Quick Answer: Nottingham offers excellent finance degrees at University of Nottingham (£28,000/year international), Nottingham Trent University (£16,500/year), and other institutions. Entry requirements typically include AAB-BBB A-levels or equivalent, IELTS 6.5-7.0, with living costs around £12,000-£15,000 annually.

Nottingham has established itself as a premier destination for finance education in the UK, combining world-class universities with affordable living costs and vibrant student life. The city hosts several top-ranking institutions offering comprehensive finance programmes, from undergraduate degrees to specialized postgraduate qualifications.

Whether you're interested in corporate finance, investment banking, or financial technology, studying finance in Nottingham provides excellent career prospects while offering an exceptional student experience in one of England's most student-friendly cities.

Why Study Finance in Nottingham?

Nottingham's finance education landscape is anchored by globally recognized institutions with strong industry connections. The city's central location provides easy access to London's financial district while maintaining significantly lower living costs than the capital.

The University of Nottingham consistently ranks among the world's top 100 universities, with its Business School holding prestigious triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS). This recognition ensures finance graduates receive internationally respected qualifications that open doors to global career opportunities.

Nottingham Trent University's Business School has earned particular acclaim for its practical approach to finance education, with 95% graduate employability rates within six months of completion. The institution's strong links with major employers including Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG provide excellent internship and placement opportunities.

Top Universities for Finance in Nottingham

University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham's Business School offers comprehensive finance programmes with global recognition. Their BSc Finance, Accounting and Management and MSc Finance courses provide rigorous academic grounding combined with practical application.

Key Features:

• Triple-accredited business school
• International exchange opportunities across 40+ countries
• Access to Bloomberg terminals and trading rooms
• Strong alumni network in global finance sector

Nottingham Trent University (NTU)

NTU's Nottingham Business School emphasizes practical learning with real-world applications. Their finance programmes include extensive industry exposure through guest lectures, case studies, and mandatory work placements.

Key Features:

• 95% graduate employment rate
• Mandatory 48-week placement year option
• Strong employer partnerships
• Modern facilities including financial markets laboratory

Nottingham College

For students seeking alternative pathways, Nottingham College offers HND Business (Finance pathway) and foundation courses that can lead to university progression.

Finance Course Entry Requirements

Undergraduate Requirements

University of Nottingham:

• A-levels: AAB including Mathematics
• International Baccalaureate: 34-36 points
• IELTS: 7.0 overall (6.0 in each component)
• TOEFL: 100 overall

Nottingham Trent University:

• A-levels: BBB-BBC
• International Baccalaureate: 30-32 points
• IELTS: 6.5 overall (5.5 in each component)
• TOEFL: 90 overall

Postgraduate Requirements

Master's Programmes:

• Bachelor's degree (2:1 or equivalent)
• Relevant work experience (preferred)
• IELTS: 6.5-7.0 overall
• GMAT score (required for some programmes)

International students should explore various pathways to UK education. You can browse UK courses to discover additional finance programmes and alternative entry routes that match your qualifications.

Tuition Fees and Financial Information

2026-27 Academic Year Fees

University of Nottingham:

• UK/EU Students: £9,250 per year
• International Students: £28,000-£30,000 per year

Nottingham Trent University:

• UK/EU Students: £9,250 per year
• International Students: £16,500-£17,500 per year

Additional Costs

• Application fee: £27 (UCAS)
• Student visa: £490
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £776 per year
• Academic materials: £500-£800 per year

Living in Nottingham: Student Life and Costs

Cost of Living Breakdown

Accommodation:

• University halls: £100-£180 per week
• Private student accommodation: £120-£200 per week
• Shared house/flat: £80-£150 per week

Daily Expenses:

• Food and groceries: £40-£60 per week
• Transport (student): £15-£25 per week
• Entertainment: £30-£50 per week
• Utilities (if not included): £15-£25 per week

Total estimated living costs: £12,000-£15,000 per year

Student Life and Activities

Nottingham offers exceptional student life with over 200 student societies, including active Finance and Investment societies that organize networking events, guest speakers, and career fairs. The city's compact size makes it easily walkable, while the excellent public transport system connects all major areas.

The city center features numerous student-friendly venues, restaurants serving international cuisine, and cultural attractions including Nottingham Castle and the City of Caves. Regular events and festivals throughout the year create a vibrant atmosphere that international students find welcoming and engaging.

Transportation

• Nottingham Express Transit (NET): Modern tram system connecting university campuses
• Student bus pass: Unlimited travel for £15-£20 per week
• Cycling: Extensive bike lane network with university bike rental schemes
• Walking: Most student areas within 20-minute walk of city center

Career Prospects and Graduate Outcomes

Finance graduates from Nottingham universities enjoy excellent career prospects with average starting salaries ranging from £25,000-£35,000. The strong industry connections fostered by both universities result in high graduate employment rates and access to prestigious graduate schemes.

