Program Overview

Introduction to the Finance MSc Programme

The Finance MSc programme at University College London (UCL) offers world-class generalist training in finance, providing students with a deep understanding of finance principles, financial practices, and analytical techniques. This programme combines theory and practice in a variety of finance-related topics, equipping students with the theoretical foundations and applied skills required to succeed as finance professionals.

Programme Overview

The programme is designed to equip ambitious students with the knowledge and decision-making skills to work for leading financial firms around the world. It is particularly well-suited for those seeking to obtain their CFA qualification after graduation. UCL is a CFA-affiliated university, embedding a significant portion of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) into its curriculum. The programme covers most topics included in CFA Level 1 and Level 2, focusing on the underlying scientific foundations and extending beyond.

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, but strong GRE quantitative (162+) or overall GMAT or GMAT Focus (at least 80th percentile) scores will add weight to an application.
• English language requirements: Level 2. Students must meet Level 2 English in one single test.

Course Structure

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Students typically study four compulsory modules in Term 1 and two compulsory modules in Term 2. Students also study four 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.

Compulsory Modules

• Fixed Income Corporate Issuers and Equity Valuation
• Portfolio Management
• Quantitative Methods
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Derivatives Finance
• Research Project

Optional Modules

• Hedge Fund Strategies
• Valuation
• Behavioural Finance
• International Macroeconomics and Finance
• Further Quantitative Methods
• Retail and Consumer Entrepreneurship
• Influence and Negotiations
• Strategic Project Management
• Data Visualisation

Tuition Fees

• UK students: ｣48,250 (2026/27)
• International students: ｣48,250 (2026/27)
• Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary.

Funding Opportunities

• UCL School of Management Finance MSc Scholarships: up to ｣10,000 for outstanding candidates.
• The Fulbright Commission Award: available for US graduate students or those with equivalent experience.
• Other scholarships are available, including the Global Finance Scholarship, The Excellence Scholarship, The Impact Scholarship, and the UCL East London Scholarship.

Employability

The aim of the programme is to prepare students for effective roles in the financial industry. Graduates typically find positions in financial companies or finance departments of non-financial companies, with roles likely to be of a generalist nature. Typical job titles include Financial Analyst or Corporate Analyst at commercial or investment banks, with opportunities also available at mutual funds, hedge funds, and other financial firms.

Networking Opportunities

The programme offers various networking opportunities, including:

• A Corporate Speaker Series with leading industry experts
• Alumni networking events
• Careers workshops with employers and alumni events with other postgraduate students
• Benefit from UCL's CFA affiliation status, with access to additional resources, workshops, webinars, and learning labs
• Optional study trips with the Global Engagement team to further develop networks outside of the programme.

Location

The UCL School of Management is located at One Canada Square in Canary Wharf, London's financial hub, providing students with opportunities to network with industry professionals and access to a myriad of resources and facilities.