Student review [#103986] for Global Finance (M.Sc.)
at CBS International Business School - CBS

Moving from Kenya to Germany to pursue my MSc in Global Finance has been one of the most significant decisions of my life, and studying at CBS International Business School has been a rewarding part of that journey.

What stood out to me from the very beginning was the size of the programme. Our Global Finance cohort was intentionally kept small, creating an environment where lecturers know students personally, discussions are more engaging, and collaboration came naturally. For me, that was a major advantage over much larger programmes where it is easy to become just another face in the classroom. It created a close-knit learning environment where everyone brought different professional and cultural perspectives to the table.

CBS is, first and foremost, an international business school, and that is reflected throughout the programme. The curriculum is modern, internationally oriented, and closely connected to today’s business environment. Rather than focusing solely on theory, many modules encourage students to think critically about real-world developments and how finance continues to evolve in response to global markets, technology, regulation, and changing business needs.

One aspect I have particularly appreciated is the quality of the lecturers. Many continue to work actively in industry alongside teaching, bringing current professional experience directly into the classroom. Whether through finance simulation games, discussions on corporate governance and sustainability, or real business case studies, learning is grounded in practical application rather than theory alone. That connection between academia and industry has made the programme far more engaging and has given me valuable insight into how concepts are applied in practice.

Coming from a different education system, I also appreciated the way learning and assessment are structured. Expectations are communicated clearly throughout the semester, coursework builds progressively, and examinations are aligned with what has been taught. It creates an environment where students can focus on understanding concepts rather than trying to predict assessments. The blended learning model has also been a major advantage. The flexibility to attend classes online when needed, together with recorded lectures that remain available throughout the semester, has been incredibly helpful, particularly for students balancing work, travel, or other commitments. It is a thoughtful system that genuinely supports different learning styles.

Outside the classroom, I have found some of the greatest value in getting involved. Through company presentations, career events, workshops, and student initiatives, I have had the opportunity to engage with professionals from across the finance and business world. Student-led communities continue to grow as well. Being part of the relaunch of our finance and investment club, Capital Circle, has shown me that students are encouraged not only to participate but also to help build the community they want to be part of. There is still tremendous potential, and that is one of the things I genuinely appreciate about the university: initiative is welcomed and supported.

If I could suggest one area for further development, it would be to strengthen the visibility and industry outreach of the Global Finance programme itself. Given the quality of the programme and the calibre of its students, I believe there is significant potential to build even stronger relationships with banks, investment firms, financial institutions, and capital market participants. As one of the few programmes of its kind, Global Finance has the opportunity to become even more recognised within the finance industry through expanded employer engagement and stronger partnerships.

The city, Cologne, has also become one of the highlights of my experience. It is a welcoming, diverse, and well-connected city that made settling into life in Germany much easier than I expected. Beyond the university, I have met people from all over the world, each with different stories and perspectives, which has broadened my outlook considerably. The city has a relaxed atmosphere, an active student life, and plenty to explore, while also being strategically located within easy reach of Düsseldorf, Bonn, and Frankfurt. You also have Belgium and Netherlands, 1 – 2 hours away which make for a great weekend trip. For anyone interested in business or finance, that proximity creates excellent opportunities for networking, interviews, company visits, and professional events.

Overall, my experience has been very positive. CBS provides a strong platform, but like any good programme, the value you gain depends largely on the initiative you are willing to take. If you are internationally minded, curious, and prepared to actively shape your own academic and professional journey, CBS offers an environment where you can grow not only as a student, but also as a future professional.