MSc Finance and Analytics with placement year

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Oxford Brookes University

Program Overview

The MSc Finance and Analytics with placement year at Oxford Brookes University is designed for students who want to combine strong financial knowledge with practical data analytics skills that employers value. It suits graduates aiming for careers in finance, investment, business analytics, or FinTech, offering a balance of theory, technology, and real-world experience through a placement year.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Taught Stage (Core Knowledge and Analytical Skills)
In the first year, students develop a solid grounding in finance through modules such as Core Concepts in Finance, where they explore financial markets, instruments, and financial analysis using industry tools like Excel and Bloomberg. Alongside this, Business Analytics and The Practice of Data Analysis focus on handling, analysing, and visualising data using technologies such as Python and cloud platforms. Modules like Emerging Financial Technologies and Developing Skills for Leadership and Employability help students understand digital transformation in finance while building professional and leadership skills.

Year 2 – Placement and Applied Learning
The second year includes a supervised placement that allows students to apply their finance and analytics knowledge in a real organisational setting, gaining valuable professional experience. During this stage, students also complete an Applied Project, enabling them to independently research and solve a complex finance or analytics problem, strengthening their strategic thinking and employability.

Focus Areas (in a string)

Finance and financial markets, data analytics and visualisation, financial technologies, employability and leadership skills, applied learning through placement experience

Learning Outcomes (in a string)

Ability to analyse financial data, apply analytical tools and technologies, evaluate financial decisions, communicate data-driven insights clearly, and demonstrate professional readiness through real-world application

Professional Alignment (accreditation)

Aligned with current industry practices in finance and analytics, using professional tools and technologies to prepare students for roles across finance, analytics, and FinTech sectors

Reputation (employability rankings)

Oxford Brookes University is known for its strong focus on employability and practical learning, with graduates progressing into analytical and finance-focused roles across global organisations

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Finance and Analytics with placement year at Oxford Brookes University is designed to give you hands‑on experience with the tools, techniques, and environments used by finance and analytics professionals. From the start, you’ll work with industry-standard software like Bloomberg Terminals, Python, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, and AWS cloud computing, giving you the practical skills employers expect. You’ll engage in case studies, group projects, and simulations that mirror real-world financial and data challenges, while guest sessions and workshops with professionals bring current industry practice directly into your learning. A full-year placement lets you apply these skills in a real organisation, building your confidence, network, and professional experience. Experiential learning in this programme includes:

Professional Software and Technology: Hands-on experience with Bloomberg Terminals for financial data analysis, plus Python, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, and AWS cloud services for preparing, analysing, and visualising data.
Real Projects and Group Work: Case studies, simulations, and individual and group projects that replicate real-world finance and analytics challenges.
Placement Year: A full-year professional placement in the finance or analytics sector, allowing you to gain practical experience and build your professional network.
Workshops and Guest Engagements: Hands-on workshops and guest lectures from industry professionals to bring current practice into your learning.
International Study Trip (Optional): Opportunities to experience global business firsthand through optional international study trips, visiting corporate sites and meeting industry leaders.

Facilities supporting experiential learning include dedicated digital labs, Bloomberg suites, and extensive library resources.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MSc Finance and Analytics with placement year at Oxford Brookes University are equipped to take on roles where finance meets data, turning insights into real business impact. Typical career paths include Financial Analyst, Investment Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Risk Analyst, and FinTech Specialist, where you can apply your technical skills in Python, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, and cloud computing, alongside the hands-on experience gained during your placement. The programme is designed to make your transition into the professional world smooth and supported:

Career Support Services: Oxford Brookes offers personalised guidance through the Careers Centre and WAVES (Work and Voluntary Experience Services), helping with CVs, interview preparation, job vacancies, and networking events.
Employment Outcomes: Around 95% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, reflecting the strong employability focus of the programme.
Industry Partnerships & Networking: Benefit from links with organisations such as BMW, IBM, and PwC through placements, workshops, and guest lectures, giving you opportunities to connect with potential employers.
Placement Experience Advantage: The full-year placement allows you to gain hands-on experience, boost your confidence, and often leads to job offers from the companies you work with.
Accreditation Value: The skills and competencies developed in this programme support eligibility for future professional certifications and provide a strong foundation for long-term career growth in finance and analytics.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, you could continue your studies with an MBA, a specialised master’s in finance or analytics, or a PhD in a related field. These paths allow you to deepen your expertise, explore advanced research, or prepare for senior leadership and strategic roles in industry or academia.