Finance, MA
Introduction
This degree is designed to provide students with an extensive knowledge and understanding of the world of Finance. In particular, the course explores relevant theory in the business world and how it is applied to the world of finance.
A degree that fits you. The degree programmes offered through the Business School are designed to be flexible. Specialise in one area, explore new subjects, or study multiple disciplines to attain a degree that suits your interests and career aspirations.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MA
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- N300
- Pathway Programme Available
- Undergraduate Foundation Programme
Students are exposed to the quantitative techniques used in industry to apply these theories in practice. They will be introduced to the fundamental theories of microeconomics, macroeconomics, corporate finance, asset pricing and also how the financial system functions before being introduced to specialist techniques, and advanced financial techniques such as investment, data analysis, derivatives pricing, treasury management, risk management and portfolio management.
This degree is designed to provide students with an extensive knowledge and understanding of the world of Finance. In particular, the degree explores relevant theory in the business world and how it is applied to the changing world of finance.
Students will benefit both from having close links to employers and exposure to professional training facilities such as our trading floor which is used by major financial services companies across the world. This degree prepares students with the knowledge and skills required for a career in finance and graduates would expect to find employment in all sectors of the financial services industry, both in the UK and overseas, including financial institutions such as banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment and unit trusts and roles such as a financial analyst, portfolio manager or risk management consultant and to enable them to succeed as a professional accountant.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.
View the Aberdeen Global ScholarshipWhat You'll Study
- Year 1
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Compulsory Courses
- Academic Writing for Business (AW1003)
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This compulsory evaluation is designed to find out if your academic writing is of a sufficient standard to enable you to succeed at university and, if you need it, to provide support to improve. It is completed on-line via MyAberdeen with clear instructions to guide you through it. If you pass the evaluation at the first assessment it will not take much of your time. If you do not, you will be provided with resources to help you improve. This evaluation does not carry credits but if you do not complete it this will be recorded on your degree transcript.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
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This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students and articulating students who are in their first year at the University, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Finance 1: Finance, Risk and Investment (FI1004)
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15 Credit Points
The module considers the nature and operation of investment markets, focusing on three asset classes; shares, bonds and real estate. It looks at the characteristics of these investment options in terms of their risks and returns. The module introduces basic financial mathematics: time value of money, calculation of present values and investment rates of return. Finally, it considers the role of financial institutions and regulatory bodies in personal finance, where consumers and financial markets interact.
- The Economics of Business and Society (EC1006)
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15 Credit Points
This course is an introductory course in microeconomics where we study the decision making of individual actors (consumers, employees, firms, governments, etc.) in an economy. Actors must make decisions about behaviours because they face scarce resources, but often they find that trading with other actors in markets can increase the wellbeing of all parties. This course models and examines the nature of these interactions, highlighting when they work well and when they fail to increase wellbeing and what might be the solution to these failures.
- Accounting and Entrepreneurship (AC1517)
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15 Credit Points
The course provides an understanding of how organisations, particularly small businesses, capture, create and use accounting information both to guide their own activities and to communicate their financial performance and financial position to parties external to themselves. It develops knowledge and understanding of accounting, accounting techniques and accounting information, so that students become informed users of accounting data and information, not creators of that data and information.
- The Global Economy (EC1506)
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15 Credit Points
This course is an introductory course in macroeconomics where we study the behaviour of the economy as a whole. Whereas microeconomics focuses on individual markets, macroeconomics addresses the “big issues” such as unemployment, inflation, economic growth, and financial crises. Macroeconomics is a lively subject, full of discussion and debate, as economists and policymakers take different views on macroeconomic issues, their causes and appropriate policy responses. Issues such as: Is the economy growing? What causes unemployment and how can we reduce it? How can we avoid recessions? When is inflation a problem? Are banks lending too much?
Optional Courses
Plus 60 credits points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits.
- Year 2
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Compulsory Courses
- Finance 2: Business Finance (FI2004)
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15 Credit Points
The main aim of this course is to develop a sound understanding of fundamental principles underlying the theory and practice of finance, thereby providing a strong basis for further study of advanced finance theory and cognate disciplines. The course introduces students to important concepts in finance: principles of assets pricing, concept of risk and return, theory of interest rates and pricing fixed income securities, evaluation of investment project with a focus on embedded real options. It equips students with good analytical skills in order to understand the implications of financial decisions by understanding the fundamentals that govern them.
- Financial Markets and Regulation (FI2501)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides students with an understanding of the financial system, primarily from a UK perspective, introducing students to the reasons for, and nature of, financial markets and institutions before moving on to explore the need and importance of financial regulation, and investigating the causes and consequences of the recent global financial crisis. The course will introduce students to a variety of topics including the role of wholesale and retail banks, non-bank financial institutions, the debt and equity markets, and the derivative markets; market efficiency, UK and international regulation, consumer protection and market abuse.
