If you are a student and looking to boost your knowledge in the finance sector and study abroad then you are at the right place. Here you’ll get what you are looking for. The United Kingdom offers top-tier finance courses that can help you build your career in the financial sector. This blog will explore some of the top universities in the UK that provide finance programs, along with the criteria required, documents, and career paths upon completion of these courses. Whether you’re passionate about accounting, economics, or investment banking, this blog is your go-to resource for choosing the right finance course for your journey toward a fulfilling career in finance.
Why Study Finance Courses in UK
There are several compelling reasons why international students should consider studying finance in the UK:
- The UK is known for its top universities in finance, with multiple high-ranking institutions in global university rankings.
- The UK’s vibrant finance industry offers promising job opportunities for finance graduates domestically and globally.
- UK universities offer a diverse range of finance-related programs, from undergraduate degrees to specialized master’s and doctoral programs.
- UK finance courses include case studies, simulations, and industry placements, which provide students with a real-world, and hands-on learning experience.
- A finance degree from a UK university is highly valued and accepted globally.
Top Universities for Finance in UK for International Students
The table below shows a few top universities in the UK that offer finance courses at different levels, along with some other details:
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PictureUniversity NameTop ElectivesUniversity Details
-
University of GlasgowMSc Finance
MSc Accounting and FinancePublic University
Qs Rank- 78
Fees: £18,000 – £22,000
Duration: 1 year Full-time
Placement rate: 85%
Acceptance rate: 50%-70% -
University of ManchesterBSc Accounting and Finance
MSc FinancePublic University
Qs Rank- 34
Fees: £23,000 – £29,000
Duration: 3 years (UG),
1 year (PG) Full-time
Placement rate: 92%
Acceptance rate: 51% -
University of EdinburghMSc Finance
MSc Finance and InvestmentPublic University
Qs Rank- 27
Fees: £20,000 – £25,000
Duration: 1 year Full-time
Placement rate: 88%
Acceptance rate: 10% -
King’s College London (KCL)BSc Accounting and Finance
MSc Accounting, Accountability, and Financial ManagementPublic University
Qs Rank- 40
Fees: £22,000 – £28,000
Duration: 3 years (UG), 1 year (PG)
Full-time
Placement rate: 85%
Acceptance rate: 13% -
Imperial College LondonMSc Finance
MSc Risk Management & Financial EngineeringPublic University
Qs Rank- 2
Fees: £30,000 – £38,000
Duration: 1 year
Full-time Placement rate: 90%
Acceptance rate: 25% -
University of OxfordMSc in Financial Economics
DPhil in FinancePublic University
Qs Rank- 3
Fees: £32,000 – £40,000
Duration: 1 year (PG), 4 years (Ph.D)
Full-time Placement rate: 97%
Acceptance rate: 17% -
University of CambridgeMasters in Finance
MPhil in FinancePublic University
Qs Rank- 5
Fees: £35,000 – £45,000
Duration: 1 – 4 years
Full-time
Placement rate: 92%
Acceptance rate: 10% -
London School of Economics and Political ScienceBSc Finance
MSc Risk and Finance
MSc Accounting and FinancePublic University
Qs Rank- 50
Fees: £26,000 – £35,000
Duration: 3 years (UG), 1 year (PG)
Full-time
Placement rate: 95%
Acceptance rate: 8%
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification:
- For Bachelor’s: Must have secured 50-60% in 12th grade.
- For Masters: Passed BA (Hons) or BSc in finance with a score of 60–70% from an accredited university. Having 2 to 3 years of job experience will be an advantage.
- PhD: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance with a minimum score of 50% is required.
English Language Proficiency Test Scores
Students have to submit their English language proficiency exam results when applying to universities in the UK. The score may vary as per the University.
- IELTS/TOEFL
- ACT/SAT Scores
- GRE or GMAT Test Scores
Work Experience
Not every university would request employment history. Some university criteria also state that a student must have 3 to 4 years of job experience, which can be advantageous while pursuing a master’s or high-level finance degree in the UK.
UK Student Visa
Students should carry their acceptance letter to apply for a study visa to the UK from the university they had applied. The processing time for a UK study visa can take around three weeks, but it may take longer during a rush of applications.
Documents Required
Below is the list of documents that are required to enroll in any of the top finance universities in the UK:
- Letter of Recommendation
- Official Transcripts
- Revised Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Purpose
- Academic Records
- Passport
- Monetary assistance Evidence
- GMAT/GRE scores
Admission Process
You must have the necessary documentation to finish the admissions process. The procedures listed below can help you:
- Visit the official website of the universities and check the eligibility criteria for the course you want to enroll in.
- Go through all the necessary paperwork and licenses attached to your application.
- Fill up the online application and application fee.
- You can access the admission site by logging in once the application is submitted.
- For the time being, collect all the important paperwork to apply for a study permit in the UK.
- The college administration establishes the minimum score required for admission on the entrance exam. If the applicant achieves this cut-off score and passes the admission exam, they can proceed to the next stage of the application process.
- Once the university receives your academic records and transcripts, you may receive an acceptance letter from the institution you applied to.
- Once you have received the acceptance letter, you can apply for a UK study visa.
Cost of Study Finance Courses in UK
The total cost of studying finance in UK depends on the university and location. Check out the cost of studying finance course in UK mentioned below.
Program Fees
The main expense for an international student is the university tuition fees. The fee structure varies from one university to another along with the course students are pursuing.
Cost of Living
There is a great impact on lifestyle and place of residence one is living in the UK. Students should research well and contrast the cost of living in several UK cities.
Facilities | Cost Per Month |
---|---|
Accommodation | GBP 830 |
Food | GBP 50 |
Transportation | GBP 32 |
Study Materials | GBP 1000 |
Scholarships offered for Finance Courses in UK
Scholarships are available to students from UK institutions as well as from other organizations in the form of awards, and other grants. Check out the scholarships mentioned below.
Scholarships | Amount Granted |
---|---|
MSc Finance Future Leaders Scholarship | GBP 36,810 |
Business School International MSc Scholarship | GBP 10,253 |
Alliance MBA Masters Scholarships for UK/ EU/ International Students | Covers full tuition fees |
Global Accounting and Finance Scholarship | GBP 5126 |
Jobs Opportunities after Finance Courses in UK
After graduating from the Finance program there are multiple professions that students can get into such as insurance, hedge funds, and commercial banking. Some of the job roles and their salary are stated in the table below.
Job Roles | Average Annual Salary |
---|---|
Finance Officer | GBP 35,902 |
Financial Analyst | GBP 78,750 |
Financial Controller | GBP 77,600 |
Financial Broker | USD 42,406 |
FAQs
The UK is the ideal location for a finance degree. There are a few best colleges that provide students with excellent educations.
Yes, international students in the UK are generally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
While work experience is not always a strict requirement, it is often preferred by UK universities for their finance master’s programs. Relevant internships or work placements can strengthen your application.