Finance with a Year in Industry

Finance is the discipline that sits at the core of how capital is allocated, risk is managed and value is created in modern economies. It encompasses investment analysis, corporate financial management, banking, derivatives, foreign exchange, asset pricing and the behaviour of financial markets. Understanding finance means understanding how money flows through the economy and how decisions made by institutions, governments and individuals shape outcomes for businesses and societies.

At Queen's University Belfast, this four-year full-time programme includes a year in professional placement, giving you direct experience within a financial institution as an integrated part of your degree. You will develop skills in financial analysis, quantitative methods, investment theory, risk management and the practical workings of financial markets. The programme is designed to equip you with both the technical knowledge that financial employers value and the broader economic and analytical understanding that allows you to make sense of a fast-changing industry.

A dedicated careers and placement office supports you through the application process and helps you to secure high-quality opportunities that are relevant to your interests and ambitions. With a typical entry tariff of 152 UCAS points, this is a competitive programme that attracts students with strong mathematical and analytical ability.

Graduates from finance programmes pursue careers across investment banking, asset management, corporate finance, treasury, risk management, financial regulation and consulting. Many work in major financial centres, including London, with roles in banks, investment funds, insurance companies, accounting firms and financial technology businesses. The analytical and quantitative skills developed through finance are also highly valued in consulting, data analysis and public sector economics.

Postgraduate study in finance, financial economics, accounting or business administration is a natural next step for those who want to specialise further or move into more senior positions.