International Institute in Geneva

The newest masters’ program offered by IIG in response to the growing demand for a combination of specialisations in both International Trade and Finance.  

This increased demand was called for by the international employment sectors and students who would like to pursue and progress in their careers at the international trade organizations, diplomatic services, chambers of commerce and the financial sectors. The (MITF) is a high standard program that provides a comprehensive introduction to practical aspects of successful Trade & Investment Promotion, Corporate Governance and International Negotiations combined with an understanding of the technical aspects of Risk Management, Financial Accounting and Project Management. The MITF offers understanding of Global Economics and Corporate Finance techniques and keep students up to date with the latest developments in FinTech and the Digital Transformation world. The program includes visits to major international trade and financial organizations in Switzerland.

 

Students have the opportunity to pursue a second degree at Boston University master’s degree program in an abbreviated time frame upon successful completion of the International Institute in Geneva (IIG)’s master’s degree. Students will complete no less than 8 required courses to fulfill the requirements of the Boston University master’s degree.

  • Duration
    1 Year
  • Starting
    September November March May
  • Courses
    14 Courses

Key Benefits

  • Ranked N°29 in the world by QS
  • Ranked N°86 in the world by Eduniversal
  • Learning in a dynamic environment in Switzerland with a multicultural student body and faculty working in international economic and commercial relations
  • Providing knowledge and skills to assess international strategic trade and investment issues, international negotiations for governments, international organisations and corporates
  • Exploring global economics and its effect on the corporate and commercial decision making, risk and strategic management
  • Gaining insight into world trade, international and corporate finance innovations in addition to trade promotion strategies
  • Optional double degree with Boston University
  • Study tour to Silicon Valley
  • Teaching on campus and online
PLAY
Graduation Ceremony 2015

Program Details

In addition to core international trade courses, with a focus on world trade and international finance, trade organizations and statistics, trade policy and promotion strategies, commercial law and economic diplomacy, the Master of International Trade & Finance curriculum trains young professionals for decision making positions with courses in foreign policy and geoeconomics, international commercial law and corporate social responsibility, executive communication and cross-cultural negotiations.

 

The Master of International Trade & Finance is comprised of 14 courses taken over one year.

