Finance (Taught)

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.

• The course places significant emphasis on advanced econometric and numerical analysis techniques, equipping you with analytical skills that are highly valued by banks, financial institutions and government agencies.

• It is taught by experienced lecturers who are active researchers and consultants for government departments and regulatory bodies.

• The course is part of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, offering access to scholarships, supporting professional development and career advancement and providing valuable networking opportunities.

What you will learn

This course will equip you with 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.

The course will also develop your skills in advanced econometric and numerical analysis technique, giving you a competitive edge in your career development.

How you will learn

This course offers you a collaborative environment with a diverse group of adult learners from various professional backgrounds.

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

This course is available to study full- or part-time with evening classes that are designed to help you balance your studies with work and other commitments.

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.

• Our academic team is friendly and approachable, providing students with opportunities for individual support, question-handling and discussion of ideas.

• 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 MSc Finance, you will have gained an array of important 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 career paths in a range of 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.