Profile
The economy is changing - digitalization, globalization and new standards are driving change in an increasingly complex economy. This opens up new perspectives, but also requires highly qualified specialists with international know-how.
This is precisely where the Master's degree course in Finance and Accounting comes in.
Why Master Finance and Accounting?
Would you like to delve deeper into the world of finance, accounting and corporate management after your Bachelor's degree - and study in a practical, international and future-oriented way?
Then the Master's in Finance & Accounting offers you exactly the right combination of specialist knowledge, practical experience and career prospects.
Future Finance
We are not only concerned with traditional accounting - but also with current developments such as Artificial intelligence in finance, cryptocurrencies and digital finance, ESG/sustainability
Your springboard into the world of finance
With us, you will experience the integration of finance and accounting - just like in the real business world. Because every smart investment or financing decision has a direct impact on the company's figures and reporting.
Experience practice & shape the future
In addition to our professors, experienced experts from companies such as BASF, SAP, Deloitte and EY contribute their experience directly to your education. In this way, you not only develop professional skills, but also gain valuable insights into possible career paths.
Focus on learning
In the Master's in Finance & Accounting, you start together with around 25 students per year. This creates a personal learning atmosphere in which real exchange is possible - with your fellow students as well as with the lecturers.
Your future in Finance
The Master's in Finance & Accounting opens up a wide range of career paths for you - from joining international corporations to innovative start-ups. Today, our graduates work in demanding specialist and management positions, for example at companies, financial service providers, auditing and consulting firms or as founders and self-employed professionals.
Leadership & Business Soft Skills
We not only develop your specialist knowledge, but also your personality. With a focus on methodological skills, ethical decision-making, interculturalism and leadership qualities, we prepare you optimally for your future management career.
Double degree: your turbo for an international career
You don't just want a Master's, but two degrees and a real head start on the global job market? Then our double degree programs are just right for you!
Your double degree options:
- European focus: Katowice University of Economics (Poland)
With a stay of just one semester, you will gain a Polish Master's degree in addition to your German one.
- Global adventure: International College of Management Sydney (ICMS) (Australia)
Experience a unique period of study by the Pacific and secure two degrees that will open doors worldwide.
What Our Graduates Say
“Through the Master’s degree program in Finance & Accounting, we not only deepened our understanding of theoretical concepts in areas such as corporate finance, financial services, and business valuation, but also learned how to apply them in practice. This combination of theory and practice is a major advantage of the degree program and continues to support us in our current roles as independent managing directors and financial advisors.”
Navpreet Singh and Tim Sander
Founders & Managing Directors of FI Future Invest GmbH (2026)
“The master’s program gave me a solid technical understanding of capital markets, financial engineering, and private markets, and—through soft skills training, case studies, and lecturers with real-world experience—prepared me to apply this knowledge in wealth management as a relationship manager advising high- and ultra-high-net-worth clients.”
Maximilian Lang
"A valuable step in my professional development—practical content and instructors with real-world business experience make all the difference."
Eva Preß
Content & procedure
Course content at a glance
The Master's in Finance & Accounting combines in-depth specialist knowledge with practical applications, current trends from the world of finance and important future skills. The modules build on each other and optimally prepare you for demanding positions in finance, accounting, consulting or management.
MFW100 Accounting & Taxation
9 ECTS
MFW110 Capital Markets & Accounting
9 ECTS
MFW120 Methods and key competencies I
6 ECTS
MFW130 Corporate Finance I
6 ECTS
MFW200 Financial Services & Asset Management
9 ECTS
MFW210 Information Management
9 ECTS
MFW220 Methods and key competencies II
6 ECTS
MFW230 Corporate Finance II
6 ECTS
MFW300 Governance, Risk & Compliance
9 ECTS
MFW310 WPM Auditing: Methodology & annual audit
9 ECTS
Two of the compulsory elective modules offered must be takenMFW320 WPM Controlling
9 ECTS
Two of the compulsory elective modules offered must be takenMFW330 WPM: International Consulting
9 ECTS
Two of the compulsory elective modules offered must be takenMFW340 Intercultural Competence
3 ECTS
MFW400 Master Thesis
30 ECTS
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Here you will find the answers to the questions most frequently asked by prospective students. Unfold the questions and contact us directly if you have any questions:
Can I apply if I have not yet completed my Bachelor's degree?
Yes, this is possible. You must complete your Bachelor's degree within one semester of enrolling. To do this, you must provide proof of your completed and outstanding credits at the time of your application, whereby a maximum of 30 credit points may be outstanding. You must also provide proof that you have registered your Bachelor's thesis.
What professional qualifications do I need?
In addition to a Bachelor's degree in economics or a comparable subject with an average grade of 2.7 or better (an aptitude test is required for grades up to 3.0), you must provide proof of aptitude in the field of finance and/or accounting. This can be achieved with at least 20 ECTS in the two subject areas in the Bachelor's degree program or, in the case of a Diplom degree program, with at least 10% of the curricular courses. If you are unsure about credit transfer, our Management program will advise you.
In which language do the degree programs take place?
The courses in the Master's in Finance & Accounting are mainly held in German. However, there is also a qualified proportion of English-language courses. We recommend English language skills of at least level B2 (CEFR); explicit proof is not required. However, foreign students must prove that they have sufficient knowledge of German to successfully complete their studies.
