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 February May
  • ECTS Credits
    90

Key Benefits

  • Ranked N°20 in the world by Hinrich Foundation (2024) and N°29 in the world by QS (2023)
  • 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
  • Optional Study tour to Silicon Valley
  • Teaching on campus
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

Fall Credits
  • ECO 610 – Global Economics & Development This course aims to examine the working of a national economy and the critical role that businesses play in it. It provides insights into the workings of economic policy and the issues discussed in current policy debates. It studies business cycles and the impact of policies on short-term fluctuations. It then turns to the longer term by examining economic growth and its drivers. It studies development and the strategies pursued by successful developing countries. It analyses the Sustainable Development Goals and contributes to a better understanding of the need for multilateral and regional economic cooperation and national economic policies for sustainable development. The course provides an understanding of challenges confronting the global economic order, impacts of the trade and investment policies, the role of financial system and the regional market integration. 
    6.00
  • TRA 630 – Trade and Investment Promotion This course introduces the rationale and constraints of trade and investment promotion policies through familiarizing students with the context of international trade business and institutions, within the increasingly complex scheme of international trade relations. The course develops a solid understanding of how international trade promotion strategies are shaped at country level within TIPOs, and how trade policy choices and priorities are determined. It also develops students’ skills to assess TIPOs’ role and instruments, individually or collectively, and the impact they have on trade and business.
    6.00
  • MGT 657 – Logistics & Project Management This course provides a systematic overview of design, control and improvement of operations, projects, logistics and supply chain related management issues. It renders the rationale and practices of optimizing the global supply chain and leveraging it as a value-creating strategy to gain competitive advantage in the global marketplace. The project management key success factors will be presented, examined, discussed, and applied by the students on concrete projects. In the meantime, it addresses issues related to sustainability, quality management, and the challenges of establishing trust and collaboration amongst operation partners.
    6.00
  • FIN 625 – Financial Reporting and Analysis This is an interactive course that provides 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.
    6.00
  • RES 700 A – Introduction to Research This module is designed to provide students a solid understanding of the research process with a foundation in research methods and techniques. It will introduce students to how to identify research questions, develop hypotheses, design research, and collect and analyze data. Students will also be introduced to different research designs, such as qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches.
    6.00
Spring Credits
  • FIN 645 – Corporate Finance & Risk Management This course develops students’ understanding of the core financial dimensions of business and its related key issues in modern corporate world such as cost of capital mergers and acquisitions, IPOs, financial markets, and a glimpse into Financial Technology (FinTech) sector as an emerging industry. A range of risk management tools and techniques will be explored, as will the risk capital requirements for banks. Students should be able to understand the different types of financial institutions, the risk associated with their business, measuring, and managing these risks. The theories are presented within a context, which motivate students and equip them with practical tools for financial decision making and valuation; the skills they will require in their future careers.
    6.00
  • NEG 620 – Negotiation & Communication Skills Effective negotiation and communication are among the most valuable and sought-after skills both in strategic partnership development, stakeholder management and effective resolution of business conflict. Students will analyse 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 business arena.
    6.00
  • TRA 660 – International Trade Law and Policy The Course aims to develop the skills required to engage with international trade principles around their laws and policies. It will provide an opportunity for students to understand the trade issues that are relevant to their surroundings and life. The course aims to familiarize students with major concepts applied in the World Trade Organization and practices of multilateral trading system and regional trade platforms via relevant themes. It will also assist students to develop critical thinking on the analysis of global trade problems, and their causes, and solutions.
    6.00
  • MGT 620 – Change Management & ESG This course introduces students to organisational design and why, in today’s ever changing macro context, an organisation’s success is dependent on its ability to evolve structures, processes and people in an agile way. Topics include strategy, sustainability, ESG, organisational and individual performance management, leadership and change management.
    6.00
  • RES 700 B – Research planning and preparation This module is designed to help students to plan and prepare their research projects(Capstone) by developing a clear, concise research proposal with problem statement, key research questions, research methodology, literature review, proposed outcomes. The research proposal forms the ‘gateway’ to the research (Capstone project) itself and the aim is to ensure that students are well planned to implement their Capstone projects.
    6.00
Summer Credits
  • RES 700 C – Research Thesis / Capstone All graduate students at the IIG are entitled to complete a research thesis. Master’s thesis provides an opportunity for students to engage in high-level research focusing on an area of specialization within their program. In their thesis students apply the knowledge they have acquired in the Research Module (Introduction to Research Methodology RES 100A) while exploring the topic of their choice.
    30.00

Distinguished Speakers

Ms. Arancha Gonzalez

Ms. Arancha Gonzalez

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Spain
Graduation ceremony

Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi

Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi

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

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;
  • 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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