Tag: master of finance

  • A Comprehensive Guide On The US Grading System In 2024

    One of the first things students must figure out when considering education in the United States is decoding the US grading system. It is one of the most important aspects of academic assessment and has a nuanced approach to evaluating students. With this blog, you can discover the intricacies of the American grading system, discussing various types of grades, the significance of the Grade Point Average (GPA), the realm of honors, and how the US grading system contrasts with the UK Grading system. Let’s begin by understanding what the US grading system consists of!

    An Overview of the US Grading System

    Although one might already be acquainted with the grading system, the education industry follows it. Typically, students’ academics are evaluated by marks, which are displayed as grades or percentages, but the American grading system is not as similar as it seems.

    The American grading system is a composition of GPA (Grade Point Average) to evaluate academic performance. The GPA system is obeyed for all levels of education in the country, and one of the widely used types of GPAs is the 4-point grading system.

    What are the Types of US Grading Systems?

    Getting acquainted with the American grading system will be the first step to learning how to ace your exams. In the US, there are two different grading systems: the numerical system and the alphabetical system. Here is a quick and easy breakdown of the different types of grading systems and different grades in the USA.

    1. Numerical US Grading System

    The numerical approach of the US grading system is fairly straightforward to understand. These grades in the USA mark students on a numbered scale pre-decided by their university or school. Depending upon how well they do, they will receive a numbered grade to assess their performance. For example, you could be scored on a percentage system and be given a grade anywhere from 0 to 100%.

    2. Letter US Grading System

    Letter grades in the USA are obtained by students in routine tests or term exams, such as A, B, and C. This system is also known as the A-F grading system. Every letter grade denotes a student’s numerical performance by a number. Students can further convert the grade into a GPA. Here is a basic breakdown of the meaning of each letter in the American grade system.

    3. Special Grades

    The US grading system also incorporates a few different letter grades into the American grading scale. These do not exactly denote your grades but instead are used to highlight the status of your course. However, these still show up on your transcript in the American grade system. So, to ensure that these random letters on your mark sheet don’t confuse you, here is what they mean in the American grading scale:

    A. IP

    IP is an acronym for ‘In Progress. If students haven’t finished parts of a subject within the stipulated time to earn the regular grade, they will probably be given this grade. Upon completion, this grade is converted to the regular grade.

    B. NC

    In the US grading scale, NC stands for ‘Not Complete’. If a task or homework assigned to a student is not complete or the student fails to complete the same, then this grade is given to the student on the transcript.

    C. W

    W in the US grading scale means ‘withdrawn’. This grade is awarded to students who are present or attend classes but drop out midway.

    Every letter grade corresponds to a number or percentage, which is then used to calculate your GPA. Your numerical grade is used to obtain your letter grade. Each college will have its exact denotation of which grade corresponds to what letter, but here is a general breakdown of the different letter grades and their corresponding grade range. In the United States, academic performance is evaluated using 5, 6, to 7-letter grades. The conventional grading scale includes A+, A, A-, B+, B-, B-, C+, C-, D+, D, D- and F, with A+ being the highest grade and F being the lowest. Here is a quick and easy breakdown of the US grading systems.

    What is Grade Point Average (GPA)?

    GPA, or Grade Point Average, is the primary marking system of the US grading system. Your GPA, as the name suggests, is the overall average of all your grades for a specific time period. For a full breakdown, check out our detailed guide on what is GPA and how to calculate it.

    Here’s how the GPA grading system works:

    A = 4.0
    B = 3.0
    C = 2.0
    D = 1.0
    F = 0.0

    How to Calculate GPA?

    In the US grading system, the aggregate quality points gained in each unit are added to calculate GPA. The final result is divided by the total number of course credits or units (or credit hours) you attempted to arrive at your average GPA. It is not just the average of all your grades but determines your final GPA at graduation. The amount of semester hours determines how much weight it has. To get a better understanding of how your final grades will be calculated, you can also read our blog on how to improve your GPA.

    For example: GPA = Total Grade Points / total number of credit hours or courses taken. Therefore, if your total grade points are 22 and the number of classes you took is 6, then, your GPA would be 3.6.

    Types of GPA

    Now that we’ve covered grades and how they’re represented in the US grading system, let’s look at another crucial aspect of the new grading system: the GPA. The Grade Point Average (GPA) is a grading system in USA which is used throughout to describe students’ performance. It is divided into three categories that represent different levels of study. The three categories are:

    1. Class GPA

    This GPA focuses on a specific set of courses, like all your math classes in a semester. It tells you how well you did in those particular subjects.

    2. Semester GPA

    This GPA looks at your performance for an entire semester or quarter. It considers all the grades you earned during that period, giving you an idea of your overall performance.

    3. Cumulative GPA

    This is the big one! It takes into account all your grades throughout your academic career from the very beginning. This gives colleges and universities a broader picture of your academic achievements.

    Here are some extracurricular activities that can help enhance your overall GPA:

    • Student organizations
    • Community service
    • Internships
    • Study groups

    In the U.S. education system, engaging in these extracurricular activities can positively impact your GPA. Therefore, choose activities that interest you and can contribute to your academic success.

    Honours and Its Types

    Students who meet the requirements for any level of study may receive a gratuitous honour based on their GPA. Based on other prerequisites, honours can differ from university to university. The Latin language is used for all distinctions. Relevantly, the student with a better GPA will automatically be given all three honours. They are:

    1. Cum Laude: With Honour

    Cum laude, which in Latin means “with acclaim” or “with honour,” denotes a certain level of academic success. Educational institutions use the phrase to describe an academic degree given to someone with honourable distinction in academic courses.

    2. Magna Cum Laude: With Great Honor

    Students who graduate “with great distinction” are given the honorific Magna cum laude. In terms of Latin honours, it is the second-highest. The qualifications differ by institution, but it’s often reserved for students who rank in the top 6–15% of their class or who have a GPA of 3.7–3.8.

    3. Summa Cum Laude: With Greatest Honour

    The greatest academic honour, summa cum laude, which translates to “with the highest honour,” is given to pupils who rank in the top one percent of their class or who have a GPA of 3.9 to 4.0. The prerequisites for summa cum laude can differ by institution and department, just as the magna cum laude distinction. If you want to have one of these honours plastered on your degree, it’s time to learn how to improve your GPA!

    What are the degree classifications in the US? 

    In the US, degrees are classified into three types:

    • First class honours: 70% and above
    • Upper Second class honours: 60% – 70%
    • Third class honours: 40% – 50%

    Scoring below 40% means you have not passed your degree while scoring above 70% means you have achieved a high classification. Your GPA represents your final grade. If you score between 90% – 100%, your GPA will be 4.0. Anything below 60% is considered a failure in the US.

    What is the Difference Between UK and US Grading Systems?

    The UK grading system uses a class grade order, unlike most grading systems, including the US one, which uses the alphabet to show the student’s accomplishments. This system mirrors the paradigm of the British class system and dates back to the institution’s founding. The UK utilizes letter grades similar to the American grading system, although not in the same way. In the UK, an “A” is defined as anything above 70% rather than each letter denoting 10%. Every additional letter results in a 10% reduction. To know more about this, refer to our detailed guide on the UK grading system, which will help you acknowledge all the aspects of this system.

    That was our full breakdown of the American grading system. While the US grading system isn’t too hard to understand, adjusting to a new structure can be tough, so we’ve tried to make your transition as smooth as possible. We hope you’ve found this blog helpful and wish you all the best on your student journey! Also, if you are planning to move to the USA, you must be worried about finding ideal housing. Don’t worry; we provide some amazing options for student housing in the US to make your path less stressful.

  • Masters of Finance in UK: Top Colleges, Deadlines, Admission, Fees, Scholarships, Jobs

    Mind the GAAP! The gap between you, money and prestige is a masters of finance in UK. Finesse the finance, and you can become the new Wolf of Wall Street (minus the fraud, of course). A master of finance in UK will open many opportunities for you. The MSc Finance UK degree is a postgraduate program designed to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the world of finance. Dont wait up! Explore the blog and get informed!

    Why Study Masters of Finance in UK?

    Undoubtedly, the UK is home to some of the prestigious and best universities in the world. These universities provide top-quality education and well-respected undergraduate degrees and masters degrees to students. A masters of finance in UK will open a lot of doors of opportunities for you. The professors at the top universities in the UK are specialists in this area. They have a wide range of market knowledge, which helps them mould finance graduates’ skill sets to fit the demands of the actual world. Studies reveal that UK graduates often earn six-figure wages within 4-5 years of graduating. Additionally, a career in MSc accounting and finance in UK offers much flexibility. With enough experience, you may start your own company and work for several businesses.

    Masters of Finance in UK Course Details

    MSc finance and accounting in UK is a one-year programme provided by some universities in the UK. It is not a compulsion to have a finance background to get admission. When the course is availed, one will have a set of dedicated/core subjects and non-dedicated/elective courses.

    Course Highlights

    1. Dedicated courses include finance and accounting basics, corporate finance, asset markets, risk management, international finance, corporate investment, private equity and venture capital finance.
    2.
    Non-dedicated courses include quantitative security analysis, entrepreneurial finance, sustainable finance and impact investing.

    Although the course structure may vary from university to university, but is also subject to change. It is important to be up to date with the courses of your MS in finance in UK.

    Top 5 Universities for Masters of Finance in UK

    The country doesn’t run short of universities that provide masters of finance in UK. For you to not get confused and overwhelmed with the choices available, we have curated a list of the top 5 universities for MSc accounting and finance in UK below.

    1. University of Oxford

    QS ranking: 4
    Average tuition fees:
    £40,000-55,000/year
    Application Deadline:
    March 6th 2024

    The University of Oxford provides excellence with every degree they teach. It is also considered one of the best universities to study masters of finance in UK. This university provides two finance programmes: an MSc in Financial Economics and an MSc in Law and Finance. The curriculum was developed in collaboration with top financial recruiters and combines academic theory with real-world applications. Refer to this guide to getting into the University of Oxfordand get showered with multiple tips and steps to get into the course of your dreams.

    2. London School of Economics

    QS ranking: 7
    Average tuition fees:
    £39,000- 45,000/year
    Application Deadline:
    April 2024

    London School of Economics provides a graduate through an MSc in Accounting and Finance in UK (full-time). This program, one of the top generalist finance masters degrees in the world, is perfect for people whose career goals are generally related to the financial services industry. Once you get a thorough foundation in corporate finance and financial markets in the core courses, the degree will be tailored to your aims with various alternative courses, including several specifically created applied courses. Refer to this blog to get well-informed on the London School of Economics: rankings, requirements, fees and how to apply. All the information you need on the university and its courses on one page.

    3. University of Cambridge

    QS ranking: 6
    Average tuition fees:
    £49,000-55,000/year
    Application Deadline:
    March 6th, 2024

    The University of Cambridge is another one of the prestigious universities that provide masters of finance in the UK. Given that the program’s employment rate for students is over 86%, they can anticipate finding employment within three months of enrolling. The university provides top-notch instruction to help finance graduates create a bright future. Make reference to the University of Cambridge: history, course and tuition to explore in-depth and aid you in making the right decision.

    4. Imperial College London

    QS ranking: 19
    Average tuition fees:
    £39,000-45,000/year
    Application Deadline:
    February 31st 2024

    Imperial College London offers the MS in Finance programme, which provides students with a distinctive and demanding experience. The course comprises five modules: project, foundation, core, electives, and online pre-study. For employment, the curriculum also provides an optional international elective. It ranks among the best finance schools in the UK.

    5. The University of Edinburgh

    QS ranking: 46
    Average tuition fees:
    £34,700-40,000/year
    Application Deadline:
    January 31st 2024

    The University of Edinburgh’s thoughtfully designed MSc in Finance will prepare you for various positions while allowing you to focus your studies in areas like Corporate, Sustainable, or Investment Finance. It combines cutting-edge theory with practical application. Their close ties to business are ingrained in the curriculum through their guest lectures and the chance to interact with leaders.

    Curriculum for MSc Finance in UK Universities

    An MS in Finance in UK is bound to have a similar curriculum across all universities. A full-time program curriculum is divided into core and electives, i.e. dedicated and non-dedicated. These subjects are a blend of theory and practicality, with strict academic training and real-world applications. Apart from the predetermined curriculum, students are expected to complete a dissertation or an internship at the end of the program. Below is what an MS in finance in UK curriculum looks like;

    • Corporate Finance
    • Asset Markets
    • Electives Courses

    Eligibility Criteria for Masters of Finance in UK

    To study for a masters of finance in UK, one needs to fit under the expected eligibility criteria and other requirements. Some requirements may vary from university to university, but here is a list of standard requirements.

    • A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as finance, accounting, or commerce
    • GMAT/ GRE
    • English Language requirements
    • Entrance exams necessary to study in the UK
    • Knowledge of A-level mathematics

    Application Process for Masters of Finance in UK

    The first step in the application process for a masters of finance in UK is ;

    1. research suitable college
    2. Check out the curriculum, fees, scholarships, employment opportunities
    3. Write your personal statement
    4. apply to the university
    5. pay for immigration health surcharge
    6. apply for visa
    7. visa interview

    Documents Required

    Maintaining a checklist for documents required for a masters of finance in UK. Make sure you prepare and compile the documents beforehand.

    • Undergraduate degree
    • Statement of purpose
    • Letter of recommendation
    • GMAT/GRE scorecard GMAT-680\GRE-325
    • English language requirements
    • Work experience letters
    • Resume/ CV

    Visa

    You can either apply for a standard visa or a student visa. In order to be eligible for a student visa, one must fill up the application process, submit the necessary documents, pay the visa fees and interview. Typically, if you are eligible for the visa, it will arrive within three weeks, and you are good to go. Browse the UK student visa 2023-24: types, application process & eligibility to make yourself familiar with all the mandatory processes.

    Categorising Total Costs in UK

    Along with the tuition fee, there are many other costs that you will encounter, such as pre-arrival, living expenses, miscellaneous expenses, etc., which should be considered before you move overseas to study.

    Cost of courses in UK

    The tuition for the Masters in Finance in UK will cost between £34,700 and £55,000 per year. However, the tuition differs on all levels, depending on the program and academic level. Students can also investigate scoring a scholarship that will suffice their tuition fees.

    Cost of living in UK

    The average living cost for a student living in the UK is £1,000 – £1,500 per month. This amount should be enough for your rent, food, and transportation expenses. It is always economical to maintain an expense journal in order to keep track of your expenses on a monthly basis.

    Scholarships available for masters of finance in UK

    Living in the UK can get expensive when you are living alone. Getting scholarships helps you to ease your financial concerns and help you burn fewer holes in your pockets. Here are some UK scholarships to study for a master of finance in UK.

    • The Chevening Scholarship
    • MSc Finance Future Leaders Scholarship (Imperial College of London)
    • Business School International MSc scholarship (University of Edinburgh)
    • Graduate Support Scheme; LSE masters Award (London School of Economics)
    • MF in Program Scholarship (University of Cambridge)
    • Alumni Annual Fund Scholarship (University of Oxford)
    • Oxford said- HEC Montreal Scholarship. (University of Oxford)

    There are many other masters degree scholarships available. You can check the scholarships page of the university website you wish to apply for. Refer to our Guide to Scholarships in UK 2023 for more information in detail.

    Job opportunities after masters of Finance in UK

    After you complete your masters of finance in UK, you can advance your career in commercial banking, hedge funding, financial management, or insurance. Your pay packages can be excellent based on your experience, position, and industry. An average UK employee in the accounting and finance industry typically makes roughly £115,000 per year. Salary increases for up to 2 to 5 years of experience are up to 32%. After your degree in finance, the work opportunities you get along with the average salary are mentioned below.

    • Accountant– £25,045 to £61,637
    • Finance Controller– £24,864 per year
    • Financial Analyst– £54,000-£78,750
    • Finanancial Risk Manager– £55,000 per year- £85,000
    • Investment Banker– £50,000 and £70,000.

    In conclusion, a Masters of Finance in UK is a great way to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a successful career in the financial sector. With the right qualifications and a competitive edge, graduates with the best Masters in Finance UK can look forward to a successful career in the finance industry.