UCL School of Management

MSc Finance

Overview

Start date: September 2024
Duration: 12 months full-time
Fees: UK/EU/Overseas - £44,400. Scholarships available
Application deadline:  Applications open on the 23 November 2023 and close as follows - Applicants who require a visa: applications close on 28 June 2024 at 17:00 UK time, Applicants who do not require a visa: applications close on 30 August 2024 at 17:00 UK time.
Entry requirements: A quantitative undergraduate degree at 2:1 Honours (or equivalent) from a recognised university. Applicants are also required to meet the Level 2 English Language requirements. Learn more.

The UCL MSc Finance programme is a specialist Master’s degree designed for those targeting finance as a professional career.

This full-time programme is delivered by UCL School of Management and UCL’s Department of Economics, providing a study of finance underpinned by a blend of quantitative and qualitative components. It is based in UCL School of Management’s home in Canary Wharf, the heart of London’s dynamic financial centre. It aims to provide individuals with the knowledge, understanding and skills to enable them to engage with specialist roles in the modern global financial industry. Such roles are likely to be within a range of organisations, including but not limited to; commercial banks, investment banks, asset management companies, hedge funds and private equity firms, insurance companies, credit rating agencies, fintech firms, broker/dealers, and boutique financial advisory companies. 

All participants study four core modules in Term 1, providing a robust quantitative underpinning in key areas of finance. In Term 2, a further two core modules are studied, again reflecting a quantitative thrust. An elective portfolio is offered, with four elective modules which can be undertaken in Term 2 and/or Term 3. The elective modules enable participants to develop their interests in a number of specialist areas. Additionally, in Term 3 and during the summer, participants engage in the design, execution and delivery of a finance research project which will be supported by a compulsory 10-hour research methods module.

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. The optional modules marked with an * are delivered by other programmes within the School of Management and are subject to availbility.  

The syllabus for this programme takes place across three terms and the summer, and is outlined below. 

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. The programme structure for 2023/2024 comprises of the following. Please check this page again soon for the 2024/25 structure. 
 
Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 and Summer 2024

Compulsory 

MSIN0103 Asset Pricing

MSIN0104 Introduction to Quantitative Finance

MSIN0105 Financial Econometrics  

MSIN0149 Corporate Finance               

Compulsory

MSIN0106 Time Series Analysis and Forecasting

MSIN0107 Advanced Quantitative Finance

Optional

MSIN0210 Hedge Fund Strategies 

MSIN0224 Corporate Finance Practices

MSIN0226 Fintech

MSIN0151 Strategic Project Management*

MSIN0148 Influence and Negotiations*

MSIN0167 Data Visualisation*

MSIN0091 Retail and Consumer Entrepreneurship*

Compulsory

MSIN0209 Finance research project

Optional

MSIN0208 Big Data Analytics

MSIN0225 Behavioural Finance

MSIN0227 Private Equity and Venture Capital

MSIN0228 Wealth Management and Private Banking

 

You can learn more about some of our modules on our YouTube channel.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Assessment is through written examinations, individual/group coursework, and a 7,500-word dissertation. 

Each taught module in Terms 1 and 2 is delivered over 10 weeks, with 3 contact hours per week comprising lecture content and interactive components. Optional modules in Term 3 are delivered intensively with 10 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.   

Programme dates

This programme is full-time for one year, starting in September 2024 and ending in September 2025.

All students must be in London prior to 23 September 2024, which is the first day of the first term.

Core and optional module lectures, and any workshops, normally take place on weekdays between 08:00 – 21.00 hours but may be scheduled for weekends, especially on Saturdays.

Applications

Student profile

Please note, this data has been taken from the 2023-2024 cohort. 

Who is this programme designed for?

If you are passionate about finance and want to push yourself in your quest to forge a career in finance, or want to develop your knowledge of finance, this programme will be instrumental in achieving your goals.

MSc Finance students are expected to have basic knowledge in financial mathematics and econometrics, and should be motivated to take their knowledge to the next level. To get to that next level, we expect a great deal from our students, so if you choose to study with us, you can expect to be working hard, challenging yourself as we challenge you, and regularly finding yourself out of your comfort zone.

Our students come from different academic backgrounds including economics, finance, mathematics, mathematical economics, econometrics, economic theory, statistics, engineering, or any combination of thereof. Degrees from other disciplines may be considered if the applicant has a background in mathematics or econometrics.

While we do welcome students from a wide variety of backgrounds onto the programme, we stress to our applicants that this programme is highly mathematical and quantitative, so you should be prepared to be pushed in these areas. Should you be admitted onto the programme, you may wish to do some extra preparation in these areas to ensure your basic knowledge is on par with your peers. You can ask our team for more information about what to prepare for.