- Understanding Statistics (PO2508)
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15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of statistical concepts and methods relevant to accounting, management, finance, real estate and economics. The course is intended to enable students
i) To understand the principles of descriptive statistics, index construction, statistical inference, correlation, regression and time series analysis
ii) To apply statistical techniques to the analysis of accounting, business and economic issues and interpret findings
iii) To identify important sources of data in accounting, business and economics
- Building Skills and Experience for Career Success (PD2002)
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This course, which is designed for level 2 students and above, is studied entirely online. Topics include career planning, finding work experience and articulating your skills and experiences in applications and interviews. Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’. The course takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Optional Courses
Plus further credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits.
- Year 3
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Compulsory Courses
- Corporate Financial Theory (FI3009)
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15 Credit Points
This course is designed to equip students with a thorough understanding of corporate finance theory, enabling them to grasp the implications of corporate finance decisions comprehensively. It aims to deepen students' knowledge of the fundamental theories underpinning corporate finance while enhancing their intellectual capabilities. Through the course, students will gain insights into corporate financing choices and their interaction with financial markets, thereby solidifying their theoretical foundation for analysing and understanding corporate behaviour and performance.
- Empirical Asset Pricing (FI3512)
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15 Credit Points
This course explores the application of asset pricing models in security valuation and portfolio management. It bridges finance theory with quantitative analysis for students pursuing careers in investment and asset management. Prerequisites include a good foundation in economics, finance, statistics, and calculus. The course demands a 10-15 hours’ weekly commitment with a focus on quantitative methods.
- Applied Corporate Finance (FI3008)
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15 Credit Points
Applied Corporate Finance provides students with the knowledge about the fundamental theories and emerging issues in corporate finance. The course introduces the issues facing a corporate manager and equip students with the analytical skills necessary for evaluating corporate financial policies. Important issues covered by the course such as cost of capital, value of debt and its associated risks, leasing, credit risk analysis, management of working capital, will be explored from both theoretical and practical perspectives.
- International Financial Management (FI3515)
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15 Credit Points
Multinational corporations face a range of risks in an international setting, including exchange rate, political and financing risk. The course considers the complexities of financial management in these settings. It aims to develop students understanding and ability to apply finance theory to international financial management. This course will develop student skills in the analysis of issues including globalisation and the multinational corporation; foreign exchange markets and exchange rate determination; international capital markets, debt and banking; risk management and foreign currency derivative securities.
- Empirical Methods in Finance 1 (FI3010)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces the statistical and mathematical tools needed to understand empirical research in Finance. Lectures provide the theoretical underpinnings of estimation and statistical inference of models commonly used in financial econometric research. Students will have the opportunity to take the methods to the data in guided computer workshops.
- Fixed Income Securities (FI3514)
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15 Credit Points
The course is intended to introduce fixed income securities to undergraduate students. It will deal with pricing of bonds, measuring and managing interest rate risk, theories of term structure of interest rates and bond portfolios.
- Financial Analysis (FI3011)
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15 Credit Points
This course aims to build knowledge in financial analysis techniques. It will allow students to understand the key elements of financial analysis by undertaking fundamental and technical analyses. The course helps students understand and use credit analysis. It will also discuss financial distress in depth to build students’ ability to think about the implications of financial performance for investors and financial institutions.
The course combines theoretical valuation models with practical applications to help students prepare themselves for the role of financial analyst in the industry.
- Fintech and Business Analytics (FI3513)
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15 Credit Points
This course aims to equip students with a solid understanding of the latest financial technologies, including blockchain, cryptocurrencies, payment and lending, and robo-advisors, as well as the analytical skills necessary to interpret and leverage financial data through Python programming. It combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical skills, preparing students for a variety of roles in the fintech industry.
- Year 4
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Compulsory Courses
- Dissertation in Finance (FI4501)
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30 Credit Points
All Accountancy and Finance students must undertake a dissertation. Students taking a joint degree may undertake the dissertation in either discipline, but not both. It is designed to show that you are able to:
Carry out a substantial piece of research on a chosen subject without close supervision
Critically analyse and evaluate work carried out by others
Reach your own conclusions based upon your analysis and evaluation of relevant evidence, whether this is prior research only or prior research coupled with your own research.
Write-up the results of your work in a clear, coherent and logical way.
- Financial Strategy and Investment Management (FI4002)
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30 Credit Points
Covering the intellectually and commercially fertile ground at the accountancy/finance interface. Considering financial analysis from both theoretical and practical angles. Do you need to understand financial reporting to be an investor? How should we assess the success of an acquisition? Why do accountants think mergers don’t exist? How do companies decide on financing strategies? Does corporate governance and ethics really matter – do share prices react to it? These are some of the questions we will address alongside using DataStream and the ThomsonReuters Eikon system. The course might give you some ideas for your dissertation too.
