Study  ›   Postgraduate Taught courses

Finance

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here

Apply for this course

UK students

Apply for this course by:

There is no fee to apply for our courses.

What you'll need

If you studied any part of your degree in China, you’ll need to obtain a triage service number to submit with your application. There is a charge of £25 for this service.

You'll also need to submit:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
  • Degree certificates
  • Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions

Our application process

  • Sign into our online portal, Apply Yourself, and start your application
  • Submit your application
  • We'll email you to let you know we're processing your application
  • Track the progress of your application using the Postgraduate Application Tracker (we'll send you a link to the tracker)
  • We'll email you when a decision has been made
  • If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

Already a University of Liverpool student?

Apply faster with the quick apply form for current University of Liverpool students.

Need help applying?

Our how to apply pages provide further information about applying online for our taught postgraduate courses.

If you are unable to apply via our online form, or need further support, please contact the postgraduate enquiries team.

Related courses

There are seven courses related to Finance that you might be interested in.

Change country or region

We’re showing entry requirements and other information for applicants with qualifications from: United Kingdom.

Commonly selected...

Change to the United Kingdom


Not on the list?

If your country or region isn’t listed here, please contact us with any questions about studying with us.

Get a master's guide

Our master's guide gives you an overview of what studying a master's course at Liverpool is like and why you should join us.

Complete form

Master of Science

A Master of Science (MSc) is a master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in the sciences.

Return to top

Course overview

The MSc Finance provides a firm foundation in Finance, Financial Economics and Empirical Finance and has been ranked among the top 55 Finance programmes in the world by the Financial Times in their 2023 Masters in Finance pre-experience ranking.

Introduction

The programme provides a solid grounding in modern finance and economics with a particular emphasis on techniques and models and their application to real-world problems.

As well as providing you with firm academic foundations, this course also aims to develop the individual. You will learn vital skills expected of graduates alongside ‘soft’ skills of team working, creative thinking and high-impact communication.

You’ll also benefit from our exclusive calendar of guests and events. Recent speakers have included senior executives from Newsmith Capital, Burger King, UBS and Cable and Wireless.

The MSc Finance has received recognition by the CFA Institute for its Affiliation Program, which is a global association of investment professionals that offers the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation. Affiliated status is granted to institutions whose degree programmes incorporate at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK). This provides a solid grounding in the CBOK, which positions students well should they plan to sit the CFA exams.

The CFA qualification is a globally recognised industry designation and affiliated universities are seen as a desirable postgraduate destination, offering programmes that provide a strong foundation in all aspects of finance and a practical knowledge of the finance sector.

The Management School has a range of additional funding opportunities for outstanding master’s students, including the 50% ULMS Excellence Scholarship. Eligibility and more information can be found on the School’s scholarship pages.

Accreditation

The University of Liverpool Management School is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

Accreditations in detail

Accreditations

The University of Liverpool Management School is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Studying this course part-time

International students may be able to study this course on a part-time basis but this is dependent on visa regulations. Please visit the Government website for more information about student visas.

If you're able to study part-time, you'll study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.

Studying part-time means you can study alongside work or any other life commitments. You will study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.

Semester one

This 12-month programme consists of five compulsory modules and three optional modules followed by a dissertation over the summer period on completion of Semester two.

Compulsory modules

Corporate Finance and Valuation (ACFI906)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The module is intended to develop students’ knowledge and understanding in theoretical and empirical aspects of a number of areas in corporate finance including capital budgeting, capital structure, dividend policy, raising long-term capital, corporate governance and international corporate finance.

Portfolio Theory (ACFI923)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module provides an opportunity to understand and appreciate the basic notions underlying the management and selection of efficient portfolios. The syllabus focuses on the fundamental principles of portfolio management, especially on investment decision making under certainty and uncertainty. The groundwork for this is laid by extensive discussion of the theory of asset pricing, which includes portfolio separation, the capital asset pricing model, the arbitrage pricing theory, market efficiency and the management of fixed income portfolio.

