MSc Finance and Management

9 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MSc Finance and Management at the University of Exeter gives you a strong mix of finance expertise and practical management skills, helping you step confidently into exciting roles in finance or broader business leadership. It’s perfect for ambitious graduates or early-career professionals who want to understand not just the numbers, but how organisations really operate and grow.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 / Core Phase (Full-Time, Terms 1–2)

You’ll start by building a solid foundation in both finance and management. Modules like Fundamentals of Financial Management, Managing Competitive Strategy, and Investment Analysis will give you the technical know-how, while Marketing Strategy and case-based learning show you how to apply it in real business situations. By the end of this phase, you’ll have a well-rounded understanding of how businesses make decisions and grow.

Year 1 / Advanced & Optional Phase (Full-Time, Terms 2–3)

Next, you can tailor your learning to what excites you most. You might dive deeper into Advanced Corporate Finance, explore Domestic and International Portfolio Management, or even try something like Entrepreneurship: New Venture Creation. There are options in areas like governance, climate finance, and innovation, so you can shape your degree around your career goals or discover new interests.

12-Month Route (Including Dissertation)

If you choose the 12-month full-time path, you’ll also take on a dissertation or applied project, like an Investment Analysis Dissertation or a Sustainable Finance Project. This gives you hands-on research experience and something impressive to showcase to future employers.

Focus areas (in a string):

Finance, corporate finance, investment management, strategy, innovation, sustainable finance, leadership, business operations.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Gain technical finance skills, apply management strategies across organisations, use advanced financial tools, make data-driven decisions, lead teams, and specialise in areas that match your career goals.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Delivered by the triple-accredited Exeter Business School (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS), so your degree has global recognition and high professional value.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Exeter Business School is ranked Top 5 in the UK for Accounting and Finance graduate prospects by The Complete University Guide 2026, reflecting strong career outcomes for graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Exeter, learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks — you’ll get hands-on experience that prepares you for real finance and management roles. From day one, you’ll work with industry-standard financial tools and databases, practice financial analysis in specialist labs, and collaborate on projects that mirror real business challenges. The programme is designed so you not only understand concepts but apply them confidently, whether you’re analysing markets, evaluating investment options, or leading a team project.

Here’s how you’ll get practical experience:

Industry-standard software and databases: Learn and use Datastream, Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters, BvD Orbis, Zephyr, STATA, and VBA — all tools that top employers expect you to know.
Bloomberg Suite & IT labs: Access dedicated Bloomberg terminals and specialist computer labs in the Xfi Building to practise market data analysis and financial modelling.
Group projects and collaborative spaces: Modern seminar rooms and study hubs let you work closely with peers on case studies, presentations, and business simulations — just like in the workplace.
Career development workshops and employer events: One-to-one guidance, networking events, and career fairs through Master Your Future help you prepare for job applications and interviews.
Internship opportunities: While optional, you can gain real workplace experience through paid internships and placements offered via the university’s Career Zone.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the MSc Finance and Management at Exeter opens the door to exciting careers where you can apply both your finance know-how and management skills. Many alumni go on to roles like Investment Analyst, Financial Analyst, Portfolio Manager, or Management Consultant, giving you flexibility across different sectors and industries:

Dedicated career support: Exeter’s Business School Careers Service and Career Zone offer one-to-one coaching, CV and interview guidance, employer events, job fairs, and networking opportunities to help you land your first role after graduation.
Strong employer connections: The school regularly hosts presentations and networking sessions with leading companies, and students can access opportunities through the Handshake platform, which connects them with thousands of potential employers.
Graduate outcomes: Exeter graduates consistently move into high-level roles in finance, consulting, and management, with the University ranked among the top UK universities for employability.
Accreditation and long-term value: With triple accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA), your degree is recognised globally, giving you credibility and an advantage in the job market.
Alumni network: Exeter graduates have gone on to work at major organisations like PwC, JP Morgan Chase, Ernst & Young, Samsung, and Coca‑Cola HBC — giving you access to a strong network of professionals around the world.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re thinking about further studies, this MSc also lays the groundwork for advanced qualifications. Many students continue with a PhD in finance, economics, or management, or pursue professional certifications such as CFA, ACCA, or CIMA to deepen expertise. The research skills and practical experience you gain here make it a smooth transition to further academic or professional achievements.