- Empirical Methods in Finance (FI4003)
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30 Credit Points
This course aims to provide an overview of quantitative methods needed to conduct empirical research in finance and financial economics. The course is intended to enable students
i) To develop knowledge and understanding of the theoretical practical approaches to quantitative methods in finance.
ii) To develop the practical quantitative skills to equip students for dissertations in finance and for on-going work in the finance area.
iii) To develop intellectual skills by understanding of the appropriate use of statistical techniques for various financial problems.
iv) To develop the ability to write extended research reports on original topics in finance
- Derivatives and Treasury Management (FI4503)
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30 Credit Points
The main aim of this course is to provide students with a thorough understanding of basic derivative contracts: options, forwards, futures, swaps, interest rate derivatives, written on a variety of underlying instruments. It will introduce students to essential areas in derivatives from both theoretical and practical perspective: the pricing mechanism of derivatives and mathematical derivation of Black-Scholes model, the derivatives trading, the organization and structure of derivatives markets. The course will equip students with good analytical skills in order to be able to incorporate derivatives into asset portfolio management, use them for hedging purposes, apply different derivatives trading strategies.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
How You'll Study
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
- Written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Learning Methods
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Finance?
- The University of Aberdeen was ranked 18th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2026.
- We are ranked 6th in the UK for Accounting and Finance (Guardian University Guide 2026) and 1st in the UK for Positive Responses in Business Studies (National Student Survey 2025).
- An excellent teaching environment, committed to the needs of industry, which integrates research into teaching, enables transferable skills and develops intellectual skills on a range of contemporary economic problems.
- ACREEF (the Aberdeen Centre for Research in Energy Economics and Finance) headed by leading international petroleum economist Professor Alex Kemp, adviser to the Scottish Government.
- CELMR (the Centre for European Labour Market Research) leading research in education, skills and labour markets so topical today.
- Benefit from professional training facilities such as the Bloomberg finance lab which is used by major financial services companies across the world and integrating real activity in financial markets directly into our students’ courses.
- With a community of over 130 nationalities at the University of Aberdeen, students are immersed in an environment that enables international discourse creating truly global exchanges, generating deep insights that spark innovative change.
- Aberdeen is the main European centre for the energy industry and international accountancy firms, multinational companies and financial services all have offices in the city.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2025 Entry
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SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB
Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBC
Applicants who have achieved BBC at Higher and meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an unconditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB at Higher, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an adjusted conditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional C grade at Higher.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC
Minimum: BCC
Adjusted: CCC
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.
PLEASE NOTE: National 5/ Standard Grade/ GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics / Applications of Mathematics is required in addition to the requirements noted above.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Arts and Social Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate 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 - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
International Applicants who do not meet the Entry Requirements
The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for undergraduate study. Discover your foundation pathway here.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | £20,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year | £20,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) | £14,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) | £14,800 |
| Home Students | |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year | £1,820 |
| England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland | |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | £9,535 |
| Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year | £9,535 |
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Finance graduates are highly in demand by UK and overseas employers, and a degree in Finance is applicable to a number of industries, giving you additional flexibility in your career choices. The skills you will develop in risk assessment, strategic decision-making, analytics, and more are in high demand with many employers.
Some of our recent graduates have gone on to work in finance, banking, accountancy and other professional services with China Construction Corp, Lloyds Bank, Bank of America, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Royal Bank of Scotland, KPMG, Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Grant Thornton.
Others have secured roles within the government and public sector, working with HMRC, the Government Economics Service, the National Audit Office, and the NHS. Our graduates have also secured positions with organisations such as IBM, BBC, BAE Systems, Discovery, and Plus-Warner Bros.
Aberdeen has its own Careers & Employment Service that offers a range of services to inspire and support career success of our students. The service can help you to:
- find summer internships or graduate opportunities, experience;
- apply for jobs and provide practice interviews;
- access online and interactive services such as practice psychometric tests
Career Opportunities
- Business Administrator
- Civil Servant
- Commercial Analyst
- Data Consultant
- Economic Analyst
- Energy Finance Consultant
- Financial Manager
- International Banker
- International Business and Organisations
Accreditation
The University of Aberdeen courses are accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
The Business School is EQUIS accredited, placing it among a select group of globally recognised institutions. Out of over 15,000 business schools worldwide, only around 200 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.
This degree holds accreditation from
Our Experts
For more details on academic experts and those who will be teaching within your programme discipline please visit the People section of the Business School website.
- Programme Leader
- Dr Laura McCann
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Features
The University of Aberdeen, established in 1495, is Scotland’s third oldest and the UK’s fifth oldest University. The university’s ancient campus reflects its long-standing academic tradition, with historic buildings such as King's College, which dates back to the 15th century. This blend of ancient architecture and modern facilities creates a unique atmosphere where students can experience the best of both tradition and innovation.
Affordability
Aberdeen has been named the cheapest place for students to rent private accommodation in the UK. In 2024, StuRents reports that the average price of a student private rental property in the Granite City was just over £96 a week.
World-class facilities
We invest heavily in our facilities and learning resources, ensuring our students have access to everything they need to help them succeed in their studies - from the stunning Sir Duncan Rice Library, to Aberdeen Sport Village, and beyond.
Find out moreBloomberg Finance Lab
Utilise professional training facilities including the Bloomberg finance lab, used by major financial services companies across the world and integrating real activity in financial markets directly into our students’ courses.
Discover Uni
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Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX