SOAS School of Finance and Management

The School of Finance and Management (SFM) at SOAS University of London is a centre of research and teaching focused on finance and management with a global perspective. The school specialises in regions including Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, offering unique insights into these areas. Its main aim is to develop policy makers who influence global developments and business leaders who add value to organisations. The school acts as a source of innovative ideas and networking opportunities for its students and partners.
 

SOAS School of Finance and Management has approximately 6,285 students. This includes 4,085 undergraduates and postgraduate students combined. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that are research-led and challenge-driven. These programmes provide high-quality teaching with a global outlook. Students develop strong analytical skills, personal initiative, and effective communication through these courses. The school also provides distance learning Master’s programmes via the Centre for Financial and Management Studies (CeFiMS), which allows students to study remotely.
 

Advanced students have opportunities to pursue MPhil and PhD degrees through research programmes at SFM. Research activities take place mainly within the Centre for Global Finance and the Centre for Trust Research. The school collaborates with policy makers and practitioners from the private sector, international organisations, and governments, who also attend continuous professional development (CPD) courses offered by the school.
 

Teaching at SFM focuses not only on knowledge but also on practical skills such as data analytics, teamwork, and problem-solving. The school’s regional expertise on emerging and fast-growing economies enables it to understand global trends alongside local realities.
 

SFM offers a variety of degree programmes, including BSc Accounting and Finance, BSc Management, MBA focused on Black entrepreneurs and small businesses, MSc Finance, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Strategy, and MSc International Business. Many programmes include placement years for practical experience.
 

The school actively hosts events, seminars, and masterclasses on topics such as global trade, development, and sustainable finance. It contributes to ongoing research projects on financial systems, fintech, climate risk management, and sustainable growth in different regions.

The School of Finance and Management (SFM) is part of SOAS University of London, an institution known for its focus on the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. SOAS itself was established in 1916 with the aim of advancing knowledge about these regions through teaching and research. The School of Finance and Management was developed within SOAS to address the growing need for specialised education and research in finance and management, particularly in a global context that includes emerging markets.
 

Over the years, SFM has evolved to become a centre for research and education that combines global financial and management studies with regional expertise. The school expanded its programme offerings to include undergraduate degrees such as BSc Accounting and Finance and BSc Management, as well as postgraduate degrees like MSc Finance, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Strategy, and MSc International Business. The addition of the MBA programme tailored to Black entrepreneurs and small business owners reflects the school’s focus on inclusivity and meeting the needs of diverse student groups.
 

SFM established the Centre for Financial and Management Studies (CeFiMS) to provide distance learning opportunities, allowing students worldwide to access its Master’s programmes remotely. The school also developed strong research programmes with MPhil and PhD degrees, encouraging advanced study in finance and management. Research centres such as the Centre for Global Finance and the Centre for Trust Research were created to focus on specific areas of global finance and institutional trust, providing platforms for faculty and students to carry out specialised work.
 

The school has engaged closely with policy makers, private sector practitioners, and international organisations to offer continuous professional development courses, which helps maintain strong links between academic research and practical application. It has been involved in research projects on financial system development, fintech in bilateral trade, financial inclusion, climate risk management, and sustainable economic growth, especially in Asia and Africa.
 

Currently, the School of Finance and Management remains an important part of SOAS, continuing to provide high-quality teaching, research, and professional training with a focus on global trends and regional specifics. It offers students opportunities to develop analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills necessary for careers in finance, management, and policy making in a globalised world. The school regularly hosts seminars, masterclasses, and events that reflect its ongoing commitment to addressing contemporary financial and management challenges worldwide.

The School of Finance and Management at SOAS offers a wide range of courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels. These programmes are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in finance and management while maintaining a global perspective focused on emerging economies, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

At the undergraduate level, the school offers the BSc Accounting and Finance degree. This course covers essential topics such as financial accounting, management accounting, corporate finance, and financial markets. Students learn the principles and practices that underpin the accounting profession and financial management. The BSc Management degree provides a broad understanding of management principles, organisational behaviour, marketing, and strategic management. Both degrees develop students' analytical skills, teamwork, and communication abilities.
 

For postgraduate students, there are several Master’s programmes. The MSc Finance offers an in-depth study of financial theory, investment analysis, risk management, and financial regulation. A version of this degree with a placement year allows students to gain practical work experience within the financial sector, which is valuable for their career development.
 

The MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Strategy focuses on managing creativity, innovation, and policy in organisations. This course also prepares students who wish to continue with doctoral studies. The programme teaches students how to foster innovation and handle the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and managers in dynamic environments. The MSc International Business covers global trade, cross-border management, and the strategic challenges of operating in international markets. Like other MSc courses, it emphasises real-world applications and critical thinking.
 

The school offers an MBA programme known as MBA 30, tailored to support Black entrepreneurs and small business owners. This MBA helps develop leadership, business strategy, and entrepreneurial skills, with a focus on practical outcomes and business growth.
 

At the research level, students can pursue MPhil and PhD degrees in Finance and Management. These programmes enable in-depth study and original research under expert supervision, often linked to the school’s research centres such as the Centre for Global Finance and the Centre for Trust Research.
 

Additionally, the school provides distance learning options through the Centre for Financial and Management Studies (CeFiMS). This allows students worldwide to access Master’s degree programmes remotely, making education flexible and accessible.
 

The School of Finance and Management also offers continuous professional development (CPD) courses for professionals from government, international organisations, and private companies, ensuring that learning continues beyond formal degrees.

• SOAS School of Finance and Management is ranked in the top 60 for Business Studies in the 2023 Complete University Guide.
• The MSc Finance programme is ranked 42nd in the UK for Accounting and Finance.
• In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), 81% of SOAS’s finance and management research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
• SOAS was placed 41st in the UK by GPA for finance-related research in the REF 2021.

Many students secure placements during their studies, particularly in programmes offering placement years such as the MSc Finance with Placement Year. The school supports students through career services and networking opportunities. The majority of graduates work in finance, management, policy making, or related fields within six months of completing their degrees. The school’s links with international organisations, governments, and the private sector assist students in gaining valuable work experience and jobs aligned with their studies.

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