MSc Finance

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Loughborough University

Program Overview

The MSc Finance at Loughborough University is an engaging master’s program that combines essential financial theory with practical, real-world experience, helping you become confident and career-ready for roles in corporate finance, investment, or financial consulting. It’s designed for graduates from both finance and non-finance backgrounds, giving you a strong grounding in financial markets, corporate strategy, and advanced analytical tools while allowing you to focus on the areas that match your career ambitions.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Core Foundations & Skills Development)
In the first semester, you’ll establish a solid foundation with modules such as Corporate Finance Fundamentals, where you’ll explore valuation, capital structure, and financial decision-making. Quantitative Methods for Finance sharpens your analytical skills using tools like Python and Excel, and Financial Markets and Institutions gives you a clear understanding of how global markets operate. Professional Skills for Success helps you develop communication, teamwork, and presentation skills that employers highly value.

Year 1 (Optional Specialisations & Consultancy Project)
As you move forward, you can tailor your studies with optional modules such as Portfolio Management, Derivatives and Risk Management, Behavioural Finance, or Sustainable Finance, providing specialized insights into investment strategies, risk mitigation, and ESG-focused decision-making. The summer Consultancy Project offers practical experience where you tackle a real business challenge, applying your finance knowledge while building confidence and professional credibility for the job market.

Focus Areas: Corporate finance and valuation, global financial markets, quantitative methods, risk management, portfolio strategies, sustainability and ESG integration

Learning Outcomes: Strong analytical finance skills, proficiency in professional software, the ability to evaluate and solve complex financial problems, and communication skills to succeed in high-performing teams

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Part of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, aligning over 70% of the curriculum with the CFA Level I body of knowledge — ideal for students aiming for finance certifications and competitive roles

Reputation (Employability & Rankings): Loughborough Business School is triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) and ranked top 10 in the UK for Accounting and Finance by The Guardian University Guide 2026, and top 100 globally for master’s in Finance in the QS Business Master’s Rankings 2025, highlighting both academic excellence and graduate employability

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Finance at Loughborough University is designed to give you far more than theoretical knowledge — you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience that prepares you for real-world finance careers. From working on live projects for real clients to using the same industry-standard software that professionals rely on, you’ll develop the skills, confidence, and insight needed to hit the ground running after graduation. The programme also provides access to excellent facilities, modern technology, and supportive learning environments so you can practise, experiment, and collaborate effectively:

Here’s how you’ll get practical experience:

Live Consultancy Project – Work on a real business challenge for an external client during the summer, applying your finance knowledge to solve practical problems while building teamwork and consulting skills.
LSEG Workspace Financial Data Platform – Gain hands-on experience with this leading market data software for both individual and group assessments, helping you develop practical data analysis skills.
Trading Room & Financial Software – Use dedicated computing facilities and tools like Thomson‑Reuters Eikon to simulate real financial markets and apply your learning to real-time market data.
Group Projects and Workshops – Collaborate on assignments and workshops that strengthen communication, leadership, and teamwork — just like in a professional finance environment.
Professional Skills Development – A year-long module helps you build essential skills in presentation, communication, Excel, Python, and other tools used in finance roles.
Business School Facilities – Enjoy modern study spaces, the LB Hub, collaborative areas, and up-to-date teaching technology to support your learning journey.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MSc Finance at Loughborough University go on to exciting careers where they can make an impact in finance and business. Many move into roles such as Investment Analyst, Corporate Finance Associate, Risk Analyst, or Financial Consultant soon after graduation. With a programme built around real-world skills and employability, you’ll be well-prepared to step confidently into your chosen career:

Here’s how Loughborough helps you get there:

Career support services – The Careers Network provides one-to-one coaching, help with CVs and interviews, employer networking events, and access to graduate jobs and internships tailored to finance students.
Graduate employment and salary outcomes – Loughborough finance graduates report strong employment within 15 months of finishing the course, with average starting salaries around £34,000, reflecting the value of your degree in the job market.
Industry connections – Through live consultancy projects, guest lectures, and networking events, you’ll engage with organisations like PwC, KPMG, Deloitte, and leading banks, giving you real insight into the finance world.
Accreditation and professional recognition – Being part of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program aligns your studies with globally recognised finance standards, boosting your credibility for professional roles and qualifications.
Alumni success – Many graduates move into senior positions within 5–10 years, with employers valuing Loughborough’s mix of analytical depth, practical skills, and industry experience.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, this MSc provides an excellent foundation for a PhD in Finance or related research degrees, as well as professional qualifications like CFA Levels II and III or ACCA, giving you options to deepen your expertise or specialise further in your finance career.