out the foundational and functional courses with courses in strategy and leadership. Together, the curricular core prepares students for financial leadership roles as they enter various industries throughout Saudi Arabia and the world.

The MBSC MiF Integrated Financial Challenge is a dynamic, six-month long course, applying knowledge acquired to real-world business problems. Combining theoretical knowledge and applied work, students will investigate and propose a solution to a real-world finance-related business problem. This will require calling upon the aggregated understanding of analytical, quantitative, adaptive, personal effectiveness and problem-solving skills acquired through the duration of the MiF program. The IFC has as its distinctive feature the investigation of finance-related problems faced by established local, regional or national businesses. Faculty, working closely with industry leaders from the private, public or social sectors, will identify and nominate a set of finance-related business problems. Working in teams of 5-8 students, each team will be assigned one such problem, and teams will apply their knowledge and skills to its resolution. Teams will be assessed periodically at different stages of the six-month course; they will be self-assessed by teammates, and evaluated by coaches, faculty and external industry leaders.

• Financial Analysis (CFA) Concentration

This concentration is designed for those aspiring to become financial analysts and follow a career in investment management. The curriculum is closely aligned to the CFA program, the most prestigious professional qualification worldwide for investment professionals and financial analysts. Successfully completing this concentration will equip you with the knowledge and skills to become CFA charter holder in a significantly accelerated timeframe than the normal one of about 5 years the CFA Institute suggests. Earning the CFA designation will allow you to join the CFA Society Saudi Arabia, a highly exclusive club that currently includes about 400 members, will open the doors for employment at prestigious organizations in the Kingdom and abroad, and will pave the way for a fulfilling and lucrative career in finance.  

• Corporate Finance Concentration

This concentration is designed for those wishing to climb the corporate ladder and become Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) or assume senior leadership positions in family enterprises. Therefore, this concentration provides further training  on valuation, mergers & acquisitions, business law, and negotiations. A deep understanding of these topics is of paramount importance for aspiring entrepreneurs too. Thus, this concentration is also appropriate for those wanting to establish and grow their own business.