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UCL's MSc Finance offers world-class generalist training in finance. Building on the scientific foundations of quantitative finance, it combines theory and practice in topics including corporate finance, portfolio management, asset pricing, derivatives, forecasting, big data analysis, behavioural finance, investment banking, and fintech. The programme is very selective and attracts outstanding students from all over the world.
Key information
Programme starts
September 2021
Modes and duration
Application dates
Tuition fees (2021/22)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.
Fee deposit: All full time students are required to pay a fee deposit of £2,000 for this programme. All part-time students are required to pay a fee deposit of £1,000.
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: Finance, mathematics, engineering, economic theory, science or statistics. Degrees from other disciplines may be considered if they are related to finance and/or mathematics.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Good
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. International Preparation Courses
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
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.
Select your country:
About this degree
Students will acquire a firm grasp of fundamental finance-related concepts, and be able to apply their knowledge to practical tasks by, for example, utilising mathematical models to predict market behaviour. Graduates will acquire the skills and knowledge required to work in any of the major financial centres from New York, to London, to Tokyo - indeed, globally.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of six core modules (90 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a dissertation (30 credits).
Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a MSc in Finance.
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 is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
Students must take six core taught modules (four in Term 1 and two in Term 2).
- Asset Pricing
- Introduction to Quantitative Finance
- Financial Econometrics
- Corporate Finance
- Time Series Analysis and Forecasting
- Advanced Quantitative Finance
Optional modules
Students choose four of the following:
- Corporate Finance Practices
- Behavioural Finance
- Wealth Management and Private Banking
- Hedge Fund Strategies
- Further Topics in Mathematical and Computational Finance
- Private Equity and Venture Capital
- Fintech
- Big Data Analytics
The optional modules listed are subject to change each year and are indicative only. Optional modules can change for a variety of reasons including but not limited to updated learning outcomes, lack of demand and resourcing. For questions about optional modules, please contact us at: mgmt-finance@ucl.ac.uk
- Further information about these modules is available on the department website.
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a report of 7,500 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and online modules. Assessment is through written examinations, individual/group coursework, and a 7,500-word dissertation.
Additional costs
For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.
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 & Wellbeing team.
Funding
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
The scope of the financial industry at national and international level is extensive, and includes a range of types of banks, investment and hedge funds, asset management companies, insurance companies, rating agencies, brokers, and large, medium and boutique financial companies specialising in generic and bespoke products and services including advisory, M&As and restructuring among others. The aim of the Finance MSc is to prepare individuals for effective roles in any of these different organisations within the financial industry.
Employability
Finance MSc graduates 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. They will understand current issues and thinking along with techniques applicable to research in the subject area. Graduates will have both theoretical and applied perspectives and will be able to apply a range of specialist skills to the organisations - as well as the context - in which they as specialists may operate.
Why study this degree at UCL?
This programme draws upon the combined strengths of two highly-rated departments: UCL School of Management and UCL Economics. Academic staff's knowledge and expertise combine to provide a repository for students to draw upon as they identify and respond to challenges and issues located in real-world scenarios.
UCL's proximity to the financial heartland of London offers the ideal location for this specialised Finance MSc. As a leading financial centre London provides the environment and exposure required to develop a finance career.
UCL School of Management is based at One Canada Square in Canary Wharf, offering students a myriad of opportunities to meet industry professionals. The school is located beneath Europe’s biggest fintech accelerator, Level 39, which currently hosts 180 start-ups focused on finance, retail, and cyber-security. UCL Economics has long-established links with leading financial institutions, reflected within hard-edged, meaningful research.
Department: UCL School of Management
Application and next steps
Applications
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.
This programme requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found in our How to apply section.
There is an application processing fee for this programme of £160 for both online and paper applications. Further information can be found at: ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught/application.
Who can apply?
The Finance MSc is for those with a strong quantitative and mathematical background, seeking a potentially high-profile career in the financial sector, or advancing further an established career path. This course is suitable for those who have a passion for finance and a clear drive to work in the finance industry.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 31 May 2021
For more information see our Applications page.
Apply nowWhat are we looking for?
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
• why you want to study Finance at graduate level
• why you want to study the Finance MSc at UCL
• what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
• how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
• where you would like to go professionally with your degree.
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.
UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.
Page last modified on 10 May 2021
