Finance
Finance course teaches students to flex their mathematical muscles whilst applying technical knowledge to various business situations. Keen to pursue a course in Finance? Read on to find out more about why to study this program abroad and what career options await you.
Finance degrees abroad
Finance degrees focus on a combination of skills and knowledge needed to enter the finance industry. Studying for a finance degree abroad means the opportunity to learn in a country or city known for its finance industry.
Finance is taught across the world at bachelor’s, master’s and PhD levels. It can often be linked with accounting or business in a single degree, for example as a bachelor of science in accounting and finance.
At some universities or business schools vocational exams are available to take, helping people in financial careers to progress at work.
Finance is a popular degree option among international students. Studying this subject means you are likely to have a strong support system around you as other international students are in the same situation; there will be many students adjusting to living and learning in the country and university you choose.
Finance program structure
A bachelor’s in finance abroad will take between three and four years, with a master’s in finance taking between one and two years of study.
Most of your time studying for a finance degree will be spent learning from books, practical experience using computer software, lectures, and personal study time, with opportunities to discuss your learning in seminars and work groups. Some universities may also have rooms to simulate a trading floor.
The structure and content of a finance program will change depending on the country and the university you are studying in. Some of the modules or electives that may count towards a finance degree will surround topics such as:
- Investments
- Financial planning
- Insurance
- Commercial banking
- Trading
The future of finance
Most Finance programs are designed for students who have a keen interest in finance, analysis and management topics in general. These courses are tailored to the needs of the current economy, market opportunity and business environment. Depending on the program and University you choose, the course elements may vary. However most programs are designed to cover topics such as asset pricing, corporate finance, quantitative methods, finance reporting, financial analysis, empirical finance to name a few. To develop your skills further in areas of your interest you can choose one of the optional units which may range from financial modelling to banking, derivatives, investment management, behavioural finance, advanced corporate finance and credit risk. The course helps you to read and understand financial statements, evaluate business performance, asset management, leverage management, tax management and cost management. In addition to this, you will learn to question and analyze information, develop critical arguments, improve your analytical skills, enhance communication skills – all of these are of great value in any management role.
Some postgraduate programs in Finance develop your skills in specialised fields of the finance industry, for instance MSc in actuarial science. You can also consider pursuing a PhD in specific fields, such as trade statistics or even banking.
Nearly a quarter of financing graduates are employed as chartered and certified accountants. Among the common occupations are finance and investment analysts and advisers.
Students who graduate in Finance have a wide spectrum of job options. Popular career options in this field include banking, financial advisor, finance trader, chartered accountancy, insurance, investment, tax, financial auditor.
You will have a broad range of opportunities on completing a degree in Finance. Moreover you can choose an industry or sector of your interest to complement your knowledge in this field. Most students opt for accountancy firms, while a number of others are attracted to the high flying jobs in banks. Insurance companies are also a growing trend and if this is an area you are interested you can opt for the numerous insurance brokering jobs available in the market. Alternatively you can also choose to work for consultancies, accounting firms and large corporations. For the more enterprising ones, you can open up your own consulting or accounting firm as well.
Here is a list of some of the most sought-after jobs by students who have pursued a course in Accounting and Finance.
- Chartered accountant
- Chartered certified accountant
- Chartered management accountant
- Chartered public finance accountant
- Company secretary
- External auditor
- Forensic accountant
- Stockbroker
- Actuary
- Arbitrator
- Business development manager
- Data analyst
- Economist
- Licensed conveyance
- Management consultant
- Mortgage adviser
- Purchasing manager
- Retail banker
- Tax adviser