MSc Finance

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MSc Finance at the University of Exeter is designed for students who want a strong, practical understanding of how global financial markets work and how financial decisions are made in real organisations. It’s an excellent fit if you’re aiming for careers in investment banking, asset management, corporate finance, or financial consulting and want to graduate with both technical confidence and real-world insight.

Curriculum Structure

Core Foundations (Autumn Term)
You begin by building a solid finance foundation through modules such as Financial Instruments, Financial Statement Analysis, and Quantitative Research Methods. These courses help you understand how financial markets operate, how to interpret company financial data, and how to use quantitative tools to support financial decision-making in professional settings.

Advanced Finance & Application (Spring Term)
In the second term, learning becomes more applied and strategic with modules like Equity Valuation Models and Issues, Portfolio Management and Asset Allocation, and Financial Modelling. You’ll learn how to value companies, design investment portfolios, and use professional-grade models that mirror industry practices.

Specialisation & Project Work (Summer Term)
The final stage allows you to tailor the degree to your career goals through a Dissertation, Applied Project, or Sustainable Finance Project. Optional modules such as Credit Instruments and Derivatives or Climate Finance and Investments let you explore specialist and emerging areas of finance while working on an in-depth, career-relevant research project.

Focus Areas (string)

Investment analysis, financial markets, portfolio management, financial modelling, sustainable and climate finance

Learning Outcomes (string)

Advanced financial analysis skills, strong quantitative and research capability, ability to value assets and manage portfolios, practical application of finance theory, professional-level decision-making

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Aligned with the CFA® University Affiliation Program, with pathways supporting preparation for the CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Exeter Business School holds triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) and is consistently recognised for strong graduate employability and academic reputation in UK league tables.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Exeter, learning finance isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about rolling up your sleeves and applying what you’ve learned to real-world scenarios. From day one, you’ll get hands-on experience using the same tools that professionals rely on, explore live market data, and work on projects that mirror challenges in investment, corporate finance, and portfolio management. Whether it’s through workshops, group projects, or optional industrial placements, you’ll leave the programme confident, capable, and ready for the finance industry.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience:

Access and work with Bloomberg, Refinitiv Eikon, and S&P Capital IQ, the industry-standard financial databases used by top firms.
Participate in workshops and labs using STATA, R, MATLAB, and Python to model financial data and test strategies.
Solve real-world finance problems through case studies and computer-based workshops, guided by experienced faculty.
Benefit from CFA preparation support, including boot camps and practitioner-led workshops, helping you earn valuable professional credentials.
Undertake an Applied Project, Sustainable Finance Project, or Dissertation to research and present solutions to complex financial issues.
Opt for the Industrial Experience year, gaining hands-on professional exposure, enhancing your CV, and building confidence before graduation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Exeter’s MSc Finance opens doors to a wide range of exciting roles in the finance world, including Investment Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Corporate Finance Associate, and Risk Analyst. The programme equips you with both technical skills and professional experience, giving you the confidence to step straight into competitive roles in banking, asset management, or corporate finance:

Career support: Exeter’s Business School Careers & Employability team offers one-to-one coaching, networking events, employer workshops, and tailored recruitment support to help you prepare for interviews and build your professional profile.
Strong employment record: The university is consistently ranked among the UK’s top institutions for graduate prospects, with Business School graduates highly sought after by employers.
Professional credibility: The programme’s CFA® University Affiliation and CFA exam support give you a recognised professional edge in global finance.
Industry connections: Guest lectures, workshops, and networking events with finance professionals and alumni help you build real-world connections and insight into current market practices.
Graduate outcomes: Exeter MSc Finance alumni progress quickly into senior roles, with excellent international and UK rankings highlighting strong career trajectories.

Further Academic Progression:
If you wish to continue your studies after the MSc, there are several pathways to explore. You could pursue a PhD in Finance or Economics to follow a research career, specialise with professional qualifications like the CFA charter, or undertake advanced programmes such as an MRes or postgraduate diploma in financial regulation or risk management, deepening your expertise and opening doors in academia, consulting, or research-focused roles.