MSc in Finance

Program Overview

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Finance

MSc

Overview

How are business decisions made from a financial perspective? Do we need banks and stock markets to support economic growth? How do different financial markets operate? These are just some of the questions you’ll explore in our MSc Finance.

As well as gaining technical knowledge, you’ll develop practical skills in financial modelling and mathematical techniques. And you’ll gain an understanding of the broader issues of finance from our leading researchers in corporate social responsibility.

Don’t worry if you haven’t studied mathematics as your first degree. Our MSc Finance is for anyone who wants to move into this industry. We accept any subject from history to Japanese literature.

Our focus is on preparing you for the real world. You’ll be taught by experts from industry who will help hone your professional and digital skills. Plus, you’ll gain insights from high-profile guest speakers from companies like KPMG and Jaguar Land Rover.

Why Oxford Brookes University?

• Industry and academia
• Bloomberg Trading Suite
• Small, interactive groups
• Impact
• Enhanced employability

Course Details

Course Structure

You’ll develop finance skills, including mathematical and statistical tools, analysing accounting statements, understanding financial securities and instruments, and exploring financial theories. The course emphasises three key perspectives on financial decision-making: corporate finance, which focuses on internal firm decisions; the investor perspective, which involves fund allocation across securities using tools like the Bloomberg Terminal; the global economy perspective, examining the role of markets, institutions, and regulators in driving economic growth and development.

You’ll engage in a 1-year personal and professional development programme, refining your skills and preparing a career pitch for potential employers. You can tailor your studies by selecting modules based on your interests, such as data analytics skills. You’ll also undertake an accounting and finance project, which may involve working with a real client or exploring a personal topic of interest.

Learning and Teaching

The teaching and learning methods include:

• Lectures and seminars led by individual members of Faculty and visiting specialists
• Workshops for teaching a range of research and quantitative skills including appropriate research methodologies and on-line research skills
• The use of case study and practical exercises
• Student-led seminar activities facilitated by members of Faculty
• Support for independent research

You will develop critical enquiry skills and a firm grounding in practice. And gain confidence so you can take on graduate jobs in leading organisations.

Our teaching staff are researchers and/or from an industry background. They have in-depth practical experience of business and management issues. You will also learn from visiting speakers.

Students on our Accounting, Finance and Economics courses can gain certification in using the Bloomberg Terminal to access and analyse global financial information.

Assessment

We will assess you on the quality of written or visual presentation work during your modules. Verbal presentations can also form part of the assessment.

All assessments are based on individual assignments and group work is used widely as a learning experience, not an assessment.

You may also be assessed with:

• Reports
• Seminar papers
• Formal written examinations

Field Trips

The International Business in Practice Study Trip module allows you to experience ideas and practices of global business. During the trip you will have direct interaction with management executives and practices. You will:

• Attend presentations from local management executives and experts and go on site visits to major corporations and agencies
• This study trip is voluntary and you will need to fund all costs associated with the trip
• It is not linked to university assessments in any way

If you successfully complete this non-credit bearing module, it will be recorded on your transcript as International Business in Practice: Study Trip.

Study Modules

Taught Modules

Compulsory Modules

• Core Concepts in Finance
• Corporate Finance
• Global Markets and Institutions
• Investment and Asset Management
• Professional and Personal Skills

Optional Modules

• Finance and Strategy
• International Finance
• Sustainable Finance and Investment
• The Practice of Data Analysis
• Business Analytics

Final Project

Compulsory Modules

• Accounting and Finance Project

You will undertake an independent project, relevant to the area of Accounting and Finance. You can choose between a research project, a consultancy project or a guided project. The ability to carry out independent research, analyse both qualitative and quantitative data and then to communicate their findings orally and in writing are key skills required by the accounting and finance professions.

Work Placement

Optional Modules

• Enterprise Work Placement

You'll expand your enterprise skills in the context of the workplace. The focus will be on building your intrapreneurial mindsets during your placement, helping you to develop the curiosity, creativity, vision and resilience to be successful in a variety of organisations. You'll draw on the OBBS Golden Thread and Brookes attributes embedded within your degree, for you to be a change agent on your placement, so you drive innovation in one or more of the following areas: ethical business behaviour, inclusivity, responsible management, sustainability, digitalisation and internationalisation. Drawing on on your research skills you'll propose evidence based innovative solutions to your placement organisations’ challenges.

Research

There are two main areas of research related to this subject: Critical Perspectives on Accounting, Social Responsibility and Governance, and Applied Economics, Finance and Development.

The Accounting cluster focuses on how accountability and responsibility is achieved, explored from a range of perspectives and methodological approaches.

The Economics cluster comprises applied macro- and microeconomics as well as finance, environmental sustainability and development.

Careers

With our MSc Finance, there are various directions you can follow. You may decide to go into the finance sector and pursue a career in banking, trading, or insurance. Alternatively, you may choose a career in general business and take up a financial position within a national or international corporation.

Previous graduates have developed careers at prestigious global organisations such as Apple, Deutsche Bank, Citibank, IBM, and HSBC. Some have joined consultancy firms such as Accenture while others have chosen to work in financial roles in charities like Oxfam or Cancer Research.

Some of the roles you may go on to include:

• Financial trader
• Investment banker
• Financial analyst
• Fraud detection
• Treasurer

As well as increasing your financial knowledge and technical ability throughout the course, you’ll also develop desirable skills such as digital literacy, team working and presentation techniques.

Whichever path you take, you can be confident that a finance degree from Oxford Brookes will act as a springboard for many interesting careers.

Entry Requirements

Specific Entry Requirements

A minimum of a second class honours degree (2:2) in any academic discipline, or equivalent overseas degree from a recognised institution or equivalent professional or other qualification.

Applicants who possess a diploma rather than a good degree may be eligible for entry provided they have compensatory work experience and can demonstrate career development.

This course attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. Applications are welcome from those in work and seeking continuing professional development.

Entry will also be subject to one satisfactory reference (academic).

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to satisfy the university’s English language requirements:

• IELTS minimum 6.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in listening and speaking).
• if you have completed your undergraduate degree in the UK (at least one full year of study) you will automatically meet our English language requirements.

Tuition Fees

2025 / 26

• Home (UK) full time: £11,950
• Home (UK) part time: £5,975
• Home (UK) sandwich (placement): £2,200
• International full time: £18,950
• International sandwich (placement): £2,200

2026 / 27

• Home (UK) full time: £12,300
• Home (UK) part time: £6,150
• Home (UK) sandwich (placement): £2,300
• International full time: £19,600
• International sandwich (placement): £2,300

Funding Your Studies

Financial Support and Scholarships

Featured funding opportunities available for this course.

• International Student Scholarship - CAS ready
• Postgraduate Master's Loan - England

All Financial Support and Scholarships

View all funding opportunities for this course

Additional Costs

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.

Optional Costs

• European or international field trip: £350-600
• International Business in Practice Study Trip module (inc. accommodation for seven nights, insurance, company visits and group transportation for all activities): £
• It’s your responsibility to cover print / binding costs where coursework submission is required: From £30
• You may choose to purchase books to support your studies: £20-60 per book
• Accommodation fees in Brookes Letting (most do not include bills): £94-265 per week
• Accommodation fees in university halls (bills included, excluding laundry costs): £122-180 per week
• Graduation costs include tickets, gowning and photography: Typically £0-200
• Students are responsible for their own travel to and from university for classes: From £10