Finance is one of the most sought-after fields of study in the UK, and there are many universities offering courses. There are a few factors that you should consider before selecting your university.
For example, do you want to live in a big city or somewhere quieter? How much does it cost per year? What’s the campus like? Do they offer a good student experience? These questions can help narrow down your options when choosing which university is right for you.
If you are currently preparing to begin your application to any of the top universities for finance in the UK, you should read this article to learn more about what you should do.
Table of Contents
Overview
Finance is the study of money and its use. It’s an important part of the business world because it allows companies to make decisions about how much money they should have, who will work for them, and how many products they can sell.
Finance students study a wide range of subjects in order to be able to provide solutions when it comes time for their company’s or organization’s financial needs. These could include:
- Accounting – This includes understanding how businesses are organized, who manages them, and what processes are used within those organizations.
- Financial Reporting – This is the process of compiling data about a company’s financial performance, which includes its profits and losses, assets, and liabilities.
- Financial Analysis & Equity Research – This covers the process of evaluating a company’s financial statements and other data to determine if it is a good investment.
- Risk Management – This refers to the process of identifying, assessing, controlling and monitoring risks.
Likewise, there are many more subjects required to become an accounting and finance student; including financial modeling and evaluation, and corporate insurance policies.
Inevitably, graduates with expert knowledge in Accounting & Finance will always be sought-after due to the need for them in companies across every sector.
Salary: A financial analyst makes $81,410 on a median annual salary.
Where Can I Work as a Finance Student?
- Banking and insurance. These two industries are the largest employers of finance students, with banking accounting for a majority of employment opportunities. If you want to work in one of these sectors, then a degree in finance is a good option for you. Most roles will require you to have experience working within one of these areas as well as an understanding of financial markets.
- Investment management and corporate finance. If your interest lies in investment management or corporate finance, then there are two main career paths that you could take: portfolio manager or analyst.
- Accounting and auditing. Accounting jobs are suitable for those who have an interest in working with nitty-gritty numbers.
There’s a huge variety when it comes to what types of roles someone can do; however, some roles include working as an accountant or auditor, while others may be more specialized like a financial controller or tax manager.
List of 15 Best Universities to Study Finance in the UK
Here are the top 15 universities to study finance in the UK.
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- The London School of Economics & Political Science
- London Business School
- The University of Manchester
- Imperial College London
- The University of Warwick
- The University of Edinburgh
- University College London (UCL)
- University of Glasgow
- Lancaster University
- City, University of London
- Durham University
- University of Birmingham
- University of Leeds.
15 Best Universities for Finance UK
1. University of Oxford
About the school: University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It has a long history and is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with more than 20,000 students from 180 countries studying at its nine colleges.
About the program: The Accounting and Finance program at the University of Oxford (through its Saïd Business School) is a unique opportunity to study the fundamentals of accounting, finance, and management in one of the world’s top business schools.
You will receive a top-quality education that builds on your existing knowledge and skills while preparing you for a range of careers in accounting, banking, financial services, or management consulting.
The course has been designed with an international perspective, drawing on the expertise of Oxford’s renowned faculty members. You will have access to a range of facilities including libraries and computer labs as well as academic support services such as career guidance and academic advice.
Tuition fee: £9,250.
2. University of Cambridge
About the school: University of Cambridge is a world-renowned university with a long history dating back to 1209.
The University of Cambridge has many advantages over other universities:
- it’s one of the oldest universities in the world;
- it is considered one of the most prestigious universities in Britain;
- it has an excellent reputation for teaching excellence; and
- its students also have access to high-quality research opportunities through its affiliated colleges.
About the program: The Accounting & Finance program at the University of Cambridge is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and professional values needed to succeed in a career in accounting or finance.
The program focuses on preparing students for careers in the financial services industry, including investment banking, corporate finance and strategy, asset management, and risk management. Students will gain an understanding of how businesses operate and how they can be improved through analysis and decision-making.
Tuition fee: £9,250
3. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
About the school: LSE is one of the best universities for finance in the UK. It has a strong reputation for research, teaching, and business. The university also has a strong reputation for economics and political studies.
There are many reasons why you should consider LSE as your choice of university if you want to study finance:
- The school offers an excellent range of courses that cover all aspects of the subject area including finance, accounting, management, and economics.
