Program Overview

MSc Finance (full-time)

The MSc Finance (full-time) programme is a leading generalist finance master's, ideal for careers in the financial services sector.

Key information

• Study mode / Programme availability: Home full-time students (10 months) Open, Overseas full-time students (10 months) Open
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Start date: Pre-sessional course begins in September 2026
• Location: Houghton Street, London
• Application deadline: None – rolling admissions. However, please note the funding deadlines.

Overview

Introduction

The MSc Finance (full-time) programme is one of the world’s leading generalist finance master's degrees, ideal for those whose career objectives lie broadly within the financial services sector. The programme offers high level graduates, whose backgrounds may not necessarily be in finance, a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive foundation and subsequent depth in the field. You'll gain an in-depth grounding with core courses in corporate finance and financial markets, before tailoring the degree to your goals with a range of optional courses, including a number of specifically designed applied courses.

Entry requirements

• Undergraduate degree: Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in any discipline and good quantitative skills.
• Quantitative skills: The mathematics used in the programme includes basic calculus and statistics, so applicants are also required to have studied a minimum of A level Mathematics (or its equivalent).
• GRE/GMAT: See information below under "Additional tests".
• Professional experience: Work experience (either through internships or full employment) is not a pre-requisite; however, applicants who have some professional experience should include this in their application, as it may strengthen their application.
• English language: You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you don't need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE.

Additional tests

• GMAT/GRE: GMAT or GRE is required for all applicants without a UK undergraduate degree (GMAT strongly preferred). GMAT is recommended for applicants with UK undergraduate degrees, especially those whose quantitative skills are not demonstrated by their undergraduate studies, or those who did not achieve or are not expected to achieve a first class degree.
• English language requirements: The English language requirement for this programme is Standard.

Programme content

The Department of Finance enjoys a pre-eminent reputation for the excellence of its teaching and research.

• Pre-sessional programme: All registered students will attend a full-time four-week pre-sessional programme starting in early September.
• Year 1:
  • Autumn Term: The foundation of the programme is built in the first term with study of two core courses: Corporate Finance and Asset Markets.
  • Winter and Spring Terms: You’ll deepen your knowledge by taking six optional half-unit courses on topics such as financial systems, risk management, portfolio management methods, advanced derivatives and structured financial products, fixed income, advanced corporate finance, and applied financial valuation.

Programme regulations at LSE

• For the latest list of courses, please go to the relevant School Calendar page.
• We may need to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees due to unforeseen circumstances.

Why study with us

• Meet the department: The Department of Finance is one of the largest and most highly respected finance groups in the UK and Europe.
• Why LSE:
  • University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK
  • 1st in London for the 14th year running
  • 6th In the world

Your application

• Overview: We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students.
• When to apply: Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis.

Fees and funding

• Home: £51,000 (Home student fee, 2026/27)
• Overseas: £51,000 (Overseas student fee, 2026/27)
• Deposit: To secure a place on the programme offer holders will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the tuition fee.
• Scholarships, bursaries and loans:
  • Fee reduction: Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.
  • Scholarships and other funding: We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.

Learning and assessment

• How you learn:
  • Teaching and learning: Unlike the majority of MSc teaching at LSE, the MSc Finance courses are taught in a single three hour session, rather than a formal two hour lecture and a one hour associated class.
  • Academic support: All academic faculty schedule weekly office hours in which you may visit them to discuss academic issues.
• How you're assessed:
  • Formative work: This is coursework that doesn't count towards your final grade.
  • Summative work: This is coursework that counts towards your final grade.

Graduate destinations

• Overview: Graduates of the department have excellent career prospects relative to their peers.
• Career support:
  • Finance Accelerator: Students of the Department of Finance will undertake the Finance Accelerator, alongside the academic programme, to support and prepare them to enter the job market.
  • LSE Careers: LSE Careers is a far-reaching resource available to LSE students and alumni, and is one of the best in the UK.

Find out more

• Related programmes:
  • MSc Finance and Economics
  • MSc Accounting and Finance
  • MSc Finance and Risk
  • Master's in Management
  • MSc Finance and Private Equity
  • MSc Financial Mathematics
  • MSc Management and Strategy
  • MSc Real Estate Economics and Finance
  • MSc Economics
  • MSc Law and Finance
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