MSc Finance in UK 2025: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements
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An MSc in Finance is a postgraduate degree that equips you with advanced knowledge and practical skills for success in the dynamic world of finance. As an international student, pursuing an MSc in Finance in the UK unlocks a treasure trove of opportunities. This article contains information on the top universities for MSc Finance in the UK, the reasons to choose this course, the syllabus, requirements and more.
The UK boasts world-renowned universities with unparalleled reputations for finance education, fostering a vibrant academic environment. This article serves as a complete guide for international students seeking to get admitted to one of the best MSc Finance courses in the UK.
- Why Choose an MSc Finance in the UK?
- Top 10 Universities to Study MSc in Finance in the UK
- Master's in Finance UK Syllabus
- Eligibility Requirements and Application Process for Master's in Finance in the UK
- Cost of Studying MSc Finance in the UK for International Students
- Scholarships to Study Master's in Finance in the UK
- Career Prospects after Master's in Finance in UK
- MSc Finance in UK FAQs
Why Choose an MSc Finance in the UK?
An MSc Finance in the UK can be beneficial for international students in the following ways.
- World-Renowned Universities: The UK houses some of the best universities in the world, offering some of the top-notch Master's in Finance programs. Several top global institutions, such as the London School of Economics (LSE), Imperial College London, and the University of Cambridge with their rigorous and practical teaching and training methods, develop strong finance professionals for tomorrow’s world.
- Strong Industry Connections: Strong relations of the universities in the UK with top-tier companies like Barclays, Goldman Sachs, and HSBC open paths for internships and placements for MSc Finance graduates. Additionally, guest lectures held timely by industry professionals provide practical insights into the current financial landscape and help students stay prepared for real-world problems.
- Diverse Program Options: Universities in the UK cater to several interests of students by providing diverse fields of interest in the MSc Finance course. There are a variety of programs to choose from, such as the general programs that provide a strong foundation or specialised programs like Financial Modelling, Fintech, or Investment Banking. You can also choose suitable electives to add value to the finance degree you pursue.
Top 10 Universities to Study MSc in Finance in the UK
Here is the list of the top 10 universities to study Master's in Finance in the UK based on QS Business Master’s Rankings 2025: Finance. The table also includes the THE World University Rankings 2025 for the subject Business and Economics.
| Top MSc Finance Universities in the UK 2025 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Universities |
QS Business Master’s Rankings 2025: Finance |
World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Business and Economics |
| Oxford University (Oxford Said) |
#1 |
#2 |
| London Business School | #4 |
- |
| University of Cambridge (Cambridge Judge) | #5 |
#5 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science |
#9 |
#10 |
| Imperial College London (Imperial College Business School) |
#14 |
- |
| University of Warwick (Warwick Business School) | #21 |
#30 |
| University of Manchester (Manchester Alliance) |
#27 |
#32 |
| University of Leeds (Leeds University Business School) |
#31 |
#101-125 |
| University of Edinburgh (University of Edinburgh Business School) |
#33 |
#73 |
| Cranfield University (Cranfield School of Management) |
#56 |
- |
Details on the Top MSc Finance Colleges in UK
Below is the list of the best universities providing Master's in Finance programs in the UK, and each of these universities has its own unique strengths.
- University of Oxford: The University of Oxford's MSc Finance program (full-time) offers a comprehensive and intensive curriculum, with a focus on establishing links between theories and financial economies, and preparing students for leadership roles in the financial sector.
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE): The MSc Finance program at LSE (full-time) is ranked among the best universities for finance and accounting in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2025 for the subject - Finance and Accounting. The university is known for its rigorous curriculum and focus on quantitative analysis.
- Imperial College London: The MSc Finance program at Imperial College London combines strong theoretical knowledge with practical applications. This full-time program benefits from its location in the heart of London's financial district.
- University of Cambridge: The University of Cambridge's MPhil Finance program (full-time) is a research-oriented program ideal for students seeking a deeper theoretical understanding of finance.
- University of Warwick: The University of Warwick's MSc Finance program (full-time/part-time) provides a strong foundation in finance with a focus on employability. The program offers career development workshops and industry networking opportunities.
Master's in Finance UK Syllabus
The syllabus for an MSc Finance in the UK may vary across universities. Several universities incorporate additional lessons for value-added learning. There is also scope to add on electives, which also give strength to your MSc Finance degree by adding certain skills to your portfolio. Below is the list of subjects that may be commonly included across all the MSc Finance courses in top universities in the UK.
- Accounting
- Corporate finance
- Investment analysis
- Financial markets
- Risk management.
And the available topics for electives may be fintech, behavioural finance, or real estate finance.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process for Master's in Finance in the UK
The eligibility criteria and application process for an MSc Finance and Accounting UK may differ between universities. So, below we have covered the general Master's in Finance UK requirements for international students.
- Academic Background: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field like Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or Business is typically required. Universities in the UK prefer students who have qualified for their bachelor’s degrees in the relevant subjects with a minimum of 60% of the total marks. Some universities may consider may even consider alternative qualifications with strong quantitative elements.
- Standardised Tests (if applicable): Certain universities may require you to submit GMAT or GRE scores, especially if you are from an alternative background.
- Work Experience (if applicable): While it is not mandatory, your application may get a chance to stand out if you add relevant work experience in a field like finance and accounting.
