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The MSc in Finance of Heriot-Watt University seeks to provide students with a sound basis in up-to-date financial theory and its practical application. The program puts the right tools in the hands of learners to study complex financial markets and form sound judgments in a more and more dynamic world economy. It harmonizes theoretical academic content with real-world expertise, training students to excel in the finance-based careers of investment banking, asset management, corporate finance, and risk management. The course enhances reasoning and problem-solving through integration of quantitative approaches with strategic financial management.
Curriculum Structure:
The curriculum is designed with careful blending of foundational financial principles with advanced analytical methods, such as:
Core Finance Modules: These include subject areas such as Corporate Finance, Financial Markets, Derivatives and Risk Management, and Investment Analysis. Each module enhances a better understanding of how financial decisions impact business and economies.
Quantitative Methods: Students apply statistics, econometrics, and financial modeling to develop strong data analysis skills needed in today's finance.
Applied Projects: Case studies and practical exercises enable students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world financial issues, cultivating their decision-making skills.
Dissertation/Research Project: The course concludes with a substantial research project where students examine a finance topic of their choice, demonstrating their capability to conduct independent, in-depth research.
Accreditation:
The Heriot-Watt MSc Finance is certified by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) for its standards and professional finance qualification fit. This certification assists graduates in obtaining further certification like the CFA or CIPM.
Heriot-Watt University values experiential, practical learning in addition to theoretical learning:
Industry Connections and Guest Lectures: The program frequently makes guest visits by finance professionals from banks, asset managers, and consultancies, giving students exposure to real market realities.
Access to Bloomberg Terminals: Students are provided with individual access to Bloomberg terminals, which enable them to carry out live market analysis and gain very much-sought skills that recruiters seek.
Work Placement and Internship Support: While not compulsory, the university offers career specialist services that facilitate students in gaining internship positions with leading financial institutions, enhancing job opportunities and networking.
Financial Trading Simulations: Through simulated trading exercises, students experience pressures and decision-making akin to true-to-life financial markets, reinforcing confidence and true-to-life knowledge.
Research Collaboration: Student research collaboration with faculty pursuing cutting-edge finance research fosters an understanding of both academic and applied finance research.
Heriot-Watt MSc in Finance graduates are well positioned to gain competitive working careers in the finance industry globally. The university provides ongoing support to allow students to be ready for the next phase in their working lives:
Dedicated Career Guidance: Heriot-Watt's careers team offers one-to-one advice on career progress, interviewing, and networking strategies tailored to the finance sector.
Global Alumni Network: Alumni are joined by a strong global network of Heriot-Watt alumni working for banks, investment houses, and corporate finance departments, which generates valuable contacts.
Professional Qualification Preparation: The close alignment of the course structure with professional qualifications means that a high proportion of students pass exams like CFA Level 1 within a couple of months of graduation, starting their careers earlier.
Further Study Opportunities: For those students who wish to study further, options include carrying out finance or business-related doctoral research or specialist master's degrees in subjects such as quantitative finance or risk management.
IELTS - The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5 except for writing which must be at 6.0 minimum.TOEFL - 72 (Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 17) Close industry collaboration through the Bayes Centre partnership, giving access to innovation hubs and fintech startups, which supports cutting-edge research and networking opportunities.Dedicated career support from the Edinburgh Business School’s global alumni network, providing tailored mentoring and job placement assistance in international financial hubs.Integration of sustainability and ethical finance principles within the curriculum, reflecting growing global trends toward ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investing.Specialized modules on financial technology (FinTech) innovations such as blockchain, cryptocurrency, and AI-driven financial modeling — areas still emerging in many traditional MSc Finance courses.Access to the University’s exclusive financial databases like Bloomberg terminals and Thomson Reuters Eikon, available to students for in-depth market analysis and research projects.Opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research projects with other faculties, such as economics and data science, encouraging a holistic approach to solving complex financial problems.Strong focus on preparing students for professional certifications, such as the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Level 1 exam, with aligned course content and preparatory workshops.financial analystinvestment analystequity research analystportfolio analystenergy traderfinancial consultantcorporate banking analystcredit analystbusiness analysttreasury analysttrading administratorfund accountantstockbrokerfinancial adviserrisk managerwealth managerfund manageraccountanttreasurerfinancial plannerfinancial economistcorporate lenderforecasterconsultantmanagement consultantand research analyst 
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Heriot Watt University Edinburgh
