University of Amsterdam

Overview

The Master’s track in Finance – Real Estate Finance at the University of Amsterdam equips students with the quantitative and analytical skills required to assess commercial real estate investments within a global financial context. This program emphasizes understanding real estate markets, valuation techniques, and empirical decision-making methods employed by investors and institutions.

• Programme level: Master’s
• Track: Finance – Real Estate Finance (part of the MSc in Finance)
• Focus: Real estate markets, valuation, and empirical finance methods
• Credits: 60 ECTS
• Duration: 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)
• Delivery: On-campus (Amsterdam)
• Language of instruction: English
• Application: Submit via the university’s application portal

What you'll study

This specialized track integrates core finance principles with targeted real estate courses. Students will engage in a series of modules that facilitate hands-on learning through assignments and data-driven projects.

• Real Estate Markets and Analysis
• Real Estate Valuation
• Applied Financial Econometrics
• Empirical Methods in Finance
• Real Estate Finance
• Ethics and Professional Skills in Finance

Capstone / final assessment: The MSc programme culminates in a final project (thesis or equivalent) determined by the MSc in Finance structure, with specific requirements outlined in the academic regulations for the track.

Entry requirements

• Academic background: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, or a degree in Business Economics, Economics, or Business Administration with a focus on Finance or Real Estate Finance.
• Finance coursework: Applicants must have completed at least 15 ECTS in finance-related subjects, including Investments, Corporate Finance, and Derivatives. Familiarity with econometrics at a second or third-year level is also expected.
• Alternative backgrounds: Candidates from other fields must show proficiency in microeconomics, macroeconomics, accounting, mathematics, and statistics at a foundational level.
• English proficiency:
  • TOEFL iBT: minimum 92
  • IELTS: minimum 6.5
• GMAT/GRE: GMAT or GRE scores are required (minimums may apply; please check the latest university requirements).
• Motivation letter: A motivation letter is required, showcasing personal initiative.

Career prospects

Graduates from the Finance – Real Estate Finance track are well-prepared for various careers in the real estate and finance sectors. They can pursue roles in investment analysis, real estate consulting, asset management, and financial advisory services, among others. The program also provides a foundation for further academic research or professional certifications within the finance and real estate industries.

After completing the Master’s degree, students may be eligible to work in the Netherlands under the orientation year scheme or a regular work permit, depending on their residency status.