Finance

MSc
1 year
Durham City
N3K109
Course details
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
Learning
Learning is delivered through lectures, some given by guest speakers, in seminars, practical sessions and in extracurricular activities. Seminars will see you working in a smaller group to discuss lecture topics and debate and solve issues raised. Practical work comprises medium-sized group sessions, in which you can practise computer software, applying topics from lectures and seminars.
You will undertake a combination of core and optional modules which will enable you to carry out in-depth study of particular topics. You will also complete an independent 12,000-word dissertation.
Typically, you will attend 10 hours per week of lectures in term 1, nine hours per week of lectures in term 2 and undertake a one-hour seminar per module every two weeks.
Pre-sessional modules in accounting, economics, and mathematics and statistics, are offered in September and October in the form of five lectures and five seminars per module.
Assessment
Assessment is rigorous and carried out through exams in January, May and June, assignments and a 12,000-word dissertation in which you carry out independent research and develop your analysis skills.
Outside of timetabled contact hours, you will be expected to undertake your own independent study in preparation for exams, seminars, assignments and other forms of assessment as well as general background reading in order to broaden your subject knowledge.
Entry requirements
Please note: Admissions opens on 1 October 2025 for entry in September 2026.
We aim to have a diverse student body and recognise that we can only offer places to a finite number of applicants. To help achieve our aim, we look to ensure we offer places to applicants from all nationalities and close applications when we receive the allocated numbers.
The University is under no obligation to make any offer of a place on the programme to any applicant, nor is the University obligated to fill all spaces available on the programme.
What do I need first?
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.
Check the full list of equivalent qualifications.
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.
Applicants who have significant and relevant work experience in the Finance industry and who may narrowly miss the academic requirements may also be considered for a place.
NB Chinese Applicants: Applications will be accepted from students who have graduated from a prestigious university in China. Entry requirements may vary depending upon the reputation of the university you have graduated from and the academic programme you have applied for. As a guide, applicants are normally expected to have achieved an overall average of 80%.
How do I apply?
You will need to complete an online application form.
Please note you can only apply for one Masters Finance programme.
>>Fill out the online application form
To support your online application form, you will need to provide the following documents.
- Official transcript of marks
- Copy of degree certificate (if available)
- Copy of English test results (if available).
You can either upload your supporting documents with your online application or email or fax them to the Postgraduate Admissions Office using the contact details below.
Note
Only files of type .doc, .docx, .gif, .jpg, .pdf, .png, .rtf are permitted to be uploaded.
The maximum file size is 5MB.
College membership
All students of Durham University will become a member of one of our Colleges. Here is more information about what college membership means to our students. Once you have accepted your postgraduate offer, the Accommodation and Allocations Office will contact you with further information regarding how to express college preferences. You can also apply for college accommodation if you wish to.
Admissions process
Here are the steps in the admissions process:
- We will let you know when we’ve received your application.
- Once we’ve received all of your supporting documents, we will email you to let you know our decision.
- If the decision is to make you an offer of a place on the programme we will let you know by email. Please note we do not issue hard copy offer letters as these are not required to obtain a student visa.
- You should confirm acceptance of your offer as soon as possible. In order to secure your place, you are required to pay a deposit within six weeks of the date of your original offer (check your offer documents for details of payment methods).
- International students requiring a student visa will receive a CAS (Certificate of Acceptance of Studies) via email once all offer conditions are met, acceptance and deposit have been received and you are within five months of the start date of your programme.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Home students who do not meet our direct entry requirements, may be eligible for our Foundation Programme which offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes.
Fees and funding
The fees for this academic year have not been confirmed yet.
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find Out MoreCareer opportunities
Finance
As a Business School Masters student, you'll have access to a dedicated postgraduate careers service offering a wide range of opportunities to help you develop the skills necessary for a global career.
We work in partnership with the University's careers team to connect you with events, organisations, or individuals to help kick-start your career. You will have access to one-to-one support on every aspect of the application process, from CV writing to interview techniques.
Our graduates are highly sought after by global employers. Some of our recent graduates now work in sectors including: financial services, healthcare, government and consultancy amongst many others.
Department information
Finance
Our MSc Finance programmes develop the necessary skills and knowledge at the highest academic standards within an exciting learning environment. It is taught by an outstanding academic team from the Department of Finance.
The Department of Finance is one of four departments at the Durham University Business School. We offer a stimulating learning environment for our Masters students. As a finance student you will be joining an academic department with an international reputation for research and teaching excellence.
Our one-year, full-time MSc Finance programmes 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.
In addition, all MSc Finance students are about to take part in The Certificate in Engagement with Practice in Finance. 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.
We are proud of be a part of Durham University Business School, one of the UK’s longest established business schools and one of an elite group of institutions to be accredited by all three major accrediting bodies: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).
For more information see our department pages.
Facilities
Durham University Business School is spread across Waterside,a striking new building in the heart of Durham City Centre beside the River Wear and Mill Hill Lane, located just a short walk from university facilities and leafy university grounds south of the city centre. This dual‑site set up means students benefit both from the vibrant, city centre location of Waterside, close to shops, cafes, transport and the railway station, and from the more traditional campus environment at Mill Hill Lane, with peaceful study hubs and proximity to other academic departments.
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