Finance degree programmes
Finance is one of the most promising sectors. With its exciting career prospects and diverse specialisations, it offers many opportunities to you.
Finance is central to the global economy. Businesses, banks, governments and all international institutions rely on specialised professionals to function. They control cash flow, make recommendations to improve a company's performance and also play an important regulatory role. They conduct audits to assess the accuracy of official documents to prevent fraud. It is an exciting and promising field for students starting their careers.
Looking for the best finance degree to help you achieve your professional goals? Here are the programmes offered by EDHEC Business School!
What are the benefits of a finance degree?
A finance degree is one of the best diplomas to start your career with. It opens up many opportunities and teaches many skills that companies in all sectors need. A graduate programme in finance will teach you how to manage the finances of a company: accounting, financial planning, asset management, financial analysis. This diploma can also be specialised.
If you have a specific professional project in mind, you can choose a programme that suits your needs. When you graduate, your skills will enable you to start a career in any sector. All businesses need finance professionals to improve their efficiency and turnover. There are many job opportunities for those with a finance degree.
EDHEC made the choice about 20 years ago to really focus our financial industry and our financial programmes here on our Nice campus.
So our EDHEC Risk Institute is housed here. Our EDHEC Risk Climate Impact
Institute is housed here in Nice. Our Career Centre oriented to finance is here and our masters in finance programmes as well as our PhD programme are also housed here.
So we have a really strong ecosystem of a multitude of actors working in the financial industry and academia based here on our campus. Anyone who joins EDHEC, part of our selection process is we expect them to be an active,
proactive member of our community. Not just today, but long term, particularly in finance.
We want students who will come and join us who are ready to challenge themselves, who are ready to challenge the current practices that are going on in the industry and ready to learn and be creative, looking for new ways of changing the industry in a positive way.
That's part of our ethos - make an impact. We could add an adjective and say make a positive impact. So the specialisations that we've chosen are really in line with where we see the industry moving. We want our students to be industry ready at graduation. So, they can choose amongst a wide portfolio of specialisations, accounting and finance, financial engineering with a very strong impetus on data science, on private equity, on decentralised finance, all areas where the industry is moving.
We also have a large number of students who are interested in corporate finance. That remains a very big field. And just recently we've chosen a new specialisation, it’s a double degree that we developed with the MINES Paris PSL on climate change and sustainable finance. In terms of events, the Career Centre organises more than 60 events per year.
Some of them are generalists, like the forum held in Paris with more than 100 companies. Some of them are more specialised to the master's students in finance. It could be workshops, company presentations, or recruitment events. On top of that, there are job dating events twice a year, audit days, finance recruitment days, where recruiters come on campus to meet, interview and recruit our students.
And students have the opportunity to participate in treks we organise in
London, Paris and Luxembourg. Our graduates are very successful with their placement. Actually, more than half of them already signed a contract before their graduation. Some of our top recruiters are Bank of America, Barclays, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, to name just a few.
One of our strongest assets of the career centre is that we provide students with individual meetings, individual coaching. We try to consider the long-term perspective and we set together a real proper strategy for each student. You're not just a number, right? You're part of a community. You have individual needs, individual expectations. That's why you have to benefit from individual advice and coaching.
What fields of finance can you study at EDHEC Business School?
Financial management
Financial management is a field concerned with planning, organising and controlling the financial activities of an organisation. Specialised professionals oversee all operations and make recommendations to help businesses. They decide where to invest the company's money, deal with banks and help with decision-making. They play a central role in a company's profitability and their profile is sought after in all types of organisations.
If you pursue a programme in financial management, you can reach high positions. To succeed in the sector, you will need qualities such as analytical skills, attention to detail, problem-solving and communication skills.
Financial management programmes will give you all the skills you need to take advantage of the opportunities in the sector. EDHEC Business School offers a Master in Management in Finance, ranked #4 worldwide by the Financial Times in 2024, making it the perfect degree to prepare you for your career.
Master in Management in Finance
Sustainable finance
Finance is a sector that evolves with the times. Today, the importance of climate change, environmental and social issues cannot be ignored, and consumers are becoming increasingly aware of them. Companies are changing the way they invest, trying to reduce their carbon footprint and avoid human exploitation.
A programme in sustainable finance will equip you with skills such as designing feasible low-carbon transitions or assessing local energy applications. You will be equipped with all the knowledge and tools to help companies transition to zero-carbon energy and greater inclusivity. This is the perfect specialisation if you are passionate about finance but also want to have a positive impact on the world.
EDHEC Business School offers the MSc in Climate Change & Sustainable Finance, a programme dedicated to this specialisation and developed in partnership with Mines Paris - PSL.
MSc in Climate Change & Sustainable Finance
Financial engineering
Financial engineering is another important specialisation in the sector. It involves using mathematics, engineering and financial theory to solve financial problems and develop new products. Specialised professionals collect, analyse and make sense out of financial data to help their company make the best decisions.
