The MSc in Finance trains students with advanced analytical abilities and technical skills in empirical finance and modelling. Students acquire an in-depth understanding of the financial markets and institutions both in the UK and abroad, preparing them for a professional career in the financial industry.
Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Science (MSc)
If you started this programme in 2017, you can find information about 2017 entry on the 2017 Finance MSc page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
One year full time
A strong 2.1 Honours degree from a recognised UK university in disciplines that include intermediate or advanced knowledge of economics, finance and statistics.
If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
UK and EU: £10,360
Overseas: £20,980
Applications are accepted until shortly before teaching starts in September. Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
The MSc in Finance is a one year taught postgraduate programme run by the University of St Andrews' School of Economics and Finance.
The programme consists of traditional lectures, tutorials, seminars and computer lab work in small groups of students, plua a 15,000-word dissertation relevant and appropriate to the MSc in an area of your choice. Courses are assessed both continuously and with end-of-semester exams.
Every MSc student is assigned an adviser at the beginning of the year. Your adviser will provide you with individual guidance on essay planning and writing, module choice, dissertation topics and academic conduct.
Each module typically comprises:
For more details about each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue, which is for the 2017–2018 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2018 entry.
All students taking the Finance MSc must take four compulsory modules.
In your second semester, you will have the opportunity to choose two modules from a selection of topics.
The topics, and therefore module titles, vary year on year as they reflect research interests of our staff; in addition, optional modules require a minimum number of participants to be offered (see the University’s position on curriculum development).
Examples currently include:
Students may take optional modules from the Economics MSc programme with the prior permission.
The final element of the MSc is a 15,000-word dissertation. The dissertation should be on a topic relevant and appropriate to the MSc that you are interested in, chosen in discussion with your supervisor who will support you through the process.
You will receive training in framing a hypothesis, conducting bibliographic research, writing a literature survey, and structuring a dissertation in Semester 1.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2018 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% discount in postgraduate tuition fees to students who are eligible to graduate or who have graduated from St Andrews within the last three academic years and are starting a postgraduate programme with the University of St Andrews.
There is a long-standing tradition of Finance graduates working in a wide variety of challenging and rewarding posts including:
They work in the UK, Europe, and North America, and more frequently in locations such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand.
The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students on a taught postgraduate course and offers a programme of events to assist students in building their employability skills.
School of Economics and Finance
University of St Andrews
Castlecliffe
The Scores
University of St Andrews
KY16 9AR
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2439
Email: pgsececon@st-andrews.ac.uk
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB).
St Andrews has two postgraduate prospectuses - one for taught courses and one for research programmes. Both prospectuses are available for you to view and download.