According to the financial times, 2 of the world’s best Masters in Finance post-experience programs are provided by leading UK universities, London Business School and University of Cambridge.
The UK is a globally recognised financial hub, and studying finance in Europe can open a comprehensive window of opportunity to work anywhere on the globe.
However, when it comes to topping up your degree with a masters, a great way to stand out from the crowd is by selecting one of the best courses in Europe.
We’re here to help you learn:
- Who offers the top masters degree courses in Europe.
- What these courses offer.
We’ve combed through 100’s of courses in Europe, done extensive research on the offerings of these schools, and settled on the top 44.
Here they are!
1. The Durham DBA at Durham University
The Durham DBA is the flagship program of Durham University’s world-leading Department of Accounting and Finance.
It combines a rigorous doctorate in accounting with 3 years’ practical accountancy experience.
2. Accounting and Financial Management at University of Portsmouth
The accounting and financial management program at the University of Portsmouth includes a range of concentrations,
Such as accounting with finance or risk management.
Students who are interested in anything from banking to auditing will find this an excellent choice.
The course emphasises research skills and analytics that can be applied across sectors.
3. Accounting, Banking, and Finance at Bangor University
The Accounting, Banking and Finance program at Bangor University is an intensive course with a strong focus on the skills needed in the finance industry.
Completion of this degree will give you excellent career prospects in international business and high-quality financial services.
4. Economics at Newcastle University
The Economics Ph.D. program at Newcastle University is a research-led course that has been designed to suit the needs of aspiring economic theorists.
Students will explore various opportunities for study and international internships in their 2nd year, before choosing an area of concentration.
5. Finance at University of Lincoln
The University of Lincoln is ranked as one of the top universities in the UK for undergraduate business education.
It has been awarded a gold rating by QS Stars, the world’s first international university rating system.
6. Economics at Cardiff University
The Cardiff School of Business Economics offers an MPhil in finance.
The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for this important area, encompassing both financial markets theory and empirical analysis.
7. Economics at University of Strathclyde
The Economics Program at the University of Strathclyde is a postgraduate course for those who wish to research or teach economics.
Strathclyde’s Department of Economics has been ranked among the top departments in Europe by The Economist and was recently awarded “Outstanding Performance” status for its teaching excellence from QS Stars.
8. Finance at The University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is a research-led university with an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research.
The Financial Economics PhD program offers the opportunity to explore all aspects of finance,
From corporate governance and capital markets, to financial institutions and risk management. It explores private sector and public policy issues in depth.
9. Computational Finance at University of Essex
The Computational Finance program at the University of Essex is designed to provide a rigorous mathematical, statistical and financial background.
Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to apply their expertise in various fields, including financial risk management.
10. Business Studies at Cardiff University
The Cardiff University Business Studies program is a collaborative enterprise with the Cardiff School of Management, Economics, and Finance.
This course will equip you with an understanding of the key areas in business studies.
You’ll also study more specialised subjects such as management accounting, marketing communications, or financial analysis techniques for decision-making.
11. Finance (Research) at University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham’s Department of Finance has an excellent full-time research degree in finance.
This course provides an integrated academic, professional, and research training program.
It’s designed to produce world-leading financial academics with the ability to address both fundamental issues in the field and pressing policy questions.
12. Finance at University of Kent
The University of Kent is a public research university based in the city of Canterbury, England.
The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs and PhDs across an eclectic range of subject areas spanning from,
Arts to engineering, humanities to mathematics, social sciences to life sciences. The most popular degrees at the University of Kent are accounting and finance.
13. Accounting and Financial Management (Distance Learning) at University of Portsmouth
The Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) program is a distance learning course, which allows students to study interactively.
The program is aimed at accounting and finance professionals, with a minimum of 3 years of work experience, who wish to extend their expertise.
14. Economics at University of Essex
The Economics PhD is a research-led degree available to suitably qualified graduates who have obtained the required number of credits for a Master’s in Economics.
The program aims to provide students with theoretical and empirical training to equip them for careers as independent researchers or policymakers.
15. Accounting and Finance at University of Strathclyde
The Accounting and Finance program at the University of Strathclyde aims to provide a broad knowledge base in finance, accounting, and economics.
This is achieved through core modules covering financial theory, business models for different industries, risk management, and an introduction to econometrics.
16. Accounting at University of Essex
The Accounting program at the University of Essex is ranked as one of the best in Europe,
With a strong focus on using theoretical and practical knowledge to solve complex problems.
