Finance

Entry requirements

The Masters in Finance programme is designed for new or recent graduates. Certain routes within the Masters in Finance programme may also be of interest to those who already have practical experience in the field of finance.

Prospective candidates must hold qualifications equivalent to a UK first or upper second-class honours degree in any discipline.

Applicants are also expected to have strong quantitative skills for the programme, which includes fundamental concepts of calculus and statistics. Therefore, having studied a relevant mathematics/quantitative module at university level or a minimum of A level Mathematics (or its equivalent) is a prerequisite for prospective candidates.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Joining our MSc in Finance will enable you to develop a successful foundation in finance or financial research by equipping you with the necessary skills and knowledge at the highest academic standards within an exciting learning environment.

We will teach you how to use sophisticated analytical and technical skills and cutting-edge research techniques, underpinned by our core values of fairness and equality of access to financial services. Such knowhow is consistently sought by top global financial institutions and businesses, and by leading PhD research programmes.

The 12-month full-time programme comprises a combination of core and optional modules. It culminates in a practice-based business project or a research-based dissertation depending on the learning direction you choose.

You will study topics including advanced financial theory, corporate finance, econometric methods as well as financial modelling and business forecasting, delivered mainly through an effective mix of lectures, seminars, and practical work.

This course has partnership status with the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA), the leading global association for investment professionals and the accepted benchmark around the world for technical excellence in financial markets.

The School has made a significant investment in database resources, giving you access to live and historical data from providers including Bloomberg, Capital IQ, Thomson Reuters, DataStream and Orbis. These state-of-the-art databases give you the opportunity to interrogate the financial records of millions of companies worldwide and add valuable insight to your research.

Studying MSc Finance gives you access to teaching by passionate and dedicated academics who are committed to the study of finance and how it interacts with the everyday lives of individuals and its role within global institutions. Having completed the course, you will be fully equipped to enjoy a successful career working or researching in finance, economics, or related disciplines.

World-class Business Education

• 11th (UK) 34th (Europe) 60th (Global) - QS World University Rankings: Masters in Finance 2025
• 58th (Global) 48th (Europe) 12th (UK) - Financial Times Masters in Finance Ranking 2025

The Certificate in Engagement with Practice in Finance

The Certificate in Engagement with Practice in Finance aligns with our strategic objective to cultivate future leaders in finance who are highly sought after by global institutions and research programmes. This distinctive and comprehensive offering within the MSc Finance programme enables students to build both technical expertise and the essential soft skills required for success in a competitive industry. Through a series of extra-curricular engagements, students deepen their knowledge and develop in-demand skills, such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. By completing at least ten targeted activities or a combination of engagements and Bloomberg certifications, participants demonstrate a well-rounded skillset that reflects the high standards of the finance profession. Successful completion results in a certificate of recognition, formally included on the academic transcript, signalling professional readiness to employers.

The programme’s events include "Zero to Hero" bootcamps in areas like Python programming, SQL, Entrepreneurship Finance and CFA exam training, equipping students with valuable, career-focused technical skills. Networking opportunities and workshops, delivered by leaders from industry, provide additional insights and exposure to real-world finance scenarios. Additionally, the student-led Investment Club offers an immersive experience in managing a live investment fund, building practical skills in teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Together, these diverse experiences empower students to apply their academic learning, gain industry insights, and establish connections, ensuring they graduate with the skills, confidence, and network needed to thrive in their postgraduate careers​.

Course structure

Year 1 modules

Core modules:

Econometric Methods

is designed to teach you some of the skills necessary to carry out empirical research in economics or finance, and to understand more advanced econometric techniques.

Advanced Financial Theory

offers stimulating and rigorous training in modern financial theory and in the most important current research with an emphasis on application of finance principles. You will also develop an advanced understanding of normative and positive research in financial theory together with the related descriptive and empirical evidence.

Corporate Finance

covers the theory and practice of business finance and the latest research. Again, you will examine both normative and positive aspects of the theory, together with supporting descriptive and empirical evidence.

Dissertation,

on a finance topic of your choice, develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning. It provides an opportunity to conduct an in-depth investigation at an advanced level and present your findings and conclusions. To add a further international dimension to the course you can apply for the international route where you undertake research abroad at a partner university. There is also the option to develop a more applied project in conjunction with an appropriate organisation.

Optional modules:

In recent years, optional modules have included:

• Bank Management
• Banking and Financial Intermediation
• Behavioural Neurofinance
• Climate Finance
• Derivative Markets
• Fintech Regulations
• Financial Modelling and Business Forecasting
• Financial Technologies I
• Financial Technologies II
• Financial Risk Management
• International Financial Asset Pricing
• International Financial Economics
• International Study Tour
• Islamic Banking and Finance
• Islamic Capital Markets
• Islamic Law and Financial Transactions
• Market Microstructure
• Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate Restructuring
• Portfolio Management
• Python for Finance
• Security Analysis
• A language module

Information for international students

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Fees and funding

For further information see the course listing.