Common Career Paths:

• Investment Banking (Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley)
• Management Consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Bain)
• Corporate Finance (FTSE 100 companies)
• Financial Technology (fintech startups and established firms)
• Public Sector Finance (HM Treasury, Bank of England)

The Finance and Investment Society at University of Nottingham regularly hosts networking events with alumni working in top-tier firms, providing valuable industry connections for current students.

Application Process and Timeline

Undergraduate Applications

• UCAS Application Deadline: January 29, 2026
• International Student Advice: Apply by December 2025 for visa processing time
• Required Documents: Personal statement, academic transcripts, English proficiency proof, reference letters

Postgraduate Applications

• Application Window: September 2025 - August 2026 (rolling admissions)
• Recommended Timeline: Apply 6-8 months before intended start date
• Interview Process: Some programmes require video or in-person interviews

Studying finance in Nottingham provides an excellent combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and affordable student living. With strong graduate employment rates and extensive industry connections, Nottingham's finance programmes offer exceptional value for international students seeking world-class education in a vibrant, student-friendly environment.

Key Statistics

📊 95% of Nottingham Trent University finance graduates find employment within 6 months of completion

💰 Average living costs in Nottingham are £12,000-£15,000 per year, 30% lower than London

🎓 University of Nottingham Business School holds triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS)

📈 Finance graduate starting salaries in Nottingham range from £25,000-£35,000 annually

🏛️ Over 40,000 international students study in Nottingham across all institutions

🚊 Student transport pass costs only £15-£20 per week for unlimited city travel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for finance courses in Nottingham universities?

For undergraduate programmes, apply through UCAS by January 29, 2026, submitting academic transcripts, personal statement, and English proficiency scores. For postgraduate courses, apply directly to universities between September 2025-August 2026. International students should apply 6-8 months early to allow visa processing time. Required documents include degree certificates, IELTS/TOEFL scores, and reference letters.

What are the entry requirements for finance degrees in Nottingham?

University of Nottingham requires AAB A-levels including Mathematics, IB 34-36 points, and IELTS 7.0. Nottingham Trent University requires BBB-BBC A-levels, IB 30-32 points, and IELTS 6.5. Postgraduate programmes typically require a 2:1 bachelor's degree, relevant experience, and IELTS 6.5-7.0. Some courses may require GMAT scores.

How much does it cost to study finance in Nottingham?

International tuition fees range from £16,500-£17,500 at Nottingham Trent University to £28,000-£30,000 at University of Nottingham. Living costs average £12,000-£15,000 annually, including accommodation (£100-£200/week), food (£40-£60/week), and transport (£15-£25/week). Additional costs include visa fees (£490) and health surcharge (£776/year).

What career opportunities are available after completing finance studies in Nottingham?

Graduates pursue careers in investment banking, management consulting, corporate finance, and fintech with starting salaries of £25,000-£35,000. Major employers include Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, McKinsey, and FTSE 100 companies. Both universities maintain strong industry connections and achieve high employment rates, with NTU reporting 95% graduate employment within six months.

What makes Nottingham a good choice for international finance students?

Nottingham offers world-class education at competitive costs, with living expenses 30% lower than London. The city hosts over 40,000 international students, creating a diverse, welcoming environment. Excellent transport links connect to London's financial district, while local opportunities include internships with major firms. The compact, student-friendly city provides rich cultural experiences and active student societies.

How does University of Nottingham compare to Nottingham Trent University for finance?

University of Nottingham offers globally ranked programmes with triple business school accreditation and higher international fees (£28,000-£30,000). It emphasizes research and academic rigor with extensive international exchange options. Nottingham Trent University focuses on practical learning with mandatory placement years, achieving 95% graduate employment rates at lower fees (£16,500-£17,500). Both provide excellent industry connections and career prospects.

Key Takeaways

✅ Nottingham offers finance degrees at two major universities with fees ranging £16,500-£30,000 for international students

✅ Living costs average £12,000-£15,000 annually, significantly lower than London while maintaining excellent quality of life

✅ Entry requirements vary from BBB-AAB A-levels with IELTS 6.5-7.0, accommodating diverse international qualifications

✅ Graduate employment rates reach 95% with starting salaries of £25,000-£35,000 in prestigious financial firms

✅ Strong industry connections provide internship opportunities with major employers like Deloitte, PwC, and Goldman Sachs

✅ Excellent student life with 40,000+ international students and comprehensive transport links throughout the UK