BSc Finance: Investment Banking

The BSc Finance: Investment Banking at the University of Exeter helps you develop practical skills by connecting financial theory with real-world investment and banking practices. Through applied coursework, analytical exercises, group activities and industry-focused learning, you will gain experience in evaluating investments, understanding financial markets and making informed financial decisions. You can also enhance your learning through an optional Industrial Experience Year or Year Abroad, while benefiting from the specialist resources and supportive environment of the University of Exeter Business School.

Students gain practical experience through a range of learning opportunities and specialist resources, including:

• Study at the University of Exeter Business School on the Streatham Campus, with access to dedicated learning spaces, academic support and business-focused resources.

• Apply your knowledge through specialist modules such as Equity and Fixed Income, Financial Modelling, Quantitative Methods, Economics of Financial Crisis and Risk Management.

• Develop analytical and numerical skills by working with financial data, investment techniques and quantitative methods used in the finance industry.

• Take part in group projects, presentations and collaborative coursework to strengthen teamwork, communication and professional skills.

• Gain valuable industry experience through the optional Industrial Experience Year, where you can complete a professional placement before returning for your final year.

• Receive career support from the Business School Careers Team, including placement guidance, application support, CV advice, interview preparation and employer connections.

• Access placement opportunities with organisations including Adidas, Apple, ASOS, Bank of England, Deloitte, Disney, EY, GlaxoSmithKline, Goldman Sachs and PwC.

• Choose the optional Year Abroad pathway to study internationally and gain a wider understanding of global financial markets.

• Benefit from the University’s partnership with the CQF Institute, which provides access to professional resources, networking opportunities, workshops and insights into quantitative finance.

• Explore responsible finance practices through learning areas such as sustainability, responsible leadership and technological change in financial decision-making.

• Use the University’s library resources, digital learning platforms and online academic tools to support financial research, independent study and coursework.

• Build industry-relevant skills for careers in investment banking, financial services, consultancy, banking and corporate finance.

A BSc Finance: Investment Banking from the University of Exeter prepares you for a successful career in the global finance sector by developing your knowledge of financial markets, investment strategies, quantitative analysis and business decision-making. The programme equips you with the skills needed for roles such as Investment Banking Analyst, Financial Analyst, Risk Analyst, and Corporate Finance Associate, with opportunities across banking, financial services, consulting and corporate organisations. With strong employability support, industry connections and professional development opportunities, graduates are well prepared to take the next step into the finance industry.

Key opportunities and career support include:

• The University of Exeter Business School Careers Team provides dedicated support through career guidance, placement advice, CV development, interview preparation, networking opportunities and connections with employers in the finance sector.

• The optional Industrial Experience Year allows students to gain professional experience with an employer before completing their final year, helping them develop workplace skills and strengthen their graduate profile.

• Students completing the Industrial Experience pathway typically earn between £19,000 and £23,000, with some placement salaries reaching up to £52,000 depending on the role and organisation.

• 97% of graduates from the With Industrial Experience pathway were in graduate employment or postgraduate study within six months of graduation, compared with 93.5% of graduates who followed the standard route.

• Students have gained industry experience with leading organisations including Adidas, Apple, ASOS, Bank of England, Deloitte, Disney, EY, GlaxoSmithKline, Goldman Sachs and PwC.

• Graduates develop skills in financial analysis, investment evaluation, risk assessment, quantitative methods, research, teamwork, communication and commercial awareness, which are highly valued by employers.

• The programme has CFA University Affiliation Program status, supporting students interested in investment management careers, while the partnership with the CQF Institute provides access to professional resources, networking opportunities, workshops and industry insights.

• Depending on the modules selected, students can work towards recognised professional finance qualifications, adding long-term value to their degree and supporting career progression.

• Graduates are prepared for careers in investment banking, financial services, corporate finance, consulting, banking and other finance-related sectors.

• The University of Exeter is ranked Joint 3rd in the UK for Accounting and Finance Graduate Prospects and Top 10 in the UK for Accounting and Finance in the Complete University Guide 2027.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BSc Finance: Investment Banking, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes such as MSc Finance, MSc Financial Analysis and Fund Management, MSc Financial Technology (FinTech), MSc Business Analytics, MSc Accounting and Finance, or other specialist finance programmes. Students can also pursue professional qualifications such as CFA, CQF, ACA, ACCA or CIMA to further specialise and enhance their career opportunities in finance and investment.