Financial Econometrics (ACFI901)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The module aims to provide students with a solid foundation in the statistical and econometric techniques that allow them to conduct independent empirical investigations in economics and finance. The approach centres on the linear multiple regression methods, including their use in estimating and testing the validity of models in economics (including economic development) and finance. Economic models include empirical models of country-specific growth rates in terms of capital stock, employment and level of education. Finance models focus on the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) which specifies stock returns in terms of the return on the market portfolio.

Optional modules

Financial Markets, Financial Regulations and Ethics (ACFI824)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The Financial Markets, Financial Regulation and Ethics module is core to the programme and addresses key issues associated with how the financial markets are regulated and supervised, along with the nature and importance of an ethical framework. Key topics include:

Basic concepts about financial markets;
Financial instruments traded in markets;
The role and nature of financial regulation;
Regulation through the lens of the global financial crisis;
Internationally enacted financial regulations;
CFA Institute Ethics and Professional Standards of Practice;
Ethical Practices.

This module develops a conceptual understanding of the regulation of financial markets and of ethical issues and behaviours.​

Banking and Financial Institutions (ACFI812)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module provides an introduction to banking and financial institutions. More specifically, the module will cover: the role played by financial institutions in the economy, the characterising features of financial institutions and the need for regulating the banking system. The connections between the banking system and the central bank will be explored in detail along with the risks to which financial institutions get exposed in their daily activity.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Your experience

This programme is delivered by the triple-accredited University of Liverpool Management School.

The School has a thriving international master’s community with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary programme of social and extra-curricular events and dedicated careers and employability support.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

What students say...

I chose Liverpool because I fell in love with the city. There’s always so much to do, so many things happening, and lots to learn about the city. The university is also part of The Russell Group, which always looks good for future career prospects.

, MSc Finance 2023

Careers and employability

Graduates of this programme will be equipped to take up positions in Financial Institutions and other career opportunities in government agencies, large corporations, consultancy firms, investment banks and many other branches of the finance industry.

Career planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

Two graduates in postgraduate robes.

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

From day one, you will have access to a specialist, in-house postgraduate careers team and have access to one-to-one careers guidance, workshops, seminars, and employability initiatives.

Graduates will gain a sound theoretical grounding in finance and will develop a range of analytical and transferable skills that will help them to enter the financial services sector and undertake key roles in:

  • retail and investment banks
  • international organisations
  • securities firms
  • portfolio management roles
  • finance departments of industrial and financial companies
  • consultants
  • central banks and auditors.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £14,500
Part-time place, per year £7,250
International fees
Full-time place, per year £30,000
Part-time place, per year £15,000
Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here


Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re a new international student starting this course with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a discount of up to £5,000 off your tuition fees.

This includes £2,500 if you have a first-class degree, or equivalent qualification, and £2,500 if you’re from a Commonwealth country.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

Completed your undergraduate degree, or studied as an undergraduate exchange student, at the University of Liverpool?

You could get a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off the tuition fees for this course from September 2024 entry.

  • £1,500 tuition fee discount for eligible UK University of Liverpool graduates
  • £2,500 tuition fee discount for eligible international University of Liverpool graduates.

ULMS Excellence Scholarship

  • Home and international students

The ULMS Excellence Scholarship will be awarded to eligible UK, Republic of Ireland and international applicants joining one of the Management School’s MSc programmes in academic year 2024/25 and studying on campus.

You’ll be considered for this award based on your academic excellence, CV and personal statement.

You’ll need to have, or be on track to obtain, a first class degree, or equivalent, with no marks below a 2:1 (60%) or equivalent in modules relevant to your chosen postgraduate programme.

Relevant work experience (paid, internship, shadowing or voluntary positions) would be advantageous, as would previously studying at a highly-ranked university.

ULMS Attainment Award

  • Home students

The ULMS Attainment Award is available to eligible UK and Republic of Ireland applicants joining one of the Management School’s MSc programmes in academic year 2024/25 and studying on campus.

You’ll need to have a first class degree, or equivalent.

Please note, this award can be combined with any Management School award or central University of Liverpool funding that you’re eligible to receive, up to a maximum of a 50% fee discount.