- Students can choose from over 80 different modules at the undergraduate level which provides plenty of opportunity to tailor their education around individual interests or career goals.
- There are plenty of opportunities to gain practical experience through internships with top companies.
About the program: The Accounting and Finance program at LSE will equip you with the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies required by employers in this field.
You will learn how to apply theories from other disciplines such as economics, psychology, sociology, and political science to explain corporate behavior and how firms operate within their business environments.
You will also acquire expertise in financial analysis, risk management, and decision-making under conditions of uncertainty, which are vital for anyone working in this sector.
Tuition fee: £9,250
4. London Business School
About the school: London Business School is a world-renowned business school. Founded in 1964, it has been consistently ranked among the top schools in the world by various publications. The school offers full-time undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as executive education programs.
About the program: The Accounting & Financial Analysis program at London Business School is designed to develop your skills in accounting, finance, and business strategy. You’ll gain a solid understanding of how organizations are managed, with an emphasis on the financial aspects of running a business.
The program will provide you with a strong foundation in core subjects such as financial accounting, corporate finance, and strategic management. In addition to these core courses, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from elective modules that cover topics such as accounting for non-profit organizations and international taxation.
Tuition fee: £7,900
5. The University of Manchester
About the school: The University of Manchester is a world-class university that offers more than 100 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the areas of arts, humanities, social sciences, and science.
Manchester is a city of culture and innovation, and the University of Manchester is a world-class university. It is a large, diverse, and forward-thinking university, with one of the largest student populations in Europe.
About the program: The Accounting and Finance program at the University of Manchester is an exciting and rewarding course that offers you a wide range of career opportunities. You’ll get to experience the best of both worlds, as the course combines accounting and finance with business management, economics, and quantitative methods.
This means you’ll learn how to apply your knowledge in real-world situations, giving you an edge over other graduates who only specialize in one area. The course also emphasizes problem-solving and decision-making, so that you can become a valued member of any team or organization.
Tuition fee: £9,250
6. Imperial College London
About the school: Imperial College London is one of the top universities in the UK. It has a strong reputation for research and innovation, with a number of departments that are consistently ranked among the best of their kind in the world.
About the program: The Accounting and Finance program at Imperial College London is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in accounting and finance, along with the skills needed to succeed in your professional life.
You’ll learn how to build an accounting system, maintain financial records and produce reports for multiple stakeholders. You’ll also develop strong analytical skills that will help you identify opportunities for growth within your organization.
During your time at Imperial College London, you’ll learn from some of the best professors in their field—many of whom are practicing professionals who can share real-world experiences with you.
Tuition fee: £11,836
7. The University of Warwick
About the school: The Warwick Business School’s curriculum is based on a variety of options, enabling you to tailor your education to suit your personal interests and career goals.
You can choose a major or minor in finance, accounting, and banking or management accounting; or opt for an alternative course such as economics, mathematics, or statistics.
About the program: Warwick Business School’s Accounting and Finance program is designed to help students develop a range of skills needed for a successful career in accounting. From the beginning, students are introduced to the basics of accounting, including how to use double-entry bookkeeping and understand financial statements.
Students then move on to study advanced topics, like financial reporting standards and international accounting issues. Students will also learn about corporate governance and risk management, which are critical skills for all accountants.
Tuition fee: £6,750
8. University of Edinburgh
About the school: The University of Edinburgh is a public research university in Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded in 1583, it is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland’s ancient universities.
About the program: The University of Edinburgh offers a Masters in Accounting and Finance program that teaches students the theoretical and key skills to stand out in their finance-related careers.
Tuition fee: £28,200 – £37,200; (for Masters program only).
9. UCL (University College London)
About the school: UCL (University College London) is one of the top universities in the UK and a leading university for finance. The Department of Management is ranked as one of the best in the world, with particular strength in corporate governance and accounting.
About the program: UCL offers a Bachelor of Science in Statistics, Economics & Finance program. Students who want to study this program will have a wide range of course options available to them, including classes on accounting theory and practice, corporate finance, financial markets, entrepreneurship, econometrics, management accounting systems, and strategy.
Tuition fee: £9,250
10. University of Glasgow
About the school: The University of Glasgow is one of the best choices for students looking for a finance degree in Scotland.
About the program: The University of Glasgow has been educating students since 1451 and offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across many disciplines including arts, business, and law (including finance).
Finance courses available at the University include:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting & Finance (BSc)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business (BSc)
- Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Finance & Economics
Tuition fee: £9,250
11. Lancaster University
About the school: Lancaster University is a public research university in Lancaster, Lancashire, England. It has a student population of around 30,000 and is the largest single-site university in the UK. The institution was awarded The Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2013 for its community engagement.
About the program: Lancaster University offers a BSc Finance Hons program that is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in accounting or finance in a variety of fields. It focuses on accounting principles such as financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and security valuation.
Students also learn how to apply these skills through hands-on projects that allow them to connect theory with real-world applications through case studies, group work, and individual research projects.
Tuition fee: £9,250 – £22,650.
12. City, University of London
About the school: City University London is a public research university in London, United Kingdom. It has its main campus in the Islington area of central London.
About the program: The Accounting and Finance program at the City, University of London is a high-quality education that prepares you for a career in the field. The program offers you the opportunity to develop your expertise in accounting or finance by choosing from an extensive list of elective courses that allows you to tailor your degree to your interests and goals.
The faculty members are committed to teaching excellence, research, and innovation in their fields, and provide students with comprehensive support and guidance throughout their studies.
Tuition fee: £9,250
13. Durham University
About the school: Durham University is a collegiate university, with its main campus situated in Durham, and other campuses in Newcastle, Darlington, and London.
About the program: In the Accounting and Finance program at Durham University, you’ll be part of a group of students who are eager to learn from each other and from their professors. You’ll gain a broad range of skills that will serve you well in your future career, whether it’s in the fields of finance or accounting or even something completely different.
You’ll explore topics like accounting systems, auditing, and corporate governance. You’ll also learn about statistical analysis and financial modeling. The program is designed for students who want to pursue careers in business administration or accountancy.
Tuition fee: £9,250
14. University of Birmingham
About the school: The University of Birmingham is ranked in the top 20 universities in the UK and has a strong reputation for business and finance. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in finance.
About the program: The Accounting and Finance program at the University of Birmingham is a top-ranked program that focuses on developing students’ skills in accounting, finance, taxation, and auditing. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in the finance industry, such as accountancy or financial management.
Students will be taught by expert faculty members who have extensive experience in their fields, so they can learn from professionals who have already been working in the field for years. The program also offers many opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through internships and practical courses like Financial Management.
Tuition fee: £9,250 – £23,460
15. University of Leeds
About the school: The University of Leeds is one of the top 100 universities in the world and has offered a strong finance program for over 50 years.
About the program: The Accounting and Finance program at the University of Leeds is an intensive, three-year program that prepares you to be a qualified accountant. You’ll learn the skills and knowledge necessary to work in accounting and finance, as well as in related fields like management, economics, and business administration.
This program combines theory with real-world applications, giving you a solid foundation in accounting and finance while also preparing you for a career in the industry. You’ll study topics like financial accounting, business law, management accounting and analysis, advanced financial analysis techniques, investment analysis methods, and risk management techniques.
Tuition fee: £9,250 – £26,000
FAQs
What is the best university to study finance in the UK?
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a university, and depending on what area you're looking into, some may be better than others. In general, however, those who have extensive partnerships with businesses and employers are more likely to provide relevant experience for your career path. Generally, the University of Oxford is considered the best finance school in the UK.
Is studying finance worth it?
Accounting and Finance is a program that gives you the skills and knowledge to work in accounting, finance, or management. These are three of the most in-demand fields in the world, so this degree will give you an edge over other job applicants. Also, becoming a financial analyst has good pay and benefits.
What entry-level degree do I need to become a financial analyst?
A Bachelor’s degree is the entry-level degree required by most hiring companies for the role of a financial analyst.
Is studying finance hard?
The answer is yes and no. If you're a person who likes to get right down to business and isn't much for theory, then it can be hard to understand some of the foundational concepts in finance. However, if you're willing to take the time to learn those concepts and make them your own, then studying finance won't be too difficult at all.
Recommended Reads
- 20 Best Courses to Take in College to Get a Job
- How to Make Money as a Student Online
- 20 Best Degrees to Make Money With
- Top 10 Degrees That Guarantee a Job.
Wrapping It Up
That brings us to the end of our list. We hope you’ve found it helpful, and if you have any questions about the university or studying finance, please feel free to get in touch or ask questions in the comments.
