Program Overview

MSc Finance Programme

The MSc Finance programme at Aston University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of finance, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The programme is delivered by the triple-accredited Aston Business School and focuses on developing students' analytical and quantitative skills.

Course Overview

The MSc Finance programme is a one-year full-time course that covers a range of topics, including financial markets, corporate finance, and risk management. The programme is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of financial principles and practices, as well as the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the financial industry.

Course Objectives

The course objectives are to:

1. Provide a rigorous learning experience designed to develop technical expertise and analytical skills necessary for tackling complex financial challenges.
2. Equip students from diverse academic backgrounds with advanced knowledge and specialist skills necessary for successful careers in the financial sector.
3. Equip students with advanced research capabilities and technical proficiency in finance software and databases.
4. Promote critical thinking on corporate responsibility, sustainability, and ethics.
5. Prepare students to operate effectively in the evolving global financial landscape.

Modules

The programme consists of a range of modules, including:

• Private Equity and Venture Capital
• Advanced Corporate Finance
• Introduction to Financial Econometrics
• Fixed Income Securities
• Risk Management
• The Aston Global Advantage
• Derivatives
• Applied Research Methods and Skills
• Corporate Treasury and Financial Analysis
• Python for Finance

Dissertation Stage

The dissertation stage involves the completion of an independent research project on a finance topic of the student's choice. The project is designed to showcase the student's ability to conduct independent research and apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems.

Programme Outcomes

On successful completion of the programme, students will be able to:

• Critically evaluate and apply complex finance theories, models, and techniques.
• Assess key risks in market contexts and apply appropriate risk management techniques.
• Develop and apply rigorous analytical and econometric methodologies.
• Critically evaluate financial theories and their application in the real world.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts underlying strategic financial decisions.

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the programme are:

• A 2:1 (upper second-class honours) degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
• Additional requirements, such as a professional reference and official academic transcript, may also be required.
• International students may be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency.

Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fees for the programme are:

• ｣12,000 for UK students (2025/26)
• ｣23,500 for international students (2025/26)
• Scholarships are available for eligible students, including the Aston Scholarship and the Alumni Scholarship.

Career Prospects

The programme is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the financial industry. Graduates have gone on to work in a range of roles, including fund manager, banker, operations executive, and financial analyst. The programme also provides a strong foundation for further study, including a PhD in finance.