MSc Finance

Program Overview

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Key information

Start date

• September

Duration

• 1 year

Attendance mode

• Full-time or part-time

Location

• On Campus

Fees

• Home: £15,740
• International: £26,770

Course code

• PGTF0183

Entry requirements

• We will consider all applications with 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

International entry requirements

• See international entry requirements and English language requirements

Course overview

The MSc Finance provides you with the opportunity to study in the heart of London, close to one of the world’s premier financial centres with highly dynamic firms operating in Banking, Insurance, FinTech, and the financial services ecosystem.

You will be part of a highly international cohort of ambitious students seeking to make an impact in a global career in finance and financial management. You will be able to study cutting-edge skills such as Analytics and new areas such as Green Finance, and add a new dimension to your global effectiveness skill-set by studying a language.

Additional opportunities to improve employability skills, including a virtual industry project where you work in teams to solve a real-world problem as student consultants.

Structure

Students must take 180 credits. These are composed of 120 taught credits comprising core, compulsory, and optional modules and a 60 credit dissertation.

Core

• Valuation - 15 credits
  • This module provides students with fundamental knowledge of the important components and structures of financial statements.

Compulsory Dissertation or Projects

• Choice between 1. Dissertation and 2. A combination of Research Project of 30 credits and Practical Industry Project worth 30 credits.

Compulsory

• Corporate Finance - 15 credits
  • This module provides students with fundamental knowledge in principles of international corporate finance and asset pricing.
• Risk management - 15 credits
  • This module provides students with fundamental knowledge about how to use financial tools to manage risk.
• Financial Data Modelling - 15 credits
  • This course provides an introduction to the applications of econometric methods in finance.
• Financial Markets and Instruments (PG) - 15 credits
  • The module provides a foundation for students to understand financial markets and financial instruments.

Guided options - List A

• A minimum of 30 credits to be selected from List A. A further 15 credits can be selected from either List A or Open Languages.
• Advanced Econometrics with R coding - 15 credits
  • The module covers concepts and techniques for analysing time-series data and designing dynamic models.
• Green Finance - 15 credits
  • The module introduces students to the topic of green finance and its potential contribution to a sustainable economy.
• Research Methods - 15 credits
  • The aim of this module is to introduce the philosophical, theoretical and practical bases of conducting academic research.
• Digital Government and Regulation - 15 credits
  • The module examines the key concepts and theoretical frameworks at the intersection of digital government and regulation.
• Emerging Market Finance - 15 credits
  • This module provides students with a basic conceptual framework and practical knowledge regarding finance and investments in emerging markets.
• Public Financial Management - 15 credits
  • Fiscal governance consists of the systems, processes and tools that ensure the prudent management of financial resources in the public sector.
• Data Analytics with Python - 15 credits
  • The module complements other modules on the programme, such as financial accounting and financial statement analysis, management accounting, and applied econometrics.
• Project Management (School of Finance and Management) - 15 credits
  • This postgraduate module on Project Management provides students with an in-depth understanding of essential techniques and methodologies utilized in modern project management settings.
• Innovation Systems, Complexity and Policy - 15 credits
  • This module introduces students to the analysis of innovation within the context of systems of innovation.

Teaching and learning

Masters programmes (with the exception of two-year full-time MAs) consist of 180 credits, made up of taught modules of 30 or 15 credits, taught over 10 or 20 weeks, and a dissertation of 60 credits.

Contact hours

As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work.

Learning resources

SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world.

Employment

Graduates from the School of Finance and Management leave SOAS with a coherent and solid knowledge of management and finance, with skills in statistics and computing, critical reasoning and analytical thinking.

Recent graduates have been hired by:

• Amber Capital
• Council of Europe
• Credit Suisse
• Deloitte
• General Insurance Brokers
• HM Treasury
• KPMG LLP
• Ligomarc Advocates
• Policy Vault Africa
• Statista
• Teneo
• UniCredit Bank
• World Food Programme

Find out about our Careers Service.

Program Outline

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MSc Finance

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Degree Overview:

The MSc Finance program offered by SOAS allows you to study in the heart of London, close to one of the world's leading financial centers. You'll be part of a diverse cohort of students aiming to make a positive impact in the global finance and financial management industry. This program equips you with cutting-edge skills in analytics and emerging areas like Green Finance, while opportunities to study languages provide a new dimension to your global effectiveness. Notably, the MSc Finance program welcomes applications from individuals with or without prior finance experience.

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Outline:

The program comprises 180 credits, with 120 credits dedicated to taught modules and 60 credits towards a dissertation. Students choose from core, compulsory, and optional modules to personalize their learning experience.

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Compulsory Modules:

• International Corporate Finance: Explores fundamental principles of international corporate finance and asset pricing to analyze key issues concerning financial policies of corporations in global capital markets.
• Applied Econometrics for Management and Finance: Introduces applications of econometric methods in finance, covering model formulation, data analysis, and statistical inferences.
• Emerging Market Finance: equips students with fundamental knowledge and practical application of finance and investments in emerging markets.
• Financial Accounting & Financial Statement Analysis: Provides foundation in financial statements' structure and analysis, including valuation, ethics, and reporting quality assessment.

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Core Module:

• Dissertation in Financial Management: Students conduct original research in a small-scale project, involving literature review, data collection, and research design development.

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Guided Option Modules:

• Regulating the Financial Sector: Examines critical issues related to banking and securities business regulation from a global perspective, covering different approaches, models, and global regulations.
• Corporate Governance: Compares corporate governance systems across various economies, analyzing effectiveness and best practices, including emerging guidelines and codes.
• Blockchain, Cryptoassets and Fintech: Explores blockchain technology and Distributed Electronic Ledgers (DELs) with critical analysis of implications for business, financial institutions, markets, government, and society.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods may vary within modules and can include:

• Examinations: Testing your knowledge and understanding of key concepts.
• Essays and Project Work: Demonstrating your research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Presentations: Communicating your findings and engaging in class discussions.
• Case Studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

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Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods to promote active learning and engagement:

• Lectures: Delivered by experienced faculty, providing foundational knowledge and insights.
• Seminars: Encouraging discussion, analysis, and critical thinking in small groups.
• Workshops: Facilitating practical application of knowledge and skill development.
• Guest Lectures: Industry experts sharing their experience and perspectives.
• Independent Study: Encouraging in-depth research and exploration of chosen topics.

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Careers:

Graduates of the MSc Finance program develop comprehensive knowledge of finance and management, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They are equipped to pursue diverse career paths in areas such as:

• Financial Institutions
• Investment Banking
• Asset Management
• Consulting
• Financial Regulation
• Fintech
• Academia

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Other:

• Ranked 38th in the UK for Accounting and Finance (Complete University Guide 2023)
• Ranked 6th in UK for graduate employability (QS World University Rankings 2023)
• Offers the "Finance and Business Network Seminar Series" to connect students with industry experts and foster career networking opportunities.

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Conclusion:

The MSc Finance program at SOAS offers a stimulating and comprehensive learning experience for those seeking to excel in the dynamic field of finance. With its strong academic foundation, practical skills development, and industry connections, this program equips graduates with the knowledge and tools to thrive in their chosen career paths.

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Home student fees: £15,130 per year Overseas student fees: £25,740 per year Please note that fees go up each year.