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Finance MSc

London, Canary Wharf

The Finance MSc programme offers world-class generalist training in finance. It provides you with a deep understanding of finance principles, financial practices, and analytical techniques, combining theory and practice in a variety of finance-related topics. Join us to gain the theoretical foundations and applied skills required to succeed as a finance professional.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£47,100
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£47,100
Duration
1 calendar year
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 04 Apr 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
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, accounting, engineering, statistics or any combination thereof. Degrees from other disciplines may be considered if the applicant can demonstrate sufficient quantitative skills. GMAT/GRE are not required for the MSc Finance programme, however, strong GRE quantitative (162+) or overall GMAT or GMAT Focus (at least 80th percentile) scores 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


Organisations seek talent who can bring core knowledge and critical thinking from the outset. Our Finance MSc programme is designed to equip ambitious students with the knowledge and decision-making skills to work for leading financial firms around the world.  

The programme is also particularly well-suited for those seeking to obtain their CFA® qualification after graduation. UCL is a CFA affiliated university: in other words, an academic institution that embeds a significant portion of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) into their curriculum. The programme covers most of the topics included in CFA Level 1 and Level 2. Although our programme is not designed as a specific preparation for the CFA exam, it focuses on the underlying scientific foundations and extends beyond. 

This full-time programme is delivered by the UCL School of Management and UCL’s Department of Economics, providing a study of finance underpinned by a blend of quantitative and qualitative components.

As a Finance MSc student, you'll 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. 

You'll also enhance your analytical and decision-making skills. The skills and knowledge acquired through this programme are essential to work in any of the major global financial centres such as New York, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong.

Who this course is for

This programme is ideal for you if you have a passion for finance and are seeking a high-profile career in the financial sector, or to further advance an established career path. 

You'll have excellent quantitative skills, and possibly a keen interest in pursuing your CFA® designation and embarking on a career in the investment services industry. You'll also demonstrate an ability to think critically and have a strong interest in financial markets, investment strategies, and corporate finance. 

The Finance MSc programme is for those with a strong quantitative or mathematical background who are seeking to develop these skills further and apply them within the finance sector.

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's Department of 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 a Finance MSc 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. 

Based at our Canary Wharf campus at One Canada Square in Canary Wharf, London’s financial hub, the UCL School of Management offers you 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's Department of Economics has long-established links with leading financial institutions, reflected within hard-edged, meaningful research. The Research Excellence Framework 2021 (REF) has placed UCL's Department of 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'll demonstrate deep knowledge and understanding of finance theory and practice, and be able to apply this to inform strategic decisions across the wider organisational and contextual framework. 

My time at the UCL School of Management was a transformative experience that laid a strong foundation for my career. Being in Canary Wharf, one of the world's leading financial districts, provided unparalleled exposure to the finance industry and the opportunity to network with professionals from around the globe. The comprehensive curriculum equipped me with analytical and quantitative skills allowing me to continue my career in Algorithmic and Electronic Trading at Barclays Investment Bank. I am grateful for the invaluable education, connections, and professional development I gained through my time at UCL.

Wadan Babar

MSc Finance

Employability

The aim of the programme is to prepare you for effective roles in the financial industry, the national and international scope of which is extensive.

Graduates typically place in a financial company but will also have opportunities at finance departments of non-financial companies. In both cases, roles are likely to be of a generalist nature with broader remits versus highly specialised roles with intense data exposure. 

Typical job titles will be Financial Analyst or Corporate Analyst at commercial or investment banks, but graduates will also have ample opportunities at mutual funds, hedge funds, and other financial firms. 

Networking

The programme offers a variety of networking opportunities throughout the year:

  • Access a Corporate Speaker Series with leading industry experts, providing insights into current market topics and personal reflections on pursuing careers in finance; 
  • Join alumni networking events to help you navigate your next steps;
  • Attend careers workshops with employers and alumni events with other postgraduate students from the UCL School of Management, enabling connections within peer groups;
  • Benefit from UCL's CFA® affiliation status, through a range of additional resources, workshops, webinars, and learning labs, and the ability to apply for CFA scholarships to reduce registration and examination fees;
  • Take part in optional study trips with the Global Engagement team to further develop your networks outside of the programme. 

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 research project module.  

Assessment is through written examinations, individual and group coursework, and a combination of a written report and viva for the research project.

