| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time |
| Entry year | September 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Finance |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online Programme Director: Dr Jason Cen |
| Typical offer | 2:2 with honours in Accounting, Finance, Investment, Economics, Maths, Business, Engineering, Social/Natural Science or related discipline from a recognised university. |
|---|---|
Overview
- Brings together interdisciplinary research expertise from the Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre and the Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Designed to meet the growing demand for more specialist needs, such as programming for financial applications and quantitative techniques needed to analyse, in-depth, financial data and financial securities
- You will develop a well-balanced understanding across the principles of finance, investment and data science together with methods for implementation and application
- Learn to apply cutting-edge data analytical methodologies to diverse issues in the finance discipline and contemporary real-world problems and gain insight into recent technological developments in the industry
- You will be equipped to pursue a variety of careers, ranging from roles including financial analysis, risk management, investment banking, financial technology, and consulting.
Business School of the Year
Times Higher Education Awards 2022
Triple accredited Business School
AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS
Ranked 5th in the UK for overall satisfaction
Financial Times Global Masters in Finance rankings 2024
Partner to the Alan Turing Institute and home to Exeter’s Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Business School of the Year
Times Higher Education Awards 2022
Triple accredited Business School
AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS
Ranked 5th in the UK for overall satisfaction
Financial Times Global Masters in Finance rankings 2024
Partner to the Alan Turing Institute and home to Exeter’s Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Entry requirements
2:2 with honours in Accounting, Finance, Investment, Economics, Maths, Business, Engineering, Social/Natural Science or related discipline.
Evidence of mathematical/quantitative* ability is essential. We do consider all applications where there is evidence of exceptional performance in modules relevant to the programme of study, significant relevant work experience or professional qualifications such as CFA, ACCA, ICAEW, ICAS and CIMA.
*Mathematics modules may include, for example, Algebra, Calculus, Econometrics, Statistics, Probability or Optimisation.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
MSc Finance and Data Science is designed to address the fast-growing demand for digital skills in the latest developments of the financial industry. You will learn to apply cutting-edge data analytical methodologies to diverse issues in the finance discipline and contemporary real-world problems, gaining insight into recent technological developments in the industry. Alongside this, you will develop a well-balanced understanding across the principles of finance, investment and data science together with methods for implementation and application. You will gain the technical skills to solving problems in modern finance world, while considering the social and technical implications of data science and AI.
- Please note that modules are subject to change.
- Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the Business School postgraduate module list.
Compulsory modules
a You must choose one and only one module from group-a modules (i.e., either BEAM007, BEFM027, BEAM079, or BEAM101). Please note if you wish to follow ‘Sustainable Finance’ pathway you must choose BEAM101.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MTHM501 | Working with Data | 15 |
| MTHM502 | Introduction to Data Science and Statistical Modelling | 15 |
| BEAM047 | Fundamentals of Financial Management | 15 |
| BEAM078 | Applied Empirical Accounting and Finance | 15 |
| BEAM035 | Derivatives Pricing | 15 |
| BEAM050 | Advanced Corporate Finance | 15 |
| BEAM007 | Investment Analysis Dissertation See note A above | 30 |
| BEFM027 | Dissertation See note A above | 30 |
| BEAM079 | Coding Analytics for Accounting and Finance See note A above | 30 |
| BEAM101 | Sustainable Finance Project See note A above | 30 |
Optional modules
b For ‘Sustainable Finance’ pathway, in addition to BEAM101 as a compulsory, you must also earn 30 more credits from other group-b modules (i.e., any two from the four optional modules: BEAM102, BEAM103, BEAM052 and BEAM104).
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSc Finance and Data Science opt modules 24/25 | ||
| BEAM031 | Financial Instruments | 15 |
| BEAM032 | Investment Analysis 1 | 15 |
| BEEM061 | Fundamentals of Financial Technology | 15 |
| BEAM102 | Financial Institutions' Risk Management | 15 |
| BEAM103 | Climate Finance and Investments | 15 |
| MTHM507 | Communicating Data Science | 15 |
| MTHM017 | Advanced Topics in Statistics | 15 |
| SOCM033 | Data Governance and Ethics | 15 |
| BEEM161 | Smart Contracts | 15 |
| BEAM046 | Financial Modelling | 15 |
| BEAM033 | Banking and Financial Services | 15 |
| BEAM036 | Domestic and International Portfolio Management | 15 |
| BEAM038 | Investment Analysis 2 | 15 |
| BEAM042 | International Financial Management | 15 |
| BEAM052 | Corporate Governance and Finance | 15 |
| BEAM053 | Mergers, Management Buyouts and Other Corporate Reorganisations | 15 |
| BEAM065 | Bank Management | 15 |
| BEAM104 | Sustainable and Responsible Finance | 15 |
| BEMM190 | Digital Transformation | 15 |
This pathway allows you to select specific modules that will allow you to graduate in MSc Finance and Data Science with Sustainable Finance.
The Sustainable Finance pathway will equip you to embed green and sustainable finance principles and practice into your advice, analysis, actions and decision. The finance industry is increasingly recognising the importance of integrating sustainability considerations into decision-making processes and companies, investors, and regulators are seeking professionals who possess both financial expertise and knowledge of sustainable practices. This pathway will provide you with specialist skills in this area.
You will learn from research expertise developed within the Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre, which will introduce you to cutting-edge theory and practice in sustainable and responsible finance. Leading academics actively engaged in research on climate finance, environment and sustainability will deliver these modules, which are designed to give insight into theory that has been important in shaping agendas relating to global sustainability.
During the summer, you will conduct a Sustainable Finance Project to solve real-world problems and create positive impact, leading to a sustainable future world through transformative research, education and engagement.
Students must study BEAM101 Sustainable Finance Project (30 credits) and choose another 30 credits from:
| Code | Module title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BEAM052 | Corporate Governance and Finance | 15 |
| BEAM103 | Climate Finance and Investments | 15 |
| BEAM102 | Financial Institutions Risk Management | 15 |
| BEAM104 | Sustainable and Responsible Finance | 15 |
Fees
2025/26 entry
UK fees per year:
£19,900 full-time
International fees per year:
£32,300 full-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
*Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Teaching and research
Our postgraduate taught programmes utilise a range of teaching methods including lectures, seminars and tutorials.
Lectures
The aim of lectures is to give you information on ideas that are central to the module and to help you in developing your understanding of complex ideas. Many of the teaching materials for lectures are made available to you electronically to accompany the notes you take during the lecture. Lectures are given by a range of staff members, including leading professors, who integrate their latest research findings into the teaching that you receive. Guest lecturers, including members of industry, also contribute to some modules.
Seminars and tutorials
Seminars and tutorials involve an in-depth exploration of the issues covered in lectures as well as giving you the opportunity to discuss various concepts and theories and receive feedback on your written assignments.
Research-led teaching
Our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
We are a research intensive faculty and cover a wide range of themes which inform our teaching. Our research is driven by the understanding that accounting and finance continues to play a fundamental role in organisations and society. As a result, many of our inspiring academics are regularly invited to advise policy-makers at institutions including H.M Revenue and Customs, International Accounting Standards Board, Financial Reporting Council, the Pensions Regulator, and the Bank of England.
Taught by leading experts
You will be taught by internationally respected academics who are at the forefront of their research. We draw upon disciplines across the social sciences and give emphasis to the dynamic nature of enterprise, global connectivity and the management and leadership of the global challenges that lie ahead.
The Business School is home to the following research centres
- Centre for Entrepreneurship
- Centre for Innovation in Business Education
- Centre for Simulation, Analytics and Modelling (CSAM)
- Exeter Centre for Social Networks (ECSN)
- Exeter Centre for Leadership (ExCL)
- Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre (ESF)
- Initiative in the Digital Economy at Exeter (INDEX)
- Land, Environment, Economics and Policy Institute (LEEP)
- Research Methods Centre
- Tax Administration Research Centre (TARC)
- The Exeter Centre for Circular Economy (ECCE)
Careers
Preparing you for success
This Masters degree is designed to prepare you for a successful career, wherever in the world you plan to work. We’ll prepare you for your career by teaching you advanced communication and technical skills, team-working and independent research, project-management and the very latest specialist knowledge.
Our MSc Finance and Data Science will enable you to develop the professional and financial skills and subject expertise that makes you a valuable asset from day one of your career.
Select modules to suit your future career
By carefully selecting the research topic for your dissertation / project, and your optional modules such as investment analysis, corporate finance, corporate governance, derivatives, mergers and acquisitions or financial economics, you can start to develop a specialisation to enhance your employability.
Develop skills that employers value
Our MSc Finance and Data Science will enable you to develop the professional and financial skills and subject expertise that makes you a valuable asset from day one of your career.
Potential employers
- Investment management companies where analysts provide information to in-house fund managers
- Stockbrokers and investment banks, where the analysts' research assists clients of their company, usually fund managers but sometimes also company executives and directors
- Wealth management divisions of investment banks
- Institutional investors, such as large charities, pension funds and life assurance companies
- Hedge funds
- Government or public organisations
- SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises)
Graduate training routes
Multi-nationals such as Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Barclays, HSBC, Vanguard Asset Management, Credit Suisse, Citibank, Amundi and Deutsche Bank have graduate training routes in many countries in which they are based. Country-specific banks like China Construction Bank and Bank of China (Hong Kong) and smaller organisations across the world also offer graduate training routes and employment opportunities with specific recruitment cycles appropriate to their local employment market.
Developing your skills and career prospects
The University of Exeter Business School provides a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. Visit our Business School careers service web page for more information.
