As one of the financial capitals of the world, London is a great place to study finance. The city is an academic hotspot while being the home to a grand total of 18 universities. With such a range of institutions to choose from, it can be hard to make up your mind. We have come up with a list of the best universities in London for accounting and finance to help you with your decision.
London School of Economics and Political Science
Also known as LSE, the London School of Economics and Political Science is notably one of the best universities in London for finance. It also has one of the largest university economics departments in the world. With over 40 undergraduate courses to choose from, including BScs in Finance and Economics, there will most definitely be a syllabus to suit your needs. Or if you are in the market for a graduate school, you can choose from over 160 programmes.
This Russell Group institution is extremely well regarded and even ranked 3rd in the Complete University Guide’s League Tables 2022. Its main campuses are located between Covent Garden and Holborn, making it the perfect study destination for international students wanting to experience central London life. Moreover, thanks to its impressive list of Nobel Prize winning alumni, who wouldn’t want to study there? Want to go to the London School of Economics and Political Science and need accommodation? Check out our three Stay Club locations – perfect for LSE students.
King’s College London
King’s College London, affectionately known as King’s, is situated in the heart of central London. King’s students have access to a wide range of cultural and social experiences that the capital has to offer. As another member of the Russell Group, King’s is a world-renowned institution perfect for a budding finance student.
Choose from either Accounting & Finance BSc or Mathematics with Management & Finance BSc for your undergraduate degree. Or from 1 of their 8 finance MSc programmes. The university has 5 campuses around London. However, there is no need to stress about finding accommodation. The Stay Club’s locations in Camden, Kentish Town and Colindale are fantastic options for King’s College London students (no matter their campus).
City, University of London
City, University of London’s Bayes Business School is another one of the top universities in London for accounting and finance. With 12 finance undergraduate courses to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The university consists of around 20,000 students from over 150 countries.
Therefore, it is a great place to get to know the true essence of cosmopolitan London. Its business school, home to the finance department, is situated in Islington. The Stay Club has three perfect accommodation options for finance City, University of London students. Check our City, University of London accommodation page.
Queen Mary University of London
This Russell Group university is another great university in London for finance. QMUL’s 64 finance related undergraduate courses are well-renowned. Most of these programmes also include a year in industry, allowing you to gain further experience in one of the financial capitals of the world. QMUL’s School of Economics and Finance is situated in London’s vibrant East End.
This makes the university the perfect choice for students not looking to remain quite as central. A stone throw away from the iconic and trendy Brick Lane, Queen Mary University of London is a great place for young students. Looking to study at QMUL but have nowhere to stay? Check out our student accommodation page now.
Royal Holloway, University of London
RHUL is slightly further away than our other best universities in London for finance. The main Egham campus is located in Surrey, 19 miles away from central London. Therefore, the institution would be well suited to students wanting to experience a more traditional campus university.
Despite its location, RHUL’s 11,530 come from far and wide to study there. Due to an array of programmes on offer, including MScs in Finance and Computational Finance, it is no wonder why students from over 100 countries have chosen to study here. Are you interested in pursuing your studies at Royal Holloway while living in London? Check out our student accommodation options.
Why Study Finance in London?
London is recognised as a global financial centre. Why wouldn’t you want to study finance in such a rich and culturally diverse community? Due to the amazing array of top universities in London for accounting and finance, it is no wonder that many students flock to the UK capital to study. Moreover, London offers amazing internship and employment opportunities in finance.
Many London-based accounting and finance students then go on to be employed by big firms in the City. However, choosing a university city should not only be based on academic record and job prospects. Make the most of your study breaks by exploring one of the most famous cities in the world.
How to Find the Right Finance University for You
Although you have now seen what finance universities in London have to offer, it is time to make a decision. Do your research so that you make an informed choice and choose a programme with a syllabus and structure compatible to you.
Syllabus and Lectures
Each course at each university is different. Firstly, you should figure out what type of syllabus and lecture format suits you. Now it is time to do some in depth research into each course that may have caught your eye. Are you looking for a programme that will allow you to do a financial placement year or are you in the market for an online learning environment? Whatever your preferences, make sure you know whether your course will meet your needs.
Check the Facilities
All universities have fantastic facilities available to their students. The facilities in a finance or accounting school are important, particularly when starting an undergraduate degree as a complete novice. Have you chosen a course with a substantial reading list? Make sure there are library facilities that match your study habits. Just because you work best at night, doesn’t mean that your future institution will have a 24h library. So be sure to do your research before making a decision.
Although academic facilities are important when looking for the best finance school, it is equally essential to check out what other amenities your university has to offer. Are you wanting a student gym membership? Or do you want an institution with a wide range of societies? Remember, your university experience is also about the friends and memories you make. So be sure to keep this in mind when weighing up your options.
Where is the Campus Located?
Often finance schools (as well as business schools) are not located on the main university campus. Although this may seem like an initial set back, it is often because of the large libraries and other facilities that are provided to finance students.
Nonetheless, you should factor in location when choosing your top universities in London for finance for UCAS. London is a wonderfully diverse city with a variety of neighbourhoods. Therefore you should consider where you would like to study (and live).
Closing Thoughts
As you can see, London is a fantastic choice for budding finance students. There are some fantastic universities to choose from all over the capital. Although picking a degree programme and an institution can be rather hard, hopefully our tips will allow you to make an informed decision. Once you have narrowed down your choices, there is no need to stress about accommodation. The Stay Club is here to help you find the best student accommodation for you. If you have any concerns or need any advice, contact us. A member of a team will be happy to help.
