About this course
BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 MSc Finance master's has a unique emphasis on quantitative and analytical techniques. You’ll develop and use real industry skills and gain a competitive edge with employers. There’s a strong focus on the latest practices and research that you’ll learn with essential theory. Prepare to succeed in rapidly changing and complex financial environments.
Through this course, you'll learn insights into the future of finance from our academics who have extensive professional experience. They are also leading and active researchers. This will help you develop skills that employers want, and will advance your career in industry, government, or research.
You'll cover:
- complex financial products
- assessing and managing financial risk
- management decisions and value creation
- econometric modelling
- forecasting
- leading econometric and statistical software
On our master of finance UK we’ll teach you advanced stock market analysis, corporate finance, and portfolio management. You'll also have an unusual opportunity to study behavioural finance. This will let you explore the behavioural biases that can affect financial decision making in uncertain environments.
You’ll also use your skills and have real industry experience through:
- trade simulation workshops
- access to industry software
- using live company data
- weekly research update seminars
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
The course leader, Dr Mohamed Bakoush, is an expert in financial economics and a member of several professional associations. He teaches a wide range of banking and finance modules. Find out more on Dr Bakoush staff profile.
“The modules provided are not only fascinating but also practical, offering real-world insights into the finance industry. Participating in simulations has been particularly enriching, as they provide hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of complex financial concepts.”
MSc Finance Taster Lecture
Learn more about this subject area
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载.
BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2.1 degree in a subject which includes quantitative study such as:
- finance
- sciences
- maths
- engineering
- computer science
- economics
- quantitative business or management
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
We do not accept the following subjects:
- Language Studies – degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as 'Business English', 'Applied English', or 'Translation', are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
- Art/Design/Vocational Studies – degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a full-time 1 year course, running from October to October. The first 9 months involves taught study, divided into 2 semesters.
In semester 3 (final 3 months) you’ll complete an individual research project as part of your dissertation.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules :
Advanced Corporate Finance
Introduce concepts of Advanced Corporate Finance, which combines aspects of corporate finance and value-based management. The focus is on understanding the relationships between investments and financing decisions on shareholder value. Analysing these rel...
Advanced Time Series Modelling
The module offers a comprehensive introduction to Advanced Time Series Modelling. You will learn various analytical tools to enable you to analyse financial data. The module expects prior skills in data analysis covered by the module Quantitative Finance ...
Banking, Finance and Risk Dissertation
The dissertation stage of your Postgraduate programme involves an extended, independent investigation of a topic of your own choosing and the preparation of a 15,000 word dissertation describing your work. Essentially, the dissertation is a test of your a...
Introduction to Finance
The “Introduction to Finance” module aims to offer a comprehensive introduction to Finance. You will learn various analytical tools to analyse the theory of choice, capital budgeting, asset pricing models, financial risk management, etc. You will also lea...
Portfolio Theory and Asset Pricing
Portfolio Theory and Asset Pricing is designed to equip students with a profound understanding of the principles that govern investment decisions and the valuation of financial assets. The course delves into the core concepts of Modern Portfolio Theory (M...
Quantitative Finance
The purpose of this module is to provide you with the necessary skills to undertake quantitative research in finance. In particular, we focus on analysing financial markets and firms’ investment and financing decisions. Lectures will introduce a broad ran...
You must also choose from the following modules :
Behavioural Finance
Mainstream finance assumes that people are rational and is mainly concerned with how they should behave when making financial decisions. In this module, instead, we focus on how individuals make financial decisions in practice, and we use insights from ps...
Computational Finance
This module provides a hands-on introduction to modern computational finance, with an emphasis on practical skills useful in the industry. It is in two parts, roughly corresponding to the “buy” and “sell” sides of the industry. Part One introduces tools o...
Derivative Securities Analysis
This module explores the key concepts and theories of financial derivatives. The focus is mainly on futures and options whose underlying asset is a financial asset (e.g., stock index options). Students will learn how to price these derivatives with the us...
Fixed Income Securities Analysis
This module aims to provide you with a thorough knowledge of the fixed income securities and techniques available for fixed income securities analysis, together with an understanding of investment data and performance measurement. Emphasis will be placed ...
Management of Financial Risk
In this module, the aim is to integrate risk management as part of financial theory and practice. The three main risk concepts in the investment and corporate risk management field are: market risk (times series), credit risk (financial ratings), liquidit...
Stock Market Analysis
This module provides an introduction to the modern finance theory and its applications to equity investing. It will start by giving a short preamble of the asset classes and stock markets, security analysis, and equity evaluation models. The course will t...
Sustainable Finance
This module provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable finance- a rapidly growing area at the intersection of finance and sustainability. The module underscores the significance of sustainable finance, illustrating its potential impact in shaping fi...
Learning and assessment
Learning
You’ll develop and enhance your knowledge through:
- seminars, lectures and workshops
- individual and group assignments
- practical exercises
- case studies and reading (textbooks or academic journals)
- databases such as Bloomberg, Reuters/Datastream
- statistical software such as E-views, STATA and Matlab
Assessment
Assessment methods involve:
- exams
- in-class tests
- group assignments
- independent research
Dissertation
You'll need to write a 15,000-word dissertation as part of this finance master's. This will involve an extended, independent investigation of a topic of your own choice.
Academic Support
We offer plenty of support to help you succeed. You'll be allocated a personal academic tutor who will be your first point of contact for any course-related matters. They can also direct you to other sources of support and advice within the Business School and the University if you need them.
Careers and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Finance,
Banking,
Accountancy,
Business consultancy,
Public Sector.
- Financial analyst
- Business analyst
- Accountant
- Company secretary
- External auditor
- Forensic accountant
- Stockbroker
- Risk manager
- Financial risk analyst
- Investment analyst
- Actuary
- Business development manager
- Data analyst
- Economist
- Management consultant
- Mortgage adviser
- Retail banker
- Tax adviser
- Customer manager
- Financial analyst
- Auditor
- Business process consultant
- Finance manager
- Investment analyst
- Teacher
- Client manager
- Finance consultant
- Senior compliance officer
Job prospects for MSc Finance graduates
*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay ?19,100.
- EU and international students pay ?35,200.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay ?2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship
A scholarship is available to home fee paying students studying an eligible postgraduate master's at BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Business School.
Find out more about the BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship
A scholarship of ?9,000 is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Business School.
Find out more about the BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship
A scholarship is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at the BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Business School.
Find out more about the BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
- Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Pay the ?50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
- Submit your application.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
UK students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a ?50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of BOB体育登录网址_欧宝体育官网平台-APP|下载 student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
References are not required for this programme.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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