Everything you need to know about studying a PhD in Finance

What is Finance?

Finance is the bedrock of the business world. As a student in Finance, you will explore the art and science of managing money, assets, and investments. Whether it's the intricate world of banking, stock markets, or personal wealth management, experts in this discipline aim to optimise resources and maximise returns, keeping risks in check.

Finance Specialisations

The world of finance is vast, and you have plenty of specialisations to choose from. Some of these include:

• Corporate Finance: The heart of any business, focusing on capital investment and budget strategies.
• Investment Banking: Delving into the high-octane world of stock markets and mergers & acquisitions.
• Financial Planning: Helping individuals and businesses optimise their wealth and achieve their financial goals.
• Risk Management: Analysing and mitigating potential financial setbacks.
• Financial Engineering: The fusion of finance with mathematical tools and programming.

You can find both Bachelor's and Master's programmes in Finance, but the latter provide deeper, more specialised knowledge base in your areas of interest. The most common specialisation in Finance is often Corporate Finance due to its broad application in the business world.

What will you learn during a Finance programme?

By choosing a Finance degree, you'll:

• Understand the principles of financial markets and instruments.
• Be able to analyse financial statements to gauge a company's health.
• Master the art of investment strategies to grow wealth.
• Understand the complexities of global financial systems.

Top courses often encountered include:

• Financial Modelling: Building representations of a company's financial performance.
• Portfolio Management: Crafting and managing an array of investments.
• Corporate Valuation: Assessing the worth of businesses.
• Financial Risk Management: Identifying and tackling financial vulnerabilities.
• International Finance: Navigating the complexities of global financial markets.

Finance is a good degree for those aiming to develop their analytical thinking, risk assessment, and strategic planning skills. In fact, these are invaluable in many sectors, from entrepreneurship to consultancy.

Skills required for a degree in Finance

A knack for numbers, analytical prowess, and a strategic mindset are vital. Aspiring finance professionals should also be comfortable with uncertainty, given the ever-fluctuating nature of markets. Meeting the Finance degree requirements often entails showcasing these qualities and a commitment to understanding the financial mechanisms that drive the world.

What can you do with a Finance degree?

Here are some rewarding career paths once you graduate a Finance degree:

• Financial Analyst: Interpreting financial data to guide business decisions.
• Investment Banker: Raising capital and guiding mergers & acquisitions.
• Risk Manager: Minimising financial uncertainties for organisations.
• Financial Planner: Helping individuals meet their financial objectives.
• Treasurer: Overseeing an organisation's financial goals, policies, and cash management.

The jobs you can get with a Finance degree are many and spread across industries. If in doubt about a Finance degree being worth it, remember that in a world driven by capital, finance professionals will always be in demand.

View all PhDs in Finance. Keep in mind you can also study an online PhDs in Finance.