MSc Finance and Economics with Placement

At Kent Business School, learning goes far beyond the lecture theatre — you’ll use real tools, tackle real challenges, and gain experience that employers actually value. The Finance and Economics with Placement programme immerses you in practical learning from the start: you’ll work with live financial data, collaborate on group projects, visit companies, and have opportunities to apply your skills in professional environments. Teaching combines lectures, seminars, computer-based workshops, and expert talks, all supported by purpose-built facilities that help you bridge the gap between theory and practice. If you choose the placement option, you’ll also spend a full year working in industry, building your confidence, expanding your network, and enhancing your CV before graduation.

Your hands-on experiences will include:

• Bloomberg Suite and Computer Labs: Analyse live financial market data, model investment decisions, and simulate trading scenarios just like professionals.

• Group Projects & Workshops: Work with classmates on real-world case studies and finance challenges, developing teamwork and presentation skills.

• Industry Speakers and Company Visits: Learn from finance experts and visit organisations to see how markets, strategy, and regulation operate in practice.

• Computer-Based Workshops: Build proficiency with quantitative methods and tools used for financial analysis and econometrics.

• Optional Placement Year: Gain a full year of professional work experience in a finance, economics, or business-related role, applying your learning to live challenges and boosting your employability.

• Careers Support and Extra-Curricular Development: Take part in workshops, coaching, and sessions designed to sharpen professional skills and prepare you for interviews and networking.

Facilities that support your experiential journey:
Kent Business School’s Sibson Building provides state-of-the-art teaching spaces, breakout areas for group work, dedicated lab spaces including the Bloomberg suite and computer labs, and social spaces where you can collaborate, innovate, and develop your ideas.

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared to step into meaningful roles where their analytical skills and real-world experience really make a difference. Typical career paths include financial analyst, economic consultant, investment manager, and policy advisor, giving you opportunities to work in global businesses, consultancies, or public organisations:

• Dedicated careers support: Kent Business School offers personalised one-to-one career coaching, mentoring with industry professionals and alumni, and guidance on CVs, interviews, and professional development. You’ll also have access to careers fairs, employer networking events, live projects, and workshops designed to connect you with potential employers.

• Employability edge programmes: From the start, you’ll benefit from structured employability initiatives focused on preparing you for work after graduation, including skill-building sessions and practical guidance on professional development.

• Industry links and placement experience: You can choose an industrial placement or in-company project, allowing you to test your skills in a real workplace and gain practical experience that gives you a competitive edge.

• Employment impact and earnings: Graduates go into a wide range of organisations — from banking and wealth management to consulting and tech — with postgraduate study shown to boost average earnings compared with those without a master’s.

• Accreditation value: Kent Business School’s triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS) signals quality to employers worldwide and enhances your long-term credibility and career mobility.

Further Academic Progression:
If you wish to continue in academia or specialise further, this MSc opens doors to PhD programmes in finance, economics, or related social sciences, as well as professional qualifications such as the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). These pathways are ideal if you see yourself in research, lecturing, or high-level strategic roles where advanced analytical skills and subject expertise are essential.