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EduSCOT
Law & Business

How to Become a Financial Analyst in Scotland

Analyse investment opportunities, model financial data and support decisions in Edinburgh's financial services sector.

Higher Maths strongly recommended

CFA is the industry gold standard

Edinburgh is Scotland's financial capital

No single required degree subject

Highers You Need

Typical entry: AABB–AAAB at Higher. You also need English (C) and Maths (C) at National 5.

No specific Higher subjects are required for Financial Analyst — any combination of Highers is accepted, provided you meet the overall grade threshold.

Recommended (not required)

  • Maths— strongly recommended; required for Finance/Economics degrees

Route to Qualification

Degree: BSc/MA Finance, Economics, or Mathematics (4 years at university).

1

Finance, Economics, or Mathematics degree (4 years)

4 years

2

CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) — 3 exam levels taken after degree

2–5 years

Scottish Universities Offering This Course

Scottish-domiciled students can apply through UCAS and have tuition fees funded by SAAS.

  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Glasgow
  • University of St Andrews
  • Heriot-Watt University

Salary in Scotland

Starting salary

£28,000–£36,000

Newly qualified

Mid-career salary

£45,000–£59,000

5–10 years experience

Edinburgh and Glasgow financial services graduate salary. CFA-qualified analysts in Glasgow average approximately £59,000 (2025 data).

EduSCOT note

Edinburgh's financial services sector (Baillie Gifford, abrdn, Standard Life) is one of the largest in Europe outside London — making it a strong base for a financial career without relocating to London.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Highers do you need to become a Financial Analyst in Scotland?▾
No specific Higher subjects are required to become a Financial Analyst in Scotland — though you will need English (C) and Maths (C) at National 5. The typical offer grade is AABB–AAAB.
Which Scottish universities offer BSc/MA Finance, Economics, or Mathematics?▾
The following Scottish universities offer routes into Financial Analyst careers: University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of St Andrews, Heriot-Watt University. Scottish-domiciled students are eligible for tuition fee funding through SAAS.
How long does it take to become a Financial Analyst in Scotland?▾
The main degree route takes 4 years. Alternative routes include: CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) — 3 exam levels taken after degree (2–5 years).
What is the salary for a Financial Analyst in Scotland?▾
Starting salary for a Financial Analyst in Scotland is typically £28,000–£36,000. Mid-career salary is typically £45,000–£59,000. Edinburgh and Glasgow financial services graduate salary. CFA-qualified analysts in Glasgow average approximately £59,000 (2025 data).
Is there an apprenticeship route to becoming a Financial Analyst in Scotland?▾
There is currently no Graduate Apprenticeship route for Financial Analyst in Scotland. The standard route is the Finance, Economics, or Mathematics degree (4 years).
Does SAAS cover tuition fees for Financial Analyst degrees in Scotland?▾
Scottish-domiciled students studying BSc/MA Finance, Economics, or Mathematics at a Scottish university are eligible for SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) tuition fee funding. For 4-year undergraduate degrees, SAAS covers tuition in full. Professional or postgraduate stages (such as a Diploma in Legal Practice or pre-registration year) may not be covered — check the SAAS website for your specific course.