One of the best things about studying at St Mary’s is the strong sense of community. The campus is smaller and more personal than many universities, so it’s easy to get to know lecturers and fellow students. The academic staff are approachable, supportive, and genuinely invested in students’ success — they take time to provide feedback and offer guidance when needed. The location is another highlight. Twickenham and nearby Richmond provide a calm and safe environment with beautiful green spaces, while central London is just a short train ride away — offering access to internships, part-time work, and cultural experiences. The university also emphasizes personal development and employability, with helpful career services, guest lectures, and opportunities for networking. The diverse student community and inclusive atmosphere make it a welcoming place for international students too. Areas for Improvement While the university has many strengths, there are a few areas that could be improved. Some facilities — especially study spaces and IT resources — could be modernized or expanded, as they can become quite busy during exam periods. Additionally, communication and administrative processes (for things like timetables, coursework submissions, or module changes) could be clearer and more efficient. Increasing student events and social activities, especially for postgraduate and international students, would also enhance the overall university experience.

One of the best aspects of this course is the quality and accessibility of the lecturers. Most tutors are highly knowledgeable and have strong professional and academic backgrounds, which makes the learning experience very practical and engaging. They are approachable and willing to provide individual support whenever students need extra clarification. The modules are well-structured and cover both technical and analytical areas — including financial reporting, corporate finance, investment analysis, and international perspectives. This balance between theory and real-world application helps build strong professional skills that are valuable in global finance careers. Another positive feature is the diverse group of students, which allows for cross-cultural discussions and networking. The small class sizes make it easier to participate in lectures and seminars and to receive personal attention from tutors. Areas for Improvement While the overall course quality is high, there are some areas that could be improved. At times, timetable scheduling and communication could be better organized, especially regarding assignment deadlines and class updates. Some modules could include more practical workshops, case studies, or software training (e.g., Excel for financial modelling, SPSS, or Bloomberg) to strengthen applied skills and prepare students more directly for the job market. Additionally, the careers and placement support could be made more specialized for finance students, with stronger links to accounting firms, financial institutions, and internship opportunities

The best thing is the supportive and approachable teaching staff who make learning engaging and practical. The campus environment is friendly and diverse, which creates a strong sense of community. However, one area for improvement could be providing more study spaces and longer library hours during busy periods, as it would help students manage their workload more effectively. Overall great experience

I love how practical and globally focused the course content i .the lecturers connect theory with real-world financial issues, which really helps in understanding complex concepts. The mix of students from different backgrounds also makes discussions more insightful. However, one area for improvement could be offering more workshops or industry networking sessions to help bridge academic learning with professional opportunities.