Applying to study MSc Finance

Applications for the 2024/25 close on 28 June 2024 at 17:00 UK time. Applications must be complete and submitted by this time, or they will not be considered.

Apply Now

Fees

The 2024-25 fees are £44,400.

There are a number of different ways you can fund your graduate study. Take a look at the UCL fees and funding pages for details.

Scholarships

UCL MSc Finance Scholarships

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

UCL Scholarships

For central additional funding opportunities, please see scholarships and funding

Additional costs

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. 

Application process

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to the competition for places. 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 been 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 receive a response on their application by 19th February 2024.
  • Applications submitted, and considered complete, by 23 February 2024 can expect to receive a response on their application by 06 April 2024.
  • Applications submitted and considered complete, by 15 March 2024 can expect to receive a response on their application by 27 April 2024.
  • Applications submitted, and considered complete, by 07 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 12 July 2024.

Entry requirements

We look for students with drive, intelligence, passion, and the right aptitude. To ensure we enrol students who meet those four criteria, we use the following methods to assess applications.

Academic Entry Requirement

  • A quantitative undergraduate degree at 2:1 Honours (or equivalent) from a recognised university. International students can find their international equivalency on the UCL international students website.
  • Degrees in economics, financial economics, finance, mathematics, management science or statistics are preferred. Degrees in business, accounting, engineering and related fields are also considered. 

GMAT/GRE

  • GMAT/GRE are not required for MSc Finance.
  • 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 in the quantitative section of GRE will add weight to an application.

English Language Requirement

Professional statement

A professional statement is a key component of the application process and must accompany the initial application. The statement will capture and articulate the motivation to pursue the MSc Finance programme, demonstrating a clear interest in finance and economics, feeding into a statement of well-researched and grounded, short and long-term professional and personal objectives. We also require a copy of your CV.

Interview

Applicants who meet the entry requirements and provide an appropriate professional statement will be reviewed. Those considered eligible for the next stage will be invited to an online video interview, with the invitation sent by email from Kira Talent. 

Relevant work experience

Demonstration of an appropriate academic background is essential. Experience in the finance and finance-related sector is beneficial but is not a prerequisite. Applications with work experience in fields other than finance will be considered on their merits.

International profile

Applicants should highlight any international experience they have, including international exchanges, trips, internships, fluency in languages other than their native one, and/or interest in other cultures. These attributes would be advantageous because applicants are likely to be working in a highly diverse and international environment.

Contact

For further information regarding the MSc Finance programme, please contact the programme team via email: mgmt-finance@ucl.ac.uk. For further information regarding the application process please see the UCL Postgraduate Admissions Website

Why choose us

UCL

UCL is one of the world’s best universities, consistently placed in the global top 20 in a wide variety of world rankings.

Our Finance programme is unique in the UK. The modules provide you with an opportunity to develop strong quantitative and analytical skills, an in-depth understanding of how companies work, and a rigorous foundation in the key skills needed to build successful careers in global businesses.

UCL School of Management and the Department of Economics

The programme is delivered jointly by the School of Management and the Department of Economics.

UCL School of Management offers innovative undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes to prepare people for leadership roles in the next generation of innovation-intensive organisations. 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. 

The UCL Department of Economics has an outstanding international reputation in key areas of current research. The Department ranked top in the UK for research environment and outputs in the field of Economics and Econometrics in the 2021 REF. 

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.

MSc Finance

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

The programme offers knowledge, understanding and skills in a range of areas critical to the effective functioning of current and developing finance-related applications. These included asset pricing, derivatives, valuation, risk, analytics, modelling, and portfolio management. 

On graduation, you will have a set of analytical skills, qualitative insights, an ability to work flexibly, creatively and internationally in a range of finance-related areas, including asset managers, investment banks, and management consulting firms. 

Careers

As London’s Global University, we at UCL are better qualified than most to realise that any organisation is only as strong as the individuals who work for it.

This, allied to the innovation and flexibility needed in today’s organisations, means that recruiting the right person has never been more important for employers.

The MSc Finance programme enables you to make an early and substantial contribution to your future employer. Each of our students are prepared for their future through career workshops, one-on-one advice, exclusive corporate events and access to our alumni community.

Whatever your nationality, experience or background, you will leave UCL equipped with the tools to become a high achiever in your chosen field.

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.

Our portfolio of careers support for MSc Finance students includes:

  • Individual career coaching sessions with Careers Consultants dedicated to the School of Management
  • Weekly careers and professional development workshops on topics including marketing yourself as a candidate, interviews, assessment centres and planning your next steps
  • Exclusive industry insight sessions and employer-led events, accessible only to School of Management students to help guide your career choice.
  • Access to UCL School of Management alumni keen to support you with your career

For further information on the Careers provision for UCL School of Management, please see our Careers page.

