Corporate Finance MSc

In the MSc Corporate Finance programme, you will delve into advanced corporate finance theories, frameworks and models. By the end of this programme, you will possess a multifaceted skill set, enabling you to assess complex corporate finance challenges and make well-informed decisions. You will learn how to optimise corporate finance decisions and critically evaluate their impact on a company's value, while taking into account a variety of key market variables, and financial and non-financial risks. This programme fosters adaptability, allowing you to customise corporate finance models to consider possible stakeholders' reactions to your decisions, including those of customers, regulators and competitors.

You will also acknowledge the strengths and limitations of finance theories and of econometric and statistical models under specific market conditions. Emphasis is placed on honing your communication skills to effectively convey technical analyses to diverse audiences, as well as developing employability skills, namely leadership, problem-solving, negotiation and market awareness.

This programme promotes ethical and regulatory awareness in financial practices and integrates technology through modules like Foundations of Financial Market and Technology and Python for Finance. Upon completion, you'll be well-prepared for a successful career in corporate finance related jobs, equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in this ever-evolving field.

Our teaching staff are committed to delivering an educational experience of the highest standard. You’ll be taught by leading academics who benefit from industry experience and a unique understanding of how the corporate and financial worlds work in practice. They will bring the course to life through a variety of inspiring and practical teaching methods, including real-life case studies, with all sessions being delivered in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Practical experience

This programme has a strong practical element. You’ll gain hands-on experience working with real-time financial, accounting and economic data, thanks to our dedicated trading room facility and industry leading software. Your exposure to these practical tools and techniques will give you the confidence and technical capability to gain a competitive advantage over other graduates in the job market.

You’ll study the Aston Global Advantage module which focuses on professional development and employability, helping you to apply the key skills that you will gain throughout the year. There will also be a range of opportunities to gain practical experience through things such as consultancy projects and entrepreneurial opportunities. Aston Business School is well-known for the excellence of its research centers, namely the Enterprise Research Centre (ERC) lead by Professor Mark Hart, and Centre for Business Prosperity (CBP) lead by Professor Jun Du. You can attend seminars organised by these research centres. 

This programme also offers the opportunity to study a second degree at one of our international partner institutions once you have completed your year at Aston University.

Modules

Core modules

Advanced Corporate Finance 

Foundations of Financial Market and Technology

Financial Statement Analysis

Advanced Corporate Valuation

Corporate Risk Management

Ethics, Governance and Regulation

The Aston Global Advantage

Ethics in Academic Practice

Research Methods

MSc Corporate Finance Research Project

Optional modules

Note: Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Treasury Management

Private Equity and Venture Capital

International Finance

Derivatives

Python for Finance

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 10am-4pm)

Please click here for guidance on completing the postgraduate application.

Our programme directors are our experts

Entry requirements 

One of the following:

• A good UK honours degree, minimum Upper Second Class (2:1)
• Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University.

Subject-specific requirements

Applicants are also required to have taken the following quantitative modules at bachelor's level, achieving a minimum of 50%:

• Economics (micro/macro)
• Statistics
• Quantitative methods
• Mathematics
• Finance

As well as:

• Two professional references – at least one must be from an academic referee
• An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
• A completed application form.

International students

• An official academic transcript, with an official English translation, of your university grades to date.
   
• Students whose native language is not English will also need to satisfy our English language requirements. Pre-sessional English language programmes are available for good applicants whose English qualification falls just short of these requirements.
   
• Postgraduate masters students enrolling to Aston Business School with a 5.5 in one of the four IELTS sections will be required to engage with English language tuition as part of our professional development programme, The Aston Global Advantage. There will be no extra cost to the student.
   
• Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston. 
   
• For more information about qualifications, view our Aston in your country webpage.

Extensive work experience

We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications, but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

Please note, if you do not meet the subject-specific requirements for this programme, you may be considered for an alternative programme which may be better suited to your academic/professional background. If you receive an offer for an alternative programme and do not wish to move forward with this, please contact the Admissions team at pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk. 

We use a variety of engaging teaching methods to ensure you get the most out of your studies.

Learning and teaching

You will experience a range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, and workshops taking place on-campus as well as online. Comprehensive supporting materials for each module will be made available via a virtual learning environment.

Assessment

Taught modules will be assessed through a mix of different assessment methods, such as examinations, individual and group coursework, and presentations.  You’ll also be required to conduct relevant and up-to-date research involving finding a research question, writing a literature review, analysing data, and developing critical recommendations based on your findings.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year a placement year fee applies.

More information on fees and funding

UK postgraduate loans

If you're thinking about studying a masters course with us, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan to help with course fees and living costs. 

Find out more here.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs. 

Find out more about our scholarships here.

Cost shouldn't limit your career aspirations, which is why we are delighted to offer all Aston University graduates (including exchange students) a 20% loyalty scholarship in standard taught MA, MSc and Full-time MBA course fees. Students who have completed their first degree at Aston University will receive an automatic scholarship when applying for their course. If you are not an Aston University graduate there is still a range of UK and international scholarships that you can apply for.

As an Aston University graduate, you will automatically qualify. For more information visit our webpage.

Why choose to study with Aston Business School?

Aston Business School is part of an elite group of business schools thanks to our triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. We can help to enhance your career prospects, boost your earning potential and set you on the path to a successful, and rewarding career. 

Aston University is renowned for its excellence in teaching and research and the employability of our graduates. At Aston Business School we are committed to innovative approaches to teaching and education. We are dedicated to providing students with a competitive advantage in the jobs market by delivering the knowledge students need to pursue the many career tracks available to them with a background in international business. Teaching on the course is informed by our world-class scholars and provides you with a deep understanding and skills for conducting business on a global scale. At Aston University, we aim to prepare students for the real world challenges. There are plenty of opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and apply their knowledge in real-life situations by engaging in live projects and internships.