How long does the course take and how is it structured?
The course lasts 4 semesters and comprises 120 ECTS. Core modules such as accounting, corporate finance and asset management are completed in the first two semesters. The third semester offers scope for specialization (elective modules such as Auditing, Controlling or International Consulting) or a semester abroad. The fourth semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis.
Are there any tuition fees?
No, there are no tuition fees for this degree program. You only have to pay the usual university semester fee.
Can I write my Master's thesis in a company?
Yes, this is possible and is supported by the strong practical relevance of the degree programs. Many students write their thesis in cooperation with well-known companies such as BASF, SAP, Deloitte or EY, which often also facilitates direct entry into a career.
How practical is the course really?
The degree program is very practice-oriented. In addition to professors, experienced experts from the business world contribute their experience directly to the education. Through real-life case studies, workshops and seminars, you will work on topics that companies are currently dealing with.
What career opportunities do I have after graduation?
Graduates occupy demanding specialist and management positions in international corporations, financial service providers, auditing or management consulting. Founding your own start-up or a subsequent doctorate are also possible paths.
Is it possible to spend a semester abroad?
Yes, the third semester is ideal for stays abroad at one of our numerous partner universities worldwide. The double degree options with the Katowice University of Economics (Poland) or the International College of Management Sydney (Australia) are particularly noteworthy.
What options do I have to obtain a double degree and how does this affect my study time?
The Master's in Finance & Accounting offers you the exclusive opportunity to earn a second international Master's degree in addition to your degree from HWG Ludwigshafen. There are currently two attractive options:
- Katowice University of Economics (Poland): Here you can earn both degrees at the same time through an integrated course of study in the standard period of study of just four semesters.
- International College of Management Sydney (Australia): This option gives you a double degree with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region and global financial markets.
Both programs not only promote your professional expertise, but also significantly strengthen your intercultural skills and opportunities on the international job market.
Who can I contact if I have technical questions?
Ms. Christiane Weinerth will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the content of the Master's in Finance & Accounting. The team at the Student Service Center (SSC) is responsible for questions relating to application and admission. Both will be happy to help you personally and in an uncomplicated manner.
Application & Admission
The "Apply" button will take you to a short guide on how to register and apply.
If you are not sure which documents to upload, you can find an overview here:
General application forms:
Important for all those who have not yet completed their Bachelor's degree:
You must complete your Bachelor's degree within one semester of enrolling on the Master's degree program. Proof of this must be provided by the end of the application deadline in the form of suitable documents (overview of successfully completed and outstanding credits).
- The amount of outstanding work must not exceed 30 credit points.
- Proof must be provided at the time of application that you have already registered the final thesis for the undergraduate degree programs.
Our Master's degree program in Finance & Accounting is a consecutive Master's degree. Therefore, basic knowledge in the two areas of Finance and Accounting is an essential admisson requirements. This is regulated in the special examination regulations (§2):
1. a university degree (Bachelor's, Diplom) completed with an overall grade of 2.7 or better with an Economics or comparable orientation, for example Economics, Business Informatics or Business Mathematics, in an accredited degree program at a university in the Federal Republic of Germany or at least an equivalent degree at a domestic or foreign university
and
2. relevant prior knowledge in the areas of Finance and Accounting. This is demonstrated by the fact that at least 20 ECTS credits in the areas of finance and accounting were acquired in the first degree
a) of a Bachelor's degree program.
b) of a Diplom degree program at least 10% of the curricular courses were completed in the areas of finance and accounting.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph 1, applicants with a grade point average of less than 2.7 up to and including 3.0 in their first professionally qualifying university degree may be admitted to the Master's degree program in Finance & Accounting if they prove their aptitude for the program in an oral aptitude test. The oral aptitude test serves to determine whether the applicant has the specialist knowledge and analytical skills required for the Master's degree program in Finance & Accounting. The examination covers in particular:
1. basic specialist knowledge in the areas of finance, accounting, company valuation and quantitative methods,
2. the ability to analyze and apply specialist content, in particular using short practical case studies.
The regulations for oral examinations in accordance with Section 15 (10) APO apply. The oral aptitude test is assessed as "pass" or "fail"; it is passed if the applicant's performance essentially meets the requirements. The applicant must be informed of the result in writing. The oral aptitude test may be repeated once.
You can find an overview of the credits we can recognize from your first degree here.
-> Please enclose a course overview with ECTS details with your application and don't forget to include the topic of your Bachelor's/Diploma thesis!
Literature reference: For those with a non-explicit finance and accounting background, we recommend the following books to improve your knowledge:
- Perridon/Steiner: Finanzwirtschaft der Unternehmung
- Sorg/Birk/Angermayer-Michler: International Accounting according to IFRS
- Angermayer-Michler: Fundamentals of Group Accounting
- Weber/Schäffer: Introduction to Controlling (also available in English)
Language requirements:
The study program is predominantly taught in German. The Master's program is also aimed at foreign students with comparable degrees and sufficient knowledge of German.
Contact person:
For all questions regarding the content of the Master's program, please contact:
Ms. Christiane Weinerth
