Masters in Finance in the UK: Top Universities, Eligibility, Fees

A comprehensive guide to pursuing Masters (MSc) in Finance in the UK

Masters in finance, or MFin, or MSc Finance, is widely considered as one of the best programs among international students because of the advanced skills it imparts in understanding and optimizing financial resources. This is why most UK universities and colleges offer Masters or MSc degrees in Finance. In this article, you can learn all about applying for admission to the course, top universities, eligibility, fee, and job placements upon completing MSc Finance in a UK university.

What is a Masters Degree in Finance?

A masters in finance is a graduate-level program, designed for individuals who are looking to expand their understanding and abilities within the financial industry. Primarily focusing on the study of financial management, investment analysis, corporate finance, financial modelling, risk management etc., an MSc finance degree is ideal for both students and professionals- who aspire to either start afresh or upgrade their careers.

Why study MSc Finance in the UK?

A one-year degree in Master in Finance in the UK is a brilliant opportunity for students to gain valuable insights into the domain. It also helps them acquire analytical skills that further facilitate securing lead roles in the financial sector anywhere in the world.

Here are some more reasons why the UK continues to attract students from India to its MS in Finance course:

• There are numerous scholarships available for Indian students that make studying in the UK easily affordable.

• UK colleges and universities are renowned for imparting high-quality education and practical research opportunities across the world.

• The UK allows students to take up part-time jobs while studying for supporting their educational expenses in the country.

• An MS in Finance degree obtained from a UK university holds immense value anywhere in the world as all universities in the country enjoy global recognition.

Top Universities in the UK for Masters in Finance

The UK is home to some of the world’s best universities that offer MSc in Finance to international students. Listed below are the top 10 MSc Finance UK universities (according to QS Business Masters Rankings 2022 for Finance):

MS in Finance

• University of Oxford

• University of Cambridge

• The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

• London Business School

• The University of Manchester

• Imperial College London

• The University of Warwick

• The University of Edinburgh

• University College London (UCL)

• University of Glasgow

ref: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2022/accounting-finance

Eligibility Criteria for MSc Finance Admissions in the UK

To be eligible to apply for a masters program in finance at a top UK university, you must prove the bare minimum eligible qualifications including-

• A relevant bachelor’s or undergraduate degree in Finance, Economics, or Mathematics, Science or Engineering with more than 60% marks

• English language proficiency (IELTS scores)

• Eligible GMAT/GRE test scores

• A-level or equivalent score in Mathematics

• Work experience (if applicable)

• A valid Indian passport

• A valid UK student visa

The eligibility requirements and admission criteria may vary depending on the university you are applying to, you can ask your IDP counsellor about the latest entry requirements for UK universities.

Documents required for MS in Finance course in UK

As you apply for an MSc in finance degree in a UK university, you'd would need the following supporting documents along with your admission application, like-

• All academic transcripts and grade cards

• Undergraduate degree certificate

• Statement of Purpose for MS

• Letter of Recommendation

• Work Experience Letters

• Awards/Certifications

• Updated CV/Resume

Curriculum for MSc Finance in UK Universities

For a student of MSc Finance in the UK, a full-time Master in Finance syllabus would encompass the following:

• Corporate Finance

• Asset Markets

• Electives or Optional Courses

• Dedicated Courses in Financial Engineering, Corporate Investment & Financial Policy, and Risk Management in Financial Markets, and

• Non-Dedicated Courses in Entrepreneurial Finance, Sustainable Finance & Impact Investing, and Quantitative Security Analysis

Cost of studying MSc Finance in the UK

The average cost of pursuing an MSc Finance degree in the UK is estimated at GBP 32,000 (approximately). However, the fee structure for different universities may vary per the institution's rank and the specific course offered.

Scholarships for MS in the UK

Indian students keep to pursue an MSc in Finance degree from a reputed UK university can apply for a range of scholarships. These scholarships and grants cover a large portion of your tuition fees and help you immensely in lowering your living and studying costs in the UK. Here're some popular MS scholarships in the UK-

Explore top UK scholarships for Indian students

Jobs after MS in Finance in the UK

Most universities offer MSc Finance with placement in the UK, allowing students to start working immediately. The list below entails the various job opportunities in the country and the respective (approx) salaries drawn by graduates upon course completion:

• Commercial and retail banks, like Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, and Royal Bank of Scotland Group (GBP 80,000)

• Hedge Funds like Man Group and Capula Investment Management LLP (GBP 1,34,971)

• Insurance sector like AIG Europe and AXA Insurance (GBP 75,000)

• Investment Banks like JP Morgan Chase or Morgan Stanley (GBP 75,000)

Want more guidance on which college or university to opt for your MS in Finance program in the UK? Allow IDP’s International Education experts to assist you in making the most critical decision of your career with ease.

FAQs

1. What is the duration of a UK master’s in finance program?

MSc or Master of Science in Finance programs usually take 1 year to complete. Different UK universities have different duration for MSc Finance programs from 9 months to up to 1 year.

2. How much does a Masters’s degree in Finance cost in the UK?

For an Indian student interested in studying in the UK, the average tuition fee for MSc in Finance is around GBP 32,000. Top-ranked schools may cost slightly higher. Online and on-campus study formats may also have different fee structures.

3. What are the criteria for Masters in Finance in the UK?

The eligibility criteria for different universities in the UK may vary. However, most colleges require a bachelor’s degree (generally with a 60% average aggregate) in Economics, Finance, or Mathematics. Some universities may also require that the student completes additional value-add courses during their degree program in Finance.

4. What is the average pay scale for finance graduates in the UK?

The finance industry in the UK is undoubtedly one of the highest paymasters. It invites applications in large numbers every year from all parts of the world. As per the salary data obtained by Glassdoor, the average salary of a Finance Director in the UK is estimated to be around GBP 99,410 per annum.

5. Which financial course is popular in the UK?

The popular financial courses in the UK that are widely opted for by most international students are:

• Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Designation

• Financial Modelling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) Certification

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Certification

• Financial Risk Manager (FRM) Certification

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Certification

6. How can I find employment in Finance in the UK?

There are two ways to find a job in the UK finance sector:

• Completing a full-time study program in Finance at a UK university and then applying for a job as a graduate; or

• Start working after securing 'A' levels or equivalent in the course and continue studying while working and earning. This is also known as a school-leaver program.

7. What can you do with a Masters in Finance in the UK?

Upon completion of an MSc in Finance from a UK university, the following career paths are available:

• Private Wealth Management

• Entrepreneurial or Corporate Finance

• Accounting

• Investment or Commercial Banking

Big News for Indian Students: The UK Is Ready to Welcome You!