The LLM in Corporate and Finance Law is organised jointly by the Department of Private Law of the Universidad de Alcalá and the Centro Internacional de Formación Financiera (CIFF), in collaboration with the Santander Group and LA LEY-Wolters Kluwer Publishing Group.

Students follow an academic and professional programme with an enhanced practical emphasis and specialised high-level training in the field of corporate and finance law. This is achieved through a combination of subjects and technical specialisation which responds to the training needs of future legal experts. We offer a global vision allowing students to adapt to a more competitive and professional environment, leading to more career opportunities.

The objective is to equip students with new legal-economic knowledge that is not usually taught in a Law Degree, and which widens the professional perspective, introducing areas that are related to the reality of corporate operations and financial contracting.

The Masters course has been specifically designed for international young professionals who want to develop their potential and create a strong profile in corporate and finance law. The students’ performance and professional profile are continuously monitored during the course, and upon completion there exists the possibility of an internship. Our goal is to help the participant fast track their career to join the most reputable financial institutions, national and international corporations and legal firms.

Candidates must be high-achieving students who already hold a university degree and want to develop their career in a global corporate environment. The required academic credentials are assessed in accordance with international standards. The motivation and determination of the student are fundamental requisites for a participant in the Master in Corporate & Finance Law.

The programme requires students to take 60 credits (ECTS). The master contains three modules each worth 20 credits:

1. Corporate Law and Acquisitions
2. Finance Law and Capital Markets
3. Dissertation

The first of these modules “Corporate Law and Acquisitions” is divided into two areas: “Corporate Law”, and “Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)”. The first part investigates the most relevant themes a legal professional may experience in a large corporate enterprise including Secretarial Services required by a large company, and Corporate Governance. The second section of the module focuses on Insolvency, Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances. In M&A the principles and rules of typical corporate operations, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), Corporate Restructuring, Acquisitions of Capital Funds, Private Equity Operations, are examined.

The second module is “Finance Law and Capital Markets”, again this is divided into two parts: “Financial Contract Law” and “Capital Markets Law”. In Financial Contract Law an in-depth evaluation is provided of Asset Finance, Structured Finance and Syndicated Loans, there is also a comprehensive review of Project Finance.

In Capital Markets the focus is on the specific needs of Equity Capital Markets and Debt Capital Markets, this is followed by an investigation of the Emerging Companies’ Marketplace and Carbon Emissions Trading.

The third module is a dissertation based on the work completed in the taught section of the Masters programme. There is the choice of two options, either a specialised dissertation, or a professional work placement. The first option involves an in-depth academic study which is based on analysing a practical problem and applying the relevant theory, it should involve independent reflection and both critical analysis and evaluation of the theory. The second option is a professional work placement where students will be required to write an essay based on their experience. The placement will enable the student to put into practice the theory they have learnt on the course. However, students must fulfil specific requirements requested by the participating organisation in order to participate in the internship programme.

In both cases work will be supervised by a tutor, and will be assessed and evaluated by a tribunal composed of academics and practitioners.

A complete list of 08/09 course topics can be obtained by clicking here.

A complete list of the 08/09 Faculty Directorate can be obtained by clicking here.

The Department of Private Law of the Universidad de Alcalá and CIFF reserve the right to make amendments or adjustments to the programme contents, times and teaching staff aimed at improving the quality of the Master.

The methodology of this Master is based on the application of legal knowledge directed at solving relevant problems. The system of teaching and learning is a pro-active two way partnership between teachers and students. It focuses on problem solving, discussion of questions posed by both students and lecturers and proposing realistic and bold solutions based on legal arguments and reasoning.

Our students follow a learning to learn strategy, this involves students finding appropriate sources of information, working in a team, and discovering real solutions to real problems. In this context students will take the initiative in the search for resources and the rigorous interchange of ideas based on critical thinking and analysis. The fundamental principles of the methodology involve investigating concepts, assumptions and diverse doctrines which deal with typical and atypical situations, through the use of in-depth case studies which are based on global and international scenarios. Materials are accessible online and there is the possibility of direct electronic communication with the tutor.

