International Business and Finance, MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Aberdeen

Program Overview

The MSc International Business and Finance at the University of Aberdeen is designed to give you the perfect mix of global business strategy and financial expertise. It’s ideal for students who want to understand how businesses operate across borders while gaining the skills to analyse, manage, and make strategic financial decisions in a real-world context.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Taught Stage – Semester 1 & 2):
In the first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in both business and finance. You’ll explore Empirical Methods in Finance Research (BU5565), where you’ll learn practical techniques for analysing financial data and understanding market trends. In Portfolio Analysis (BU5526), you’ll dive into investment strategies, risk management, and asset pricing. Issues in Corporate Governance & Ethics (BU552G) will help you understand how companies make ethical decisions and manage stakeholder relationships, giving you a strong foundation for responsible business leadership.

Year 2 (Taught Stage – Semester 3):
The second year takes your knowledge deeper. Financial Markets & Regulation (BU552H) helps you understand how financial systems work worldwide and how regulations shape them. Accounting & Finance for Managers (BU5026) equips you with the skills to make effective business decisions using financial insights. You’ll also pick a pathway module based on your interests, such as Negotiation & Cross-Cultural Management (BU5072), Environmental Economics & Finance (BU505J), or technology-focused modules like Introduction to Programming (CS5076) and Database Systems & Big Data (CS5097), letting you tailor your learning to your career goals.

Year 3 (Capstone / Dissertation):
The final stage is all about applying what you’ve learned. Through the Master’s Dissertation in Accountancy & Finance (BU5903), you’ll tackle a real-world finance problem, sharpen your research skills, and produce work that demonstrates your expertise — perfect for showing future employers what you can do.

Focus Areas

International finance, global business strategy, risk management, corporate governance, quantitative finance, FinTech / sustainability pathways

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to analyse complex financial data, develop risk management strategies, understand global business challenges, and apply finance theory to real-world problems — giving you a strong edge in multinational businesses or financial institutions.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is offered by the University of Aberdeen Business School, which is EQUIS-accredited, ensuring a high standard of business education recognized worldwide.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

93.8% of Aberdeen Business School graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduation.
The School is ranked 7th in the UK for Accounting & Finance in the Guardian University Guide.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Aberdeen, learning goes far beyond lectures — you’ll get plenty of hands-on experience to make sure you can hit the ground running after graduation. You’ll work with live market data in the Bloomberg Finance Lab, practice trading on the in‑house stock exchange, and take part in real-world projects that mirror what businesses actually do. Industry speakers, group projects, and potential work-based placements give you a chance to see how theory meets practice, while also building your professional confidence and network.

Here’s how this practical learning takes shape:

Bloomberg Finance Lab: Use the same Bloomberg terminals as professionals in top financial institutions, analyzing live market data and making real-time investment decisions.
In‑house Stock Exchange: Simulate trading and portfolio management in a fully equipped, professional-style environment.
Employer-hosted Masters Projects & Group Work: Collaborate on consultancy-style projects with real organisations, giving you insight into industry challenges.
Work-based Learning Hub: Get guidance on placements and projects that allow you to apply your skills directly in a professional setting.
Graduate Attributes Development: Build teamwork, problem-solving, and professional communication skills alongside your finance expertise.
Global Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse international cohort and learn from industry professionals through guest lectures and workshops.
Research Exposure: Engage with the School’s cutting-edge research in finance, corporate governance, and energy economics, and apply it to your dissertation or projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme leave Aberdeen ready to take on exciting roles in global business and finance. Many go on to become Financial Analysts, Risk Managers, Corporate Strategy Consultants, or International Business Development Managers, using their skills to make a real impact in organisations worldwide. Here’s how the University helps you get there:

Career Support: Aberdeen’s Careers Service works closely with postgraduates, offering CV workshops, interview coaching, networking opportunities, and guidance on internships to make sure you’re job-ready.
Strong Graduate Outcomes: Around 94% of Business School graduates are in work or further study within 15 months, giving you confidence that your degree pays off.
Industry Connections: The School partners with top firms like Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, and Ernst & Young, providing opportunities to learn from and impress leading employers.
Professional Qualifications Boost: You can get exemptions from the first four ACCA modules, giving a head start if you’re aiming to become a chartered accountant.
Global Recognition: The Business School’s EQUIS accreditation ensures your degree is respected internationally and valued by employers.
Salary & Employability: Many graduates start with salaries around £26,000, reflecting the strong demand for Aberdeen-trained finance professionals.

Further Academic Progression:
If you love research or want to specialise even further, you could pursue a PhD in Finance or International Business, or join executive education programmes. Your dissertation experience and research skills give you a solid foundation for doctoral work or teaching and research roles, especially within Aberdeen’s research-active Business School.