Postgraduate certificate programmes to level-up your finance career

A career in finance can take on different trajectories, and they remain a good sector to be in. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the employment of business and financial operations occupations is projected to grow 7% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 591,800 new jobs. 

“Globalisation, a growing economy, and a complex tax and regulatory environment are expected to continue to lead to strong demand for accountants and auditors. In addition, increasing usage of data and market research in order to understand customers and product demand, and to evaluate marketing strategies, will lead to growing demand for market research analysts,” it said.

For those looking to advance their knowledge can consider pursuing a postgraduate certificate if they feel unsure about a master’s in the field.  

A postgraduate certificate can be a great option for professionals who want to update their knowledge in certain areas without committing too much time or money towards a programme. These courses are offered at many universities, and pave the way for advanced study in a particular field, should you choose to do so later on. 

Depending on the programme, it can take anywhere between a few weeks, months or even a year to complete. Some are offered fully online, while others are offered in-class or a hybrid of both. 

Some of the common requirements to enrol typically include an undergraduate degree or equivalent higher education qualification, or relevant work experience. 

Vast areas of study to choose from

One of the plus points of enrolling in a postgraduate certificate programme is the freedom to choose one that covers your area of interest. 

Many universities offer related postgraduate certificate programmes, including those relating to law, international finance and corporate banking, to name a few.

For instance, the University of London’s Postgraduate Certificate in Financial Law is ideal for those who already have some experience in either law or finance, notes its website. Students can tailor their learning according to their needs, interests and pre-existing expertise.

Meanwhile, UPF Barcelona School of Management offers a Postgraduate Course in International Finance. “Throughout the course, international financial reporting standards, aspects related to the financing of international operations, as well as the most common management control systems in multinational companies will be dealt with in detail,” notes its website.

“After taking this course, you will be able to use your new understanding of finance to aim for more senior positions in your current workplace or elsewhere,” said LSBF.

Without a doubt, there are numerous finance-related postgraduate certification courses available, and they’re typically ideal if you want to improve your knowledge in a particular area. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more in-depth to facilitate your career progression, a postgraduate degree in the field might be ideal.