ULMS Progress to Postgraduate Award

  • Home and international students
  • University of Liverpool current students only

The ULMS Progress to Postgraduate Award is available to all current University of Liverpool undergraduate students, from any discipline, who want to progress onto one of the Management School’s MSc programmes beginning in September 2024.

UK, Republic of Ireland and international students are eligible. You can be intending to study full-time or part-time.

Please note, this award can be combined with any Management School award or central University of Liverpool funding that you’re eligible to receive. This includes the Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship, up to a maximum tuition fee discount of 50%.

ANID Chile Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

Postgraduate taught and research students from Chile are eligible for this scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students

The University, in partnership with Chevening, is delighted to offer this generous scholarship to students who are studying a master’s programme and who have future leadership potential. Please note that there is a fee cap applied to MBA programmes that requires applicants to cover any additional tuition costs over £18,000. You will still receive all additional allowances.

CONACYT Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

The University of Liverpool has an agreement with CONACYT to support postgraduate taught and research students from Mexico.

FIDERH Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

20% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate taught and research programmes. Must be Mexico national.

Fulbright Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US and another is available for a postgraduate research student to undertake a three to six month research stay from the US

FUNED Awards

  • International students
  • Mexico

Up to ten awards are available for Masters or Research students from Mexico in receipt of FUNED loans. The award gives students a 20% reduction in fees for all applications received.

Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

The University is able to offer competitive scholarships for both postgraduate taught master’s and research programmes.

HRM Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

The University is able to offer one award to a new postgraduate taught master’s student from Thailand.

The scholarship is open to all subjects offered as a one-year taught master’s programme.  However, priority will be given to those students who wish to study in a subject area associated with HRH Princess Sirindhorn such as science, IT, medicine, the arts, geography, history and languages.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

Residents of State of Guanajuato, Mexico, wishing to study at postgraduate taught and research levels are eligible for this scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US to cover the cost of tuition fees. Another, to the value of £20,000, is available for Doctoral study visit: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

Postgraduate taught and research students from Turkey are eligible for this scholarship, see the Turkish Ministry of Education website https://meb.gov.tr/ for more information.

University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master’s Programmes

  • International students

The three awards available cover full tuition fees, visas and support for accommodation and living expenses.

This scholarship is open to support people who have recognised status as either refugees or are under humanitarian protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This status must be held outside of the UK.

The scholarship is open for all postgraduate-taught programmes, excluding medicine, dentistry, veterinary and nursing.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

The University of Liverpool will award five University of Liverpool International College students, who achieve the highest academic excellence (minimum 75%) in their UoLIC Pre-Master’s programme, the prestigious UoLIC Excellence scholarship.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

University of Liverpool International College recipients of the Kaplan awards will receive the £3,000 Progression Impact Scholarship, deducted from first-year tuition fees, on successful progression to their UoL degree programme.

To be eligible for our Impact Progression Scholarships, students must apply for one of the Kaplan Impact Scholarships demonstrating their commitment to making an impact across issues of importance to the University and Kaplan. Themes include:

Sustainability
Women in STEM
Community
Career Focus (Employability)

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for China

  • International students
  • China

Details are:
1 (one) Full scholarship
2 (two) £10,000 scholarships
5 (five) £5,000 scholarships
10 (ten) £1,000 scholarships
All scholarships will be awarded after the formal registration at the University and will take the form of a fee waiver.

Please note: This scholarship cannot be combined with any other scholarships or bursaries provided by the University.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here

Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

A 2:1 Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in Finance, Accounting and Economics. Exceptional candidates with First Class degrees in other subjects (with a significant component of finance) will be considered.

Students who lack the usual academic qualifications but have appropriate professional qualifications (with good grades) will be considered individually on merit. Grades in modules relevant to Finance must average 2:1 (particular emphasis will be placed on final-year finance modules).

International qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20
Duolingo English Test 120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC C6 or above

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 6 weeks On campus
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 6.0, for further details.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

More about life in Liverpool

Discover more about the city and University.

Why study at Liverpool? Victoria Gallery & Museum

Why Liverpool?

Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.

Accommodation Postgraduate students walking through the campus.

Accommodation

To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.

Fees and Finance Image of the outside of the Management School building

Fees and Finance

Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.

Changes to Finance MSc

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.