University course · real outcomes from HESA / Discover Uni · part of Careermash

University degree

Finance

The University of Reading

Qualification

Degree

Length

3 yrs

UK fees / yr

£9,535

Study

full-time

Robin · your guide

Here's the honest picture on this course - what you'd study, whether you'd likely get in, what it pays, and where it leads. Everything's real data.

About this course

Finance with a specialisation in investments is a degree focused on the analysis and management of financial assets: how investment decisions are made, how financial markets operate, how risk is measured and managed, and how the value of equities, bonds, derivatives, and other instruments is assessed. Investment is at the heart of how capital is allocated in modern economies, and the skills to analyse and manage financial portfolios are among the most sought-after in the financial services industry.

At the University of Reading, this three-year full-time programme prepares you specifically for careers in investment banking, asset management, corporate finance, and financial analysis. Reading's business school is one of the UK's leading institutions for finance and investment education, with strong research and industry connections in the field. A sandwich year is built into the programme, giving you the opportunity to work in a finance-related role before your final year.

A year abroad is also incorporated, and work placement is additionally available. These professional and international experiences significantly strengthen your preparation for a competitive graduate market.

You will study financial markets, portfolio theory, derivatives, quantitative methods, corporate finance, and the regulatory and institutional frameworks of investment management. The programme develops strong quantitative skills alongside the financial reasoning and judgement that investment roles require.

Graduates go on to work in investment banking, asset management, hedge funds, private equity, corporate finance, financial analysis, and risk management across the financial services sector. Reading's reputation in the field and the professional experience built into the programme both contribute to strong graduate employment outcomes. Many graduates pursue professional qualifications in investment and finance.

Postgraduate study in finance, financial economics, or quantitative finance is an option for those seeking specialist or research roles.

Could you get in?

The grades students arrived with

<48 pts5%

64-79 pts5%

96-111 pts20%

112-127 pts20%

128-143 pts5%

144-159 pts5%

176-191 pts5%

How they qualified

80% got in with A-levels. The rest came in a mix of ways:

A-levels80%

a foundation year10%

the IB5%

other higher education5%

Could I get in? Try your grades

120 UCAS pts

Pay & prospects

95%

In work or further study after

95%

Continue past first year

81%

Student satisfaction

What graduates earn over time

£38,500

3 years on

£48,500

5 years on

What graduates actually go on to do % of leavers

Finance ProfessionalsHighly skilled45%

Administrative occupations15%

Business and public service associate professionalsHighly skilled10%

Elementary occupations10%

Protective service occupationsHighly skilled10%

Conservation and environment professionalsHighly skilled5%

Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsHighly skilled5%

Information Technology ProfessionalsHighly skilled5%

What students say National Student Survey

81%

of students are satisfied with the course overall

Teaching80%

Assessment & feedback79%

Academic support72%

Well organised87%

Learning resources88%

Student community85%

In students' own words

★★★★★

Genuinely worthwhile

Coming here has changed how I think. The best part: the course strikes a good balance between theory and practical application. If I'm honest, a few modules feel under-resourced compared to the flagship ones. On the city — good transport li…

Third year · Full-time

★★★★☆

Genuinely worthwhile

This is the perfect place to study this subject. The best part: the cohort are bright and motivated, which makes the learning environment great. If I'm honest, would like to see more industry guest speakers in later years. On the city — loc…

Postgraduate · Part-time

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