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Finance MSc

London, Canary Wharf

The Finance MSc programme offers a world-class generalist training in finance. Building on the foundations of quantitative finance (economics, mathematics, and statistics), it combines theory and practice in a variety of finance-related topics including corporate finance, investment, derivatives, hedge funds, private equity, big data analysis, behavioural finance, investment banking, and fintech. This highly selective programme attracts outstanding students globally.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£44,400
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£44,400
Duration
1 calendar year
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 23 Nov 2023 – 28 Jun 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper-second class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in one of the following subjects: economics, finance, mathematics, business, accounting, engineering, science or statistics. Degrees from other disciplines may be considered if they are related to finance and/or mathematics. Applicants are not required to submit a Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) result as part of their initial application. However, applicants with a degree that is not in a highly quantitative discipline are encouraged to submit a GMAT or GRE result. A score of at least 43/60 in the quantitative section of GMAT, or 162/170 in the quantitative section of GRE will add weight to an application.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2
Please note that when applicable, students must meet Level 2 English in one single test.

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


As a Finance MSc student you will acquire a firm grasp of fundamental finance-related concepts and be able to apply your knowledge to practical tasks by, for example, utilising mathematical models to price financial securities.

Graduates will acquire the skills and knowledge required to work in any of the major global financial centres such as New York, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong and more.

The programme has been developed to give a holistic understanding of the financial sector and provides a combination of science and practice at every stage. Term 1 is dedicated to the scientific foundations of finance as an academic discipline. Term 2 explores additional frontier topics and starts blending the foundations with industry practices, which you will start to study in elective modules. Term 3 gives you further opportunities to tailor your learning experience with more electives.   

UCL is a CFA® affiliated university: academic institutions that embed a significant portion of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) — including the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct — into their curriculum. The Finance MSc curriculum is closely tied to the practice of investment management which is helpful to students preparing for the CFA programme exams.

Who this course is for

The Finance MSc programme is for those with a strong quantitative and mathematical background, seeking a potentially high-profile career in the financial sector, or further advancing an established career path.

This programme is suitable for those who have a passion for finance and a clear drive to work in the finance industry.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

This programme draws upon the combined strengths of two highly-rated departments: UCL School of Management and UCL Economics. The knowledge and expertise of UCL's academic staff combine to provide a repository for students to draw upon as they identify and respond to challenges and issues in real-world scenarios. As an MSc Finance student, you will benefit from a bespoke Careers and Employer Engagement programme and a dedicated careers team who will help you present yourself to leading graduate employers with confidence. 

UCL School of Management is based at our Canary Wharf campus at One Canada Square in Canary Wharf, London’s financial hub, offering students a myriad of opportunities to network with industry professionals. The School works closely with global companies and innovative start-ups at the cutting edge of management and associated finance-related practice. The research performed in the UCL School of Management was rated as “world-leading” and "internationally excellent" in the 2021 Research Excellent Framework (REF), placing us second in the UK for business and management. 

UCL Economics has long-established links with leading financial institutions, reflected within hard-edged, meaningful research. The Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF) has placed UCL Economics first for 4* world-leading research outputs and research environments, with scores of 72% and 100% respectively. The Department also placed third in its overall ranking with 65% of all indicators ranked as 4*. The Department gives students a thorough knowledge of cutting-edge techniques in theoretical and applied economics, utilising robust quantitative underpinnings.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

As a Finance MSc graduate, you will be able to demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding of the specialist subject area while placing that subject within a wider organisational and contextual framework.

You will understand current issues and thinking along with techniques applicable to research in the subject area.

Upon graduating you will have both theoretical and practitioner perspectives and will be able to apply a range of specialist skills to the organisations – as well as the context – in which you as a specialist may operate.

Employability

The aim of the programme is to prepare individuals for effective roles in the financial industry, the national and international scope of which is extensive. It includes commercial banks, investment banks, hedge funds, private equity firms, asset management companies, insurance companies, credit rating agencies, broker-dealers, and boutique financial advisory companies among others. 

