| 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
- Explore the evolving fields of finance and data science with our MSc Finance and Data Science degree.
- Learn to apply cutting-edge data analytical methodologies to diverse issues in finance and contemporary real-world problems, gaining insight into recent technological developments in the industry.
- Benefit from interdisciplinary research expertise from the Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre and the Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence as well as joint teaching between the Business School and the Mathematics department.
- You will develop specialist skills, such as programming for financial applications and quantitative techniques needed to analyse, in-depth, financial data and financial securities which are in growing demand by employers.
- You will establish a well-balanced understanding across the principles of finance, investment and data science together with methods for implementation and application.
- Our programme will equip you to pursue a successful career, in roles such as financial analysis, risk management, investment banking, financial technology, and consulting.
- You have the opportunity to graduate in MSc Finance and Data Science with Sustainable Finance; choosing this pathway equips you with specialist skills in embedding green and sustainable finance principles and practice into your advice, analysis, actions and decisions.
1st for Accounting and Finance graduate prospects
The Complete University Guide 2025
Triple accredited Business School
AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS
Ranked 5th in the UK for overall satisfaction
Financial Times Global Masters in Finance rankings 2024
Long established partnership with the Alan Turing Institute and home to Exeter’s Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
1st for Accounting and Finance graduate prospects
The Complete University Guide 2025
Triple accredited Business School
AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS
Ranked 5th in the UK for overall satisfaction
Financial Times Global Masters in Finance rankings 2024
Long established partnership with the Alan Turing Institute and home to Exeter’s Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Accreditations
The sustainable finance pathway on this degree recognizes essential topics from the Certificate in ESG Investing from CFA Institute. This professional certificate offers both practical application and technical knowledge in the field of ESG investing.
Choosing to study MSc Finance and Data Science at the University of Exeter was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I was looking for a programme that would combine my passion for finance with the latest advancements in data science, and this course was the perfect fit.
One of the things that makes this course stand out is its ability to blend financial knowledge with data analytics. These technical skills are in high demand, and it’s therefore been great to gain practical experience as part of the course to make sure that I’m equipped to meet the needs of the modern financial world when I finish my studies.
The diverse range of students at Exeter has made studying here even more special. I have classmates from all over the world, each bringing their unique perspective to the course. This diversity creates a rewarding learning environment, especially when we work on group projects. We can approach problems from different cultural and professional angles, which is a great advantage in a field like finance that is increasingly global.
Exeter’s career services have been incredibly supportive as well. From CV workshops to career fairs, I’ve had many opportunities to prepare for life after graduation. I’ve also gained valuable insights into sustainable finance, an area that I’m passionate about, through the University’s focus on integrating sustainability into financial decision-making. I’m confident that this programme has set me up for success in fields like financial technology, risk management, or even consulting.
Praduman
Studying MSc Finance and Data Science
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.
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 artificial intelligence (AI).
If you choose to follow our Sustainable Finance pathway, you can flex this programme to ensure you graduate with specialist skills in green and sustainable finance which are sought after by employers. Read more in the Sustainable Finance pathway section below.
Our compulsory modules give you a good foundation in working with data and will advance your knowledge of finance. We offer a wide range of optional modules for you to choose from – allowing you to curate a programme that meets your interests and career aspirations.
Your final project is completed in the summer. You can choose which type of final project you would like to complete from the following options:
- an investment analysis of a real, topically interesting company (BEAM007)
- an original piece of research related to the field of finance (BEFM027)
- an intensive program of coding and analytics with several projects and challenges (BEAM079)
- an intensive two-week course followed by a project focussing on sustainable finance (BEAM101)
The four project options (BEAM007, BEFM027, BEAM079, BEAM101) are listed in the compulsory modules section below - you are only required to complete one of these 30 credit projects/modules.
- Please note that modules are subject to change.
Compulsory modules
Project/dissertation modules - you must choose one of the four options – BEAM007, BEFM027, BEAM079 or BEAM101. If you are following the 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 | 30 |
| BEFM027 | Dissertation | 30 |
| BEAM079 | Coding Analytics for Accounting and Finance | 30 |
| BEAM101 | Sustainable Finance Project | 30 |
Optional modules
a Choose 60 credits from the list below. For the ‘Sustainable Finance’ pathway, at least 30 credits must come from any two of these four 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 enable 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.
This pathway is certified by the CFA Institute as recognising essential topics in ESG investing.
Modules
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.
Access to data
Students on our finance courses have access to the following sets of data:
- Databases subscribed to and managed by the Business School
- Databases managed by the University Library
- A database constructed and managed by our researchers in finance and accounting in collaboration with researchers from outside the University.
Accreditation and memberships
The Business School is proud to be triple accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and the AMBA. These accreditations are the highest possible standards for business schools and they demonstrate our commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and the success of our graduates. Read more about our accreditation and memberships.
Academic Partners
Our long-established partnership with the Alan Turing Institute, the UK’s national institute for data science and artificial intelligence, means that we have strong connections to the UK AI research community. Currently we host 11 Turing Fellows and one Turing AI Fellow at the University. Turing Fellows are established scholars with proven research excellence in data science, AI, or a related field. Lectures, conferences and seminars organised by Turing and the Turing University Network are usually open to our students to attend either in person or online.
Research-led teaching
The interdisciplinary nature of the MSc Finance and Data Science programme enables you to gain an in depth understanding of statistics and data science and their application in the world of finance.
You will be taught by internationally respected academics from our Business School, our Mathematics and Statistics department and our Social Sciences department who are at the forefront of their research and are experts in their field.
Our Finance and Data Science programme is closely linked with the Exeter Sustainable Finance Centre (ESF) which is based in the Business School. Read more about the ESF and their current research.
Find out about the University’s data science researchers by discovering our hub for data-intensive science and artificial intelligence at the Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (IDSAI).
Both the ESF centre and the IDSAI hold events such as interdisciplinary seminars which are open for our students to attend.
Our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
Our Business School is home to a number of research centres, read more about research at the Business School.
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.
Investment in data science and artificial intelligence
The University has invested £50 million in the development of its Data Science and Artificial Intelligence capabilities. The Accelerating Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (ADA) project has been running since 2023 and has invested in teaching, research and infrastructure which this programme benefits from.
Careers
Preparing you for success
This master's 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.
Our Business School careers service supports you to find the opportunities that interest you and provides online and in person workshops for postgraduate students that will help you kickstart your career planning and provide advice for your applications. For students from China and India, we offer Career Ready Programmes, which combine online learning and live workshops that will support you with the challenges of applying for jobs in the UK and back home.
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.