Course Descriptions

Trimester 1 Credits
  • ECO 607 – Global Economics This course examines the major principles of economics, economic policymaking and the role of the firm in the economy. It discusses the role of the financial system, (un)employement and international economic flows between the domestic economy and its international environment and provides the theoretical basis for understanding the economic importance of firms, international trade and international capital flows.
    3
  • TRA 630 – Trade and Investment Promotion The course considers the process of developing, implementing and evaluating international trade and investment promotion and facilitation strategies, across all sectors of the economy. It reviews the role and functions of Trade and Investment Promotion Organizations (TIPOs) including the use of modern digital tools by TIPOs. A particular emphasis would be put on specific factors influencing the shaping of promotion strategies including national branding. The course analyses how these strategies are conceived, how they act and interact within the international order and different stakeholders. It delves into the interralation between promotion policies and factors of competitiveness, discusses how to decide on best strategies to deploy, addresses network and partnership building and examines some examples at country or TIPO level.
    3
  • MGT 605 – Strategic Supply Chain Management This course is concerned with optimising the global supply chain and leveraging it as a value-creating strategy to gain competitive advantage in the global marketplace. It addresses issues related to sustainability, risk management and the challenges of establishing trust and collaboration amongst supply chain partners.
    3
  • ACC 514 – Financial Accounting & Analysis This is an interactive course that provides successful students with knowledge in financial accounting and enhances practical skills in using financial statements to evaluate value creation of the entity. Combining case discussions of actual companies’ financial statements and rigorous framework (IFRS & US GAAP) this course will enrich students' understanding of accounting tools, skills necessary to critically analyse firms’ actions and expose them to the current business landscape. In a collaborative atmosphere students will not only learn the accounting concepts, how to prepare basic financial statements for incorporated entities and groups of companies, but will also discover how to look behind the numbers, gain an understanding of the choices enterprises make in reporting the results of their business activities to be able to analyse financial statements effectively.
    3
Trimester 2 Credits
  • NEG 625 – International Negotiations Negotiation skills are among the most valuable and sought-after skills both in crisis management and peaceful resolution of conflict. Students will analyze the process in which two or more actors, with differing views and interests, engage in dialogue using bargaining, trade off and persuasive communication to reach agreement on issues of common concern. The course consists of a series of interactive modules, simulations, and role-play exercises offering a practical insight of the art of negotiation in international relations. Through the analysis of in-depth case studies, students will assess the role and effectiveness of international negotiations in areas such as international trade, regionalism, disarmament or climate change on the local and global levels.
    3
  • FIN 640 – Corporate Finance & FinTech This module will present corporate finance theories and applications in practice. It will present the main concepts of corporate finance, such as value of money, risk evaluation and management, financial planning, performance measurement, mergers & acquisitions and governance. Practical examples of corporate financial planning and investment decision within the international markets will be covered. The module will also present a brief overview of the FinTech revolutionary tools that has affected multiple industries and transformed the nature of business in the financial world. Practical case studies and discussions to reflect the new technology tools that led to reshaping the banking industry and the transformation of personal and corporate finance will be presented.
    3
  • MGT 645 – Environment, Sustainability & Governance (ESG) This module aims to foster an understanding for the crucial importance of ESG leadership for the sustainability, profitability and social responsibility of public corporations and private businesses. The course aims to enable students to assess the importance of governance by embracing a holistic perspective to include environmental aspects (e.g. climate change), social inequalities (e.g. gender issues) and corporate governance (e.g. the agency problematic).
    3
  • MGT 657 – Project and Quality Management This course introduces students to the practices, concepts and techniques used in operations within manufacturing and service organizations. It teaches the fundamentals of Project Management and covers Quality Management concepts and tools.
    3
Trimester 3 Credits
  • FIN 678 – Risk Management This module is a comprehensive introduction to commercial and business risk, covering the core frameworks of business continuity planning, enterprise risk management and project risk management. The module will introduce the different types of risks and will provide analysis of changes in contemporary risk areas including measuring and transferring credit risk, supply chain, cyber risk, improvements in risk management documentation and statutory risk reporting. The module will introduce risk management programs to satisfy shareholders, employees, regulators, and other important constituencies in line with the evolution of best-practice risk policies, methodologies and associated risk infrastructure.
    3
  • TRA 660 – International Trade Law and Policy The course covers trade related law and policy issues with respect to economic development, growth and regional cooperation. It addresses current challenges to the multilateral trading system, including the ongoing Doha round negotiations as well as the future of the WTO.
    3
  • MKG 667 – International Marketing Students will learn to devise an international marketing plan taking into account the overall international economic situation, the growing interaction of governments, international institutions, the global legal environment, the different cultures, etc. It emphasizes the challenges the international marketer is facing today in dealing with the complexity of globalization, internationalization and the impact of the modern technologies.
    3
  • ACC 622 – Management Accounting This course explores the use of managerial accounting information for internal planning, decision-making, performance, evaluation and control. It stimulates the knowledge, skills and attitudes to understand, evaluate, and take action on the many financial and non-financial reports used in managing modern companies.
    3
Trimester 4 Credits
  • MGT 650 – Digital Transformation Digital transformation is a fundamental driver of competitiveness for firms in a variety of industries. Digital transformation is not only about mastering technological change, but it involves and affects all aspects of the organization. Students will learn various methodologies, how to apply them to real cases, how to develop a roadmap to implement digital transformation for creating value, and develop skills as an innovator, entrepreneur or investor in new and dynamic environments.
    3
  • FIN 611 – International Trade and Finance (Capstone) The main objective of this course is to provide the basic elements of Trade in the Global Economy and of the related Business Finance together with all related issues.
    3

Distinguished Speakers

Ms. Arancha Gonzalez

Ms. Arancha Gonzalez

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Spain
Graduation ceremony 2014

Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi

Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi

Secretary General, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNCTAD 
Graduation ceremony 2015

Why IIG

Nationalities of Master Students
  • 1. Europe (62%)
  • 2. Asia (28%)
  • 3. America (7%)
  • 4. Africa (3%)
Faculty

Faculty

The faculty at IIG in Switzerland, is international in experience, practical in orientation and focused on their teaching. The faculty members are student-centered and committed to foster a stimulating learning environment.

Study in Switzerland

Study in Switzerland

Geneva belongs to a select group of truly “international” cities of the world, making it an ideal place to study international management.
 
 
 

An International Network

An International Network

The International Institute in Geneva has established a strong network, developing exchange programs with 23 universities worldwide.
  
 

Your Career with your MITF

Your Career with your MITF

MITF graduates can go on to careers in marketing, management, project management in multinationals, family businesses, governments and international organizations.

Career Services

Career Services

The International Institute in Geneva provides for counselling to assist students in their career decisions.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of international trade-related issues, strategies, policies and regimes;
  • Students will be able to demonstrate how trade promotion helps to engage successfully in trade negotiations on the global and regional levels;
  • Students will be able to demonstrate effective, analytical , communication and diplomatic skills;
  • Students should be able to place the concept of international trade within broader ethical and fair trade practices and policies.

Admission Requirements

  • A completed application form (should include your Motivation letter)
  • Official Undergraduate Transcript (certified translation in English) (Minimum GPA recommended 2.7 or above on the scale of 0-4)
  • Official Undergraduate Diploma (certified translation in English)
  • Non-refundable application fee of CHF 150.- or € 140.- or USD 150.-
  • English proficiency test: either TOEFL (min score 80),  IELTS (min score 6.0) or Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE). IIG institutional code number for the TOEFL is 0130;
  • Curriculum Vitae stating any relevant professional work experience;
  • Letter of reference from an employer or a professor;
  • Copy of valid passport;
  • Two passport size photos.
     

The following additional requirements apply to MBA program candidates only:

  • A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0
  • At least 2 years of work experience is recommended
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