Finance MSc

Advance your career in finance with our MSc Finance, a course which offers a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world application to help prepare you to excel in a competitive industry. You will learn from leading researchers and practitioners who bring their expertise and real-world insights from consulting for government departments, banks and City of London firms.

Why choose this course?

* It offers you a rigorous exploration of financial markets, asset management and corporate finance, with strong foundations in financial economics and accounting. This broad curriculum will provide you with the essential knowledge to succeed in various finance roles.

* The course places significant emphasis on advanced econometric and numerical analysis techniques, equipping you with analytical skills that provide a competitive edge in the finance industry. These skills are highly valued by banks, financial institutions and government agencies.

* The course is part of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, offering access to a limited number of CFA scholarships, supporting professional development and career advancement and providing you with valuable networking opportunities in the finance industry.

What will I learn?

This course is designed to equip you with both theoretical expertise and practical skills. It provides you with in-depth expertise in financial economics and markets, covering:

* portfolio theory

* corporate finance

* pricing theory applied to derivatives and government bond markets.

It also develops your skills in advanced econometric and numerical analysis technique, increasingly sought by banks, financial institutions and government entities.

How will I learn?

Teaching consists of formal lectures on key topics that stimulate deeper exploration, complemented by practical classes on problem-solving. Seminars allow for in-depth discussions and exchange of ideas, and your own independent study, including project work, plays a vital role in enhancing your learning experience.

This course is available to study full- or part-time in the evening and you have the choice of studying on campus, online or via flexible learning.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will only be able to apply for the on-campus study option for this course. Online and flexible options will not be available to you because they may affect the conditions of your visa.

Highlights

* Birkbeck is ranked in the top 25 UK universities for Economics and Econometrics in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, ensuring that course content is informed by the latest research.

* Birkbeck’s central London campus offers you access to world-class facilities and proximity to major financial institutions, providing valuable networking opportunities within a leading financial hub.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this course you will have gained an array of transferable skills, including in:

* analysing financial statements, assessing company performance and determining the value of assets and investments

* corporate finance and strategy including making strategic decisions on capital structure, budgeting, and mergers and acquisitions to enhance corporate value

* managing investment portfolios, optimising asset allocation and mitigating financial risks using strategies like hedging and derivatives

* navigating global financial systems, exchange rates and cross-border investment challenges

* understanding ethical behaviour including compliance with regulations and alignment with professional codes.

Studying this course will prepare you for roles such as:

* investment banking and corporate finance analyst

* portfolio manager

* investment analyst

* financial adviser

* trading or sales broker

* consultant or management consultant

* public sector or policy analyst.