Can I do an arts degree at a non target uni and get into career in finance?

6

Hello everyone!
I am thinking of applying to an undergrad program at university next academic year, and wanted to know how far the topic of a degree can stray from finance if you dont attend a target uni, and want to enter a job in finance/ a graduate program afterwards. I have met people in trading and compliance who have arts degrees and made it into finance, although attended universities such as Cambridge and Oxford. I was wondering if an arts degree at a non-target university would affect my chances of entering a strong financial career.
My predicted grades are ABB and I am assuming this is too low for a target university. (History, English Lit, Graphic Design)
Thanks everyone !

Reply 1

ajj2000

20

Which arts course? Do you get any expanding access options?

Ancient history at Bristol used to be the go to degree for people looking at legal careers. Maybe there are some options at UCL?

Reply 2

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

The non-target part of the equation is the bigger issue than the "arts degree" side of it I think.

There are several ABB courses at UCL (e.g. viking and old norse studies, ancient languages, hebrew and jewish studies, population health sciences, business and health, most archaeology department programmes, most SSEES language programmes and a couple of others e.g. central and european history and jewish studies, most SELCS language programmes, and others if you are eligible for a contextual offer) and several at LSE if eligible for contextual offers (geography, anthropology, ISPP, geography, language culture and society, economic history and geography, environment and sustainable development). I suspect there are also a number of courses at Warwick with similar grade boundaries (probably in similar subject areas) too.

I would prioritise exploring the options that are available at target unis.

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 3

an1342

7

Original post by Snagroll

Hello everyone!
I am thinking of applying to an undergrad program at university next academic year, and wanted to know how far the topic of a degree can stray from finance if you dont attend a target uni, and want to enter a job in finance/ a graduate program afterwards. I have met people in trading and compliance who have arts degrees and made it into finance, although attended universities such as Cambridge and Oxford. I was wondering if an arts degree at a non-target university would affect my chances of entering a strong financial career.
My predicted grades are ABB and I am assuming this is too low for a target university. (History, English Lit, Graphic Design)
Thanks everyone !

Hi,
the better uni you go, the less important the degree is. So yes you can get into IB with a degree in English albeit it has to be from Oxbridge. Doing an arts degree at anywhere that isn't a target uni, no chance unfortunately unless you have nepotism on ur side.

ABB is also a little bit too low grades wise. Just try get the best grades you can (AAA or above). Finance only recruits the best so you kind of have to be in that top bracket of people.

Reply 4

Snagroll

OP

6

Thanks all this was very useful

Reply 5

Snagroll

OP

6

Would architecture at UCL be potentially acceptable?

Reply 6

an1342

7

Original post by Snagroll

Would architecture at UCL be potentially acceptable?

tbh architecture people normally get into architecture lol. also there's no point doing a 5-6 yr degree if u wanna get into finance. there's a lot of courses that are easier to get into that are perceived better by recruiters. for me, I got into history politics economics (around 25% acceptance rate) which has a better chance than architecture which has a 11% acceptance rate. plus ur debt will be double.

it sounds like ur a bit confused right now in what you want to do though. based on ur first post though, ABB will not get u into architecture.

Reply 7

normaw

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

19

Original post by Snagroll

Would architecture at UCL be potentially acceptable?

Architecture at UCL is one of the most competitive courses to get in to even though the grade entry requirements are relatively low.

Reply 8

Emily211509

5

Original post by Snagroll

Hello everyone!
I am thinking of applying to an undergrad program at university next academic year, and wanted to know how far the topic of a degree can stray from finance if you dont attend a target uni, and want to enter a job in finance/ a graduate program afterwards. I have met people in trading and compliance who have arts degrees and made it into finance, although attended universities such as Cambridge and Oxford. I was wondering if an arts degree at a non-target university would affect my chances of entering a strong financial career.
My predicted grades are ABB and I am assuming this is too low for a target university. (History, English Lit, Graphic Design)
Thanks everyone !

Hi!

I'd say this is the non-standard way to get into a finance career, however I think your university degree will probably get you through the graduate recruitment process.

What I'd advise you however, is to make it really clear in your job applications in the future why you took this degree, and why you want to go into accountancy (also what skills the degree taught you).

Hope this helps :-)!

Reply 9

ajj2000

20

Original post by Emily211509

Hi!
I'd say this is the non-standard way to get into a finance career, however I think your university degree will probably get you through the graduate recruitment process.
What I'd advise you however, is to make it really clear in your job applications in the future why you took this degree, and why you want to go into accountancy (also what skills the degree taught you).
Hope this helps :-)!

Erm - the OP isn't looking for a job in accountancy...

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 10

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by an1342

tbh architecture people normally get into architecture lol. also there's no point doing a 5-6 yr degree if u wanna get into finance. there's a lot of courses that are easier to get into that are perceived better by recruiters. for me, I got into history politics economics (around 25% acceptance rate) which has a better chance than architecture which has a 11% acceptance rate. plus ur debt will be double.

it sounds like ur a bit confused right now in what you want to do though. based on ur first post though, ABB will not get u into architecture.

Architecture degrees are 3 years. They just require further study and training to qualify as an architect, but if they aren't doing that they can just leave with the 3 year course.

Can I do an arts degree at a non target uni and get into career in finance?

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