Finance (Corporate and International 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

The MSc in Finance (Corporate and International Finance) offers you the exciting opportunity to explore the world of investment, funds and banking, and to study the movement of money around the globe by corporations and financial institutions.

Taught by academic specialists who are immersed in financial research, you will study core modules in key areas such as advanced financial theory, corporate finance, international finance and mergers and acquisitions. Learning is enhanced by a wide choice of optional modules which range from portfolio management to Fintech regulations and behaviour and neurofinance to climate finance You can further tailor the course to your interests through the completion of either a research-based dissertation or an applied business project in an area of your choice.

We are delighted to say that this course is affiliated 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 MSc will also give you opportunities to study abroad through our Dissertation Abroad scheme and an organised international study tour that offers an excellent insight into the workings of international business.

You will be invited to presentations by leading academics and top representatives of major global multinationals. To further immerse you in the subject we offer an Investment Club and a Trading Challenge which give you the chance to manage a genuine fund and take decisions regarding trading and investment.

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.

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:

Advanced Financial Theory

offers stimulating and rigorous training in modern finance 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 corporate finance and the latest research. Again, you will examine both normative and positive aspects of the theory, together with supporting descriptive and empirical evidence.

Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate Restructuring

covers areas such as takeover tactics and defence, target valuation and value creation to develop your understanding of the key issues and research topics in this important field. It will also provide you with the ability to critically review this specialised and complex area with a view to undertaking a finance dissertation and potentially future research work.

Econometric Methods

will provide you with the knowhow necessary to be able to carry out empirical research in economics or finance and to understand more advanced econometric techniques.

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:

• Derivative Markets
• Behaviour and Neurofinance
• Financial Risk Management
• Portfolio Management
• Security Analysis
• Islamic Banking and Finance
• Islamic Capital Markets
• Islamic Law and Financial Transactions
• Bank Management
• Financial Technologies I
• Financial Technologies II
• Fintech Regulations
• Climate Finance
• Banking and Financial Intermediation
• Python for Finance
• International Financial Asset Pricing
• International Study Visit
• Capital Market Development
• Financial Modelling and Business Forecasting
• A language module offered by the Centre for Foreign Language Study

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.