My experience at the University of Dundee: MSc International Banking and Finance

I studied for my undergraduate degree in MA Economics and Geography at the University of Dundee, graduating in 2023. I then continued at the School of Business for my master’s degree in MSc International Banking and Finance, which I have now completed but will be graduating in June 2025.

I’m from a small town in Northumberland and originally planned to apply to the University of Edinburgh. However, after visiting both the Edinburgh and Dundee campuses, I instantly changed my mind and applied to Dundee—without a second choice.

For my undergraduate degree, I was part of the School of Social Sciences, but I was always more involved with the School of Business—both academically, for the economics portion of my degree, and socially. I’ve been on the committee of the University of Dundee Business Society (DUBS) for the last three years, serving as Treasurer, Events Representative, and now President!

When considering an MSc programme, I knew I wanted to stay at the University of Dundee and the School of Business. My experience with lecturers in the School of Business was fantastic—they supported me throughout my four years as an undergraduate, and I wanted to make sure I had the same level of support for my MSc.

The MSc programme equipped me with strong analytical skills and practical experience with data tools like Bloomberg and Refinitiv. I conducted research on banking performance and efficiency, enhanced my problem-solving abilities, and delivered group presentations. All of this prepared me to navigate complex financial environments and make data-driven decisions while working in a team.

These skills are highly applicable across various areas of banking and finance, giving me a solid foundation for multiple career paths. Additionally, successfully completing the MSc in International Banking and Finance confers Chartered Banker status—a huge advantage of this degree.

I also had the opportunity to do a two-month internship as part of my MSc in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. This was an amazing experience that not only taught me a lot about Vietnamese culture but also gave me first hand experience of working in a completely different country!

My advice for current students would definitely be to reach out for support if you need it—something I didn’t do enough during my undergraduate degree. If you’re struggling with any of the content, the professors are extremely supportive and really want you to succeed. In particular, Dr. Murat Mazibas, Professor Bruce Burton, Dr. Rilwan Saka, and Dr. Stavros Kourtzidis made my MSc experience so positive.

I was lucky throughout both degrees to make some really great friends—it makes staying in the library until midnight during exam season much easier! Having the right people around you during stressful times makes all the difference. My flatmates and I also used "BorrowMyDoggy" a lot—we spent so much time with little Belle, and she was a huge stress reliever.

In terms of balancing university life and preparing for a career, I would say doing anything outside of your studies will help you during interviews for your future career. Joining a society committee, whether that be an academic one like DUBS or a sports club, will really make you stand out. It shows you can work in a team and that you’re passionate about something outside of your studies. If possible, getting part-time work during your studies also shows you’re able to manage your time effectively and prioritize tasks.

I’d absolutely recommend both the MA Economics and Geography programme and MSc International Banking and Finance to future students. The support from lecturers, practical skills gained, and opportunities like my internship in Vietnam made my time at Dundee truly invaluable. It’s given me a strong foundation for a career in finance. Both courses offer excellent career prospects—but most importantly, they are genuinely interesting and engaging to study.

I hope that all future students have as much fun as I’ve had!