15 Best Universities for Finance in UK

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Choosing one of the best universities for Finance in UK is a wise decision but there are a few factors that you should consider before selecting your university. 

When it comes to studying finance in the UK, there are many universities to choose from.

In this article, we will be discussing the 15 best universities for finance in the UK. These universities have been selected based on their academic reputation, Faculty Expertise, Industry Connections, and Accreditations and Rankings.

Why Study in Finance?

Studying finance offers a broad range of applications across various industries, making your skillset adaptable and valuable. It improves problem-solving abilities, makes your CV stand out, and keeps you updated with industry trends and technological advancements.

Finance jobs are well-paid and in demand, providing graduates with excellent growth and job security. Understanding financial concepts and principles is essential for professional success and personal financial management, as it can be applied in various everyday situations.

A finance degree is a strong asset in today’s competitive job market, demonstrating expertise in financial management, risk assessment, and strategic decision-making.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Universities for Finance in UK

Choosing the best universities for finance involves a meticulous evaluation process that goes beyond surface-level rankings.

The following elements were considered throughout the rating process:

  1. Academic Reputation
  2. Faculty Expertise: Examination of the faculty’s expertise in finance, including their industry experience, research focus, and contributions to the financial sector.
  3. Industry Connections: Assessment of the university’s collaborations and partnerships with financial institutions, corporations, and industry leaders.
  4. Research Initiatives
  5. Facilities and Resources
  6. Accreditations and Rankings

List of 15 Best Universities to Study Finance in the UK

Below is a list of the 15 best universities to study Finance in the UK:

15 Best Universities for Finance UK

1. University of Oxford

  • Founded: 1096
  • Location: Oxford, England

The University of Oxford is a prestigious institution that has been around for centuries and is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. It has nine colleges and over 20,000 students from 180 countries.

The Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford offers a unique Accounting and Finance program that provides students with a top-quality education in accounting, finance, and management.

The program is designed to prepare students for a range of careers in accounting, banking, financial services, or management consulting.

Students have access to various facilities including libraries and computer labs as well as academic support services such as career guidance and academic advice.

2. University of Cambridge

  • Founded: 1209
  • Location: Cambridge, England

The University of Cambridge is a world-renowned university that was founded in 1209 and is one of the oldest universities in the world.

It is considered one of the most prestigious universities in Britain and has an excellent reputation for teaching excellence. Its students also have access to high-quality research opportunities through its affiliated colleges.

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.

3. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

  • Founded: 1895
  • Location: Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a highly respected university in the UK, known for its excellence in research, teaching, and business.

LSE is also renowned for its economics and political studies programs. If you are interested in studying finance, LSE offers a wide range of courses that cover all aspects of the subject area, including finance, accounting, management, and economics.

At the undergraduate level, students can choose from over 80 different modules, providing plenty of opportunities to tailor their education around individual interests or career goals.

LSE also provides students with numerous opportunities to gain practical experience through internships with top companies.

4. London Business School

  • Founded: 1964
  • Location: Regent’s Park, London NW1 4SA, United Kingdom

London Business School is a prestigious business school that was established in 1964. It has consistently been 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.

The Accounting & Financial Analysis program at London Business School is designed to develop your skills in accounting, finance, and business strategy.

The program emphasizes the financial aspects of running a business and provides a strong foundation in core subjects such as financial accounting, corporate finance, and strategic management.

5. The University of Manchester

  • Founded: 2004
  • Location: Manchester, England

The University of Manchester is a world-renowned institution that offers over 100 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in arts, humanities, social sciences, and science. The university is located in Manchester, a city known for its culture and innovation.

The Accounting and Finance program at the University of Manchester is a comprehensive course that combines accounting and finance with business management, economics, and quantitative methods.

This program provides students with a wide range of career opportunities and equips them with the skills to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

The course emphasizes problem-solving and decision-making, making graduates valuable members of any team or organization.

The program is designed to prepare students for a range of exciting careers in finance at an international level or an academic career via a Ph.D.

6. Imperial College London

  • Founded: 1907
  • Location: Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ

Imperial College London is a highly regarded university in the UK that is known for its research and innovation. It has several departments that are consistently ranked among the best in the world.

The Accounting and Finance program at Imperial College London is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in accounting and finance, as well as the skills necessary to succeed in their professional lives.

The program teaches students how to build an accounting system, maintain financial records, and produce reports for multiple stakeholders.

Imperial College London’s Accounting and Finance program is a one-year, full-time program that is accredited by both ACCA and CIMA.

7. The University of Warwick

  • Founded: 1965
  • Location: Warwickshire, England

The University of Warwick is a leading UK university with a global reputation for research, teaching, and innovation.

The Warwick Business School offers a curriculum that is based on a variety of options, enabling students to tailor their education to suit their personal interests and career goals.

The school offers a range of undergraduate courses, including finance, accounting, banking, management accounting, economics, mathematics, and statistics.

The Accounting and Finance program offered by Warwick Business School is designed to help students develop a range of skills needed for a successful career in accounting.

8. University of Edinburgh

  • Founded: 1583
  • Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

The University of Edinburgh is a public research university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was founded in 1583 and is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland’s ancient universities.

The university offers a Master’s in Accounting and Finance program that aims to equip students with the theoretical and practical skills required to excel in finance-related careers.

The program provides a comprehensive understanding of accounting and finance, including critical analysis, research, and advanced numeracy.

The University of Edinburgh Business School offers a range of accounting and finance-related programs, including joint honors degree programs, which allow students to study two subjects at the same time, providing more course choices and flexibility when they graduate.

9. UCL (University College London)

  • Founded: 1826
  • Location: London, England

UCL (University College London) is a prestigious university in the UK renowned for its academic excellence and research contributions.

The university is particularly well-known for its Department of Management, which is ranked among the best in the world and has a strong focus on corporate governance and accounting.

UCL offers a Bachelor of Science in Statistics, Economics & Finance program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the quantitative techniques used in finance.

The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a variety of finance-related careers.

Students can choose from a wide range of course options, including accounting theory and practice, corporate finance, financial markets, entrepreneurship, econometrics, management accounting systems, and strategy.

10. University of Glasgow

  • Founded: 1451
  • Location: Glasgow, Scotland

The University of Glasgow is a top choice for students seeking a finance degree in Scotland. It has been providing education to students since 1451 and offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various fields, including arts, business, and law (including finance).

The University’s finance program provides a comprehensive understanding of risk, money management, banking, capital markets, and investments.

It also offers practical and theoretical dimensions around the financial decisions made by consumers, corporations, governments, and society. The Adam Smith Business School at the University of Glasgow is triple-accredited, which puts it in the top league of international business schools.

The University of Glasgow offers a range of finance courses, including a bachelor’s degree in accounting & finance (BSc), a bachelor’s degree in business (BSc), and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance & economics.

11. Lancaster University

  • Founded: 1964
  • Location: Lancaster, Lancashire, England

Lancaster University is a public research university located 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.

Lancaster University offers a BSc Finance Hons program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in accounting or finance in various fields.

The program 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.

12. City, University of London

  • Founded: 1894
  • Location: London, United Kingdom

City, University of London is a public research university located in the Islington area of central London.

The university offers over 200 career-focused degrees and is committed to academic excellence and focused on business and the professions. The Accounting and Finance program at the City, University of London is a high-quality education that prepares students for a career in the field.

The program offers students the opportunity to develop their expertise in accounting or finance by choosing from an extensive list of elective courses that allow them to tailor their degree to their interests and goals.

13. Durham University

  • Founded: 1832
  • Location: Durham and Stockton-on-Tees, England

Durham University is a collegiate university with its main campus located in Durham, UK. It has other campuses in Newcastle, Darlington, and London.

The Accounting and Finance program at Durham University is designed to equip students with a broad range of skills that will serve them well in their future careers, whether it’s in the fields of finance or accounting or even something completely different. The program is tailored to students who want to pursue careers in business administration or accountancy.

Durham University Business School offers a one-year full-time MSc Finance (Accounting and Finance) program that provides the necessary technical and quantitative skills needed to succeed in an international finance career.

The program is designed to equip students with the frameworks, tools, techniques, and knowledge required to succeed in business.

14. University of Birmingham

  • Founded: 1900
  • Location: Birmingham, England

The University of Birmingham is a well-regarded institution in the UK, ranked among the top 20 universities in the country. The university has a strong reputation for business and finance and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in finance.

The Accounting and Finance program at the University of Birmingham is a highly 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.

15. University of Leeds

  • Founded: 1904
  • Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England

The University of Leeds is a globally recognized institution that has been ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.

It has a long-standing reputation for providing quality education in various fields, including finance. The Accounting and Finance program at the University of Leeds is a rigorous three-year course that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become qualified accountants.

The course is designed to provide a strong foundation in accounting and finance, as well as related fields such as management, economics, and business administration.

The program combines theoretical concepts with practical applications, ensuring that students are well-prepared for a career in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Universities for Finance in the UK

Are rankings influenced by university size or location?

Rankings are based on the outlined criteria, focusing on the quality of finance education rather than university size or location.

Should I solely rely on rankings when choosing a university for finance studies?

Rankings provide a valuable starting point, but individual preferences, career goals, and personal fit should also be considered. Prospective students are encouraged to delve deeper, exploring university websites and visiting campuses to make well-informed decisions.

Are there scholarships available at these top universities for finance studies?

Many universities offer scholarships for finance students. Prospective students should explore scholarship opportunities on the official websites of the respective universities and consider external scholarship programs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the UK has some of the best universities in the world for finance, and the above list is a testament to that. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in finance can choose from any of the universities listed in this article.

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