Course information
UK fee £13,250
International fee £23,650
Taught by School of Business
Admissions enquiries
+44 (0)116 252 5281
Submit a course enquiry
Course enquiries
+44 (0)116 252 2041
ulsb@le.ac.uk
Course description
Course description
Our MSc in Finance is approved by the Chartered Financial Analysis Institute and provides you with a foundation for a career in the finance industry or a finance-related role more broadly such as in business, government or a major international organisation.
Once you are studying here in Leicester you can apply to complete a six-month MSc International Banking and Finance (MIBF) programme in the Department of Economics at Lingnan University in Hong Kong. After completing a 12-month course at Leicester and a six-month course at Lingnan you will receive two MSc degrees - one from each university. Eligibility criteria and assessment whilst studying your Masters degree with us apply.
During your MSc, you will develop an in-depth understanding of the principles of finance, investment analysis along with the economic principles underlying them. You will gain an advanced understanding of the key theories and concepts of finance and investment through our core modules. You will gain a strong command of analytical techniques, computing and research methods for problem solving and develop your critical analysis of economic theories and debates. The degree will equip you with confidence in the use and presentation of economic arguments in your professional role.
To help you develop the skills that leading employers ask for, and let you see how traders work, we have 16 Bloomberg terminals in the ULSB Trading Room at the School of Business.
The MSc in Finance opens up career options as an economic or financial analyst in business, government or a major international organisation.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
A good second class honours degree or equivalent from a recognised university
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in September 2025
- MSc: £13,250
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
The School of Business awards five scholarships each year to students on the MSc in Finance. These scholarships provide assistance with the fees for the CFA exam registration.
Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you’re eligible.
International Students
Starting in September 2025
- MSc: £23,650
You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Accreditation
Accreditation
The University is recognised as a CFA Programme Partner Institution of the Chartered Financial Analysis Institute. This course covers over 70% of the CFA® Candidate Body of Knowledge.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
Our finance and economics courses have been developed to match the needs of employers and are highly regarded within business and government, whether national or international.
MSc Finance begins with a 3 week introductory module covering two professional certificates. Firstly you will cover the content for the CFA Institute Investment Foundations Certificate. It is recognised by employers in the finance industry and can be completed optionally externally at a fee. You will also be introduced to the Bloomberg Terminals and given the opportunity to complete the free online exam 'Bloomberg Essentials'. Completing these professional certificates can help you stand out to employers. This course allows you to take advantage of studying a six-month MSc in Hong Kong.
Many of our students have gone on to work in major banks, companies, and governments, or pursued careers in academia and education.
A postgraduate qualification from the University of Leicester is career-changing. It can be the springboard to promotion with your current employer, the platform from which to launch a new career, or simply an aid to becoming more effective in your current role.
If you are already in employment, enhancing your career by studying at postgraduate level gives a clear signal to employers that you are committed to developing your skills and knowledge and have studied to a higher level.
Our Career Development Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
Related courses
Course structure
Semester 1
Semester 1
During the first part of the term you will study the two non-credit bearing modules Foundations of Mathematics for Finance and Professional Skills in Finance before moving on to the remainder of your modules.
- Financial Analysis and Investment
- Financial Modelling
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Financial Risk Management
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Semester 2
Semester 2
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Term 3
Term 3
Plus your Dissertation
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
If you complete a full 12-month MSc degree at Leicester, you may then be eligible to complete a 6-month MSc with Lingnan University, Hong Kong.
Our wide range of option modules provide you with the flexibility to tailor your study around your interests.
The research expertise of our international faculty is far-reaching and diverse. This research feeds directly into our teaching, allowing you to learn from those currently involved in cutting-edge research in your area of interest.
The School of Business holds a prestigious Small Business Charter Award for our contributions to businesses and entrepreneurs, and sharing of innovation expertise.
Teaching and learning
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, classes and computer practicals. You will be supported throughout your studies by School of Business staff who are also available for private supervision.
Your course modules will generally be assessed by a combination of exams and coursework projects. Some modules are assessed by demonstrated skills in computing or by seminar presentation where this is appropriate.
Key dates
September 2025 start
- Application deadline: 8 September 2025 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your course application by 25 July 2025)
- Deposit payment deadline: 8 August 2025
- CAS request deadline: 5 September 2025
- 70% tuition payment deadline: 5 September 2025
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Finance | Qualification MSc | Duration 1 year full-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
I really enjoyed the variety of modules taught on my course and the statistical software packages – they complemented the theoretical learning and gave a practical perspective.