Program Overview
The University of Nicosia's MBA in Finance program, delivered through distance learning, provides a comprehensive foundation in business fundamentals and specialized knowledge in finance. Students can choose between a thesis or non-thesis option, and the program emphasizes ethics, social responsibility, and international management education. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in investment banking, commercial banking, financial management, and consulting.
Program Outline
Business Administration: Finance (MBA, 3 Semesters) – Distance Learning
Degree Overview
Program Profile:
The MBA program at the University of Nicosia aims to provide students with a strong foundation in business education, enabling them to become effective managers in today's fast-changing, global competitive environment. It is highly integrated with actual business practices, remaining contextually relevant and practical. The program focuses on assisting students in developing their management and leadership skills, operating effectively in multicultural environments, and adapting to changing social, political, legal, and economic conditions.
Objectives:
- Equip students with essential skills, attitudes, and approach to guide their decisions as business executives.
- Develop students' abilities to handle contemporary business challenges and opportunities.
- Enhance students' theoretical and practical skills and knowledge.
- Foster intellectual development and graduate student maturity.
- Guide students in analyzing, examining, investigating, and composing new knowledge and competencies acquired.
- Secure the highest possible penetration and exhaustion of each subject inquiry and conceptual academic and practical implications.
- Offer the necessary level of education for obtaining specialized knowledge and competencies while demonstrating mental independence.
- Provide insight into professional opportunities and the functioning of modern organizations within the context of today's competitive world.
- Equip participating students with decision-guiding skills for both short- and long-term scenarios.
- Provide international management education, enabling graduates to become effective general managers in today's globally competitive environment.
- Offer students graduate-level business education focusing on both theories and research from a holistic business perspective.
Occupational Profiles of Graduates with Examples:
Graduates are expected to come from management or senior management positions in various sectors, including private businesses, government organizations, and industries, both locally and internationally. Examples of companies where graduates are employed include Royal Dutch Airlines, Revlon, Tradex, Cyprus Telecommunication Authority, Cyprus Electricity Authority, Air Trans, Cybarco, Demstar, Addidas, and many more. Positions held by some graduates include Marketing Director, Commercial Finance Manager, Public Relations Director, and Financial Controller. Over the past few years, graduates have been placed in diverse market positions, including Bank positions, posts in off-shore companies, and Academic institutions. Some post examples include a consultant in the Ministry of Libya, Senior IT in a company in the United States of America, Director Manager of a major Granite company, Director of Demstar, Finance Director of a University, and many more.
Access to Further Studies:
Graduates of the program can be accepted into Third Cycle degrees (Doctoral Degree).
Outline The MBA program at the University of Nicosia consists of three semesters and is delivered through distance learning. The program is divided into four sections: A) Foundation Courses, B) Compulsory Courses, C) Concentration: Finance, and D) Unallocated Courses.
Section A: Foundation Courses (Optional)
This section is optional and intended for students who require additional preparation in specific areas. Courses include:
- MBAN-540DE Foundations in Economics (0 ECTS)
- MBAN-550DE Foundations in Accounting (0 ECTS)
- MBAN-560DE Foundations in Statistics and Research (0 ECTS)
Section B: Compulsory Courses (36 ECTS)
These courses are mandatory for all students and cover essential business fundamentals. Courses include:
- MBAN-610DE Organizations and HR Management (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-620DE Business Economics (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-630DE Financial and Managerial Accounting (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-640DE Financial Management (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-650DE Strategic Marketing (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-660DE Corporate Strategy (6 ECTS)
Section C: Concentration: Finance (54 ECTS)
Students can choose one of two options:
Option 1: Thesis Option
- MBAN-671DE Business Processes and Systems (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-672DE Globalization and International Business Challenges (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-710DE Decision Making Methods and Tools (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-720DE Scholarship and Research (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-750DE Thesis in Finance (30 ECTS)
- Choose two courses from the following:
- MBAN-754DE Portfolio Analysis (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-755DE Financial Markets and Institutions (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-756DE Financial Risk Management (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-757DE Global Financial Strategies (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-758DE Working Capital Management (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-759DE Advanced Corporate Finance (6 ECTS)
Option 2: Non-thesis Option
- MBAN-671DE Business Processes and Systems (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-672DE Globalization and International Business Challenges (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-710DE Decision Making Methods and Tools (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-720DE Scholarship and Research (6 ECTS)
- Choose five courses from the following:
- MBAN-754DE Portfolio Analysis (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-755DE Financial Markets and Institutions (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-756DE Financial Risk Management (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-757DE Global Financial Strategies (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-758DE Working Capital Management (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-759DE Advanced Corporate Finance (6 ECTS)
Section D: Unallocated Courses (0 ECTS)
This section is currently empty and may be used for additional electives in the future.
