MSc in Finance

Program Overview

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Overview

The MSc in Finance is an intensive one-year programme designed to deliver a premier European finance education. With January and September intakes, this programme offers a robust curriculum that builds core foundations and advanced knowledge in finance, closely aligned with top professional standards like the CFA and GARP’s FRM.

Programme Structure

The programme is structured as a core learning first semester, followed by four advanced modules in the second semester. Students will also complete a dissertation and have the opportunity to select one optional module.

Core Modules

• Economics for Finance
• Quantitative Methods and Econometrics
• Corporate Finance and Valuation
• Financial Markets and Derivatives
• Financial Statement Analysis and Ethics

Advanced Modules

• Asset Pricing
• Fixed Income Securities
• Financial Risk Management
• Portfolio Theory

Optional Modules

• Sustainable Finance
• Financial Technology and Innovation
• Financial Econometrics

Career Prospects

This programme is designed to prepare ambitious students for the challenges and rewarding career opportunities in the financial services industry. Recent graduates are employed by major financial institutions including UBS, Standard & Poor’s, Royal Bank of Scotland, KPMG, PwC, Boston Scientific, Commerzbank, AIB, Bank of Ireland, Goodbody Stockbrokers, Davy, Geneva Trading, Mercer, Nestle, Citco Fund Services, Standard Life, and BNY Mellon.

Entry Requirements

For admission to the MSc in Finance, candidates must hold:

• A 2.1 Honours degree in a Business discipline, or equivalent international qualification
• A 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant non-business discipline, eg. Engineering, Physics, Maths, or Computer Science or equivalent international qualification
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language

Fees & Charges

• EU Status: €11,600 per annum
• Non-EU fee: €19,500 per annum

Staff

• Dr. Sandeep Keshava Rao, MSc Finance Course Chair / Associate Professor of Finance

Research Areas

The programme emphasizes practical skills essential for today’s finance professionals, with a focus on:

• Financial asset pricing theory
• Portfolio management
• Financial risk management
• Sustainable finance
• Financial technology and innovation

Programme Aims

The key aims of the overall program are to:

• Help students understand the functioning of capital markets and financial choices made by firms
• Develop mastery of techniques and methods of analysis useful to solve financial problems
• Prepare students for high-level rewarding careers across the spectrum of the financial sector

Programme Rankings

• DCU Business School is ranked in the top 95 Business Schools in Europe in the 2023 Financial Times Ranking
• The programme is ranked among the top 130 MSc in Finance programmes globally (QS Business Master’s Rankings 2025)

Program Outline

Detailed Extraction of MSc in Finance Program at DCU:

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Degree Overview:

• Type:
One-year Masters program
• Structure:
Two intakes yearly (January and September)
• Specializations:
• Sustainable and Innovative Finance
• Capital Markets
• Flexibility:
Students choose a specialization at the end of the first semester based on their interests and career aspirations.
• Objectives:
• Equip graduates with skills and knowledge needed for success in the financial industry.
• Foster analytical and decision-making skills.
• Build a set of rigorous competences in financial subjects
• Develop quantitative skills.
• Learn latest econometrics and data analysis techniques.
• Target Audience:
• Graduates of business and economics degrees.
• Non-specialists who wish to pursue a career in finance.
• Accreditation and Recognition:
• AACSB accredited
• Recognized by Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
• Ranked in the Top 100 Best Masters in Financial Markets globally by Eduniversal
### Outline:
• Semester 1:
Common learning for all students
• Semester 2:
Specialization in either Sustainable and Innovative Finance or Capital Markets
• Each specialization includes:
• Specific modules related to the chosen stream.
• Dissertation completion.
### Assessment:
• Assessment methods:
• Exams
• Written assignments
• Projects
• Presentations
• Assessment criteria:
• Academic rigor
• Depth of understanding
• Critical thinking
• Analytical skills
### Teaching:
• Teaching methods:
• Interactive lectures
• Tutorials
• Research projects
• Case studies
• Faculty:
• Highly research-active
• International publications
• Industry experience
• Unique approaches:
• Partnership with GARP (Global Association of Risk Professionals)
• Close ties with the financial profession
• Industry guest lectures
• Alumni interactions
### Careers:
• Career opportunities:
• Investment banking
• Asset management
• Risk management
• Corporate finance
• Regulatory bodies
• Financial industry positions
• Recent graduates employed by:
• UBS
• Standard & Poor's
• Royal Bank of Scotland
• KPMG
• PwC
• Boston Scientific
• Commerzbank
• AIB
• Bank of Ireland
• Goodbody Stockbrokers
• Davy
• Geneva Trading
• Mercer
• Nestle
• Citco Fund Services
• Standard Life
• BNY Mellon
### Other:
• Bloomberg terminal and industry-grade software access.

• Focus on developing quantitative, research, and project management skills.

• Preparation for high-end consultancy, asset management, and investment banking careers.

• Potential for pursuing a Ph.D. in Finance.

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Disclaimer:

This information is based on the provided context and may not be exhaustive. Please refer to the official DCU website for the most up-to-date and accurate information about the MSc in Finance program.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Full time EU Status Fee €11,300 per annum Non EU Fee. €17,600 per annum