Studying finance and accounting

Nazik- BSc Accounting and Finance with Proficiency in Spanish

I chose Exeter because it offered the exact course I wanted to do and I was passionate about all of the compulsory modules. Accounting and Finance has just the right mix of modules from both areas. Apart from academic-related reasons, I chose Exeter because of its campus – it’s a beautiful green campus in a smaller city. Everything you need can be found on campus in close proximity – academic buildings, coffee shops, a Health Centre, Gym, and plenty of restaurants – there’s even a Farmers’ Market on a Friday.

My favourite module is Business/Corporate Finance – involving calculations as well as essays. The lecturer always illustrates problems by using real life examples which also makes us familiar with current issues in the finance industry. Another module I enjoy is Financial Modelling – it involves constant work on Excel which is a vital skill to have if you want to work in the accounting and finance sector. We use Excel to analyse huge companies like Intel and Coca-Cola using real- life data from different financial databases. Overall, all the modules are focused on developing skills that are required by the accounting and finance industry, and involve real-life examples.

As an international student, I found it very easy to adapt to the new environment. All students and staff at the university were very welcoming, and there were lots of support systems in place. All students in halls get Residence Life Mentors – mine helped me a lot with settling in Exeter. During the first week of university there were students from the Welcome Team all around campus helping new students settle in and I also participated in the Global Chums scheme where I got matched with a second year student who I could ask anything about. Exeter is definitely a place where you can meet people from all over the world.

Chang - BSc Accounting and Finance with Industrial Experience

I started off on the Foundation programme INTO Exeter, as I had not completed A Levels in the UK. It offered all the fundamental courses leading to my subject degree, and also gave me the opportunity to gain useful skills such as how to write academic essays and how to make use of the University’s facilities. I also had time to get to know what life is like here and I knew that I had made the right choice to complete my undergraduate degree at the Business School.

Exeter as a city is a brilliant environment for study – it’s small but it has everything you need, plus you have the beautiful South-west countryside on your doorstep. The University is also renowned internationally and has received many recognitions in recent years.

One of the things I like most is the dynamic composition of students. You meet people from all over the world, and because a lot of the courses involve group work, you get to find out how people do things in different countries, as well as seeing different learning styles, which is very useful. Plus you never know the potential of your classmates today – they could be global business leaders in the future.

The Accounting and Finance degree structure gives you a solid grounding in accounting, but it is also flexible if you want to have a taste of other subject areas. Personally, I have chosen to study several management modules in my final year because my long-term career goal is to go into a management role.

Chuanrui - MSc Finance and Investment

I chose the University of Exeter due to its high ranking and reputation. My friend also studied at Exeter and said she really enjoyed her time studying and living here and recommended the Business School to me.

The Chinese finance industry has been developing rapidly over the last few years. With economic globalisation, competition within the finance industry has also become increasingly fierce and the knowledge gained during a bachelor’s degree is not enough to stand out to big employers so I was looking to expand my knowledge. The MSc Finance and Investment programme has a good reputation and is also fully accredited by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.

I also noticed that The Business School offers many study abroad opportunities including the Double Degree programme which gives you the opportunity to study for an extra year on a second Masters programme.

My favourite module is Financial Modelling, our professor Richard gives us clear logical explanations of complex theories. A high standard of group work is expected which has improved my ability to collect information and work as part of a team. The tutorials we have are very helpful as they use practical elements which show us how to use the theories we learn in a real world environment.

I was made to feel very welcome before I even arrived in the UK, the welcome team at Exeter sent me joining instructions and all the information I needed which made me feel very supported. I really enjoy living and studying at Exeter, the people are very polite and friendly.

Chian - MSc Finance and Investment

The reason I chose the University of Exeter for my Masters programme is because it is a target recruitment university for top investment banking firms. The courses are also very practical which provides you with the essential skills you need to enter the workforce.

Whilst researching for courses, I found that the MSc Finance and Investment course provided a comprehensive knowledge in Finance and additional support to help prepare for the CFA® examinations.

The portfolio management module has been one of the most valuable, it provided me with theoretical knowledge and practical examples to show us how to apply what we have learnt to the real world. We also have access to databases such as Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters which have been a great resource for my dissertation and research projects.

Yes I did and I found it very useful, they hold investment centre and interview tutoring on a weekly basis. I have also participated in the eXepert scheme where you are matched up to an alumni who acts as your mentor. I have received plenty of useful advice and tips from my mentor which has helped with my career planning.

The University of Exeter has not only enhanced my knowledge in finance it has built my confidence so I now feel ready to enter the workplace.

