Corvinus University of Budapest

What you'll study

The programme focuses on the full lifecycle of large investment projects, combining economics, finance and project management techniques. Teaching emphasises real-world applications, case work and multidisciplinary perspectives relevant to infrastructure, energy, transport, real estate and industrial investments.

• Investment appraisal and economics: cost–benefit analysis, economic evaluation of public and private investments, social and environmental impact assessment.
• Project finance and financial modelling: structuring finance for large projects, modelling cash flows, debt and equity structures, sensitivity and scenario analysis.
• Risk management and governance: identification and mitigation of technical, financial and political risks; contract strategy and governance frameworks.
• Procurement, contracts and public–private partnerships (PPPs): procurement strategies, PPP models, concession agreements and contract performance management.
• Project planning and control: scheduling, cost management and earned value techniques, project monitoring and quality assurance.
• Legal and regulatory context: overview of construction law, permitting, land-use issues and sector-specific regulation (energy, transport, urban development).
• Stakeholder engagement and negotiation: communication strategies, stakeholder mapping, negotiation skills for multi-party projects.
• European and international funding sources: national and EU funding instruments, grant co-financing rules and compliance requirements.
• Capstone project or applied assignment: an applied project or consultancy-style team assignment that integrates appraisal, financing and delivery planning for a realistic investment case.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in economics, business, finance, engineering, architecture, public administration or a closely related discipline. Demonstrable professional experience on investment, construction or project teams is an advantage and may be preferred for competitive admission.

• Completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• CV highlighting relevant academic and/or professional experience; prior work in investment, construction, infrastructure or finance is beneficial.
• Motivation letter explaining study objectives and how the diploma fits career plans.
• Applicants whose previous study language is not the programme language may be required to demonstrate language proficiency.
• Short interview or assessment may be used to evaluate fit and professional background.

Career prospects

Graduates acquire skills used in the planning, financing and delivery of major investments and are prepared for roles across the public and private sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Project manager or project director for large-scale infrastructure, energy or transport projects.
• Investment analyst or transaction manager in banks, investment funds and infrastructure finance units.
• Procurement and contracts specialist in contracting firms, public agencies and international organisations.
• Consultant in engineering, economic advisory and project management consultancies.
• Programme manager or policy officer in ministries, development agencies or municipalities responsible for capital programmes.
• Asset manager for large real estate or infrastructure portfolios.

Why study at Corvinus University of Budapest

Corvinus is Hungary's specialist university for economics, business and public policy, offering strong interdisciplinary teaching that links economic analysis with practical management skills. The programme benefits from faculty with expertise in project finance, infrastructure economics and public procurement as well as established links to industry practitioners and public sector partners.

• Practical orientation with case studies, applied assignments and practitioner guest lecturers from the Hungarian and regional investment community.
• Multidisciplinary approach combining economics, finance, law and technical project management perspectives.
• Access to Corvinus’ corporate and public-sector network in Budapest, a hub for Central European infrastructure and investment transactions.
• Suitable for professionals who wish to upgrade technical and managerial competencies without committing to a full master’s degree.