MSc Finance

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Heriot Watt University Edinburgh

Program Overview

The MSc Finance at Heriot‑Watt University gives you the skills and confidence to thrive in the fast-moving world of finance. You’ll explore how financial markets operate, understand corporate decision-making, and learn practical tools that employers are looking for — all while shaping your own path with optional modules that match your interests.

Curriculum structure:
The programme is designed to build your knowledge step by step, combining theory, practical tools, and independent research.

Year 1 (Core and Optional Modules):
You’ll start with the essentials like Corporate Finance, Capital Markets, Corporate Governance and Sustainability, and Financial Analysis, which give you a solid understanding of how finance works in real companies and markets.

Next, you’ll tackle Research Philosophy and Practice, Derivatives, and Empirical Financial Modelling, learning how to analyse real data, make sense of complex financial problems, and use quantitative techniques like a pro.

You can also choose from optional modules such as Emerging Financial Markets, Current Topics in Investment Management, or Advanced Valuation of Financial Markets, letting you focus on the areas that excite you most.

Finally, the programme concludes with a dissertation in Accounting, Banking, or Finance — a chance to dive deep into a topic that matters to you and demonstrate your ability to research, analyse, and present findings like a finance professional.

Focus areas:
Corporate finance, financial markets, financial analysis, quantitative modelling, research methods, and specialist investment topics.

Learning outcomes:
You’ll graduate with a strong grasp of finance theory and practice, the ability to analyse and interpret complex data, and the confidence to communicate insights clearly — all skills that employers value highly.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
While the programme isn’t tied to a single professional body, it’s closely aligned with industry expectations. You’ll also get hands-on experience in the Bloomberg Finance Lab and other industry-focused learning opportunities.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Heriot‑Watt is known for excellent graduate outcomes, ranking among the best in Scotland and the UK for helping students step into successful careers in business and finance.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Heriot‑Watt’s MSc Finance, you won’t just learn theory — you’ll do finance the way professionals do it. The programme is designed to give you practical skills that employers really value. You’ll work with real market data, get hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, and tackle projects that reflect the challenges faced in today’s financial world, helping you build confidence and capability alongside your studies.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience and develop transferable skills:

Bloomberg Finance Lab & Trading Suite: Use professional Bloomberg Terminals to access live financial data, analyse markets, build portfolios, and conduct risk and performance evaluations — just like analysts and investment professionals.
Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) Courses: Complete BMC modules covering economic indicators, equities, and fixed income, giving you certified, practical training that enhances your employability.
Industry‑relevant software and data tools: Get hands-on experience in financial reporting, modelling, and risk management using real data feeds, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
Group projects and collaborative work: Work with peers on finance problems and assignments that mirror team environments in banks, consultancies, and global firms.
Professional networking and industry insights: Hear directly from industry leaders and guest speakers, gaining perspectives on current practice and opportunities to connect with potential employers.
Enterprise and innovation support: Access campus spaces like the Enterprise Floor and research hubs, connecting you with entrepreneurial activities and cross-disciplinary projects to broaden your practical experience.

These experiences aren’t just extras — they’re part of the MSc Finance journey, helping you move seamlessly from academic study to the professional world.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Finance at Heriot‑Watt step confidently into the financial world, moving into roles such as Finance Analyst, Investment Manager, Corporate Finance Specialist, or Financial Consultant. The programme equips you with the practical skills, analytical know-how, and industry insight that employers are looking for, helping you transition smoothly from study to professional life:

Comprehensive career support: Heriot‑Watt’s Careers & Graduate Futures Service provides personalised guidance on CVs, interview preparation, job searching, and networking with employers, giving you an edge in securing your first role.
Strong employment outcomes: Many graduates secure professional and managerial positions within 15 months, reflecting the degree’s focus on real-world skills and employability.
Industry connectivity: The university hosts careers fairs and networking events with dozens of employers from finance and business, giving you direct exposure to potential recruiters.
Long-term value and global recognition: Employers worldwide respect a Heriot‑Watt degree. Its reputation for producing skilled, innovative graduates adds lasting value to your qualification.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, you could continue your studies with PhD research in finance or related fields, such as financial economics, risk management, or quantitative finance — building on the research skills and academic foundation developed during your dissertation. Many students also pursue professional finance qualifications like CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) to enhance career prospects in specialised finance roles.