Enter OTP
The MSc Finance and Investment at the University of Exeter is designed for students who want to develop advanced expertise in investment analysis, financial markets, portfolio management, and sustainable finance. The programme is suited for graduates aiming to build careers in investment, asset management, and financial services, combining strong theoretical knowledge with practical financial and quantitative skills.
Curriculum Structure
9-Month Programme
Throughout the 9-month full-time programme, students develop essential finance and investment knowledge through core modules such as Financial Instruments, Investment Analysis 1, Financial Modelling, Fundamentals of Financial Management, and Quantitative Research Methods. These modules help students understand how financial markets operate, assess investment opportunities, use financial models, and apply quantitative techniques to support effective decision-making.
Students can further tailor their studies through optional modules including Banking and Financial Services, Derivatives Pricing, Domestic and International Portfolio Management, International Financial Management, Advanced Corporate Finance, and Applied Econometrics 1. Those interested in responsible investment can choose the Sustainable Finance pathway, which includes modules such as Climate Finance and Investments, Sustainable and Responsible Finance, Corporate Governance and Finance, and Financial Institutions’ Risk Management.
The 9-month route is structured across three terms from September to June and focuses on intensive taught learning. Instead of a dissertation, students complete additional specialist modules to achieve the required 180 credits for the MSc award, allowing them to gain a broader range of finance and investment knowledge in a shorter timeframe.
Focus Areas
Investment analysis, portfolio management, financial modelling, financial instruments, quantitative research methods, corporate finance, banking and financial services, derivatives, international finance, sustainable finance, climate finance, risk management, and global financial markets.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will develop advanced knowledge of investment strategies, financial analysis, portfolio management, and quantitative methods used in modern finance. Students will gain the ability to evaluate investment decisions, analyse financial markets, apply financial models, and understand sustainable investment practices relevant to global financial organisations.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The MSc Finance and Investment supports students preparing for careers in finance and investment sectors by developing industry-relevant technical and analytical skills. The Sustainable Finance pathway is certified by the CFA Institute as recognising key topics from the Certificate in ESG Investing, helping students build knowledge in environmental, social, and governance-focused investment practices.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
The University of Exeter’s MSc Finance and Investment has a strong reputation for providing high-quality finance education and was the first Master’s degree in finance in the UK, established in 1973. The programme combines academic expertise with industry-relevant skills, preparing graduates for opportunities in areas such as investment analysis, portfolio management, asset management, and financial consultancy.
At Exeter, your MSc in Finance and Investment isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about getting hands-on experience with the tools and skills that finance professionals actually use. From day one, you’ll be working with real financial data, analysing markets, and tackling investment problems in ways that mirror what you’d do in a career. The programme blends practical workshops, industry-led sessions, and team projects so you not only understand financial theory but know how to apply it in real-world scenarios:
Here’s what you’ll get to do:
Hands-on training with professional tools like Bloomberg, Refinitiv Eikon, S&P Capital IQ, and WRDS, giving you real experience in market research and financial modelling.
Case-study classes and computer-based sessions where you solve complex financial problems as part of a team.
Industry workshops led by practitioners, helping you understand company analysis and investment strategies in practice.
QTEM Programme opportunities for a semester abroad and a quantitative internship, plus the QTEM Data Challenge — perfect for building global finance experience.
Access to Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre (ESF) and other research hubs, connecting you with cutting-edge sustainable finance projects.
Collaborative group projects across modules, helping you sharpen teamwork, communication, and presentation skills.
Graduates from Exeter’s MSc Finance and Investment leave ready to step confidently into the world of finance. Many go on to roles such as Investment Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Risk Analyst, or Financial Consultant, applying the skills they’ve honed in real-world projects, database work, and financial modelling. With the programme’s hands-on focus, you’ll be prepared to make smart investment decisions and tackle complex financial challenges from day one:
Here’s how Exeter supports your career journey:
Tailored career guidance: The Business School’s Master Your Future programme offers workshops, 1:1 advice, CV and interview coaching, and employer events to make sure you’re ready for recruitment. You also have access to the university-wide Career Zone for personalised support, psychometric tests, and networking opportunities.
Strong employability outcomes: Exeter graduates consistently land high-skill finance roles, with many moving into investment management, consulting, or financial analysis.
Industry connections: Working with professional platforms and networks, including CISI qualifications and the QTEM programme, helps you gain global experience and build contacts that matter.
Accreditation advantage: Your degree comes from a triple-accredited Business School (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS) and is recognised by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) — making it highly respected by employers worldwide.
Real graduate success stories: Alumni have secured positions such as Risk Analyst at Aviva Investors or financial roles at leading banks and consultancies soon after graduating.
Further Academic Progression:
If you want to keep learning, this master’s opens doors to further study. You could take professional qualifications like the CFA, or dive into a PhD in Finance or Economics, exploring topics like financial markets, asset pricing, or sustainable investment. Your dissertation and research experiences during the MSc provide a strong foundation for both academic and specialist professional paths.
The MSc Finance and Investment is delivered at the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus in Exeter, UK, offering students access to the university’s finance, business, and professional learning facilities.Applicants typically need a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in Accounting, Finance, Investment, Economics, Mathematics, Business, or a related discipline.Evidence of mathematical or quantitative ability is essential, with relevant knowledge in areas such as Algebra, Calculus, Econometrics, Statistics, Probability, or Optimisation.Applications may also be considered based on exceptional performance in relevant modules, significant professional experience, or qualifications such as CFA, ACCA, ICAEW, ICAS, and CIMA.International students who need additional preparation can join the Exeter International Pre-Master’s programme, which develops subject knowledge, academic skills, and English ability before progressing to the Master’s programme.English Language Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with IELTS Academic (including Online and One Skill Retake) 6.5 overall with no section below 5.5, or TOEFL iBT 90 with minimum scores of 20 in Speaking and 18 in Writing, Listening and Reading. For TOEFL iBT tests taken from 21 January 2026, a score of 4.5 overall with no section below 3.5 is required.The University of Exeter does not charge an application fee for postgraduate taught Master’s applications.India: Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a UK Second-Class Honours (2:2).USA: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6/4.0.China: A bachelor’s degree from a Chinese university recognized by the Ministry of Education with a minimum score of 70% for UK 2:2 equivalence;Investment AnalystPortfolio ManagerRisk AnalystFinancial ConsultantAsset ManagerEquity AnalystFixed Income AnalystCorporate Finance AnalystInvestment BankerTreasury AnalystFinancial PlannerHedge Fund AnalystPrivate Equity AnalystSustainable Finance SpecialistQuantitative Analyst
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
University of Exeter
