Waqar Ahmed

Country of origin: Pakistan

PhD Finance, Warwick Business School

The year I spent at Lancaster became one of the golden chapters in my life. I chose Lancaster as it is a top-rated University with an excellent faculty, has a well-equipped campus and offers professionally designed programmes.

Before joining the Finance MSc programme at Lancaster, I completed my undergraduate and MBA degrees from COMSATS with distinctions. After a brief exposure to the corporate world, I decided to join academia. It was quite clear to me that to survive in this competitive profession, a PhD degree from a prestigious university is a must. The MSc in Finance from Lancaster University seemed to be the first step towards that goal.

The MSc in Finance at Lancaster, though academically challenging, was also quite fun and rewarding. The trading game and KPMG case study challenges also proved to be very helpful in comprehending complex academic concepts and real-life issues. The modules and assignments undertaken during the programme have significantly strengthened my research, analytical, decision-making and presentation skills.

Here, I must appreciate the faculty who are thorough professionals, approachable and always willing to help. The research-based dissertation in the last term paved my way towards a PhD Finance degree. While working on my dissertation, I acquired invaluable programming and data analysis skills – a must for empirical research in finance.

The best thing about Lancaster University, however, is the multicultural learning environment that it offers to its students. The Lancaster environment is unique, as it brings together students from all around the globe. The University is located in a historic, beautiful and peaceful town where people are friendly, warm and welcoming. You really feel at home here.

My Lancaster experience is one that I hold very dear to me and will cherish its memories throughout my life. After my time at Lancaster, I worked as a Lecturer for a year and now I am pursuing my PhD in Finance degree at Warwick Business School (WBS). I believe that my MSc Finance degree from Lancaster University has really helped me to secure a fully funded PhD position at WBS.

I would strongly recommend an MSc programme at Lancaster to anyone interested in strengthening their academic base and gaining some practical insights. Lancaster offers an invaluable experience and a degree that enables you to progress your career towards a brighter future.