The learning process has three phases. Firstly, the teacher provides the materials, case studies and the conceptual tools necessary for the student to develop their own learning process. Secondly, there is a series of seminars where students working in teams can compare and contrast responses to problems and exercises. The third phase concentrates on the work completed by the students which is discussed, analysed and solved, and then the definitive solutions are provided and advice is given for any necessary improvements.

The taught part is delivered through seminars, specific workshops and the discussion of themes and new and current thinking in the legal/economic field.

You are required to take the following:

• Master Courses (40 ECTS):
  • 360 hours of class work: on-site classes, tutorials, conferences and complementary activities.
  • 640 hours of study by the student: study, and individual and group assignments.
• Dissertation (20 credits ECTS): 500 hours

Total: 1.500 Hours (60 credits ECTS)

The course will run for 9 months.

During the first six months of the course students follow a taught programme which will consist of seminars, tutorials and complementary activities.

In the final three months there is a choice of two options:

Students can complete a dissertation based on the application of the knowledge acquired during the taught section of the course. The taught section is considered a foundation for the research.

Alternatively, students may undertake a work placement in a company where they would apply the knowledge and skills they have developed in the taught part of the course. Students will be required to produce a report based on their experiences. For undertaking this second option, the student must pass the selection process determined by the company. If they are not selected by the company, they must undertake the dissertation option.

In both cases work will be supervised by a tutor. The dissertation or report will be assessed and evaluated by a tribunal made up of members of the faculty.

The programme begins in October 6th 2008 and finishes in June 30th 2009.

Sessions are generally held from Monday to Thursday, 17.30 am to 21.30 pm.

The course times maybe subject to change. Any changes will be notified.

We recommend that students dedicate the appropriate time for class preparation and to developing their legal and business English language.

Participants that have succeeded in passing the exams, projects and tutorials graduate as Master in Corporate & Finance Law from the Universidad de Alcalá.

The Masters is chaired by Luis Javier Cortés Domínguez -PhD. in Law, Professor of Commercial and Corporate Law at the Universidad de Alcalá.

Course Coordinator:  Vicenç Ribas Ferrer –PhD. in Law, LLM , Lecturer in Commercial and Corporate Law at the Universidad de Alcalá. 

The teaching staff comprises of both members of the Law faculty and leading professionals from a range of Madrid based national and international corporations and legal firms.

The internship programme enables the students to ensure that the legal theory is not simply absorbed but applied to the workplace.

Through educational cooperation agreements, professional placements can be offered to the students for periods of between three in the collaborating legal firms and companies. Students are required to pass a selection process determined by the company. Placements may be carried out in corporations or law firms, some of which specialise in corporate and finance law. One of the notable and innovative strengths of this Masters course is the recruiting process by which participants are given the possibility to engage in a 3 month in-company internship after the teaching period. If they are not selected by the company, they must undertake the dissertation option to complete the program.

CIFF publicises at regular intervals offers of placements available for students. However the students must fulfil specific requirements requested by the participating organisations. To view available jobs and placements click here.

Tuition fees for the Master in Corporate & Finance Law are 12.000 Euros.

Furthermore, CIFF has signed various Agreements of Cooperation with different institutions in Latin America, Europe and U.S., which aim to facilitate the exchange of students, lecturers and researchers among institutions.

For further information, you may view the complete list of Agreements of Cooperation of the Centro Internacional de Formación Financiera by clicking here.

Furthermore, CIFF has signed various Agreements of Cooperation with different institutions in Latin America, Europe and U.S., which aim to facilitate the exchange of students, lecturers and researchers among institutions.

For further information, you may view the complete list of Agreements of Cooperation of the Centro Internacional de Formación Financiera by clicking here.

Classes will be held at CIFF Training Centre in Madrid, at Calle Conde de Serrallo, 4 (near Plaza de Castilla), in the centre of Madrid’s financial district.

Accommodation at the University Residence in Alcalá de Henares in Madrid is available at a small cost during the course for participants without regular housing in Madrid.

The CIFF training centre in Madrid is easily reached by metro, bus, road and rail.

Participants may take advantage of the very competitive loans offered by the Santander Bank in order to meet the course fees. The Master in Corporate and Finance Law also offers financial aid based on academic and professional record.

More information can be obtained at the branch of Banco Santander located at Calle Francos Rodríguez 56, 28039 (Madrid), Tel.: + 34 91 - 311 25 00 / 23 75, Fax: + 34 91 - 311 48 73 or at any other branch of the Bank’s network.

For more information visit www.gruposantander.com/universidades.

Below is a short introduction to Centro Internacional de Formación Financiera. We hope that you will soon become part of our endeavour.

CIFF was set up in 2001 as a joint initiative by two important institutions: the prestigious academic institution Universidad de Alcalá, and the successful financial institution Santander Group.

The primary objective of CIFF is to provide specialised skills in economic and financial subjects to the highest quality professionals in Spain, Europe and Latin America, based on our model of unique cooperation between the academic and the business world.

According to 2006 results, Santander is the seventh bank worldwide in terms of profit; the first Spanish company in terms of market capitalization and profit; bank number one in the Euro zone and one of the leading banks in stock value worldwide. Santander Group operates in 40 countries over two continents – Europe and America - which provide it with geographic, currency (euro, dollar and sterling) and risk diversification, the result of a well-balanced presence in developed and emerging countries. Santander Group has over 129,000 employees, 67 million customers, 10,800 branch offices and 2.3 million shareholders. Its main business focus is retail banking, which generates 79% of the Groups’ profit.

Universidad de Alcalá, located on the outskirts of Madrid, has a significant historical and scientific background. Founded in 1499, the University has over 26,000 students, of which 6,000 are postgraduate and foreign students.

The advantage of being located in one of the most dynamic European capital cities, where many Spanish financial corporations host their headquarters, is one of the many attractions of The Centro Internacional de Formación Financiera.

The economic boom and the corresponding improvements in infrastructure have turned Madrid into the gateway between Latin America and Europe. The opening of a fourth terminal at Madrid Airport confirms the internationalization and the vitality of the Spanish capital, and shows it is the right time and place for new business endeavours.

Madrid is a welcoming city where the newly arrived have plenty of opportunities to enjoy their stay. The museums, sports events and a vast array of cultural & leisure options are only some of the advantages recognised by our students when they decide to come and study at CIFF, not forgetting the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Another reason why many students choose CIFF is our link and access to the business community at all levels. Our location in the financial district of Madrid and our privileged relations with the Santander Group and other large firms provide the participants of our programmes with the opportunity to make the most of and enjoy their study, becoming part of a community where knowledge is shared.

The phases of the Admissions Process to the Master in Corporate & Finance Law (2008-09) are the following:

A) Registration process (On line): open between December 1st and October 3rh, 2008. CIFF will require the following documents from the candidate in order to open a dossier:

		Curriculum Vitae (Word format)
		Copy of University degree certificate (scanned .jpg)
		Copy of University academic dossier (scanned .jpg)
		Copy of identity card or passport (scanned .jpg)
		Two (2) letters of recommendation
		Full front colour photograph 4 x 4 (scanned .jpg)
		Completed Admissions Form. Download hear
		Personal interview (if the Academic Committee deems it necessary, the candidate will be summoned for an interview)
		Test of English level.
		Admission Test (if the Academic Committee deems it necessary, we will send you an Admission Test)

To initiate the Admissions Process, you may contact the Admissions Dept. by e-mail:

B) Pre Admission Process: open from December 1st, 2007 until CIFF sends an “ACCEPTANCE LETTER”. This process includes a review of the academic documentation provided by the candidate, which will be carried out by the Academic Committee meeting periodically for this purpose. A decision is then made as to whether the candidate possesses all the requirements necessary to study a specific Training Programme in the year 2008-2009, which is then communicated to him or her by letter.

C) Admissions Process: open from the moment CIFF sends the “ACCEPTANCE LETTER" until the deposit of the Masters Place Reservation fee (10% of the enrolment fee) is paid by the candidate. Once this step has been completed, the candidate will be considered as a “Student” of the Master in Finance & Banking and will be guaranteed a place.