Executive Specialized Master in Private Banking

What does the thesis involve?

A requirement for obtaining the MS degree, the thesis is an individual research report that enables you to demonstrate your conceptual analysis skills in a written document about 100 pages long. It focuses on a professional issue that may or may not be tied to your company or current job. The thesis project is supervised by an ESCP Europe professor.

Why should I choose ESCP Europe?

ESCP Europe is considered once of the best business schools in France and in Europe. Based in central Paris, you will have access to professors who are experts in their respective fields, and a particularly effective international alumni network. 

How much does an Executive Specialized Master cost?

Tuition is set at 20,000 Euros (includes travel and housing for the international seminars). Exceptions:

Executive Specialized Master in Energy Management: 25,000 Euros 

How can I pay for my programme?

Three possibilities exist: personal financing, corporate financing, and partial or total reimbursement by French continuing education funds such as the Fongécif or an OPCA (Organisme Paritaire Collecteur Agréé). The appropriate OPCA is determined by your employer’s industry and location. 

What is the degree awarded by a Specialized Master?

The official title of the degree awarded is “Mastère Spécialisé”; it is conferred by the French Conférence des Grandes Ecoles.

Do I have to inform my company before or after I apply to a Specialized Master?

It depends on the company, but usually it is preferable to have its support when you decide to enrol in a training programme on this scale. Informing your employer will show that you have already reflected on your career goals and the training will therefore have a quick return on investment.

In certain cases, such as for career reorientation, it may be preferable not to inform your company.

After I graduate from a Specialized Master, will I be a member of the ESCP Europe Alumni Association?

Yes. Participants become members of the ESCP Europe Alumni Association from the first day of classes. You will be able to take advantage of the numerous workshops offered by the Association, you will be listed in the alumni directory, and can participate in various professional groups and activities. 

How many in-class hours are required for a Specialized Master?

A minimum of 360 in-class hours are required to complete a Specialized Master. Certain programmes require up to 410 hours.

How long have the Specialized Master programmes been running?

The Specialized Master programmes were created by the French Conférence des Grandes Ecoles in 1985. The Executive Specialized Master programmes were established 5 years ago.

How much time do the programmes take, outside of classes?

It’s hard to say. It depends on the person, the programme, and the time of year (especially right before the thesis is due). You should anticipate at least 5-10 hours of work outside of class each week.

What is the difference between an MBA and an Executive Specialized Master?

An MBA is a multidisciplinary programme for future managers. An Executive Specialized Master is designed for those who are content in their chosen field, but who lack the conceptual framework and practical skills to get the most out of their career.

How are applicants selected?

The screening procedure involves 3 steps (4 for the Specialized Master in Marketing and Communication):

• a) English language proficiency test: 30 min. (multiple-choice questions on vocabulary, grammar and reading comprehension)
• b) Written test involving a simulation of a professional situation: 30 min.
  A series of open-ended questions on professional ethics, task management, and working with others.
• c) An interview with the Academic Directors of the programme: 30 min. Discussion of your background and career objectives. Important criteria: the candidate’s motivation, coherence between the Specialized Master chosen and stated career goals, and interpersonal skills.
• d) For the Specialized Master in Marketing & Communication, an additional written expression test on a randomly chosen subject is required.

How selective are the Specialized Masters programmes?

Approximately 1/3 of applicants are accepted, but a self-selection effect filters out many candidates at the pre-application stage to avoid a high failure rate for the written tests and interviews.

What is the difference between a Specialized Master (MS) and an Executive Specialized Master?

Both programmes offer the same curriculum leading to the same degree, but MS programmes are full-time, while Executive MS programmes can be completed on a part-time basis so that participants can continue working. 

What is to be gained from doing a Specialized Master?

An Specialized Master degree can help advance your career, acquire expertise in your field, or reorient your career with the goal of changing jobs (for example, from sales to marketing).

Is work experience in the field of the Specialized Master necessary before applying?

Not necessarily. The Executive Specialized Master coursework is designed to help you acquire the expertise that you need. However, you do need to have at least three years of professional experience in order to apply to an Executive Specialized Master.

How many participants are there in each programme?

Classes range from 15 to 30 participants per programme, with an average age of 35. All participants have at least three years of work experience, but they range in age from 26 to 55.

What is the schedule for the Executive Specialized Master programmes?

Courses take place every two weeks all day Friday and Saturday mornings for 15 months. A few 3-10 day seminars may also be required, depending on the programme. The schedule is adapted to working professionals who want to complete a training programme.

When does the next programme begin?

The beginning of the next school year is Septembre 21, 2011

Where do the courses take place?

All Specialized Master courses are held at 79 avenue de la République in the 11th arrondissement in Paris, except for international seminars which take place abroad.