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Master's Degree Finance Postgraduate

MSc Finance

Study level Postgraduate
Qualification Master's Degree
Field Finance

What this programme is about

An MSc Finance is usually for students who want a more specialised and quantitative route into financial decision-making than a general business degree provides.

You may move quickly through valuation, investments, corporate finance, financial markets and risk.

Some programmes are heavily mathematical, while others place more weight on applied corporate finance, so it is worth reading the module list carefully.

Financial modelling is often central because assumptions about growth, risk or cash flow need to be translated into decisions.

Markets rarely provide certainty. The discipline lies in making decisions while being explicit about risk and assumptions.

Compare quantitative prerequisites, professional links, market-data resources and internship opportunities, particularly if you are targeting investment or analytical roles.

Inside the curriculum

Corporate Finance Investments Asset Pricing Financial Modelling Risk Management Financial Markets Econometrics Portfolio Management Derivatives Research Methods

Skills you'll build

Valuation Financial Modelling Investment Analysis Risk Analysis Portfolio Analysis Quantitative Finance Data Interpretation Corporate Finance Analysis Research Financial Communication

Where this can take you

Financial Analyst
Investment Analyst
Corporate Finance Analyst
Risk Analyst
Portfolio Analyst
Banking Analyst
Treasury Analyst
Asset Management Analyst
Finance Consultant
PhD Student

What studying this programme is like

Corporate finance examines investment decisions, capital structure and how firms raise and allocate money.

Asset-pricing and investment modules focus on returns, risk and valuation across financial markets.

Financial modelling teaches you to structure forecasts and test how outcomes change when assumptions move.

Risk-management topics may include market, credit or portfolio risk.

Econometrics or statistics can support empirical analysis of financial data.

A dissertation or applied project often gives you the chance to investigate a market, company or financial decision with real evidence.

Is this likely to suit you?

Good fit if you...

  • You want specialist finance training.
  • You enjoy quantitative analysis.
  • You are interested in markets, valuation or corporate finance.
  • You can work confidently with spreadsheets and data.
  • You may want investment or analytical careers.

Think twice if you...

  • You want a broad management degree.
  • You strongly dislike quantitative finance.
  • You have little interest in markets or valuation.
  • You have not checked the mathematics prerequisites.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements vary by university. Applicants generally need a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification. Finance, Economics, Accounting, Mathematics, Engineering and other quantitative backgrounds are commonly accepted. Some programmes expect prior statistics, calculus or finance study. Always check the institution's official postgraduate admission requirements.

Common questions

Do I need a Finance degree first?
Not always. Many programmes accept related quantitative or business backgrounds.
Is MSc Finance mathematical?
Many programmes are quantitatively demanding, though the level varies.
Will I learn financial modelling?
Financial modelling is common in applied finance programmes.
Can it lead to investment banking?
It can support investment-banking applications, though recruitment also depends on experience and other factors.
Is it different from an MBA?
Yes. MSc Finance is more specialised, while an MBA covers broader management areas.
Still comparing?

Compare related programmes before you decide.

Compare qualifications, subject areas and the institutions offering each programme.

Explore similar programmes

Programme structures, duration and admission requirements can vary by institution and country. Always confirm current details with the institution before applying.