MA Finance and Business

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Edinburgh

Program Overview

The Finance and Business MA (Hons) at the University of Edinburgh blends rigorous financial training with a broad understanding of business strategy, preparing students to tackle global challenges in commerce, government, and the non-profit sector. It suits ambitious students who want to combine analytical skills with leadership, innovation, and ethical business practice, opening doors to careers across finance, consulting, and management.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll begin with an introduction to finance, business, and the global environment, building a foundation in core concepts. Alongside compulsory modules, you can choose option courses from the Business School or other departments, giving you flexibility to explore areas such as economics or international business.

Year 2
Your studies expand into essential business subjects, including corporate finance and applied finance. You’ll also deepen your understanding of management and strategy, while retaining the option to take courses from other schools to broaden your academic perspective.

Year 3
This year focuses on specialization. You’ll select advanced courses in finance and business, such as financial markets or business analytics, and may take part in the study abroad program at one of Edinburgh’s partner universities worldwide. This international exposure enhances your global outlook and employability.

Year 4
The highlight is your Management Honours Dissertation, an independent research project tailored to your interests. You’ll complement this with specialist modules in finance or business, such as strategic management or entrepreneurship, ensuring you graduate with both theoretical depth and practical insight.

Focus Areas

Finance, strategy, innovation, marketing, human resource management, data analytics, entrepreneurship

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop competencies in authentic leadership, ethical and sustainable business practice, entrepreneurial thinking, and effective communication, supported by Edinburgh’s Skills for Success framework

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is double-accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), ensuring global recognition and alignment with employer needs

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Edinburgh Business School is consistently ranked among the world’s leading institutions, with strong links to industry and employers. Graduates are highly sought after in consulting, finance, marketing, and management, supported by Edinburgh’s dedicated Careers Service

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most exciting aspects of studying Finance and Business at Edinburgh is how much emphasis is placed on hands-on learning. Beyond lectures, you’ll gain practical skills through access to professional-standard facilities, industry-grade software, and real-world projects. The Business School ensures you’re not just learning theory—you’re applying it in ways that mirror the challenges faced by global companies. From working in the Finance Lab with Bloomberg Terminals to engaging in consultancy projects with real businesses, you’ll graduate with the confidence and experience employers value most.

Here’s how experiential learning comes to life in this program:

Finance Lab with Bloomberg Terminals: The Business School houses 10 Bloomberg terminals, giving you direct access to live global financial data and analytics tools used by professionals worldwide.
Databases and Digital Tools: You’ll work with S&P Capital IQ, Datastream, and other financial databases available through the University Library, ensuring you can analyze markets with industry-standard resources.
Group Consultancy Projects: Students collaborate in small teams to deliver consultancy reports for real organizations, tackling issues such as sustainable business, project management, or carbon finance.
Individual Research Projects: In your final year, you’ll complete a dissertation supported by faculty, often linked to industry-relevant topics in finance or business strategy.
Study Abroad Opportunities: In Year 3, you can spend a semester or year at one of Edinburgh’s international partner universities, gaining global exposure and cultural insight.
Business School Facilities: You’ll benefit from modern lecture theatres, breakout rooms for teamwork, and access to the University’s world-class libraries, including the Main Library and specialist business collections.
Career Development Support: The Business School partners with employers to provide workshops, networking events, and internship opportunities, helping you translate classroom learning into career readiness.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Edinburgh’s Finance and Business MA (Hons) step confidently into careers across finance, consulting, and management. Typical roles include financial analyst, investment strategist, management consultant, and corporate finance advisor. Employers value the blend of analytical expertise and business acumen that Edinburgh students develop, making them highly competitive in the global job market:

University Careers Service: Edinburgh’s Business School offers tailored career coaching, employer networking events, and access to the Finance Careers Hub, which connects students directly with recruiters in banking, consulting, and investment.
Employment Stats: Across the Business School’s finance portfolio, 87% of graduates secure employment within six months of graduation, reflecting strong demand for Edinburgh-trained professionals.
Industry Partnerships: The Business School collaborates with leading firms such as EY, PwC, Deloitte, and Morgan Stanley, offering consultancy projects, guest lectures, and internship pathways.
Accreditation Value: The program is double-accredited by AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring long-term recognition by employers worldwide and alignment with international professional standards.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni progress into roles in investment banking, corporate finance, and strategic consulting, with many advancing quickly into leadership positions thanks to Edinburgh’s reputation and global alumni network.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Finance and Business MA (Hons), students can continue their studies at Edinburgh through a range of specialist Master’s programs. Popular options include the MSc Finance, MSc Finance and Investment, or MSc International Business and Emerging Markets, each designed to deepen expertise and open doors to senior roles in global finance and management. These postgraduate pathways build directly on the undergraduate foundation, offering advanced training, research opportunities, and professional development that position graduates for long-term success.