Economics and accounting are two of the most important fields in business and are often combined into one major called business economics or finance.
So if you are looking for the best accounting and finance schools in Europe to pursue your degree, and explore the industry, we have carefully compiled this list for you from top-ranking websites;
- Top Universities’ Website.
- The official Times Higher Education website.
- The Shanghai Rankings.
- Masters Portal.
With that said, let us go straight to business;
Is finance a good career path?
People wonder if choosing finance as a career path is a wise decision, well, we can’t say much because that totally depends on your personal interest.
If you have found out over the years that you are passionate about money, numbers, or even maths, then we can confidently say that a career in finance is worth exploring.
There are many reasons people decide to get a finance degree and one of them is that you can earn a decent salary and the job prospect is interesting too.
According to Forbes, there is a high demand for finance professionals who access investment opportunities, especially in the United Kingdom. This shows that plenty of jobs exist for financial services professionals at all levels.
Talking about finance jobs, what jobs are available for finance professionals?
What jobs can you get with a finance degree?
With a degree in finance, you can easily secure a job, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, business and financial jobs are set to grow at 5% over the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations.
With a degree in finance, you can become a financial analyst or even a commercial bank, you can explore careers in financial management, become a cost analyst, and investment banker.
With that said, let us check out the schools of finance in Europe.
What are the best finance schools in Europe?
The list below is ranked in no particular order, you can check out that which interests you and visit the school for more information.
1. The University of Oxford, UK.
Quality of education is one of the reasons people choose to study in the United Kingdom.
Founded in 1096, the University of Oxford is one of the oldest research universities in Oxford, England, and is also ranked as one of the top accounting and finance schools in Europe by the Times Higher Education, QS Ranking, and Shangai Ranking.
For students applying to this school, it is important to note that Finance is taught during the first and second terms.
During the first term, the students will be introduced to the First Principles of Financial Economics and during the second and third terms, students will learn the Law and Economics of Corporate Transactions.
The accounting and finance programs offered at Oxford University provide you with a stand-alone qualification called The Certificate in Business Accounting and covers Management and Financial Accounting Fundamentals, Business Mathematics, Business Law, and Economics for Business.
The MSc in Financial Economics from the University of Oxford is ranked #1 in the United Kingdom, and to get into the university for an MSc in Finance, applicants need to submit their online application form and supporting materials by their chosen application deadline.
Here are some required documents if you wish to apply for the MSc in Financial Economics (MFE); Undergraduate degree, GMAT, or GRE scores.
2. The University of Cambridge, UK.
Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is a collegiate research university in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
The University of Cambridge is also one of the top finance schools in the United Kingdom and is also featured in the QS Ranking of 2021 as of one the best accounting and finance schools.
The school offers programs in accounting and finance that lead to a degree of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, this program prepares the student to be value-added addition to any company’s finance team.
The University of Cambridge is also one of the hardest schools to get into with a 21% acceptance rate, and it takes 12 months to complete the program leading to a Master of Finance degree at the school.
3. HEC Paris, France.
The next on our list is HEC Paris, a reputable business school and one of the most prestigious schools located in Jouy-en-Josas, France.
As a finance enthusiast, it might interest you to know that HEC Paris offers programs leading to a Master in Management, MSc International Finance, MBA and EMBA programs, specialized MSCs, PhDs, and executive education.
It is one of the best accounting and finance schools in France and in 2021, it was ranked by Financial Times as the #1 Master in Finance.
If you wish to study finance at HEC Paris, you need to have the following documents before applying for the school; a motivational letter for admission, a résumé (CV) GMAT or GRE or TAGE MAGE official test score report.
Since France is not an English-speaking country, international students wishing to pursue a finance degree at HEC Paris should have an English language proficiency test score report: TOEFL or TOEIC or IELTS, or Cambridge. You should then complete the online reference forms.
HEC Paris offers a 2-year double-degree program leading to an MSc in finance, it was created in the Fall of 2012 and interested students need to apply during the spring term of the HEC Paris MIF.
4. INSEAD (Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires), France
INSEAD is one the largest non-profit business schools in the world with five campuses around Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.
If you are looking to get a finance degree in France, INSEAD is one of the most recommended, the school offers a wide variety of graduate programs including MBAs, a doctorate in management, and a certificate program.