The total number of weekly hours will vary according to the module and the weekly activities being undertaken. Modules in Terms 1 and 2 are delivered over 10 weeks, with 3 contact hours per week per module, comprising lecture content and interactive components. This means you can expect approximately 12 contact hours per week in Terms 1 and 2.

Modules in Term 3 are delivered intensively with 10 3-hour sessions over a period of 5 weeks. This means you can expect approximately 6 contact hours per week in Term 3, on average.

In addition, students spend approximately 7-12 hours a week for each module on assessment and independent study.

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 2 compulsory modules in Term 2 (each bearing 15 credits). You will also take 4 optional modules from a choice of 9 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 finance research project (such as a company valuation or the in-depth assessment of an investment strategy) 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. 

Please note: The module selection available for this programme reflects module availability for the 2024/25 academic year. Modules for study in 2025/26 are expected to be substantially different and will be available soon.

Compulsory modules





Financial Statement Analysis




Optional modules




International Macroeconomics and Finance

Further Quantitative Methods






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. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Where you'll study

Two people in open plan office looking out of window of skyscraper

Home to UCL’s business and management research and education programmes, the UCL School of Management focuses on creating disruptive research and preparing the next generation of creative and influential leaders who can apply the latest technological developments as a strategic asset for businesses in the complex, interconnected world of the future. Through outstanding teaching by leading academics in their field and a fantastic, dedicated careers team at the School, we provide you with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to expand professional opportunities and progress in your career.

Find out more

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Finance MSc Q&A

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The MSc Finance programme is a specialised Master’s degree designed for those targeting finance as a career. Delivered in collaboration with UCL’s department of Economics, the finance theories are underpinned by a blend of quantitative and qualitative components. You will also be based in Canary Wharf, UCL School of Management’s home, and London’s financial hub. There will also be a Q&A session where you can learn more about the programme and the School of Management.

Roberts Cafe, Roberts Engineering Building, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE - Open day

Graduate Open Events: UCL Faculty of Engineering Sciences

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At UCL Engineering, our graduates turn discoveries into solutions - improving medical treatments, housing, transportation, the products, processes and students we produce change the world. Visit us on campus and get your questions about postgraduate study at UCL answered by our leading academics, current students, and admissions advisors. You'll also take part in Bloomsbury campus tours, and enjoy department-specific demos, visits, taster lectures, and facility tours!

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Introduction to studying at UCL School of Management Q&A

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Have you wondered what it's like to study Management at London's thriving financial district? Located in Canary Wharf, UCL School of Management is home to cutting edge research, innovation and excellent teaching. We offer a range of Postgraduate study options to help you build your dream career and leave a lasting impact on the world. There will also be a Q&A session where you will be able to ask the recruitment team here at the school any questions you may have about the application process.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £47,100
Tuition fees (2025/26) £47,100

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

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

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 £1,500 to £2,500 depending on the trip destination, personal flight preferences and spending habits, as well as the prevailing currency exchange rates.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

UCL School of Management  Finance MSc Scholarships

Scholarships of up to £10,000 are available for a select number of outstanding candidates on the Finance MSc programme in the 2025/26 academic year.

The Fulbright Commission Award

The Fulbright Commission Award is available for a US graduate student or those with equivalent experience in a relevant field to study the Finance MSc. Please note this is only available to citizens of the United States of America. Further details are on the Fulbright website and the Fulbright US Student Programme website. 

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

Global Finance Scholarship

Value: Up to £10,000 (1yr)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

The Excellence Scholarship - School of Management

Value: Up to £10,000 (1yr)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

The Impact Scholarship - School of Management

Value: Up to £10,000 (1yr)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 26 June 2025
Value: Tuition fees plus £16,000 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Women in Finance Scholarship

Value: Up to £10,000 (1yr)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

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 18 December 2024 can expect to recieve a response on their application by 19 February 2025.

Applications submitted, and considered complete by 20 February 2025 can expect to receive a response on their application by 6 April 2025.

Please note that our 'response' may include being informed that your application is being held for further review against other applicants.

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.

Together with essential academic requirements, your CV will attest to your academic and professional background and tell us how prepared you are to meet the challenging demands of this programme. 

Please make sure your CV is accurate and provides specific information related to dates of employment or experience, positions held and company names and locations. 

Submitting a personal statement is not required but can be used if you wish to communicate specific information to the admission committee.

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: 2025-2026

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.