In addition to the bespoke activities within the School of Management, you also have access to the central UCL Careers provision. 

Every year over 1,000 employers/organisations attend events arranged 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.

Our students go on to careers in a range of sectors; the most common destinations for our students are financial institutions of various types, banks, and consulting firms. 

Graduates from the MSc Finance programme have secures jobs in a variety of high-profile companies. The UCL Graduate Outcomes Survey (graduating classes 2018-2021) showed on average the top 15 companies graduates went on to secure roles in were:

  • AXA Group 
  • Barclays 
  • Beiersdorf 
  • Boston Consulting Group 
  • Deloitte 
  • Deutsche Bank 
  • Eurobank 
  • EY 
  • Goldman Sachs 
  • Jupiter Asset Management 
  • Morgan Stanley 
  • PwC 
  • Rothesay Life 
  • Shanghai Pudong Development Bank 
  • St Partners 

For alumni graduating classes 2018-2021 the top three job titles among Business Analytics graduates were; Finance and Investment Analysts and Advisers, Management Consultants and Business Analysts and Actuaries and Economists and Statisticians. 

This data has been sourced from Graduate Outcomes Surveys from 2018 to 2021 and from alumni guest speakers and their employers in recent years.

Video Library 

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FAQs

How can I apply?
Applications to start the programme in September 2024 opened on 23 November 2023. You can apply via UCL's online portal.
Can I find out if I am a suitable candidate for the programme before applying?
Unfortunately, we are not able to comment on a candidate’s suitability for the programme before we receive a completed application form. Our minimum entry requirements can be found above.
Will it improve my chances of being accepted if I apply for more than one MSc course?
No, in fact, if you apply for more than one MSc it will indicate that you are unfocused regarding your career ambitions and is more likely to lead to you being rejected for both courses. We currently offer a wide variety of MSc programmes, so please refer to the UCL course finder before applying to the MSc Finance, to define the programme which best suits your career goals and ambitions.
I am an international student; how can I find out what the degree equivalency is for my home institution?
International Students can find their international equivalency by visiting the UCL international students website. UCL Admissions check qualification equivalencies before forwarding application forms to our School. We are unable to comment on international qualifications.
I am currently studying and do not yet have my final results, should I wait to receive my transcript before applying?
If your predicted final results meet our minimum entry requirements, you can apply before receiving your final degree results. You should include details of your predicted results on your application form, and an official transcript of your results so far. If we are able to make you an offer of study, it will be conditional and you will need to prove that you meet the condition before the beginning of the course.
My degree results are just under a 2.1, can I be considered anyway? 
No, unfortunately, we are not able to consider any candidates below the minimum entry requirements. This includes applicants with a current average grade below a 2:1 or equivalent.
What documents are required for the application?
You will need to include a degree transcript in one of the suggested disciplines, two references, and a personal statement. Overseas applicants should also supply evidence of their English language ability through one of UCL's accepted English Language Tests.
When is the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) number issued? 
For more information regarding the issuing of Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) numbers, please visit UCL’s offer holders FAQ’s page and see the section titled ‘immigration’. 
I have studied in English; do I need to take a language test?
All candidates should check their personal circumstances against UCL's English Language Requirements.
I am going to take an English test later in the year, can I still apply now?
You may apply now for a place on a programme without a current English test as long as you send your qualification as soon as you receive it. If you are offered a place, it will be conditional on you providing evidence of meeting UCL's English Language Requirements before the start of the programme.
My referees are not able to provide references electronically; can I provide hard copy reference letters? 
References should be provided digitally by your referee unless this is not possible due to accessibility requirements in which case, please contact the UCL referees team for further information..
What are the fees for the programme?
Information regarding fees and costs can be found on the UCL Graduate Taught website.
I want to start the programme in January, is this possible? 
No, we only have one intake a year in September.
How long is the programme and what are the term dates?
The programme lasts for a full calendar year from September to September. Term dates are available each year on the UCL website. It is important to recognise that the programme involves study and engagement across all three terms, and across the summer.
Can I obtain a scholarship or funding?
Information about financial assistance at UCL's Fees and Funding website. For informartion regarding UCL School of Managmeent scholorships please see the programme information page. 
What careers support is available to students studying on this programme?
Please visit the careers website for information regarding our dedicated careers support.
May I schedule an appointment with the Programme Administrator or Programme Director to discuss my qualifications and interest in the programme?
Due to the extremely high volume of applications received, it is not possible for staff to meet personally with applicants before they have been given an offer of study.
My application has been unsuccessful. Can I find out why and request to be reconsidered?
Unfortunately, we are not able to give details on why a particular application has been unsuccessful, and cannot reconsider the decision.

Last updated Friday, 15 March 2024