What finance topics should I study before starting a finance degree?
Before starting a finance degree, review basic algebra, percentages, ratios, graphs, statistics and probability. Introductory accounting, economics, personal finance, spreadsheet skills and financial terminology can also help. Practise interpreting data, solving quantitative problems and explaining your reasoning clearly.
Key points
- Learn time value of money, interest, inflation, risk and return at an introductory level.
- Refresh accounting concepts such as assets, liabilities, income, expenses and cash flow.
- Become comfortable with spreadsheets, formulas, charts and organising numerical data.
- Check the course description for any recommended preparation or prerequisite knowledge.
Things to check
- The balance between mathematics, economics, accounting and computing varies by degree and university.
- You do not necessarily need advanced mathematics before enrolment; some programmes teach the required methods from the foundations.