Finance (MSc) 2021 entry
The MSc in Finance trains students in 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.
Key information
Course type
Postgraduate, leading to a Master of Science (MSc)
Course dates
- Start date: 6 September 2021
- End date: 30 September 2022
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
Course duration
One year full time
Entry requirements
- 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.
Tuition fees
Home: £11,990
Overseas: £24,240
Application deadline
Wednesday 11 August 2021. Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.
Application requirements
- CV or résumé
- either a detailed personal statement including a list of current modules being undertaken (1,000 words) or a sample of academic written work (2,000 words)
- two academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
- evidence of English language proficiency (required if English is not your first language).
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
Masters programmes in Economics and Finance
Watch students and staff discuss the Masters programmes available in the School of Economics and Finance.
Course information
The MSc in Finance is a one-year taught postgraduate programme run by the School of Economics and Finance.
Highlights
- You will learn the research methods used in modern corporate finance in order to understand the relevance of corporate finance theory in an applied work setting.
- The case study approach in core modules helps develop analytical skills that can be used in everyday financial measurement applications.
- Small group teaching allows a high level of student-teacher interaction, encouraging a warm and friendly learning environment.
- You will become knowledgeable about the functioning and rationale of leading financial institutions both in the UK and abroad.
- You will pursue advanced studies in finance and cognate areas, allied to a strong tradition of graduates from the School working in the financial community.
Teaching format
The programme consists of traditional lectures, as well as tutorials, seminars and computer lab work in small groups. Courses are assessed both continuously and with end-of-semester exams.
You will also complete a 15,000-word dissertation in an area of your choice that is relevant and appropriate to the MSc.
Every MSc student is assigned an adviser at the beginning of the year. Your adviser will provide you with individual guidance on module choice and academic conduct.
Modules
Each compulsory module typically comprises:
- 20 lecture contact hours
- 5 or 10 contact hours for seminars, workshops and tutorials
- intensive independent study.
For more details about each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue, which is for the 2020–2021 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2021 entry.
You must take four compulsory modules for the MSc.
- Corporate Finance: investigates the relationship between corporate liabilities and corporate actions.
- Financial Econometrics: the theory and practice of financial econometrics.
- International Finance: key issues in international finance including analysing models of exchange rate determination.
- Investment Analysis: investment value analysis, risk and return.
In your second semester, you will have the opportunity to choose two modules from a selection of topics. The assessment patterns for individual optional modules may vary from the details given above.
Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered:
- Behavioural Finance: examines the effects of behavioural biases in financial markets.
- Corporate Governance and Risk: covers three key components: corporate governance, risk management, and financial management.
- Experimental Economics and Finance: focuses on the methodology of experimental economics and the dialogue between theoretical and laboratory-based empirical work.
- Industrial Economics: focuses on the structure and mechanisms governing markets and on the way firms compete against each other in the pursuit of profit maximisation.
- Portfolio Theory and Management: studies key issues in asset allocation, and portfolio composition and management at an advanced level.
- Risk Management: teaches standard techniques in risk and insurance problems.
The topics, and therefore module titles, vary year on year as they reflect staff research interests. Optional modules require a minimum number of participants to be offered; some may only allow limited numbers of students (see the University’s position on curriculum development).
The final element of the MSc is a 15,000-word dissertation. The dissertation should be on an area of finance that you are interested in, chosen in discussion with your supervisor who will support you through the process.
You will receive training in Semester 1 in framing a hypothesis, conducting bibliographic research, writing a literature survey, and structuring a dissertation.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2021 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
Funding
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.
After the MSc
Careers
There is a long-standing tradition of Finance graduates working in a wide variety of challenging and rewarding posts including:
- academia
- banking
- commerce
- diplomatic service
- economics
- finance
- government
- industry
- insurance.
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.
Contact
School of Economics and Finance
University of St Andrews
Castlecliffe
The Scores
KY16 9AR
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2439
Email: econpgtapps@st-andrews.ac.uk
Policies
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our admissions policy.
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
Curriculum development
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.
Tuition fees
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.