A financial engineering programme will teach you how to manage risk, to use deep learning for finance, to use machine learning for finance, etc. Climate change and its impact on investments is also an important part of your curriculum.
With an MSc in Financial Engineering from EDHEC Business School, you can prepare for an exciting career in the sector.
Accounting and finance
Accounting is a fundamental part of finance. It involves recording, analysing and reporting all transactions within a company. In businesses, accounting departments also prepare financial statements such as balance sheets, income statements and cash flows statements. Stakeholders base their decisions (such as whether to invest in the company) on these documents. Therefore, honesty and integrity are essential qualities for professionals in this sector.
A programme in accounting and finance will bring you specialised skills such as audit and internal control, managing mergers and acquisitions, international accounting, etc. After graduation, you can work for an accounting firm or in the accounting department of a large company.
EDHEC Business School offers a finance degree with a specialisation in accounting.
Banking and finance
As an important part of the financial sector, banks play a central role in the economy. They provide a safe place for large sums of money to be deposited, they ensure the safety and integrity of transactions between parties, and they provide the loans that allow, for example, businesses to grow or consumers to buy expensive goods and property. Their activities are fundamental to economic growth.
Pursuing a programme in banking and finance is necessary to acquire the required skills to access jobs in the sector. You will study advanced subjects such as advanced financial and credit analysis, corporate and treasury risk management, the basics of company law...
If you are interested in this sector, EDHEC Business School offers an MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking.
MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking
International finance
Today's economy is globalised and many companies operate in several countries. They need professionals who can assess businesses, investment opportunities and manage the specificities of finance on an international level. Exchange rates, differing laws, trade regulations, insurance… Professionals in this sector manage all the factors that influence finance on a global scale.
By choosing to study in this sector, you will learn about finance and how to adapt to different cultural and legal contexts. You will gain skills such as corporate finance, advanced valuation, portfolio management, risk management, etc. You will also discover the ethical aspects and challenges of the sector.
If you are looking for a programme in international finance, EDHEC Business School offers a dedicated Master of Science.
What career after obtaining a degree in finance?
As you can guess with the wide range of specialisations available, there are many different careers after obtaining a degree in finance. You can work for a variety of organisations, from small businesses to multinational companies. You can also work for a consultancy or accountancy firm.
As you can guess with the wide range of specialisations available, there are many different careers after obtaining a degree in finance. You can work for a variety of organisations, from small businesses to multinational companies. You can also work for a consultancy or accountancy firm.
Salaries in the sector can be very high, depending on your job, your home country, the company you work for, etc. For example, in the United States, the average salary for an accountant is $61,815 per year, while the average salary for a financial manager is $103,765.
The finance sector offers many opportunities for career progression. For example, you can start as a junior financial analyst before becoming a senior analyst. After a few years in this position, it is possible to become a financial manager. At the end of your career, you can even become a chief financial officer (CFO).
How will finance evolve?
Finance is a sector that evolves with technology, and professionals are constantly changing and adapting. New technologies are reshaping the way companies and banks operate. AI, machine learning and blockchain are some of the most talked about innovations that are changing the face of finance. These technologies are enabling the development of new solutions to prevent fraud, assess risk or analyse market data and trends. Professionals in the sector can now automate some tasks in order to focus on advice and added-value missions. Environmental and social issues are becoming increasingly important and sustainable finance is a growing sector.
Companies will increasingly demonstrate their commitment to ESG (environmental, social and governance) issues, and financial professionals will need to choose their investment strategies carefully. If they don't, their company's public image will suffer more than ever.
A graduate programme in finance will prepare you for this ever-changing sector by teaching you the latest trends and giving you the right mindset to adapt throughout your career. EDHEC Business School maintains privileged relationships with corporate partners, ensuring that our curriculum stays aligned with market developments and meets the evolving expectations of employers.
Become a finance professional with EDHEC Business School
A degree in finance is one of the best ways to start an exciting career. The diversity of sectors and jobs makes it accessible to a wide range of profiles. And with its changing nature, finance professionals are constantly faced with new challenges. EDHEC Business School offers many finance degrees to prepare you for your career. Choose the programme that suits your professional project!
Alumni Insights
Leveraging the Alumni Network
The MSc in Financial Engineering programme has launched, an innovative initiative: the Alumni Insights Series. This series is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry application, offering invaluable professional experiences and industry expertise.
Discover our articles showcasing our Alumni:
Enhancing Career Opportunities
Master in Finance graduates conquered the Trading world at JP Morgan
Tips on succeeding in finance from the Head of EMEA Credit Strategy at JP Morgan
Gilles Schepens’ journey in Credit Trading at Société Générale and Tips for success
Alumna Jeanne Romulus shares her path to becoming a structured product sales analyst at Wells Fargo
So the main drive for this initiative was to complement the capabilities provided by the Career Centre by inviting alumni to meet onsite our actual students to share their professional experience and also industry expertise.
