Introduction
The MBA Finance is designed for managers who are looking to take a strategic step forward in their career and are seeking a specific focus on finance. It offers the opportunity to formally recognise your business expertise and take you to an exceptional level in terms of career progression, earnings potential and job satisfaction.
This programme is studied on campus.
Our MBA Finance will equip students with the knowledge, understanding and insight to understand contemporary issues and practices in management and finance. Importantly, students will develop practical interpersonal skills to bring about positive organisational and market change. In all of this, students explore management and finance in the context of international business and will be confident in their ability to become leaders in their chosen fields.
Through a combination of theoretical insights and real world examples our students will learn how to drive growth and sustainability within organisations in a sector of business that is constantly in high demand.
This programme encourages the development of an intrapreneurial and entrepreneurial mind-set, where students will work to come up with ideas, develop, test and plan for new sustainable ventures. Through our unique industry weeks, they will interact with organisations, working to identify opportunities and develop possible solutions for investors and key stakeholders.
Key Programme Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MBA
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
What You'll Study
This pathway MBA equips students with an enhanced knowledge and understanding of accounting and finance that will enable them to pursue more specific roles in the areas of project finance and corporate finance. Students taking this pathway have to take a more focussed elective programme in their summer term and will cover key aspects of business and management theory and practice, with a strong emphasis on balancing knowledge and skills.
- Semester 1
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Semester 1
Compulsory Courses
- Business Economics (BU5021) - 15 Credit Points
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This course focuses on the economics of business allowing students to understand the economics that underlie a whole host of business issues. The course will cover the functioning of markets, consumer behaviour, pricing, production and costing problems, monopoly and the business implications of inflation, economic growth and economic policy.
- Accounting and Finance for Managers (BU5026) - 15 Credit Points
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The fact that money (and understanding money) really matters in business and all managers need to understand issues like cashflow and profit might depress you, but it is true. Financial viability of customers? Deciding on the likely financial viability of a project? Reporting to shareholders about performance? Does the word “sustainable” appear in a finance dictionary? All questions we will try and address.
- Business Strategy (BU5048) - 15 Credit Points
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Business Strategy covers a broad range of topics that come under the general heading of “Business Strategy” / “Strategic Management”. The course introduces participants to concepts, frameworks and models that are useful in providing explanations of how companies operate with respect to goal setting, understanding their competitive landscape, assessing opportunities, managing own capabilities, coordinating their activities with other companies, and competing to create value for customers. The course is interactive in nature, applying a learning-by-doing method involving students taking on roles as part of a series of simulation exercises.
- Operations and Project Management (BU5064) - 15 Credit Points
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The focus of this course is not people but processes, not outside the organisation but within. Operations transform materials, information and customers to create goods and services using staff and facilities. We study process types and focus particularly on projects. We see how capacity and inventory reconcile demand and output and explore location, supply chains, quality, risk and resilience. About 40% of the course is on projects and project-management techniques. Prepare for both critical discussion of theory and application (operationalisation), including calculation.
- Entrepreneurship in Practice (BU5065)
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The industry weeks provide a unique opportunity to experience what is like to be part of a 'startup' organisation. Working in a small team you will collaborate with your peers to develop and shape innovative solutions, products or services for 'real world' challenges. As part of the course you will gain new skills, insights and experiences that will enable you to tackle future professional challenges and strengthen your own entrepreneurial perspective.
- Semester 2
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Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- Strategic Marketing (BU5553) - 15 Credit Points
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The course aims to provide participants with a critical understanding of the nature and articulation of the marketing function within modern organisations, and an appreciation of the relative contribution of specific marketing tools to the development of a market orientation.
On completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Critique the key principles and concepts of marketing.
2. Evaluate the role of marketing to modern organisations in private and public sectors.
3. Understand the integration of the marketing function with other organisational functions.
4. Assess the role of identified marketing techniques
- Managing People at Work (BU5554) - 15 Credit Points
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Whether you are intending to manage other people or be responsible for HR functions in a company, this course is intended for you.
You will learn the theories that are the basis for good practice, the skills that are required to put them across and the employment law which governs what we are expected to achieve with our people
This course is run by tutors who have been experienced managers themselves and it will prepare you to pursue a career in management confident and competent to carry out what is expected of you
- Managing Change and Innovation (BU5559)
- The Leadership Challenge (BU5584) - 15 Credit Points
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This course provides an opportunity to explore and develop an understanding of your own leadership behaviour. Through seminars, group activities and discussions we investigate how personality, past experience, current situations and culture shape the way each of us behave in a leadership role. Using this information as a starting point we then explore how different leadership theories and approaches can be used as frameworks for developing a deeper understanding of leadership behaviour. You will also have an opportunity to try out a range of practical tools and techniques to assist you in the development of your own approach to leadership.
- Semester 3
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Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- New Venture Creation (BU5940) - 15 Credit Points
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The aim of this course is to equip students with an understanding of key aspects of new venture creation, including business planning, pitching new ideas to investors and managing growth. This is a capstone course, by bringing together a range of different concepts.
