ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS

The main aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the private equity approach and the hedge fund industry. Both industries have experienced very significant growth in recent years and play an increasingly prominent role in financial markets, as well as in the financing and operational activities of companies. The underlying philosophy of the module is to highlight and examine the distinctive features and mechanisms of these key market participants by comparing them with other types of investors and with the conventional corporate finance approach, thereby developing a more structured perspective on their role within the broader financial system.

  • Understand the main structure of private equity and hedge funds
  • Better understand the private equity cycle (consisting of selecting, financing, nurturing firms, and finally exiting)
  • Capture the particular approach of private equity firms as active investors
  • Understand the corporate governance approach of private equity firms
  • Understand their choice of financial securities as well as of contract design
  • Investigate the different strategies of hedge funds and their average performance
  • Discuss the „locust“ accusation
Key Facts

This course is part of the prestigious part-time Master in Finance program, conducted in English on Fridays and Saturdays on Campus Westend. It offers a valuable opportunity to network and gain expertise without committing to a full degree program. Upon completion, participants receive a Certificate of Participation. As the number of seats is limited, we recommend to register early. If you're a GBS or Goethe University alum, explore our attractive alumni discount options. 

course duration

Duration

23 hours in total
location

Location

Campus Westend
language of instruction

Language

English
tuition fee

Course fee

€ 1,900
Course Schedule
Date Session
Sat, October 10, 2026 09:00-16:30
Fri, October 23, 2026 12:00-19:00
Fri, November 20, 2026 13:00-20:00
Sat, November 21, 2026 09:00-16:30
Meet Our Expert

Prof. Dr. Uwe Walz

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Prof. Dr. Uwe Walz holds the Chair of Industrial Organization at Goethe University and is Co-Director of the PhD Program in Economics. He is a founding director of the Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE and a research professor at ZEW. His research focuses on private equity, entrepreneurial finance, and contract theory, with publications in leading academic journals. He has received multiple GBS Excellence in Teaching awards and is a member of the Frankfurt Institute for Risk Management and Regulation (FIRM).

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