Finance MSc

Learning will primarily be through:

• lectures
• set reading
• class discussions
• exercises
• group-work assignments
• problem-solving in tutorials
• case studies

Assessment methods include examinations, assignments, presentations or continuous assessment.

• MSc Finance programme structure

The practical, theoretical and numerical skills learnt through the programme, as well as the global perspective that will be gained through classroom learning and discussions, will leave you well qualified for a range of finance related professions.

By the end of the programme, students will be able to:

• apply and critically evaluate finance and investment theory with particular reference to the operation of global financial markets
• apply and critically evaluate corporate finance techniques

• apply and critically evaluate theories of financial statements and related analysis

• MSc Finance learning outcomes

Industry opportunities

The School's location in the UK's second largest financial centre allows us to attract visiting speakers including a range of analysts from the key financial institutions and fund management houses.

We regularly bring guest speakers to the School to talk to Finance students about real, current practice. From company sponsored dissertations to career and employability treks, you will also have a variety of opportunities to learn from and network with industry and business professionals.

• MSc Finance industry opportunities

Career development

Finance graduates from the University of Edinburgh are highly sought after globally. Our dedicated Student Development Team within the Business School will be an integral part of your student experience from day one. We are here to help you become equipped to maximise your potential in the global market.

• MSc Finance career development

Career outcomes

The success of our programmes within the finance portfolio is reflected in the career destinations of our graduates. Hugely respected by global employers, our programmes provide the perfect learning experience with access to world-class academics and programmes that are underpinned by real world insights.

Job titles of our recent graduates include:

• accountant
• associate
• brokerage trade support analyst
• business development and investment manager
• chief risk officer
• consultant
• credit risk analyst
• data analyst
• director
• global investing supervisor
• graduate finance analyst
• investment analyst

• investment manager

• MSc Finance career outcomes

These entry requirements are for the 2024/25 academic year.

Entrance to our MSc programmes is strongly competitive. You can increase your chances of a successful application by exceeding the minimum programme requirements.

• Important points to note when applying for this programme

Academic requirements

A UK first-class or 2:1 honours degree in one of the subjects below, or an equivalent overseas qualification.

• An undergraduate degree in finance, accounting, business or economics is normally required.
• Applicants with an Honours degree in a non-related subject will also be considered, but will need to demonstrate a high standard of ability and motivation for the programme.
• You will need to have passed at least one quantitative-based module such as linear algebra, calculus, probability, or statistics. Preference will be given to applicants who have passed more relevant modules. If you haven't passed relevant modules you must be able to demonstrate that you have relevant work experience with a significant quantitative element (e.g.a key part of your role was analysing and manipulating statistical data).

Supporting your application

You may increase your chances of success by considering ways in which you can support your application:

• Relevant work experience is not required but may increase your chances of acceptance.
• Preference will be given to those with grades above the minimum requirements due to strong competition for places on this programme.

Students from China

This degree is Band A.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 59 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old* at the beginning of your programme of study. (*Revised 05 March 2024 to extend degree validity to five years.)

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Application fee

This programme requires a non-refundable application fee.

• £60

Deposit

You will need to pay this deposit within 28 days of receiving your offer of admission (either unconditional or conditional).

• £1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)

Additional programme costs

See the programme website for more information on additional costs, as well as application fees and deposit payment.

• MSc Finance - fees and living expenses

Living costs

You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies. Below you can find a breakdown of the cost of living in Edinburgh and other studying costs to help you calculate your finances.

• Other studying and living costs

Tuition fees

Featured funding

• Business School scholarships

• External Scholarships

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

• your programme
• the duration of your studies
• your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

• UK government and other external funding

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding