Learn all about the basics of finance, and cover topics such as financial statements, ratio analysis, asset and liability management and accounting. Part of the learning takes place in a simulated learning environment in which you will act as the management team of a retail bank; like learning on the job!
Financial news is dominating the headlines. The financial and banking system had and still has a great impact on the economic situation in the world. Sparked by the financial crisis, the role of banks is changing, and new financing models are slowly gaining traction.
Welcome to our simulated learning environment. During this intensive one-week course your group will form the management team of a retail bank, taking all management level decisions that come with running a bank while competing against the other teams in the course. In each round, you will receive direct financial results regarding the decisions made by your team providing you with valuable feedback for the next round. However, the simulation is not just about making profit, but also about sound risk management for your bank: you will have to follow the Basel III guide lines, take decisions about which products to launch and about hiring and firing staff.
This course will help you to learn all about the basics of finance, and cover topics such as financial statements, ratio analysis, asset and liability management and accounting. You will learn how to successfully run a crowdfunding campaign and gain useful insights in the field of sustainable financing and banking, such as how to finance sustainable energy projects. This simulation is a great action-based way of learning, providing you with the ins and outs of running a retail bank.
Many students who have done this course, follow up with the course 'Sustainable Investing; ESG Strategy & Tactics' (B24).
What previous students (summer 2025) say about this course:
"I'm very impressed with this course, especially with the interactive simulation bank! ".
"The course was insightful and provided more than a thorough introduction to finance and banking as well as crypto. The professors and staff are amazing and helpful. I would definitely take courses from HU University again."
This course was really a good experience. If you're looking for a complete course of Financial Banking you should take this. The quality of the teachers, the support material and the international exchange are what you need. 100% recommended.
Gerrit-Jan Lanting, MSc
Bernard van der Biessen MSc
Students from all levels (Bachelor and Master) - a business study programme or financial background is not required. This course is for students who want to build or expand their knowledge of finance and banking.
A good command of English is necessary! Given the interactive nature of teaching, students must have the capabilities to actively contribute in class and communicate (understand and speak) in English well, ideally min level B2.
52 hours of lectures/field excursions + assignments (self-study).
Please note: You must attend all learning activities (e.g. workshops, fieldwork) to be able to receive the Certificate of Participation and/or the credits for this course, unless absence is officially approved by the teachers and the coordinator of the Utrecht Summer School. You will be expected to be present until the final day of the course has ended. Please keep this in mind when booking your return flight. You can find your schedule in the Day to Day overview of your course on the course page.
The course fee presented applies to all students currently enrolled in a bachelor, master or PhD programme and to 'Fresh Alumni'.
If this applies to you and you therefore believe that you are eligible for this fee, please mention this in your motivation when applying for this course.
If you are NOT currently enrolled in a bachelor, master or PhD programme or not a 'Fresh Alumni' , a professional fee of € 1.040 is applicable, and will be invoiced and visible for you in your account once you are accepted to the course. Please note: if you do not provide proof that you are currently enrolled in a bachelor, master or PhD programme or that you are a Fresh Alumni', we will charge the ‘professional (higher) fee!
The housing costs do not include a Utrecht Summer School sleeping bag and travel pillow (which you can take home after the course). Please note that the Sleeping bag and travel pillow are to be chosen as a separate product on the invoice.
If you wish not to buy the Summerschool Sleeping bag and travel pillow and rather bring your own bedding (sleeping bag and pillow), do not forget to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow! In all cases, do bring your own towels, please.