Heriot Watt University UK United Kingdom

MA Finance

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The MA Finance at Heriot Watt University UK is designed for ambitious individuals seeking to deepen their expertise in the dynamic global financial services sector. You will explore critical areas such as financial markets, corporate finance, and financial technology, developing a sophisticated understanding of asset pricing, portfolio construction, and risk management. This postgraduate degree equips you with the analytical acumen and strategic insight necessary to navigate complex financial landscapes and drive innovation in banking, investment management, and beyond. It is ideal for those aspiring to leadership roles in national and international finance.

This full-time, on-campus MA Finance is studied over four years, providing a comprehensive learning experience that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application. You will engage with specialist courses, benefit from hands-on experience in the university’s Bloomberg Finance Lab, and undertake a significant dissertation in your final year to explore a chosen area in depth. You will develop essential skills in financial modelling in Python and applied financial technology, graduating with highly employable expertise ready for diverse career paths in finance, business, and related industries.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Master of Arts in Finance program provides a comprehensive education in accounting and finance, covering foundational concepts in the first year and progressing to advanced topics. Students will explore financial theory, markets, and quantitative methods, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, financial technology, and risk management. The curriculum culminates in a dissertation, preparing graduates for diverse roles in the financial sector.

1 Year 1

Introduction to Accounting and Finance Compulsory
Management in a Global Context Compulsory
Academic Skills Compulsory
Introduction to Marketing Compulsory
Discovering Business Compulsory
Becoming a Professional Compulsory
The Economy Compulsory

2 Year 2

Fundamentals of Finance Compulsory
Personal Finance and Investment Ethics Compulsory
Fundamentals of Marketing Elective
Human Resource Management Elective
Social and Environmental Accounting Elective
Intermediate Economics 1: Theory and Techniques Elective
Financial Markets Theory Compulsory
Quantitative Methods 1 Compulsory
Organisational Behaviour Elective
Operations Management Elective
Enterprise: Concepts and Issues Elective
Statistical Techniques Elective
Consumer Behaviour Elective
Contemporary Economic Policy and Institutions Elective

3 Year 3

Mergers and Acquisitions Compulsory
Corporate Financial Theory Compulsory
Fundamentals of Financial Technology Compulsory
Employment Law Elective
Project Management Elective
Advanced Economics 1 Elective
Introduction to Commercial Law Elective
Management Accounting Techniques and Decisions Elective
Business Research Methods Compulsory
Applied Financial Modelling in Python Compulsory
Innovation Management Elective
Auditing and Assurance Elective
Managing Corporate Value Elective
Business Law and the Law of Corporate Governance Elective
Financial Derivatives Elective
Strategic Management Elective

4 Year 4

Agency Theory and Corporate Governance Compulsory
Accounting and Finance Dissertation 1 Compulsory
Risk Management and Derivatives Compulsory
Strategy and Information Economics Elective
The Contemporary Workforce Elective
International Law of Human Resource Management Elective
Global Business Analysis 1: International Markets and Strategy Elective
Leisure Marketing Elective
Retail Marketing Elective
Advanced Economic Policy 1 Elective
International Trade Elective
Topics in World Economic History 1 Elective
Accounting Theory Elective
Managerial Accounting: Decision Making Elective
Contemporary Issues in Finance Compulsory
Accounting and Finance Dissertation 2 Compulsory
Equity Markets and Fund Management Compulsory
Diversity Management Elective
Digital Marketing Elective
Global Business Analysis 2: Global Trends and Risks Elective
Advanced Valuation of Financial Markets Elective
Banking Elective
Changing Trends in Employment Elective
Marketing Sustainability Elective
Marketing and Management of SMEs Elective
Advanced Economic Policy 2 Elective
Labour Economics Elective
Development Economics 2 Elective
Economics of the European Union Elective
Professional and Critical Theory Elective
Corporate Reporting Elective
International Accounting Elective

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

15% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,102.00 USD 27,142.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,142.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,142.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,142.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 104,528.00 USD 108,568.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 503.00 - USD 2,667.00
Food & Groceries USD 4,833.00 - USD 6,444.00
Transport USD 967.00 - USD 1,128.00
Utilities & Bills USD 2,417.00 - USD 6,847.00
Estimated Total USD 8,217.00 - USD 14,419.00

Living cost estimates are based on Edinburgh Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

84%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Automation & RoboticsEnergy Policy & RegulationEnvironmental & Sustainability ServicesHealth, Safety & Environment (HSE)Midstream Operations & Energy LogisticsOil & Gas Exploration & ProductionPower Generation & UtilitiesPrivate Equity & Venture CapitalResearch & Product DevelopmentWealth Management & Financial Advisory

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Deloitte

EY

Lloyds Banking Group

NatWest Group

SLB

Shell

Why Study MA Finance at Heriot Watt University UK

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at Heriot Watt University UK in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MA Finance at Heriot Watt University UK

Can I work while studying?

International students in Degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is required, but part-time students cannot work.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you need to meet certain English test requirements: TOEFL scores of at least 79 overall and specified minimums in sections, or an IELTS overall score of 6.0, among other criteria. PTE scores also have set minimums for admission.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue roles such as Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Risk Manager, Portfolio Manager, or Corporate Finance Specialist.

What will I actually study in this course?

Our Finance programme offers specialized courses in areas like asset pricing and corporate finance, preparing students for careers in banking and investment management. You'll gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills using the state-of-the-art Bloomberg Finance Lab.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The MA Finance program has an intake month in September each year. Interested candidates should apply in advance to secure their place.
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