Networking

As well as being a part of a global cohort and having the opportunity to network with likeminded individuals, our students benefit from career workshops, one-on-one advice, exclusive corporate events and access to our alumni community. The Finance MSc programme gives students access to a number of high-profile corporate speakers and specialists within their field, which typically also includes opportunities for students to network in small group environments. In addition, over 1,000 employers/organisations attend events that are arranged each year by UCL Careers, including careers fairs, employer presentations and sector ‘themed weeks’, which may include employer forums, networking events, talks on how to get into the sector, and one-on-one advice sessions. 

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Students typically study 4 compulsory modules in Term 1 and 2 compulsory modules in Term 2. Students also study 4 optional modules which may take place in Term 2 or 3. In Term 3 all students undertake a dissertation module (research project).  

Assessment is through written examinations, individual and group coursework, and a 7,500-word dissertation.

Modules in Terms 1 and 2 are delivered over 10 weeks, with 3 contact hours per week comprising lecture content and interactive components. Modules in Term 3 are delivered intensively with ten x 3-hour sessions over a period of 5 weeks.

In addition, students spend approximately 7-12 hours a week for each module on assessment and independent study to further develop the skills and knowledge covered in lectures and seminars.

The total number of weekly hours will vary according to the module and the weekly activities being undertaken.

For a full overview of the programme structure please visit the UCL School of Management website.

Modules

You will take four compulsory modules in Term 1 and two compulsory modules in Term 2 (each bearing 15 credits).

You will also take four optional modules from a choice of 11 options (all 15 credits each) in either Term 2 or Term 3.

The compulsory modules provide the basis and foundation in key finance theories and models and optional modules give you the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about more specialised areas of finance.

There is a compulsory dissertation module (research project) in Term 3, worth 30 credits. Most of the research and write-up for the research project will likely take place in Term 3 and over the summer.

You will also have access to two non-credit-bearing courses as follows:

An online camp in Mathematics will take place before Term 1 starts. This mini online course aims to standardise the mathematical base of students before any teaching starts.

A series of optional workshops called “Frameworks for Finance Essentials” allowing you to gain a deeper knowledge in financial accounting. You will need this training to be able to understand more complex concepts to be delivered in Corporate Finance and in some of the electives offered in the programme.

Compulsory modules









Optional modules













Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Finance.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Finance MSc

Join UCL School of Management's virtual open day to learn more about the MSc Finance programme. You will hear from the Programme Director, Professor Fred Malherbe, the programme team and current/former students about what it is like to study with us. You will also have the opportunity to ask the questions that are important to you.

Watch on demand event

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £44,400
Tuition fees (2024/25) £44,400

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

All full time students are required to pay a fee deposit of £2,000 for this programme.

This programme may include opportunities for students to undertake optional international study trips. The costs of such trips are usually covered by students although some elements may be subsidised or grants available depending on the destination, organisational and support responsibilities. On average, costs would be around £1,000 to £1,750 depending on the trip destination, personal flight preferences and spending habits as well as the prevailing currency exchange rates.
 

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

UCL School of Management MSc Finance Scholarships

Scholarships of up to £10,000 are available for a select number of outstanding candidates on the Finance MSc programme in the 2024/25 academic year.

UCL East Scholarship

The scholarship works to support the ambitions of east Londoners by funding the fees and living costs of eligible Master's programmes including this MSc at UCL. Further details at: ucl.ac.uk/scholarships/ucl-east-london-scholarship.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 20 June 2024
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,700 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

A staged admissions process is in place for this programme. This means that when you apply, your application will be considered with all others that have submitted before the deadline. This enables us to ensure that all applications are considered fairly and equally.

Applications submitted, and considered complete by 15th December 2023 can expect to recieve a response on their application by 19th February 2024.

Applications submitted, and considered complete by 23rd February 2024 can expect to receive a response on their application by 6th April 2024.

Applications submitted, and considered complete by 15th March 2024 can expect to receive a response on their application by 27th April 2024.

Applications submitted, and considered complete by 7th June 2024 can expect to receive a response on their application by 12 July 2024.

Please note that our 'response' may include being informed that your application is being held for further review against other applicants. All applicants will receive a response no later than 12th July 2024.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £160 for both online and paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to pursue a postgraduate degree in finance
  • what particularly attracts you to the UCL Finance MSc programme
  • how your academic and professional background prepare you to meet the challenging demands of this programme
  • what your career aspirations are post-graduation from the programme.

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

UCL School of Management
UCL School of Management

mgmt-finance@ucl.ac.uk

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.