A second objective was also to strengthen the team spirit and the sense of belonging with respect to this program.
So it's an opportunity first for students to ask question about the day to day routine tasks that are performing.
It's also an opportunity for them to ask any questions related to the recruitment process. So what are some skills, for instance, that their employers are looking at? What are the typical questions that they will have during interviews. It's also sometimes an opportunity to have a direct job position. That means some of our alumni came with direct recruitment needs.
What were talking about here? We talking about capital markets and capital markets. They are less human intensive and they are very specialized. So in this case, you really need, in fact, to bring some expats because you have a so important diversity of jobs, also the diversity of the employers.
we got the usual suspect that made we get the Goldman Sachs JP morgan Amundi, Societe Generale, you name it
And the best way to do it is basically to rely on our network of alumni. We got one of the most important footprint in main financial sectors in London, in Paris. So we need and this is what we are doing with this initiative to leverage on this asset. During those sessions we had also a possibility to discuss about the evolutions. And for instance, there is one of our student that explained the growing needs to hire graduates that get the very solid background in AI in Python programing.
Another discovery is also that you don't need in fact to secure at the start your ideal job. There are different ways, in fact, to reach your goal. Some students thought that you need to have from the start the perfect internship. That would be exactly your job. And we had, for instance, some advice is coming from Andrea that she's an executive director based in Geneva with the JPMorgan that expend no, there is not only one way in fact to reach your goals are several paths and students need to be a bit open minded.
So both hard skills soft skills advice is that you are very valuable for the overall community of the students from the embassy in financial engineering.
This initiative will have a great impact. And it's not only short term, it's really long term.
effectively the actual students of today will be the future alumni of tomorrow and they will come back on campus in return to share their space and to give back to the community and to share their professional experience.
So, “la boucle est bouclée” If I may
FAQs
To study finance at a university level, you typically need strong A Levels in subjects such as mathematics and economics. These subjects provide a solid foundation in numerical and analytical skills, both of which are crucial for finance courses. Other recommended A Levels include business studies or accounting, as they give you insights into the business world. However, specific entry requirements vary across universities, so it's important to check the details for each institution.
Choosing the right degree depends on your career goals. EDHEC Business School offers several top-rated finance degrees, such as the Master in Management - Finance track, ranked amongst the best globally. For students interested in sustainable finance or financial engineering, EDHEC also provides specialised programmes like the MSc in Climate Change & Sustainable Finance and MSc in Financial Engineering. EDHEC also offers the MSc in Corporate Finance & Banking and the MSc in International Finance for those pursuing expertise in corporate finance and financial markets.
These degrees prepare graduates for leading roles in areas like investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance. Alternatively, a degree in Accounting and Finance provides a broader base, combining financial principles with accounting skills. Some universities also offer degrees in Financial Economics or Investment Management, both of which are highly regarded for those aiming to work in investment banking or financial analysis.
The best finance course for you depends on your interests. At EDHEC Business School, you can pursue a Master in Management - Finance track, a two-year academic programme that provides a comprehensive understanding of financial markets, investment strategies, and corporate finance. For a more technical focus, the MSc in Financial Engineering blends finance with data analysis and AI to prepare you for roles that require deep analytical skills. EDHEC’s finance programmes consistently rank highly, making it a top choice for aspiring finance professionals. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) programme is highly respected globally and is ideal for those looking to enter asset management. If you're interested in accounting, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) course may be a better fit. MSc in Financial Technology (FinTech) are also highly competitive in today's market.
Accounting and finance are two crucial fields for any organisation. Accounting focuses on recording financial transactions, while finance involves managing investments, budgeting, and improving company performance. EDHEC’s MSc in Accounting & Finance offers students the skills to excel in both areas, from auditing and internal control to financial analysis and risk management. EDHEC graduates are well-prepared to succeed in roles such as financial controller, auditor, or corporate finance consultant.
The best finance degrees are those that align with your career aspirations. At EDHEC Business School, several finance degrees are recognised globally for their excellence. The MSc in International Finance is ideal for those aiming to work in investment banking or global financial institutions. If you’re looking for a broader approach, the Master in Management - Finance track covers corporate finance, asset management, and portfolio management. EDHEC’s MSc in Climate Change & Sustainable Finance is perfect for students passionate about making a positive impact in the finance world, focusing on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies. If you're interested in the technical side of finance, degrees in Financial Engineering or FinTech are also top choices.
Yes, finance degrees remain in high demand, especially those from prestigious institutions like EDHEC Business School. Graduates with a finance degree often secure roles in banking, asset management, consulting, and fintech. EDHEC alumni have gone on to work for global companies such as Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Société Générale, making finance one of the most promising fields for career growth. Additionally, the integration of technology into finance has expanded job opportunities, especially in areas like financial engineering and sustainable finance.
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