Celebrating 10 Years of Success: AmplifyME and Leeds University Business School

In an era where practical skills and hands-on experience are paramount for early career success, the University of Leeds established a pioneering partnership with AmplifyME. This collaboration, which began in 2014, has grown into a cornerstone of the school's Accounting and Finance master's Programmes.

Jul 25 / Anna Buckley

The University of Leeds first engaged with AmplifyME in 2014, launching an inaugural week-long markets-focused bootcamp for over 200 MSc students. Stepping into the roles of Investment Bank Trader and Asset Manager, their theoretical knowledge was brought to life using the same technology employed by the world's leading investment banks.

Following the success of the first bootcamp, over the past decade, more than 2,000 Leeds students have gained practical finance experience, benefitting from AmplifyME's expanded suite of simulations and earning a Level 5 Diploma from the London Institute of Banking and Finance.

This partnership has also elevated the global standing of the University of Leeds and boosted student satisfaction and engagement.

Thanks to AmplifyME's growing number of industry partnerships and recruitment pathways, 15 top-performing students from the most recent bootcamp have been fast-tracked to further sponsored training and have the potential to be shortlisted for opportunities at Morgan Stanley and UBS.

Over the ten-year partnership, the collaboration significantly elevated Leeds University's global standing. The MSc Accounting and Finance programme specifically was included in the Financial Times' Master’s in Finance Pre-Experience ranking, recognised as one of the world’s top finance programmes. Specifically:

2nd Globally for Percentage Salary Increase: The joint programme has been acknowledged for the significant salary increase its graduates achieve post-graduation.
6th in the UK for Career Progress: Leeds ranks highly for the career advancement of its graduates.
Excellent Student Feedback: Students consistently rate the Bootcamps as excellent in feedback surveys, underscoring the programme's impact and success.
100% of alumni surveyed were employed within three months of graduating
Overall the programme was placed 15th in the UK, and 61st globally

Over the ten-year partnership, the collaboration significantly elevated Leeds University's global standing. The MSc Accounting and Finance programme specifically was included in the Financial Times' Master’s in Finance Pre-Experience ranking, recognised as one of the world’s top finance programmes. Specifically:

2nd Globally for Percentage Salary Increase: The joint programme has been acknowledged for the significant salary increase its graduates achieve post-graduation.
6th in the UK for Career Progress: Leeds ranks highly for the career advancement of its graduates.
Excellent Student Feedback: Students consistently rate the Bootcamps as excellent in feedback surveys, underscoring the programme's impact and success.
100% of alumni surveyed were employed within three months of graduating.
Overall the programme was placed 15th in the UK, and 61st globally.

The impact of this initiative is evident in the consistently excellent student feedback. From June 2024's bootcamp:

98% of participants said it helped them identify gaps in their current financial knowledge.
95% felt the experience would help to boost a job application.

Fugeng Liu, a student and prize winner, highlighted the significant difference between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, emphasising how the bootcamp inspired a clearer career development path suited to his strengths. He said:

'The bootcamp made me realise the difference between theory and reality. Although I performed well in previous courses, the simulation illustrated that a good theoretical foundation does not equal excellent practical results. It inspired me to learn more about practical financial skills and helped me determine a career development path suited to my strengths"

Read more about June's Bootcamp here.

The impact of this initiative is evident in the consistently excellent student feedback. From June 2024's bootcamp:

98% of participants said it helped them identify gaps in their current financial knowledge.
95% felt the experience would help to boost a job application.

Fugeng Liu, a student and prize winner, highlighted the significant difference between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, emphasising how the bootcamp inspired a clearer career development path suited to his strengths. He said:

'The bootcamp made me realise the difference between theory and reality. Although I performed well in previous courses, the simulation illustrated that a good theoretical foundation does not equal excellent practical results. It inspired me to learn more about practical financial skills and helped me determine a career development path suited to my strengths"

Read more about June's Bootcamp here.

According to recent LinkedIn research, Recruiters report being five times more likely to search for candidates by skills rather than degrees. Three-quarters believe that skills-first hiring will become a priority in the next 18 months. Financial services is also evolving rapidly, with more turning to skills-based hiring.

In February, we hosted 50 universities and Early Careers Recruitment teams to identify the most crucial attributes for graduates seeking leading roles. Resilience, adaptability, motivation, and strong communication skills topped the list.

Additionally, when asked about educational backgrounds, 63% of the recruitment teams stated they had no preference, emphasising that skills are all that matter. Read more about this collaboration here.

1. Bridging Geographical Gaps: Located in the North of England, Leeds University students often face challenges accessing the opportunities prevalent in financial hubs like the City of London. AmplifyME's simulations provide unparalleled access to facilities and networks, effectively narrowing this gap.

2. Interview Preparation and Confidence Building: The bootcamps enhance students' commercial acumen and confidence, preparing them for rigorous interview processes and assessment centres in the finance sector.

3. Enhancing Theoretical Curriculum: By integrating hands-on experiences with their award-winning theoretical curriculum, Leeds University offers a holistic understanding of finance. Students gain insights into real-world financial operations, complementing their academic learning.

4. Access to Cutting-Edge Technology: Students use the same platforms and technologies employed by leading investment banks and hedge funds, ensuring they are well-versed with industry standards.

Bridging Geographical Gaps: Located in the North of England, Leeds University students often face challenges accessing the opportunities prevalent in financial hubs like the City of London. AmplifyME's simulations provide unparalleled access to facilities and networks, effectively narrowing this gap.
Interview Preparation and Confidence Building: The bootcamps enhance students' commercial acumen and confidence, preparing them for rigorous interview processes and assessment centres in the finance sector.
Enhancing Theoretical Curriculum: By integrating hands-on experiences with their award-winning theoretical curriculum, Leeds University offers a holistic understanding of finance. Students gain insights into real-world financial operations, complementing their academic learning.
Access to Cutting-Edge Technology: Students use the same platforms and technologies employed by leading investment banks and hedge funds, ensuring they are well-versed with industry standards.

The partnership between Leeds University Business School and AmplifyME exemplifies how academic institutions can collaborate with industry leaders to provide students with invaluable practical experiences.

This ongoing relationship, now celebrating its tenth year, not only prepares students for the competitive job market but also elevates the university’s standing in global finance education.

As this partnership continues to grow, Leeds University remains committed to fostering a pipeline of sustainable, career-ready graduates. Konstantinos Bozos, Professor of International Accounting and Finance at Leeds University, encapsulates the essence of this partnership:

"Our students love the experiences, regularly telling us how much their understanding of markets is enhanced and since embedding this practical experience across all MSc studies at the Business School."

The partnership between Leeds University Business School and AmplifyME exemplifies how academic institutions can collaborate with industry leaders to provide students with invaluable practical experiences. This ongoing relationship, now celebrating its tenth year, not only prepares students for the competitive job market but also elevates the university’s standing in global finance education.

As this partnership continues to grow, Leeds University remains committed to fostering a pipeline of sustainable, career-ready graduates. Konstantinos Bozos, Professor of International Accounting and Finance at Leeds University, encapsulates the essence of this partnership:

"Our students love the experiences, regularly telling us how much their understanding of markets is enhanced and since embedding this practical experience across all MSc studies at the Business School."