Florian - MSc Financial Analysis and Fund Management

I learned about the University of Exeter early on during my undergraduate studies, I joined the MSc Financial Analysis and Fund Management programme as part of a Fast-Track agreement between the University of Exeter and its partner institution, the ESB Business School in Germany.

My decision to choose the University of Exeter was based upon the positive feedback reported by alumni, as well as by the guest presentations at EBS. After spending time here, I can confirm without a doubt, this University really stands out in many ways.

I chose to apply for the MSc in Financial Analysis and Fund Management programme, as the curriculum included modules, I felt to be very useful for my future career plans. Additionally, the possibility to work towards CFA Level I and II examinations over the course of the programme provides additional motivation to delve into the details of each module.

Working towards CFA qualifications in addition to a Masters degree is an ambitious undertaking, therefore the Business School and the programme coordinators provide you with valuable support, ranging from professional CFA training sessions to organising travel to and from the testing venue.

I believe the MSc Financial Analysis and Fund Management programme provides students with a solid theoretical foundation but also with a realistic view on the potential career pathways lying ahead. It also demonstrates how the knowledge we have acquired might be applied in a work environment. This is supported by frequent visits by alumni and finance professionals highlighting the practical side to finance and current industry trends. 

Yishu - MSc Finance and Management

The main reason I chose the University of Exeter Business School was because it was very highly ranked. I didn’t only look at finance rankings but also how Exeter ranked for other subjects as this would mean I would be likely to meet other interesting people from a totally different academic background to myself.  

I have to say that the teaching here is excellent.  Many of the professors are experts in their area and bring elements of their current research into their lectures which means the lectures are practical and based on real world issues. This was not something I was expecting and is a sign for me that we are learning from excellent teachers. 

The module that has impressed me the most has been ‘Financial Modelling’, it is challenging but extremely useful. We have learned various ways of using Microsoft Excel which will be helpful for when I get a job.

The facilities are very good with every classroom having something different including finance terminals where we can access Bloomberg. The ELE system is very useful, it is convenient that we can find lecture notes, tutorials, reading lists, office hours and past papers all in one place. It also means that if you feel you have missed anything in the lecture you can revisit, and know you have all the same studying resources as your classmates.

This course has enhanced my academic knowledge and provided me with finance, strategy, management and also team building skills which will no doubt help my employability. The social activities and group work will also make a great addition to my CV as it shows I can work with people from a range of cultures.

Susan - MSc Financial Analysis and Fund Management

When I was applying for my Masters, I had a clear understanding of the knowledge gaps that I wanted to fill in order to launch my career in Investment Management. The University of Exeter offered exactly what I wanted through one of their flagship programmes, MSc Financial Analysis & Fund Management. Additionally, the programme would give me an opportunity to work towards CFA Level I & II which was a unique offering compared to other universities.

The course content is very relevant. I particularly like how the lecturers incorporate practical coursework that equips you with relevant skills that will come in handy in the work place. The lecturers are very friendly and always ready to offer help where needed, whether it is during breaks, office hours or email. I am particularly impressed by how they are eager to improve on their content delivery through frequent feedback from the students. My favourite module has been Financial Modelling, it was interesting to learn how to create and practically optimise portfolios and measure risk. Modelling is an invaluable skill to have so it was exciting to enhance this skill.

I have enjoyed my experience at the University and wouldn’t trade it for any other. I believe my future is bright and I have the University to thank for that.

Dimitrios - MSc Accounting and Finance

A big draw to this course was the amount of optional modules that were available, which meant I could really adapt the course to suit me. I had a clear idea of what I expected the course to be from my previous studies but it was very different to my expectations, in a good way! I thought there would be a heavy focus on reporting but there is much more including financial modelling modules which have equipped me with skills which are key to getting a job in the financial sector. We have also covered modules I didn’t expect, such as sustainability, which I had never really thought about in detail as having a connection to accounting. I’ve discovered new interests and widened my expertise whilst also developing my interpersonal, critical thinking and practical skills.

I love how green the campus is and the walk to my lectures is very picturesque. There is so much going on in and around the campus and if you are into sports there are a lot of opportunities here, I have also loved being able to go surfing. Exeter is very well connected and it’s easy to go exploring as the train station in only a 15-minute walk from campus.

There is a great deal of support for Business School students, I have had some help with my CV on how it should look and the best way to present myself to help find jobs after I graduate. I have also had sessions with the careers consultant on negotiations and how to approach interviews which makes me feel much more prepared for finding a job. I have also joined the career mentor scheme which is offered by the Career Zone, this is a great opportunity for you to meet someone from the field you want to go into and you can gain lots or advice and tips for succeeding in that industry.