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 on 17 May 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.
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 and Summer 2024 |
|
Compulsory MSIN0104 Introduction to Quantitative Finance |
Compulsory MSIN0106 Time Series Analysis and Forecasting MSIN0107 Advanced Quantitative Finance Optional MSIN0210 Hedge Fund Strategies MSIN0224 Corporate Finance Practices MSIN0151 Strategic Project Management* |
Compulsory MSIN0209 Finance research project Optional 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
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 17 May 2024 at 17:00 UK time. Applications must be complete and submitted by this time, or they will not be considered.
Fees
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 recieve 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
- The English language level for this programme is: Level 2.
- Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
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 including:
- Accenture
- Barclays
- Beiersdorf
- Beijing Compass Technology Development Co Ltd
- Bloomberg
- BOE
- Bsoton Consulting Group
- Capco
- Credit Agricole CIB
- Deloitte
- Deutsche Bank
- Dimensional Fund Advisors
- EY
- Goldman Sachs
- HSBC
- Industrial Security
- InfraRed Capital Partners
- Jupiter Asset Management Ltd
- London & Capital
- Macquarie Group
- Management Solutions
- Morgan Stanley
- Palestine Investment Fund
- PGA
- Preqin Ltd
- PwC
- Societe Generale
- SDH Co-operations
- St Partners
- ...and many more
This data has been sourced from Graduate Outcomes Surveys from 2017 to 2021 and from alumni guest speakers and their employers in recent years.