What attracted me to Durham University?
I loved my undergraduate degree at Durham University studying BA Liberal Arts (English Literature, Music and Visual Arts), but I was looking to move towards a career in finance or accounting. Applying for the MSc Finance course was the perfect next step for me.
Durham is also a wonderful place to live and study. Its historic town is a pleasure to walk around, and the college system brings an instant sense of community when you arrive.
Studying MSc Finance at Durham
The course has been extremely informative, enjoyable and challenging. The quality and breadth of the teaching has impressed me. The compulsory modules in first term have given me a grounding in the basic skills and knowledge required to engage with all aspects of the industry and academic world. The second term has provided me the opportunity to specialise in modules such as Financial Modelling, Capital Markets and more comprehensive Financial Statement Analysis. I am feeling much better prepared for a career in Deals or Risk Consultancy as a result.
What has struck me is how the Finance cohort is a group of highly motivated and passionate students who all want to advance their knowledge of the industry and its practices. The academic excellence is made evident from the level of teaching but also the abilities of my peers on the MSc.
The Certificate in Engagement with Practice
The Engagement with Practice in Finance certificate has been an extremely important aspect of my learning. A series of workshop days and evening talks are offered to the Finance cohort throughout the academic year. Through these workshops, I have developed a practical proficiency of Python and R for financial modelling and forecasting. I have learnt how to use SQL. I have obtained Bloomberg certificates for Market Concepts and ESG Considerations in finance. This is a highly rewarding aspect of the course as the activities are interactive and taught from the industry perspective. The speakers come from a wide range of professional and academic backgrounds from outside the university. They all have a profound understanding of a specialised area in Finance.
My top tips for studying at Durham University Business School
My top tips for studying at Durham Business School is to engage with all that the department offers. Engaging with content through lectures and seminars, practical workshop days, the Bloomberg terminals, and all the face-to-face contact with professors has allowed me to learn quickly and comprehensively. The course content is substantial so be prepared to work hard in lectures and seminars, but also outside of contact hours with self-study.
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