- Strategic Financial Analysis (BU5946) - 15 Credit Points
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Introduction to accounting: Key accounting concepts Financial reporting Financial statements Financial analysis: A framework for analysis Accounting ratio analysis Common size analysis Stock market ratios Credit ratings Z scores Forecasting: A framework for forecasting Parameter estimation Financial forecasting models Issues in analysis: The links between the stock market and accounting International accounting issues
- Professional Skills for Finance and Data Analysis (BU5975) - 15 Credit Points
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Being a finance-savvy manager requires knowledge, critical thinking and a skill set. The skills set is quantitative, but also includes social skills and communication skills. This module aims to develop all of these areas to equip the student for not only the critical finance project but also the work-world ahead.
- Corporate Governance and Ethics (BU5981) - 15 Credit Points
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Corporate governance and ethics are critical to corporate life. Often interpreted as just about the relationship between shareholders and the management of the company, this module will extend the critical investigation into how companies are governed top consider the impact and accountability to other stakeholders. Ethics in business, including finance, is a key area acknowledged by all professional bodies, but often in bounded ways, only answering the questions that fit within preset bounds.
Course Availability
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
Lectures, facilitated discussions, case studies and business simulations.
Students learn through a combination of theory and practice, taking the knowledge from the classroom to the workplace. This learning will be supported by on-line forums and further learning materials and frameworks.
Learning Methods
- Field Work
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Peer Learning
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
- Just like industry, we don’t run our programmes around exams – in fact there are no exams, just intensive real-world learning that helps you gain relevant knowledge, quickly and effectively.
- All assessments are done by a portfolio of work-based assignments.
- We’re talking about powerful knowledge that will stay with you and make you more marketable within industry long after you’ve completed the MBA.
Why Study MBA Finance?
- Our Business School is internationally recognised for its excellence in world-leading research impact in Business and Management Studies.
- The University, Academic staff and study body are international and multi-disciplined
- Develop critical insight into current and emerging issues and apply it in real world settings
- Study alongside world-class peers and benefit from endless professional opportunities
- Advance your leadership skills and learn to lead with vision and purpose
- Enhance your credentials with a globally-recognized MBA degree and first class management training
- Develop a well-rounded skillset – gain the tools to succeed in your job search, as well as the communication and professional skills that business recruiters expect
- Develop interpersonal, management and leadership skills
- Drive organisational change and help organisations to face some of today’s greatest financial and economic challenges
- Critically evaluate how value is created through innovation and marketing and how strategies are designed
- Strengthen your capacity for social, geographical and cultural mobility
- The international network you develop is one of the most valuable outcomes of your MBA qualification
- Immediate reward for you and your employer, by developing a holistic approach to understanding and solving business problems
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Open to graduates from any discipline, this programme does not require business or management study to be completed at undergraduate level.
This programme is for you if you have a minimum of TWO years post-degree work experience; a track record of professional achievement and a good first degree (equivalent to a British second-class Honours degree) or above in any discipline.
The Programme Director may consider applicants with non-standard qualifications. If you have non-standard qualifications and extensive work experience, please ensure to enclose a complete CV and detailed work references.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 51; Reading - 54; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
Undertaking an MBA is a substantial investment of your time and your finances. We aim to ensure that the return on your investment is considerable.
- Part time and Independent Subject Study (ISS) fees are charged on a pro rata basis. For more information, see ‘Flexible Learning to Suit Your Lifestyle’.
- Please note, students who accept an offer of a place will be asked to pay a deposit to secure their place.
- This deposit is later deducted from the tuition fees payable at registration.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| All Students | £20,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2019/20 Academic Year |
International non-EU Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
MBA graduates are in high demand.
- 80% are employed in senior manager or director positions*.worldwide.
- 42 CEOs of the Fortune top 100 companies hold an MBA.
- the average salary of an MBA graduate is over £80,000*, according to the Association of MBAs.
Not only do our MBA students leave with the underlying business knowledge essential to successful business, they have developed and thus can offer potential employers the crucial characteristics and skills - strong communication and interpersonal skills, quantitative knowledge and technical skills - sought after in today's globally competitive business environment.
In this way, our Alumni have enjoyed much success in the workplace with recent graduates going on to work in the following organisations:
- Accenture
- Bank of Scotland
- BP
- Bureau Veritas
- Centrica
- Citibank
- Conoco Phillips
- Ernst and Young
- High Speed 2
- KPMG
- Npower
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Shell
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Talisman
- Taqa
- Yes Bank (India)
Industry Links
Our business connections mean we provide opportunities to network with, present to, brainstorm with and do work for industry, including:
- The chance to have your work seen by eminent members of your profession.
- ‘Live’ projects for and site visits to prestigious companies or institutions.
- Project work and workshops with visiting lecturers and industry specialists.
Our Experts
- Programme Leader
- Trevor Francis Morrow
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Facilities
- 24 hour access to our online Learning Support provided via our Virtual Learning environment MyAberdeen.
- Membership of the University Library, learning materials including access to core text books.
- Access to international networking and continuing professional development.
- Join our business societies such as the Entrepreneurial Society.
- Access to the Internet via the university computer.
- Access to all campus facilities.
Sir Duncan Rice Library
The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.
Find out moreGet in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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Business School
University of Aberdeen
Edward Wright Building
Dunbar Street
Aberdeen
AB24 3QY