Students are taught by leading practitioners who have worked internationally across different sectors, including banking, accounting, business consulting, and public practice.
17. Economics and Finance at University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth offers the MPhil in Economics and Finance.
As a part-time course, this program is designed for working professionals who want to obtain an internationally recognised qualification, to make them more competitive on the job market.
The full-time PhD at the University of Portsmouth consists of 3 years of research leading to submission by dissertation or equivalent work, as agreed with the supervisor and approved by the faculty.
18. Finance and Accounting at Newcastle University
The Newcastle University School of Business is ranked as one of the top 10 business schools in the UK.
In addition to its strong undergraduate programs, it has a world-leading postgraduate program for those wishing to pursue careers in the financial and accounting sector.
19. Finance at Heriot-Watt University
The Heriot-Watt University, founded in 1821, is Scotland’s oldest university.
The school has an excellent finance program with state-of-the-art facilities and a strong research focus.
It offers both full-time and part-time programs for students from all over the world.
20. Economics at University of Glasgow
The economics program at the University of Glasgow was ranked as one of the best programs in Europe.
The course offers a wide range of modules and courses to choose from,
Including Development Economics, Data Analytics for Economics Research Methods, Economic Policy Analysis: Theory and Practice, Financial Markets, and Asset Pricing or Finance.
21. Accounting and Finance at Cardiff University
The Accounting and Finance PhD program at Cardiff University is an internationally recognised centre for research into accounting, finance, financial management, and governance.
22. Accounting and Finance at The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester’s accounting and finance program offers a rigorous education in economics, mathematics, accountancy, and information technology.
The course provides students with a thorough grounding in theoretical knowledge and developing their practical skills to fully prepare for employment or further study at the postgraduate level.
23. Economics at University of Essex
The Department of Economics at the University of Essex offers a wide range of undergraduate degrees in economics.
It also has several research centres, including the Centre for Financial Services Research, Centre for Development Finance, and Institute for Employment Studies.
24. Accounting and Finance at Lancaster University
The Lancaster University Management School offers a PhD in accounting and finance.
The program is designed to provide the skills, knowledge, and understanding required for research-based careers in these respective fields.
25. Accounting and Finance at University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is a public university in the city of Glasgow, Scotland.
The Accounting and Finance program at the university has been ranked among the top 10 programs in Europe,
By Financial Times1 (FT), Bloomberg Businessweek, The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), and QS World Rankings for 4 consecutive years.
26. Finance at University of Essex
The University of Essex Business School offers a PhD in finance (Finance) with an option to specialise.
The program is research-based, and students are expected to publish at least two high-quality papers during their candidature.
27. Computational Finance at University of Essex
The Computational Finance program at the University of Essex is a 3-year research degree emphasising quantitative and computational methods.
Students will undertake their research projects, guided by staff members in one or more departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST).
28. Accountancy at The University of Exeter
The University of Exeter’s accountancy program is ranked as one of the best in Europe.
It covers all aspects of accounting, finance, and business, focusing on developing specialist knowledge in auditing, taxation, and financial management.
29. Economics at University of Surrey
The University of Surrey is the UK’s first university to offer a PhD in economics.
The program can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis and covers both theoretical and applied areas of economics.
30. Economics or Finance at Queen Mary University of London
The School of Economics and Finance at the Queen Mary University of London is one of the most conventional economics, finance, and business schools in the United Kingdom.
It has a long history dating back to 1885 when it was founded as part of Woolwich Polytechnic – now known as the University of Greenwich.
31. Accounting at University of Lincoln
The University of Lincoln is a public research university located in the historic city of Lincoln, England.
It has been part of a “golden triangle2” with Nottingham and Loughborough since 1958,
When it became one of five Colleges that made up the University College for the Midland Region, before gaining its independence in 1962.
32. Economics and Finance at Queen Mary University of London
The Queen Mary University of London offers an Economics and Finance PhD program.
The course is designed to provide students with a thorough grounding in economics and finance, enabling them to pursue research in any area that combines these 2 disciplines.
33. Accounting and Finance at University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is located in the United Kingdom and has an Accounting and Finance program for PhD students.
The course includes various modules to prepare you to become either a chartered accountant or a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
34. Economics at University of Bristol
The Economics Department at the University of Bristol is one of Britain’s leading economics departments.
They offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with an MA course in Economics being open to both graduates and undergraduates.
35. MSc in Finance – Università Bocconi
The Università Bocconi’s MSc in Finance is one of the best finance courses offered at a European university.
It offers an exceptional level of specialisation and has many different majors to choose from.
These include:
- Banking & Financial Markets
- Corporate Governance
- Securities Analysis.
36. MSc in Financial Markets – EDHEC Business School
The EDHEC Business School boasts one of the best financial markets courses in Europe.
The program includes a comprehensive understanding of every aspect of the sector, such as:
- Equity and Bond Trading
- Derivatives
- Structured products3
37. MSc in Finance – ESADE Business School
At the ESADE Business School, you can obtain an MSc in Finance.
The degree covers topics such as:
- International Financial Markets
- Corporate Finance and Portfolio Management
- Financial Modeling, and Quantitative Methods
38. Advanced Master in Finance – ESCP Europe
The ESCP Europe School of Business offers an Advanced Master in Finance.
This course can be taken at 3 of the school’s campuses in:
- Paris
- Berlin
- London
It’s designed to provide students with a thorough grounding in all aspects of finance, including financial markets, portfolio management, and quantitative methods.
39. MSc in Financial Techniques – ESSEC Business School
This course at the ESSEC Business School is directed towards those who have already completed an undergraduate degree in finance and would like to pursue a career as investment bankers, traders or analysts.
It offers specialisation in:
- Product Management
- Derivatives Trading
- Risk Management
40. MSc in International Finance – HEC Paris
The HEC Paris Master in International Finance has a fantastic specialist program that gives students an understanding of the challenges faced by international companies and how to solve them.
This course is aimed at those who want to pursue a career as:
- A Financial Analyst
- A financier
- A Financial Director
41. Master in Finance – IE Business School
The IE Business School offers THE BEST finance master’s degree courses in Europe.
The Master in Finance is designed to make graduates market-ready and equip them with skills for solving financial problems when they reach their final destination of employment.
42. MSc Financial Economics – University of Oxford
You can study for a MSc in Financial Economics at the University of Oxford.
This course is designed to give students the skills and knowledge to succeed as:
- Financial Analysts
- Economists
- Bankers.
43. MA in Banking and Finance – University of St Gallen HSG
The University of St Gallen HSG offers an MA in Banking and Finance.
This course teaches students how to:
- Assess the risks associated with investments.
- Make sound financial predictions on markets or industries.
- Manage portfolios efficiently.
44. MSc Financial Markets and Investments – Skema Business School
The Skema Business School boasts THE BEST financial markets and investments course in Europe.
The master is designed to equip graduates with skills for solving financial problems when they reach their final destination of employment, such as:
- Investment Banks
- Hedge Funds4
Common Questions
What's an MSc in Financial Markets and Investments All About?
This course offers an in-depth understanding of the world’s financial markets and investment opportunities. It is aimed at those who want to pursue careers as financiers, bankers, or analysts.
How Long Will It Take to Complete a Masters Degree Course?
The length of a Master’s course will vary depending on which program is taken and the amount of time. However, most courses take between two and three years to complete full-time to achieve their personal goals successfully.
What Are the Benefits of Enrolling in an MSc Programme?
One benefit is that MSc programs equip graduates with skills for solving financial problems at their final destination of employment, such as investment banks or hedge funds.
Another benefit is that Master’s courses offer a personal development opportunity to those who wish to develop new competencies in different areas.
In contrast, others provide the chance to work on specific research topics and prepare doctoral dissertations.
What's the Difference Between an MSc in Finance and a Ma in Banking and Finance?
The difference between the MSc in Finance and MA in Banking and Finance is that graduates of an MSc program will be qualified to work as analysts or traders. In contrast, those who complete a MA course are not necessarily.
How Do I Select Which University to Take My Ph.D.?
To select which university to take your Ph.D., you need to consider what kind of research interests you the most. You also want a well-known program for excellence in its field and offers excellent funding opportunities.
What Are the Criteria to Be Considered One of the Top Universities in UK Economics Degree Programs?
One of the top universities in UK economics degree programs has a proven track record for excellence.
How Much Does It Cost to Study For a Ph.D. in the UK?
The cost of studying for a Ph.D. in the UK varies depending on which university you choose, but it is usually around £14,000 per year.
In Conclusion
The financial industry is changing, and it’s becoming more important than ever to have the right education. Qualifying with a top-rate masters degree will be the key to working across the globe, possibly making your dreams come true!
With so many options from which to choose, don’t settle for anything but the best Masters in Finance program!
Reference
- www.postgrad.com/blog/Top-10-Finance-Masters-Degree-Courses-In-The-UK-Europe/
- dportal.com/study-options/268927063/finance-united-kingdom.html