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Degree choice

Which degree is better Accounting and Finance or Law in terms of earning prospects and life quality ? I’m stuck on which to choose

Reply 1

Stiffy Byng

There is no binary answer to that question. Your quality of life will depend on many factors, your job being one of them. It's best to study a subject which interests you. Unless aiming for a technical STEM career or quant work in the financial markets, your don't have to relate your degree subject directly to a career path. For example, you can qualify as a lawyer with a degree in any subject, and you can work in financial services without a degree in maths, economics, business, finance etc.

Reply 2

Nabi101

Original post

by Stiffy Byng

Which degree would I need for quant work in financial markets ?

Reply 3

Stiffy Byng

Original post

by Nabi101

Which degree would I need for quant work in financial markets ?

Usually Maths to do the really hardcore nerdy stuff. My nephew's job at UBS is a bit quanty, although mainly tradey. He says that he feels stretched a bit thin as his degree is in Economics and Management (he did A levels in Maths and Further Maths). I had a client once who was a very bonkers quant. He had two doctorates in Maths. He had a lot of money but a very boring lifestyle, no family, and few friends.

BTW, my nephew thinks that his job is soulless, lacking in intellectual content (difficult sums apart), and of no real value to the world. He likes the money, but he may quit and do something more fulfilling.

Reply 4

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Hi @Nabi101

As a first step, I’d recommend looking at the course modules for both degrees across university websites. This will give you a clearer idea of what you'll be studying and help you determine which course excites you more. It's easy to get caught up in earning potential, but it's just as important to choose something that aligns with your interests and long-term career goals.

It’s also worth looking at what accreditations the degrees offer. For example, an Accounting & Finance degree might offer exemptions for professional qualifications like the ACCA, which could be helpful if you're aiming for a career in finance. On the other hand, a Law degree might prepare you for the SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) if you’re thinking about becoming a solicitor.

In the end, think about what kind of work you want to do, the skills you want to develop, any additional qualifications you might need, and what will keep you motivated throughout your studies.

Best of luck with your decision!

Megan (LJMU Student Rep)

Reply 5

UniofLaw Student

Official Rep

Original post

by Nabi101

Which degree is better Accounting and Finance or Law in terms of earning prospects and life quality ? I’m stuck on which to choose

Hello there,

Both Accounting & Finance and Law can lead to well-paid careers, but they offer very different paths in terms of earning potential and work-life balance.

In terms of earning prospects, both fields can be lucrative. In Accounting & Finance, roles like Chartered Accountant, Investment Banker, or Financial Analyst can lead to high salaries, especially in corporate finance or the Big Four firms. Salaries start modestly but grow significantly with experience and qualifications (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA). Law, on the other hand, can be highly rewarding financially, but earnings vary depending on the area of practice. Corporate law, commercial law, and magic circle firms pay very well, but legal careers often require years of study and training before reaching high salaries.

In terms of work-life balance, Accounting & Finance generally offers more structured working hours, although fields like investment banking can be intense. Law, especially in top firms or litigation, can be demanding, with long hours and high pressure. However, there are areas of law (e.g., in-house legal counsel, public sector roles) that offer a better balance.

If you enjoy working with numbers, problem-solving, and financial markets, Accounting & Finance might be a better fit. If you’re interested in debating, research, and complex problem-solving, Law could be the right choice. Both degrees are respected, and career progression depends on your interests and commitment. If you're still unsure, consider looking at work experience, internships, or virtual programs to get a better sense of each profession before making a final decision.

Hope this helps!

Reply 6

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

You can go into a legal career with an A&F degree and you can go into an accountancy degree with a law degree. You could also go into either career with literally any other degree as well. So the question is kind of redundant as it just reflects the areas grads of those degrees typically choose to self select into rather than telling you anything inherent about the degree subjects themselves.