- English Language Proficiency: Based on the medium of your last 15 years of education, you may be required to take the standardised English language exams to prove to the universities that you can comprehend the daily lectures and engage in a satisfactory conversation with your fellow batchmates. You may take either the IELTS, TOEFL or PTE exam, considering their acceptability, PR assistance, exam pattern, exam mode and exam duration.
- Application Process: Most universities in the UK accept online applications; you can visit your preferred university’s official website and submit an application within the stipulated application timeline. You will be required to upload scanned copies of your academic transcripts, semester-wise and consolidated mark sheets (from your bachelor’s degree), letters of recommendation (LOR), statement of purpose (SOP), standardised test scores, and an updated resume (optional).
Cost of Studying MSc Finance in the UK for International Students
The average fees for MSc Finance in the UK range from £25,000 to £45,000 per year. However, the total cost to study in the UK should be analysed by considering several other expenses in check such as accommodation rent, food, study supplies, monthly bills and other miscellaneous costs. On average, international students must keep a minimum budget of £1,334 reserved for monthly expenses for a period of up to 9 months.
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Scholarships to Study Master's in Finance in the UK
Studying in the UK can be quite expensive for international students. For this reason, several universities, external bodies and the UK government offer huge scholarship amounts to students who wish to pursue their higher education in the UK.
You need to keep the following points in mind to ensure that you do not miss out on the best scholarships to study in the UK:
- Start looking for the scholarship deadlines a year in advance. Usually, the applications for scholarships open up before the universities' applications; therefore, you need to check the standard intake period of most universities in the UK and register for your preferred scholarship well in advance.
- Gather all your academic documents in the required format beforehand; this will make sure that your registration doesn’t get delayed at the last minute.
Career Prospects after Master's in Finance in UK
Getting an MSc Finance in UK universities can open doors to a diverse range of exciting career opportunities in various financial sectors. Some potential job titles and their average base salaries in the UK after completing your MSc Finance in the UK include:
| Position |
Average Base Salary (Year 1) |
|---|---|
| Investment Banker |
£30,000 - £40,000 |
| Portfolio Manager |
£35,000 - £45,000 (Note: Entry-level Portfolio Manager roles are less common) |
| Risk Management Analyst |
£28,000 - £38,000 |
| Financial/Fintech Analyst |
£25,000 - £35,000 |
| Management Consultant |
£32,000 - £42,000 |
| Corporate Finance Analyst |
£30,000 - £40,000 |
| Investment Research Analyst |
£28,000 - £38,000 |
| Venture Capital Analyst |
£35,000 - £45,000 (Note: Salaries can vary depending on the size of the VC firm) |
| Quant Analyst |
£40,000 - £50,000 (Due to the specialised skillset, Quant Analysts can get higher starting salaries) |
This was all about the best MSc Finance UK universities, jobs after MSc Finance UK, placement opportunities after MSc Finance in UK and their associated average base salaries, Master in Finance UK fees, Masters in Finance UK Rankings (both QS and THE World University Rankings for the relevant subjects), Masters in Finance Uk requirements and Masters in Finance UK Scholarships.
If you have any doubts, then you can post your queries in the comments below. For complete assistance on getting admitted to a university in the UK, you can request a call back from Shiksha's Counselling Services for free.
MSc Finance in UK FAQs
Q. Is an MSc Finance worth it for international students?
A. Yes, an MSc in Finance in the UK equips students with valuable knowledge, and practical skills, and awards them with a prestigious degree, providing a significant return on investment. MSC Finance graduates in the UK often secure higher salaries and much-coveted positions in the global financial landscape.
Q. What are the visa requirements for studying in the UK?
A. International students require a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK for a number of valid courses. The application process involves demonstrating sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses in your bank account for a desired number of months. It is advisable to research the visa process well in advance and consult relevant authorities for the latest information on the UK student visa Process.
Q. Can I work while studying for an MSc Finance in the UK?
A. Yes, the UK student visa allows students to work part-time only for a specified number of hours, i.e. 20 hours per week during the term time or during regular studies in their universities. Students can take full-time work options only during their college/university vacations.
At the University of Lancashire, international students can choose between over 350 undergraduate and around 200 postgraduate programs offered in leading fields of study. According to the historical data of the university's alumni, some of the most popular Lancashire University courses are:
Note: In the above pie chart, Others include Mathematics, Criminal Justice/Safety Studies, American/US Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence, Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, and Organizational Leadership.
If you are an international students applying for an UG or PG program available at the University of Lancashire, you can go through the various type of scholarships teh university provides and check their eligibility whichever suits you best. For example, the Ashwin Kagadia Scholarship helps high achieving studets from low income households and offers need based scholarships. Other example includes, the Care Leaver Bursary which supoorts students who have been estanged from their parents. Check out below UCLan Scholarships for international students:
Undergraduate Scholarships:
Scholarships | Eligibility |
|---|---|
Ashwin Kagdadia Scholarship | Supports high-achieving students from a low household income. |
Care Leaver Bursary | Students who need extra support because they have been in care or are estranged from their parents. |
Care-experienced and Estranged Student Graduation Bursary | Support students who are care-leavers or estranged from their family, to transition to employment of postgraduate study |
Carers Bursary | Provides extra support because you have unpaid caring responsibilities alongside your studies. |
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University of Lancashire accepts country-specific qualifications from overseas applicants. Indian candidates who wish to pursue their higher studies from the university, must meet the University of Lancashire admission requirements for Indian students listed below:
Undergraduate Requirements:
Graduate Requirements: