Why study finance? - Top 6 reasons

Finance is a field within accounting and economics that focuses on the management of money at personal, corporate and public levels. Its main aim is to study the production, distribution and consumption of money, goods, assets and services.

Why study finance?

Degrees in finance are widely applicable

Studying finance doesn’t limit you to a specific industry or sector. It offers a broad range of applications across various industries. This makes your skillset adaptable and valuable in a wide range of professional settings. Whether you are interested in banking, insurance, investment or starting your own business, a finance degree can provide you with a solid foundation for success.

You’ll improve your ability to solve problems

Through the study of finance, you will develop critical thinking and analytical abilities, giving you the skills to effectively identify and solve complex financial challenges. These skills are highly transferable and valuable in many other areas of life as well.

A finance degree will make your CV stand out

In today’s competitive job market, it is essential to stand out from the crowd. Having a finance degree demonstrates your expertise in financial management, risk assessment and strategic decision-making. Employers highly value these skills, making a finance degree a strong asset when seeking employment opportunities.

The finance industry continues to evolve

By studying finance, you will stay up to date with the latest industry trends and technological advancements. This ensures that you are well-prepared to navigate the ever-changing landscape of finance and stay competitive in the field.

Finance jobs are well paid and in-demand

In today’s economic landscape, the demand for professionals with financial expertise is high. These positions cover a wide range of roles and industries.

Companies across various industries recognise the importance of effective financial management, making finance professionals indispensable. This gives graduates the opportunity for excellent growth and job security.

Finance is present in everyday life

Understanding financial concepts and principles is essential for professional success and personal financial management. Whether it’s managing your personal budget, making investment decisions, or understanding the financial health of a company, an understanding of finance can greatly benefit you in numerous everyday situations.

Study finance at Royal Holloway, University of London

If you want to learn about finance in the UK, choose Royal Holloway, University of London, a top 30 UK university (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023). The University offers a range of excellent finance and economics-related degrees that are accredited by CIMA, CPA, CIPFA, ICAEW and AACSB. This means your qualification is recognised in the industry, giving you a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

The University has strong ties with the finance industry, offering networking opportunities, internships, and access to prominent professionals, increasing your chances of securing valuable work experience. Situated in London, one of Europe’s largest financial hubs, there are many exciting work experience and graduate job opportunities for students at Royal Holloway, with students going on to work at a range of accounting firms and companies, from PWC and Deloitte to Accenture and London Premier Hotels.

Royal Holloway firmly establishes itself as one of the top institutions for research excellence. The University's commitment to academic excellence is proven by its position within the top 25% of UK universities rated “world-leading" or "internationally excellent" in the prestigious Research Excellence Framework released in 2021.

As an international student, you can begin your UK education journey at the International Study Centre. Here you will find pathway programmes expertly designed to develop your academic knowledge, subject-specific and English language skills in preparation for a finance degree at Royal Holloway.

Undergraduate

The International Foundation Year in Management and Economics is an excellent place to begin your study of finance. The programme is designed to help international students transition into UK education and builds important skills such as academic writing and English language development to the level needed for university study. Successful completion of the programme will allow you to progress to the first year of an undergraduate degree in finance at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Postgraduate

If you want to continue your finance education journey in the UK and don’t yet meet the direct entry requirements for masters study, there are two pre-masters options available: the Pre-Masters Programme in Economics and the Pre-Masters Programme in Business and Management.

Both programmes have core modules in academic and English language skills and subject-specific modules that allow you to build the knowledge needed to succeed in a postgraduate finance degree.

Upon successful completion of a Pre-Masters Programme at the International Study Centre, you can progress to a postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Find out the entry requirements and fees for a pathway programme at the Royal Holloway International Study Centre.

FAQs

What do you study in finance?

During a finance degree, you will study various aspects of financial management and analysis. This includes learning about investment principles, financial markets and risk management in order to gain a deep understanding of financial models and strategies for making informed financial decisions.

What are the four areas of finance?

The four main areas of finance are:

• Corporate finance – financial management and decision-making within corporations, including capital investment, financial planning and risk management
• Investments – analysing and managing various types of investments such as stocks, bonds and real estate to maximise returns and minimise risks
• Financial institutions and markets – the function of financial institutions and the structure and operations of financial markets
• Personal finance – individual financial planning and management, including budgeting, saving, investing and tax strategies.

Are there good career options in finance?

Yes, finance offers a wide range of rewarding career options, such as financial analyst, investment banker and risk manager. A career in finance can offer competitive salaries, growth prospects and the opportunity to work with global markets and complex financial tools.

^{Note: Salary information is sourced externally. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the salary ranges.}