21Oct
PostgraduateCourse summary
Joining our MSc in Finance will enable you to develop a successful foundation in finance or financial research by equipping you with the necessary skills and knowledge at the highest academic standards within an exciting learning environment. We will teach you how to use sophisticated analytical and technical skills and cutting-edge research techniques, underpinned by our core values of fairness and equality of access to financial services. Such knowhow is consistently sought by top global financial institutions and businesses, and by leading PhD research programmes. The 12-month full-time programme comprises a combination of core and optional modules. It culminates in a practice-based business project or a research-based dissertation depending on the learning direction you choose. You will study topics including advanced financial theory, corporate finance, econometric methods as well as financial modelling and business forecasting, delivered mainly through an effective mix of lectures, seminars, and practical work. This course has partnership status with the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA), the leading global association for investment professionals and the accepted benchmark around the world for technical excellence in financial markets. The School has made a significant investment in database resources, giving you access to live and historical data from providers including Bloomberg, Capital IQ, Thomson Reuters, DataStream and Orbis. These state-of-the-art databases give you the opportunity to interrogate the financial records of millions of companies worldwide and add valuable insight to your research. Studying MSc Finance gives you access to teaching by passionate and dedicated academics who are committed to the study of finance and how it interacts with the everyday lives of individuals and its role within global institutions. Having completed the course, you will be fully equipped to enjoy a successful career working or researching in finance, economics, or related disciplines. Course structure Core modules: Econometric Methods is designed to teach you some of the skills necessary to carry out empirical research in economics or finance, and to understand more advanced econometric techniques. Advanced Financial Theory offers stimulating and rigorous training in modern financial theory and in the most important current research with an emphasis on application of finance principles. You will also develop an advanced understanding of normative and positive research in financial theory together with the related descriptive and empirical evidence. Corporate Finance covers the theory and practice of business finance and the latest research. Again, you will examine both normative and positive aspects of the theory, together with supporting descriptive and empirical evidence. The Dissertation, on a finance topic of your choice, develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning. It provides an opportunity to conduct an in-depth investigation at an advanced level and present your findings and conclusions. To add a further international dimension to the course you can apply for the international route where you undertake research abroad at a partner university. There is also the option to develop a more applied project in conjunction with an appropriate organisation.
Modules
Examples of optional modules: Bank Management; Banking and Financial Intermediation; Behavioural Neurofinance; Climate Finance; Derivative Markets; Fintech Regulations; Financial Modelling and Business Forecasting; Financial Technologies I; Financial Technologies II; Financial Risk Management; International Financial Asset Pricing; International Financial Economics; International Study Tour; Islamic Banking and Finance; Islamic Capital Markets; Islamic Law and Financial Transactions; Market Microstructure; Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate Restructuring; Portfolio Management; Python for Finance; Security Analysis; A language module.
Assessment method
This stimulating course is based at the state-of-the-art business school – a vibrant learning community with all the facilities you will need for a fulfilling learning experience. Learning is delivered through lectures, some given by guest speakers, in seminars, practical sessions and in extracurricular activities. Seminars will see you working in a smaller group to discuss lecture topics and debate and solve issues raised. Practical work comprises medium-sized group sessions, in which you can practise computer software, applying topics from lectures and seminars. You will undertake a combination of core and optional modules which will enable you to carry out in-depth study of particular topics. You will also complete an independent 12,000-word dissertation. Typically, you will attend 10 hours per week of lectures in term 1, nine hours per week of lectures in term 2 and undertake a one-hour seminar per module every two weeks. Pre-sessional modules in accounting, economics, and mathematics and statistics, are offered in September and October in the form of five lectures and five seminars per module. Assessment is rigorous and carried out through exams in January, May and June, assignments and a 12,000-word dissertation in which you carry out independent research and develop your analysis skills. Outside of timetabled contact hours, you will be expected to undertake your own independent study in preparation for exams, seminars, assignments and other forms of assessment as well as general background reading in order to broaden your subject knowledge.
How to apply
International applicants
If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.
Entry requirements
The equivalent of a UK first or upper second class honours degree with evidence on your degree transcript of a good grade in a minimum of one mathematical/statistics module at a level equivalent to a second-year British Honours Degree standard. Where the only evidence of mathematical/statistics modules is at a level equivalent to a first-year British Honours Degree standard, we may require that applicants undertake our admissions mathematics test. This will be determined by the Postgraduate Admissions Team upon considering each application.
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £15500 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £15500 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £15500 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £15500 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £15500 | Year 1 |
| EU | £32750 | Year 1 |
| International | £32750 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Sponsorship information
For further information see the course listing.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE