Why study finance at university?

12 February 2025

Why study finance at university? Are you wondering whether this would be a suitable career? A degree in finance will provide you with a good base in competencies that are essential in many business sectors. Whether it is analytical problem-solving or financial literacy, a finance-related degree can open a world of opportunities in both your career and personal life. Visit our BSc Accounting & Finance course page and all our Undergraduate Courses to find out more.


In this guide, we will take a closer look at the benefits of studying finance at university as well as the types of careers you could progress to.

At Warwick Business School, we offer a wide range of Undergraduate Courses in Business, Management, and Finance. Alongside your studies, you’ll have access to placement opportunities, tailored career support, and extracurricular activities designed to kickstart your career in accounting and finance. Use our course finder for more information. 


Why study finance

A finance degree adds substantial value to your CV

A degree in finance communicates to the job market that you have completed an academic course that is analytically, problem and data-literate. This makes you a desirable candidate for career paths in banking, consulting, technology, and the public sector. Graduates of finance studies are also widely perceived by employers as well-rounded candidates with sound problem-solving abilities.

Access to additional professional qualifications

Specific finance jobs demand specialist qualifications, and at the Warwick Business School, you gain an advantage through in-depth study. WBS is a CFA Program Partner and ICAEW Partner in Learning, meaning that at least 70 per cent of the CFA Level 1 syllabus is incorporated into the degree programme. Once students have graduated, there is a strong focus on pursuing postgraduate studies, with the MSc Finance and MSc Business and Finance courses being the most popular, thereby reinforcing their knowledge.

Industry-embedded learning experiences

Finance at the university is not only a classroom experience, but it is also a practical application of knowledge. Most programmes include placements, live projects and opportunities to spend a year abroad. Such experiences enable students to apply theory to practical cases, improving their confidence and job prospects.


For BSc Accounting & Finance graduates like George Daniells, a placement year has proved instrumental in developing real-world finance skills and career confidence.


"As a part of my course, I was able to complete a placement year which has been hugely beneficial. It enables you to hit the ground running when you start your graduate role, giving you first-hand experience of the working environment. My placement year at Dyson has helped my confidence grow and establish a clear understanding of finance in the world of business. I now understand how Dyson gets their products to market and the financial challenges they may face in doing so. I have learnt so much that will be hugely beneficial to me in my future career."  

Finance jobs are often in demand

Graduates in finance are consistently in high demand across various fields. Employers recognise the technical know-how and commercial acumen that finance students possess, and often pay them better-than-average starting salaries, as well as fast-track their career progression. WBS ranks among the top 10 UK universities in terms of higher graduate earnings.

You will learn from the top professionals in the field

At WBS, you will learn alongside top academics and practitioners. Most lecturers have experience working at renowned firms worldwide and provide up-to-date research, which gives students access to knowledge of the actual issues in the industry.

Flexibility to tailor your degree

Flexibility in learning elective modules is one of the advantages of learning finance. In WBS, students can choose to study subjects such as investment management, company law, entrepreneurship, and fintech.


BSc Accounting & Finance graduate Chloe Tan, who now works for Deloitte, reflects on how the flexibility of elective modules helped shape the direction of her career.


"I think my degree was also instrumental in helping me decide which career/industry I wanted to go into upon graduating. Most WBS students have the option to choose elective modules from different subject areas such as Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources and Behavioural Sciences. My degree provided me with a safe space to explore different subject areas and allowed me to pinpoint more accurately where my interest lay."

You will expand your global network

WBS has a culturally diverse cohort with 27 nationalities represented in the 2024/25 BSc Accounting & Finance group, and encourages the development of international viewpoints and intercultural exchange. Outside the university, graduates have access to 69 geographical alumni networks to support their careers and maintain long-lasting connections long after graduation.

It opens the door to various career opportunities

Finance graduates find opportunities in a range of jobs across the banking, consulting, technology, government, and non-profit sectors. Top employers targeting WBS include Barclays, Deloitte, HMRC, KPMG, and PwC, and rank 6th within the UK focus.

Personal financial literacy

A finance degree equips you with skills that are applicable beyond the workplace. Financial literacy empowers you to deal effectively with your money, including budgeting, saving, investing, taxation, and insurance. To learn more, read our financial literacy guide.


Discover what inspired our students to pursue degrees like the BSc Accounting & Finance, and how their time at WBS is shaping their future careers.


Is finance a good career path?

Yes, a career in finance is an excellent choice for those who enjoy applying analytical skills, solving problems, and learning about how businesses and economies operate. 


Many people also wonder, “Is a finance degree worth it?”—and the answer is often yes, since it can open the door to a wide range of roles in banking, investment, corporate finance, and financial planning. Finance is both professionally and personally rewarding due to the variety of career choices it offers, the competitive salaries it provides, and the numerous opportunities for advancement it presents.


Careers in finance

A finance degree provides access to a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors, including banking, consulting services, governmental agencies, technology, and non-profit organisations. Career planning requires an understanding of the multiple careers available. 

Financial analyst

Financial analysts assess market trends, generate reports, and present analysis that helps other businesses and investors make informed decisions. They develop financial models and are responsible for advisory investment strategies. The roles can be titled research analyst, equity analyst, ratings analyst, investment analyst and securities analyst.

Investment banker

Investment bankers advise companies, governments, and other entities on raising capital. They claim expertise in mergers and acquisitions and assist companies in expanding by monetising the structures.

Accountants create and analyse financial records, verify their accuracy, and ensure that these records comply with relevant regulations and laws. They assist organisations to carry out budgeting and growth planning.

Financial advisor

A financial advisor is a qualified professional who assists individuals in managing their finances, including preparation for retirement, pensions, future education costs, investment strategies, tax and estate planning. They provide tailored recommendations to help their clients achieve their financial objectives.


Study finance at Warwick Business School

Warwick Business School is a leading business institution in Europe. Our Undergraduate and Master's courses in business, finance, and management are award-winning, and you will receive world-class teaching alongside the skills and experience you need to thrive in a career in finance.