The United Kingdom is one of the leading destinations in the world to study finance. This is because the United Kingdom is among the top finance hubs. Therefore, studying finance in the United Kingdom equips students with a strong knowledge of finance and a great understanding of various sectors of finance. Additionally, studying finance in the United Kingdom will give you the flexibility to explore various aspects and gain expertise in it. You can obtain a graduate degree as well as an undergraduate degree in finance in the United Kingdom.
Studying finance in the United Kingdom will give you skills to work in industries such as financial management, financial reporting, business ethics and IT for business. Before you apply to study finance in the United Kingdom, you need to make sure that your qualification aligns with the eligibility criteria of the university you are applying to. Most universities have strict requirements for screening aspiring students. Therefore, you need to know and prepare the requirements which will enable you to gain admission to study finance in the United Kingdom.
In this piece, I will walk you through the requirements needed to study finance in the United Kingdom.
Requirements for Studying Finance in the United Kingdom
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Have a High School Diploma
You need to have a high school diploma to study finance in the United Kingdom. Therefore, you must have completed your 12th grade with an average score of 50-60%.
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A-level Certificate
An A-level certificate is one of the qualifications that can be used to apply for a bachelor’s degree in finance in the UK. However, you must have good grades in your A-level examinations. Therefore, you are required to have grades such as A and B in subjects such as business, mathematics, accounting, and English language.
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International Baccalaureate Diploma
This requirement is specifically for international students. You must have a minimum of 34-36 points in total to meet the requirement for using the IB Diploma. Additionally, you must have studied mathematics at a higher level.
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UCAS Tariff Point
You need to have a minimum of 160 to 180 in your UCAS points.
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English Language Requirements
You will be required to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. You can use English tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum score for IELTS is 6.5 with no sub-band lower than 6.0. Additionally, the minimum score for TOEFL is 93. However, the test and test score can vary depending on your country and the university you are applying to.
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Have Reference Letters
You must submit at least two reference letters during your application. This reference letter should be from a teacher or an employer. Therefore, reference letters from friends or family will be rejected.
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Personal Statement
Some schools in the UK may require you to write a personal statement. This is an essay that explains why you want to study finance in the UK and your career plans. Additionally, you should check the school’s website to know the amount of words that you need to write in your essay.
Requirements to Obtain a Masters in Finance in the United Kingdom
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Have a Bachelor’s Degree
You must have a bachelor’s degree in disciplines such as Mathematics, business, Finance, Economics or a related field. Additionally, you must have a minimum of 2:2 or 60% to apply for a master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
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English Language Entry Requirement
You will be required to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. The minimum score for the IELTS is 7.0 with no sub-band lower than 6.5.
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GMAT/ GRE Score
This is not a compulsory requirement for most schools in the UK. However, this can give you a higher advantage over other applicants. Therefore, you can have a GMAT score of 650 or above. Additionally, the minimum score for the GRE is 320 or above.
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Letters of Recommendation
You must submit at least three recommendation letters during your application. These letters must be obtained from an employer or a previous lecturer. Therefore, recommendation letters from a friend or family will be rejected. You should have two academic recommendation letters and 1 professional recommendation letter.
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Work Experience
You will have a higher chance of gaining admission if you have experience working in the business or finance sector. Therefore, the minimum years required is two years in a finance-related role.
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Write a Statement of Purpose
You must write a statement of purpose explaining your qualifications, your plans as well as the reason why you are choosing to study finance in the United Kingdom. Additionally, this essay must be 500 words or 1-2 pages long. This can vary depending on the university’s requirements.
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Resume/CV
You need to submit an updated resume or curriculum vitae showcasing your work experience and educational qualifications as well as expertise. Additionally, you can add your professional certifications if you have any.
How to Apply
You can apply to study finance in the United Kingdom through the university’s website. Additionally, you need to go through the school’s website and verify the requirements needed by your school of interest. You can apply for the undergraduate program as well as the postgraduate degree.
Duration
The duration for studying finance in the United Kingdom can vary based on the program of your choice and the University. The Undergraduate program that will offer a bachelor’s degree lasts for a minimum of 3-4 years of full-time study. However, a postgraduate program that will offer a master’s degree takes 9 months to 2 years for full-time and part-time study.
Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for studying finance in the United Kingdom varies based on each University and the program. Generally, the average tuition fee for studying finance in the United Kingdom is between £10,000-£30,000. However, international students will be required to pay higher than this for both programs.
Universities in the United Kingdom that Offer Finance
- University of Oxford, England
- University of Cambridge, England
- London School of Economics and Political Science, England
- University College London, England
- University of Manchester, England
- Imperial College London, England
- University of Warwick, England
- University of Nottingham, England
- London Business School, England
- University of Edinburgh, Scotland
- University of Southampton, England
- King’s College London, England
- Durham University, England
- University of Bristol, England
- University of Reading, England
- Lancaster University, England
- University of Glasgow, Scotland
- University of Strathclyde, Scotland
- City, University of London, England
- Cardiff University, Wales
- University of York, England
- Newcastle University, England
- University of Exeter, England
- University of Leicester, England
- Queen Mary University of London, England
- University of Bath, England
- Loughborough University, England
- University of Liverpool, England
- Brunel University London, England
- University of St Andrews, Scotland
- Cranfield University, England
- University of Aberdeen, Scotland
- Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland
- University of Kent, England
- University of Wales, Wales
- Ulster University, Northern Ireland
- University of Stirling, Scotland
- Birkbeck, University of London, England
- Swansea University, Wales
- University of Bradford, England
In Conclusion, studying finance in the United Kingdom demands effective screening procedures for most universities. Therefore, you must make your plans ahead and prepare every necessary document that is required. Additionally, you must confirm via the school’s website before applying. You can reach out to us for further questions and assistance.
Good luck!
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