The school provides its students with a much greater depth of finance skills than regular MBA programs and still grooms the student through the process of leadership, entrepreneurship, and management education.
INSEAD has also been ranked as one of the best European finance schools by QS Ranking (2021).
5. Imperial College London, the UK
The Imperial College London is a world-class university known for its excellence in science, engineering, medicine, and business.
As one of the top accounting and business schools in London, its MSc in Finance has been consistently ranked among the world’s top global programs, thereby, attracting a high caliber of students from across the world.
The MSc in Finance and Accounting is the most recommended for students looking to get a finance degree in London, and with this degree, you can explore careers in the finance industry, such as investment banking and professional services.
6. Tilburg University, the Netherlands
Located in Tilburg, Netherlands, Tilburg University is a public research university that is famous for social and behavioral sciences, economics, law, business sciences, theology, and humanities.
Tilburg University has consistently produced top financial professionals over the years, the school is one of the best finance schools in the Netherlands, and its MSc in Finance has been ranked by the Financial Times among the top 50 best finance programs in the world.
As one of the top economic schools in the world, Tilburg University holds strong positions in leading international rankings, the Times Higher Education in 2022 ranks the school as the 37th best school in economics and business.
7. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), the UK
London is well-known as the global financial center, attracting so many international finance firms, banks, and finance-oriented businesses, it comes as no doubt that there are going to be plenty of top finance schools here.
The London School of Economics and Political Science is another public research university located in London, England, and one of the top economics schools in Europe.
The LSE is very good in finance, its finance department ranks along with the Departments of Accounting and Management has been ranked as the UK leader for Business and Management Studies in the most recent Research Excellence Framework.
And though the finance programs are top-notch, LSE is very difficult to get into, this high level of competition means even though you pass the usual standard grades, it does not guarantee that an offer of admission will be made.
8. ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Founded in 1854 by the Swiss Federal Government, the ETH Zurich is a public research university in the city of Zürich, Switzerland.
ETH Zurich is also one of the schools with exceptional programs in quantitative finance, these programs lead to a Master of Science in Quantitative Finance.
ETH Zurich’s Master of Science in Quantitative Finance remains one of the consistently ranked finance programs by the Quant Guide, ranking third among programs outside the US and 13th overall.
9. The University of Warwick, the UK
Founded in 1965 as part of a government initiative to expand higher education, the University of Warwick is a public research university on the outskirts of Coventry between the West Midlands and Warwickshire, England.
Warwick University is a very good school for finance, the accountancy and finance degree is consistently ranked by the Financial Times.
In 2022, the Financial Times ranked the Masters in Finance in Finance from Warwick University as 3rd in the United Kingdom and 12th in the world.
10. Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands
The Erasmus University Rotterdam is a public research university that is found in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
It is also one of the best schools for economics and is ranked among the top 2 universities in Europe in the field of economics by U.S. News & World Report in 2022.
As one of the best accounting and finance schools in the Netherlands, Erasmus University Rotterdam has built a 50-year reputation as an international and innovative business school.
The school focuses on developing business leaders who become a force for positive change through its bachelor, master, MBA, Ph.D., and executive programs.
11. The University of Manchester, the UK
The next on our list of the top accounting and finance schools in Europe is the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.
The school offers top-notch programs that lead to an MSc Finance Masters degree at Alliance Manchester Business School.
According to Times Higher Education in 2022, the University of Manchester is ranked 8th in the United Kingdom and 50th in the world.
Other Top European Finance Schools include;
- The University of Edinburgh, UK
- The University of Mannheim, Germany
- The London Business School, the UK
- Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden
- Bocconi University, Italy
- The Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
- The City, University of London, the UK
- EU Business School, Spain
- The CBS International Business School, Germany
- The Maastricht University, the Netherlands
- Antwerp Management School, Belgium
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country is best for finance studies?
The best countries to study finance are the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, France, Germany, Australia, and Ireland.
How long is an MBA in finance?
It takes two years to complete an MBA degree in finance, although online and accelerated programs may offer completion times shorter than one year.
References:
- Top Universities’ Website.
- The official Times Higher Education website.
- The Shanghai Rankings.
- Masters Portal.
Conclusion
We hope you find this list helpful as you’re searching for a school that will fit your needs, we also recommend that you check out the best finance schools in New York that will help you make more money.
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And if you have any suggestions, you can quickly contact us today, cheers!
