MSc Finance

On the MSc Finance at Oxford Brookes, you won’t just study finance theory — you’ll put it into practice. From the start, you’ll gain real-world skills using professional tools like Bloomberg Terminals in the Bloomberg Trading Suite, allowing you to analyse financial markets, simulate trades, and build financial models just like in the industry. Interactive workshops, case studies, and group projects give you hands-on experience solving problems that mirror real finance roles.

The programme also connects classroom learning with the world of work through guest speakers, collaborative projects, and practical modules. You can choose a paid work placement year as part of the sandwich mode route, giving you valuable industry experience and a chance to build professional networks before you graduate — all supported by the university’s placements team.

Experiential learning highlights include:

• Bloomberg Trading Suite Access: Work with industry-standard Bloomberg Terminals to analyse markets, simulate trades, and develop financial models.

• Interactive Workshops & Group Projects: Apply concepts through team tasks and problem-solving sessions that reflect real finance roles.

• Guest Industry Speakers: Gain insights from professionals working in leading companies.

• Optional Paid Work Placement: Spend a year gaining supervised experience in banking, asset management, or corporate finance.

• Professional Skills Development: Build communication, teamwork, presentation, and digital skills essential for finance careers.

• Field Trips & Study Modules: Participate in international business study trips and corporate site visits for exposure to real business environments.

• Real-World Assessment: Complete practical tasks, reports, and presentations that help you create a professional portfolio as you study.

Graduates from the MSc Finance are well prepared to step confidently into the global finance world. Typical career paths include financial analyst, investment banker, financial trader, and treasurer, with alumni working for major organisations such as Deutsche Bank, Citibank, IBM, and HSBC. With the programme’s practical focus and strong industry links, you’ll have a clear route to a rewarding career:

Opportunities and Support:

• Dedicated careers services: The WAVES (Work and Voluntary Experience Services) team and the university Careers Centre help you craft your CV, prepare for interviews and assessment centres, and explore recruitment channels throughout your studies.

• Placement and industry engagement: Optional paid work placements let you gain supervised professional experience, build networks, and often lead to graduate job offers in sectors like banking, asset management, or corporate finance.

• Industry partnerships and guest insights: Regular guest speakers and company visits give you first-hand insight into current finance practices and allow you to connect with professionals in the field.

• Strong employability track record: A high proportion of Oxford Brookes graduates secure employment or continue to further study shortly after finishing, supported by career guidance and practical learning experiences.

• Long-term professional value: The skills you develop — from financial modelling to digital literacy and teamwork — are highly valued across finance and business sectors, boosting your credibility in the job market.

Future Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Finance, you could continue your studies in several ways. You might pursue professional finance qualifications such as CFA, ACCA, or CIMA to deepen your expertise and enhance your career prospects. Alternatively, research-focused postgraduate study, such as an MPhil or PhD in finance, accounting, or economics, can prepare you for academic or high-level analytical roles. You could also explore specialised master’s programmes in areas like financial analytics, risk management, or corporate strategy to tailor your skills for niche sectors.