MSc Finance with Placement Year

2 Years On Campus Postgraduate Program

SOAS University of London

Program Overview

The MSc Finance with Placement Year at SOAS University of London is designed for students who want strong financial expertise combined with real-world industry experience and a global perspective. It suits those aiming for careers in finance, banking, consulting, or international business, while also valuing SOAS’s unique focus on emerging markets, ethics, and global economic systems.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 (Taught stage)
In the first year, students build a solid foundation in core finance principles while developing analytical and practical skills needed in modern financial roles. You will study key modules such as Corporate Finance, Financial Markets and Institutions, and Financial Econometrics, gaining a strong understanding of how firms make financial decisions and how global financial systems operate. The year also encourages critical thinking around finance in an international and development-focused context, reflecting SOAS’s academic strengths.

Placement Year
The placement year gives students the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a professional finance-related role. This supervised work placement helps you develop practical skills, industry awareness, and professional confidence, while strengthening your CV with relevant experience. It is particularly valuable for students aiming to stand out in competitive finance job markets.

Final Year (Dissertation stage)
In the final stage, students consolidate their learning through independent research and advanced study. You will complete a Dissertation in Finance, allowing you to explore a specialist topic in depth while applying quantitative and theoretical tools learned earlier. This stage strengthens research, problem-solving, and communication skills valued by employers and academic institutions alike.

Focus areas (in a string):
Corporate finance, financial markets, international finance, quantitative analysis, emerging and developing economies, ethical and global perspectives in finance

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Advanced understanding of financial theory and practice, ability to analyse financial data and markets, critical evaluation of global financial issues, application of finance knowledge in professional settings, independent research and analytical skills

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The program is academically aligned with professional finance and banking career pathways, supporting progression toward roles in financial analysis, investment, and corporate finance, though it does not claim a specific professional body accreditation.

Reputation (employability rankings):
SOAS University of London is internationally recognised for its expertise in economics, finance, and global studies, with a strong reputation for graduate employability in international organisations, finance-related roles, and research-led careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Finance with Placement Year at SOAS University of London is built to ensure you gain real-world skills that go beyond the classroom. You will tackle practical finance challenges, work in teams on industry-relevant projects, and spend a full year in a professional placement where you can directly apply your learning. Being in London, a global financial hub, you’ll also benefit from networking opportunities, industry events, and exposure to professional finance environments. Here’s how your experiential learning is structured:

Work Placement Year:
You spend 10–12 months in a full-time placement with an organisation you choose and secure (with academic approval), combining your academic knowledge with professional experience.
Virtual Industry Project with Practera:
Through this partnership, you work in teams to tackle real business challenges, operating like student consultants and developing skills in problem-solving and project management.
Finance and Business Network Seminars:
Regular seminars allow you to engage with practitioners from leading finance, banking, and consulting firms, with opportunities to attend sessions at industry locations such as Canary Wharf.
Careers Support and Digital Tools:
SOAS Careers provides one-to-one coaching, CV and interview preparation, and access to online platforms and job listings to connect your studies with career opportunities.
SOAS Library and Financial Databases:
You have access to extensive library collections and research databases, including financial data and journals, supporting your coursework, data analysis, and dissertation research.
Group Work and Team Projects:
Modules like the Virtual Industry Project and other group assessments foster teamwork, presentation skills, and applied analytical abilities.

For more details on all the facilities and services available to SOAS students, including libraries, study support, and careers services, visit the official SOAS website.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Finance with Placement Year at SOAS leave the programme well-prepared for a range of impactful roles in finance, banking, consulting, and international business, with real professional experience on their CV. Typical positions include financial analyst, investment associate, risk consultant, and corporate finance officer, where the combination of academic knowledge and placement experience helps you stand out to employers. The programme and SOAS provide strong support for your career journey:

Careers Support Services: SOAS Careers offers personalised guidance on CVs, interview preparation, job search strategies, and placement opportunities, helping you connect directly with employers.
Industry Engagement & Networks: Through Finance and Business Network seminars and guest speaker events, you engage with practitioners from leading finance, banking, and consulting firms, building connections that can lead to internships, placements, and graduate roles.
Professional Experience from Placement: The full-year work placement gives you hands-on experience in a finance environment, boosting employability and giving you practical skills that employers value.
Alumni Success & Employers: SOAS Finance graduates have gone on to work at organisations such as Credit Suisse, Deloitte, KPMG, HM Treasury, UniCredit Bank, and the World Food Programme, demonstrating the recognition of the degree in the professional world.
Reputation & Long-Term Value: SOAS is highly regarded in the UK for Accounting and Finance, which adds credibility and long-term value to your qualification.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, students can continue with specialised postgraduate study, such as a PhD in Finance or related fields, if they are interested in research, teaching, or advanced analytical careers. Others may pursue professional qualifications like the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or other finance-related certifications to enhance technical expertise and further boost employability.