Explore how the UCL School of Management’s MSc Finance combines traditional financial theory with the latest technology used by experts in the finance industry, preparing students for success in today's financial world. Current student Xiaohan Bai shares his experience gaining expertise in asset pricing, corporate finance, and advanced data analytics tools like Python and R. Learn about practical projects and industry insights and how this programme equips you with essential skills for careers in quantitative analysis and investment banking.
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A FINANCE PROGRAMME AT THE HEART OF CANARY WHARF: DEVELOPING MY EXPERTISE FOR THE MODERN FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE
The MSc Finance programme at UCL School of Management combines traditional financial theories with modern analytical tools. When researching my next step for furthering my education and financial expertise, with the innovative direction the industry is taking, this programme particularly appealed to me for those reasons.
As a current student, I’ve really enjoyed the programme so far as it has offered me the opportunities to really immerse myself into the financial world and, most importantly, experience student life from a campus located in the centre of a business and finance hub, right in the centre of Canary Wharf, London.
And just a photo of the amazing sunset seen from Level 50 of our campus - I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
DEEPENING MY FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE IN ASSET PRICING AND VALUATION MODELS ON THE MSC FINANCE
One of the most valuable modules for me has been Asset Pricing. This module explores modern asset pricing theories, starting with the fundamentals, such as the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and then extending to more advanced topics covering stochastic discount factors and risk-neutral probabilities. I’ve particularly enjoyed learning about the different asset classes, such as bonds and stocks, and how they operate in the financial markets. We’ve also covered various valuation models which are widely used across the industry, such as dividend discount and discounted cash flow models.
Despite my less quantitative background than some of my peers, this module has helped me strengthen my analytical skills greatly as well as gain a much clearer understanding of important concepts and logic underlying the asset pricing world. I now have a deep understanding of different assets and their real-world applications!
The Finance Corporate Practices module was also very impactful for me. This module builds on the core corporate finance principles we gained through previous modules and specifically focuses on their real-world applications in the finance industry.
A key practical element of this module was a group project where we conducted a three-year financial diagnosis of a company using its latest financial information and market findings. We analysed their dividend policy, company valuation procedures, and their major corporate events like mergers, acquisitions, and leveraged buyouts.
We also had the opportunity to apply the accounting knowledge we gained in the classroom by adjusting the company’s balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement – all by ourselves! It was a great real-world experience and worked to push us out of our comfort zones and gain the confidence needed to thrive in the finance industry.
Acting as the company’s accountant was super exciting for me. I had the opportunity to dig deep into the company's financial health and use my judgment to make recommendations to improve their financial policies – again, reinforcing my confidence and ability to apply financial theories to practical business scenarios
SUPPORTIVE, INDUSTRY-leading FACULTY AT THE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, AND their INTERACTIVE TEACHING METHODS
The teaching staff at the UCL School of Management have played a crucial role in my learning experience. They combine academic expertise with a wide range of industry experience, making the coursework and teaching both practical and engaging. Not only that, but I found interacting with them very easy and comfortable as they have been incredibly supportive and approachable when I or one of my classmates have had difficulties.
I especially want to highlight Dr Handy Tan, the lecturer covering corporate finance practices. His classes are really interactive, with discussions and group projects that encourage collaboration. Despite the group project being very demanding, he made the project guidelines very clear, suggested outlines for us, and which points were important to cover.
DEVELOPING MY TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY, QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS, AND SKILLS FOR INVESTMENT BANKING
On the more technical side of the programme, I have made significant progress in Python through my modules in Asset Pricing, Advanced Quantitative Finance, and Time Series Analysis and Forecasting. I have also learned to use R and Stata for data analysis.
We have access to Bloomberg terminals, a key financial tool used in the industry. During my Corporate Finance Practices project, I used the Bloomberg terminals to collect detailed company data, such as valuations and leverage ratios. These technical skills in data analysis, company research, and applying my findings are directly relevant to quantitative analysis and investment banking careers. Building models, analysing large datasets, and forecasting market trends will be essential for decision-making and risk management in my career after I graduate.
Learn more about the MSc in Finance!
INTEGRATING FINANCIAL THEORY WITH THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY THROUGH CASE STUDIES IN FINTECH
The programme stands out to me because of its ability to integrate financial theory with technology. This has been complemented by hands-on assignments, case studies, and group projects, which have reinforced my learning in the classroom and ensured I don’t forget the knowledge I’ve gained as soon as the exam is over!
My classmates also really enjoy the challenges presented during different group projects, and the process of using advanced tools to tackle these problems has been an inspiring experience. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career within the finance industry.
The combination of finance and technology has prepared me to tackle complex markets with confidence after the programme – I'm looking forward to my confidence and skills growing even more as I progress through the Master’s!
You can find more student and alumni blogs here!
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The UCL School of Management Industry Advantage
Taking advantage of our global network and strategic campus location in London's financial and business district, the UCL School of Management recently launched three new speaker series.
Our speakers come from a range of industries and backgrounds to showcase their experiences and skills. Explore what you can gain from our Speaker Series below:
Business Leaders Speaker Series