Semester Breakdown:
The program is delivered over three semesters. The following is an indicative breakdown of the semesters:
Semester 1:
- MBAN-610DE Organizations and HR Management (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-620DE Business Economics (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-630DE Financial and Managerial Accounting (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-650DE Strategic Marketing (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-754DE Portfolio Analysis (6 ECTS)
Semester 2:
- MBAN-640DE Financial Management (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-660DE Corporate Strategy (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-710DE Decision Making Methods and Tools (6 ECTS)
- MBAN-756DE Financial Risk Management (6 ECTS)
Semester 3:
- Thesis Option:
- MBAN-750DE Thesis in Finance (30 ECTS)
- Non-thesis Option:
- Choose three additional courses from Section C. This is an indicative breakdown, and students may choose different courses depending on their interests and academic pathway.
Assessment:
The assessment of courses typically involves a:
- Comprehensive Final Exam: This exam carries significant weight and tests students' overall understanding of the course material.
- Continuous Assessment: This may include weekly interactive activities, projects, positive online forum participation, and other assessments deemed relevant to the specific course. The final grade for a course is determined based on the weight assigned to the final exam and continuous assessment, in addition to the actual marks obtained in each. Based on these course grades, the student's cumulative point average (CPA) and semester grade point average (GPA) are calculated. To successfully complete the program and earn an MBA degree, students must achieve a minimum CPA of 2.0. This means that while a 'D-' technically qualifies as a passing grade, a 'C' average is required to achieve the necessary CPA.
Teaching: The University of Nicosia utilizes a variety of approaches to deliver the MBA program, ensuring an engaging and effective learning experience. These approaches include:
- Distance Learning: The program is delivered online using a user-friendly learning management system (LMS). This platform allows for flexibility and convenience, enabling students to access course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Interactive Learning Activities: The program incorporates engaging activities, such as group discussions, case studies, and simulations. These activities encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and the application of theoretical concepts to real-world situations.
- Qualified Faculty: The program is taught by a team of experienced and renowned faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. These faculty members bring a wealth of academic knowledge and industry experience to the classroom, ensuring students receive a high-quality education.
- Multicultural Environment: The program attracts students from diverse backgrounds, creating a rich and stimulating learning environment. This diversity allows students to develop intercultural communication skills and gain insights into different perspectives and approaches to business.
Careers:
The MBA program opens doors to various exciting career opportunities in the field of finance. Some potential career paths and corresponding positions include:
- Investment Banking: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager, Trader
- Commercial Banking: Relationship Manager, Credit Analyst, Loan Officer
- Financial Management: Financial Manager, Controller, Treasurer
- Consulting: Management Consultant, Financial Advisor, Risk Consultant The University of Nicosia also provides career services to support graduates in their job search. These services include:
- Career Counseling: Individualized guidance on resume writing, interview skills, and job market navigation.
- Networking Opportunities: Events and platforms connecting graduates with potential employers and industry professionals.
- Job Search Resources: Access to online job boards, career fairs, and industry-specific resources.
Other:
- The program is offered in both English and Greek.
- Admission requirements include a Bachelor's degree and a minimum GMAT score of 400 (or equivalent).
- Students may be eligible for exemptions from the GMAT requirement based on their academic background and professional experience. It is essential to confirm the details with the University of Nicosia directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
