To graduate from the Master’s degree programme in Banking and Insurance Management, you must:
Your title on graduation will be “Master of Arts in Business (MA)”.
The Master’s thesis is the academic conclusion of the programme and demonstrates that you are able to work independently on a complex issue in the field of insurance and finance in a methodologically sound manner and using academic standards.
The aim of the Master’s thesis is to analyse a topic of practical relevance with scientific depth and to work on it in a solution-oriented manner. Both technical and analytical skills are honed in the process – an ideal preparation for further management tasks or a career in an academic environment.
The Master’s thesis is an independent piece of academic work with a clear interest in knowledge. It can be theoretical-conceptual as well as empirical or practice-orientated. The thesis must be clearly structured, methodologically comprehensible and formally correct – including a complete bibliography, citation and scientific argumentation.
Work on the Master’s thesis begins in the third semester of the degree programme in the so-called research seminar. In this seminar, we support you in developing the research design and selecting the research methods. The Master’s thesis itself usually begins at the start of the fourth semester.
The Master’s thesis can also be written in collaboration with a company, an insurance company or an institutional partner – provided the topic is scientifically sound and suitable for supervision. Topic suggestions can be submitted by students themselves or developed in consultation with supervising lecturers. Collaboration with companies provides valuable insights into real-life problems and often also offers the opportunity for direct career entry.
Throughout the entire process, students are individually supervised by experienced lecturers. An accompanying master’s seminar provides support with topic selection, methodology, outlining, literature research and academic writing. Regular feedback rounds and interim presentations ensure that the thesis is methodically correct and focussed.
The Master’s examination is the final examination in the Master’s degree programme in Insurance Management and marks the successful completion of your academic education. It takes place at the end of the fourth semester and confirms that you are both academically and professionally prepared to take on challenging tasks in the financial sector.
The Master’s examination consists of three parts:
1. Defence of the Master’s thesis
You present the results of your Master’s thesis to an examination board, explain your approach and face critical questions on methodology, relevance and realisation. The aim is to demonstrate the academic quality and independence of your work.
2. Specialised examination in the field of insurance management
In this part of the examination, central topics of strategic and operational bank management are examined – for example in the areas of risk management, treasury, controlling or regulation.
3. Specialist examination in the chosen area of specialisation
Depending on your specialisation, you will take a second specialist examination in:
The Master’s examination is conducted by a three-member committee. This is usually made up of
The committee ensures a fair, respectful and transparent examination procedure and assesses the academic quality of your Master’s thesis as well as your professional expertise and argumentative skills.
The Master’s examination demonstrates that you have the necessary specialist knowledge, analytical skills and academic expertise to operate successfully in the complex environment of the insurance and finance sector. It is the final step on your path to a Master’s degree – and the first step towards a career with prospects.