Finance
Entry requirements
Our standard postgraduate entry requirement is a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university, or an equivalent international qualification..
Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.
Months of entry
October
Course content
Advance your career in finance with our MSc Finance, a course which offers a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world application to help prepare you to excel in a competitive industry. You will learn from leading researchers and practitioners who bring their expertise and real-world insights from consulting for government departments, banks and City of London firms.
Why choose this course?
- It offers you a rigorous exploration of financial markets, asset management and corporate finance, with strong foundations in financial economics and accounting. This broad curriculum will provide you with the essential knowledge to succeed in various finance roles.
- The course places significant emphasis on advanced econometric and numerical analysis techniques, equipping you with analytical skills that provide a competitive edge in the finance industry. These skills are highly valued by banks, financial institutions and government agencies.
- It benefits from being taught by experienced lecturers who are active researchers and consultants for government departments and regulatory bodies.
- The course is part of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, offering access to a limited number of CFA scholarships, supporting professional development and career advancement and providing you with valuable networking opportunities in the finance industry.
What you will learn
This course is designed to equip you with both theoretical expertise and practical skills. It provides you with in-depth expertise in financial economics and markets, covering:
- portfolio theory
- corporate finance
- pricing theory applied to derivatives and government bond markets.
The course also emphasises developing your skills in advanced econometric and numerical analysis technique, as these give you a competitive edge in your career development and are increasingly sought by banks, financial institutions and government entities.
How you will learn
This course offers you a collaborative environment with a diverse group of adult learners from various professional backgrounds. You will benefit from discussion and peer learning, enhanced by the practical experience of our students.
Teaching consists of formal lectures, which provide an overview of key topics and stimulate deeper exploration, complemented by practical classes that focus on problem-solving. Seminars allow for in-depth discussions and exchange of ideas, and your own independent study, including project work, also plays a vital role in enhancing your learning experience.
This course is available to study full- or part-time with evening classes that are designed to help you balance your studies with work and other commitments.
This course is part of our Birkbeck Flexible Master’s UK, which gives you the choice of how you want to study - on campus, online or via flexible learning, which combines both.
If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will only be able to apply for the on-campus study option for this course. Online and flexible options will not be available to you because they may affect the conditions of your visa.
Please note that if you opt for the online route you will still need to attend Birkbeck campus for some assessments.
Highlights
- Birkbeck is ranked in the top 25 UK universities for Economics and Econometrics in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, ensuring that course content is informed by the latest research.
- Our academic team is friendly and approachable, providing students with opportunities for individual support, question-handling and discussion of ideas.
- Birkbeck’s central London campus offers you access to world-class facilities and proximity to major financial institutions, providing valuable networking opportunities within a leading financial hub.
- Watch an interview with Professor Vittorio Grilli, one of the founders of this course, for further insights.
On successfully graduating from this MSc Finance, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including in:
- analysing financial statements, assessing company performance and determining the value of assets and investments
- corporate finance and strategy including making strategic decisions on capital structure, budgeting, and mergers and acquisitions to enhance corporate value
- managing investment portfolios, optimising asset allocation and mitigating financial risks using strategies like hedging and derivatives
- navigating global financial systems, exchange rates and cross-border investment challenges
- understanding ethical behaviour including compliance with regulations and alignment with professional codes.
Studying this course will prepare you for career paths in a range of roles such as:
- investment banking and corporate finance analyst
- portfolio manager
- investment analyst
- financial adviser
- trading or sales broker
- consultant or management consultant
- public sector or policy analyst.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.
Information for international students
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.
If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Please note, if you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will only be able to apply for the on-campus study option for this course. Online and flexible options will not be available to you because they may affect the conditions of your visa.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MSc
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Student Advice Service
- studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44 (0)20 3907 0700