Finance

Finance is a discipline that sits at the intersection of theory and practice, concerned with how individuals, firms, governments and financial institutions make decisions about money, risk and value over time. The questions it addresses are fundamental: how should a business decide which projects to invest in, how do financial markets price uncertainty, what causes financial crises and how can they be prevented, and how should investors construct portfolios to balance return and risk. Finance provides rigorous analytical frameworks for addressing all of these questions, combining economic theory with quantitative methods and institutional knowledge.

At the University of Glasgow, the four-year full-time degree provides thorough training in financial theory and its applications. You will study corporate finance, investment management, financial markets, risk management, banking, capital markets and international finance, developing strong quantitative skills alongside the theoretical foundations of the discipline. The degree includes a year abroad, which gives you the opportunity to study finance in a different national context, exposing you to different regulatory environments, market structures and academic perspectives.

Glasgow's Business School has an established reputation and strong links with the financial services industry in Scotland and beyond.

Finance is consistently among the most sought-after degree subjects by graduate employers. The banking and financial services sector is the most direct destination, including roles in investment banking, asset management, corporate finance, risk management, insurance and private equity. Graduates also work in consultancy, the civil service, international organisations, fintech and the finance functions of businesses in every sector.

Professional qualifications such as the CFA or ACCA are a natural continuation for those who want to develop specialist expertise. Postgraduate study in finance, financial economics or business administration is also a well-established route.