Six benefits of studying an online masters in finance
Is an online finance degree worth it?
The finance industry is notoriously fast paced and ever-changing, forcing industry professionals to regularly refresh their knowledge and skill sets.
Many choose to enrol on a degree course to gain the expertise necessary to futureproof their career. Of course, as a major investment, it’s important to do your research and weigh up whether it’s worth it for you and your goals.
In this blog, we explore some of the benefits of doing a masters degree in particular, and the ways in which an online course might be a more viable option for busy professionals around the world.
3 benefits of studying a masters in finance
1. Improve your earning potential
I issued by the UK government showed that postgraduates are over 10% more likely to be in highly skilled jobs than regular graduates and earn £6,000 more a year on average.
In the competitive financial labour market, further education and qualifications are a great way to get ahead. Gaining a masters in finance can certify your skills and suitability for certain positions, helping to boost your eligibility for senior, lucrative roles.
At Manchester Met, our online finance masters also offers the chance to attain further prestigious qualifications that can raise your earning potential via the CIMA Masters Gateway. This is an exclusive, accelerated route allowing graduates of our course to gain a Chartered Global Management Accountant qualification in fewer steps.
2. Upgrade your skills and update your knowledge
The finance industry has seen vast and varied disruptions in recent years, most precipitated by innovative technologies.
Studying a masters in finance offers a way to get up to speed on the most important developments impacting the sector, as well as those on the horizon to plan for.
Our online Finance and Strategy masters for example, includes a dedicated FinTech unit exploring the most promising applications in the market and their potential impact on the future of the finance and banking sectors.
Learn more about FinTech and the four trends you should be aware of.
Of course, in addition to contemporary topics, masters degrees also offer a chance to refresh your knowledge and sharpen your skills in foundational areas including strategy, reporting, management, governance and corporate finance.
If you’ve been working in finance for a while, investing in higher education can offer a good way to modernise and build on your skill set, as well as increasing your eligibility for promotions into leadership roles.
3. Network with finance professionals
Through seminars and group tasks, masters degrees give you the opportunity to meet other ambitious, like-minded professionals.
Building professional networks is an essential part of thriving in the finance sector as connecting with individuals across different industries and businesses allows you to gain insights from their experiences which you can apply in your role and organisation.
Importantly of course, a healthy professional network also opens doors to potential future job opportunities or collaborations.
3 benefits of studying a masters online
1. There’s no need to pause your career
Traditionally, studying a masters in finance would mean putting your career on hold to attend lectures and seminars during the day.
The option to study online and part-time has changed the game for those who can’t afford to quit work or sacrifice other important commitments such as childcare.
It means you can continue learning and taking steps to advance professionally, while still earning a salary and keeping your life on-track.
2. It offers a greater choice of universities to pick from
Of course, the option to study online also means that you’re not tied to just one location. Rather than having to limit your search to universities with campuses nearby, you have the option to study with your preferred institution wherever it’s based around the world.
Many students from outside the UK choose to enrol on our Finance and Strategy course, often citing our triple accredited Business School as a compelling reason to join.
The school is one of an elite group of business schools worldwide to achieve the prestigious trio of accreditations from EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA. Simply put, this means Manchester Met meets a set of quality standards, ensuring our students receive a world-class education.
Beyond the broader choice of universities available to you, studying remotely also means you have greater flexibility to earn your masters degree when and where it suits you. Your sofa, a coffee shop, by the pool on holiday – anywhere can be a classroom so long as you have a laptop and internet connection.
3. Gain self-discipline
Finally, studying online offers a chance for growth and the development of highly valuable soft skills including self-discipline.
Without set times for seminars and lectures, you must plan your own schedule and find time management and prioritisation techniques that allow you to juggle work and other commitments with your required reading and course assignments.
While the responsibility to manage your workload ultimately lies with you, at Manchester Met, we help each student via our dedicated Student Success Team who will be on hand throughout the duration of the course to provide support.
That might look like sending reminders when an assignment is due, organising extensions if there are extenuating circumstances, or simply checking in periodically for a chat and to offer advice or share resources if needed.
So, is an online finance degree worth it?
Only you can answer that question based on your circumstance and goals. However, if you’re interested in learning more about our Finance and Strategy MSc (online) course, visit the course page below for full details and complete the form to register your interest and speak with an Enrolment Advisor.
Learn more about our online Finance and Strategy MSc course at Manchester Metropolitan University.