Finance Courses

About Finance University Courses

BSc Finance courses explore a wide range of topics including economics, international finance, macroeconomics, accounting for business, quantitative methods, investments and tax. You’ll also learn how to interpret financial data and apply your skills to real companies.

While you can study finance as a standalone subject, it’s often paired with other subjects such as accounting or business. Some degrees also include a year-long placement, while others give you the chance to gain valuable accreditations from professional bodies. 

If you’ve already got an undergraduate degree, why not consider applying for a masters degree in finance? You could either opt for a general MSc or study a specialist area such as finance and investments or business with financial management. Whichever route you choose, adding an MSc to your CV will enhance your employability and give you a competitive advantage.

Entry Requirements

Finance degrees are intellectually challenging so the entry requirements tend to reflect this. Most universities ask for at least three Bs at A level, plus five GCSEs at grades 4-9 (including English and maths). 

If you want to study at a Russell Group university your grades will need to be even higher, as these highly respected institutions usually ask for two As and a B, or even three As at A level. However, they will also consider BTEC Diplomas if they’re in a relevant subject such as business.

To apply for a finance MSc, you’ll need a 2:2 degree in a relevant subject such as maths, business or economics. If you don’t have a degree but you do have some relevant work experience, look around for universities that offer entry via a work-based route.

Funding

Applying for your first undergraduate degree? Then a tuition fee loan will cover your fees and you’ll receive a maintenance loan to help with living costs. If you’re studying full-time, the value of your maintenance loan will be based on your household income, but if you study part-time, it will be based on your household income, your course intensity and your place of residence. Either way, you won’t repay a penny until you’re earning over £26,000. 

Planning on taking a master’s degree? You’ll be glad to know that you’re eligible for an £11,222 Master’s Loan to help with your tuition fees and living costs. The loan will be paid directly to you and will be divided equally across each year of your course. the payments will be spread across both years.

Workload & Difficulty

If you choose to study in-class on a full-time basis, you’ll spend 12-14 hours a week on campus attending a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and industry visits. You’ll also be expected to do around 30 hours of independent study, so you’ll need to be organised! You should also check the time commitment involved with any industry placements.

Need more flexibility? Then we recommend studying part-time on campus or online. Online courses tend to be delivered video lectures, webinars, forums and self-paced, independent study. Accessing your course materials simply involves logging on to your university’s virtual learning environment.

However you choose to study, your finance degree is likely to be assessed via a combination of assignments, reports, case studies, presentations, workshops and exams. And if you’re studying an MSc Finance, you’ll also complete a dissertation or a final project.

Career Prospects

If you’re keen to work for a major company like KPMG, Ernst and Young or Deloitte, your new qualification will significantly boost your chances. It could also lead to a career in a wide range of finance-related areas including:

• Banking
• Financial management
• Investments
• Pensions
• Insurance
• Business
• Trading
• Consulting
• Tax
• Procurement

Ready to take the first step towards a rewarding career in finance? Check out our superb selection of finance courses!