MSc Corporate Finance

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Reading

Program Overview

The MSc Corporate Finance at the ICMA Centre immerses you in corporate financial decision-making and investment banking, blending theory with practical experience through case studies, simulations, and industry-relevant tools. It’s ideal for students looking to gain hands-on financial analysis, valuation skills, and market insight while exploring private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and capital budgeting.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Core & Foundation):
In the first year, you build a strong foundation in corporate finance and financial markets. Modules like Corporate Finance and Financial Reporting teach how capital budgeting and financing decisions impact firm value, while Financial Securities and Markets cover the pricing and functioning of key financial instruments. Econometric Analysis for Finance equips you with quantitative tools essential for analyzing real-world financial data.

Year 2 (Advanced Application & Specialisation):
The second year focuses on advanced topics such as Private Equity and Venture Capital, giving insight into investment strategies and deal processes. Corporate Financial Modelling for Investment Banking enhances your practical valuation and modelling skills for M&A and banking roles. Electives like Investment Portfolio Management allow you to develop skills in constructing and managing investment portfolios.

Year 3 (Optional Project / Placement):
In the final phase, you can choose a Work Placement and Project to apply your skills in a professional environment, or a Research Project to explore a corporate finance topic in depth. Both options strengthen employability and provide practical experience that complements your studies.

Focus Areas

Corporate financial management, investment banking, valuation and modelling, mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital, financial markets analysis, risk management, quantitative finance tools.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to interpret complex financial data, construct and value corporate investments, model real-world financial scenarios, navigate securities markets, and make strategic financial decisions with confidence.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc is affiliated with the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, covering a substantial portion of the CFA candidate body of knowledge, and provides exemptions from the Corporate Investment exam of the Corporate Finance Consultant qualification. It is also recognised by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, offering potential professional benefits.

Reputation and Employability Rankings

The ICMA Centre’s finance programmes are ranked 6th in the UK and 36th globally in the Financial Times Masters in Finance ranking, and 2nd in the UK for average salary increase after graduation. Graduates secure roles at leading firms such as Deloitte, Boston Consulting Group, UBS, KPMG, and Société Générale, with strong employment outcomes reported.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Corporate Finance at the ICMA Centre is designed to give you real, hands-on experience in the world of finance. You’ll do much more than study theory — you’ll actively use the same tools and techniques that professionals rely on every day. From working with live market data to tackling case studies and simulations, the programme ensures you gain practical skills that make you career-ready. You also have the chance to take a summer work placement, giving you a real taste of corporate finance in action and a way to apply what you’ve learned in a professional setting.

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience:

Dealing Rooms and Trading Simulations: Practice in the Centre’s three dedicated dealing rooms, equipped with over 100 terminals and live market data from Refinitiv Eikon and Bloomberg, so you can experience real-time trading, portfolio management, and market analysis.
Professional Software and Tools: Learn to use industry-standard software and programming languages, including Refinitiv, Bloomberg, Python, R, SAS, SQL, and VBA, building the technical skills top employers look for.
Work Placement and Project: Option to take a summer placement with an organisation, applying your skills in a real business environment while completing a project that reflects real-world challenges.
Case-Based Workshops and Financial Analysis: Engage in interactive workshops and case studies that help you translate financial theory into practical solutions for businesses today.
Career Support: Receive tailored guidance from the Henley Careers and Professional Development Team, including coaching, interview practice, networking events, and employer workshops to help you move confidently from study to your first role.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Corporate Finance leave the ICMA Centre ready to step straight into the professional world, equipped with practical skills and confidence to succeed in high-level finance roles. Many go on to careers as investment banking analysts, corporate finance associates, financial analysts in consulting or professional services, or private equity and asset management analysts — showing just how relevant and versatile this degree is for the finance sector.

Here’s how the programme helps you get there:

Dedicated Career Support: The Henley Careers and Professional Development Team offers personalised guidance, from one-to-one appointments and CV and interview coaching to employability skills workshops and networking events with employers. This support continues for up to four years after graduation.
Strong Employment Outcomes: Around 89% of graduates find employment within a year, with an average starting salary of £44,608, highlighting the real-world value of the skills and experience you gain.
University–Industry Links: The MSc is affiliated with the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program and recognised by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), giving your degree credibility and helping you move faster toward professional qualifications.
Employer Connections: Graduates go on to work at prestigious organisations such as Deloitte, Boston Consulting Group, UBS, KPMG, and Société Générale, reflecting the strong reputation of the programme in the finance industry.
Accreditation and Long-Term Value: Beyond your first role, the CFA and CISI recognition adds weight to your CV, helping with career progression and access to globally recognised professional credentials.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, you have several options to continue your studies. Many choose to pursue professional qualifications like the CFA exams, CISI certifications, or the Corporate Finance Consultant (CFC) designation, leveraging exemptions from this programme. Others take an academic path, moving on to doctoral research (PhD) in finance or related fields, using the analytical and research skills they developed during the MSc to explore advanced topics in corporate finance.