Course summary
The MSc in Finance (Corporate and International Finance) offers you the exciting opportunity to explore the world of investment, funds and banking, and to study the movement of money around the globe by corporations and financial institutions. Taught by academic specialists who are immersed in financial research, you will study core modules in key areas such as advanced financial theory, corporate finance, international finance and mergers and acquisitions. Learning is enhanced by a wide choice of optional modules which range from portfolio management to Fintech regulations and behaviour and neurofinance to climate finance You can further tailor the course to your interests through the completion of either a research-based dissertation or an applied business project in an area of your choice. We are delighted to say that this course is affiliated 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 MSc will also give you opportunities to study abroad through our Dissertation Abroad scheme and an organised international study tour that offers an excellent insight into the workings of international business. You will be invited to presentations by leading academics and top representatives of major global multinationals. To further immerse you in the subject we offer an Investment Club and a Trading Challenge which give you the chance to manage a genuine fund and take decisions regarding trading and investment. 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. Course structure Core modules: Advanced Financial Theory offers stimulating and rigorous training in modern finance theory and in the most important current research with an emphasis on application of finance principles. Corporate Finance covers the theory and practice of corporate finance and the latest research. Again, you will examine both normative and positive aspects of the theory, together with supporting descriptive and empirical evidence. Private Equity and Wealth Management explores international banking financing decisions, the structure and financing of private equity and venture capital funds. You will examine areas including advanced financial analysis and valuation for global firms over different macroeconomic conditions, business, credit, financial and monetary policy cycles. Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate Restructuring covers areas such as takeover tactics and defence, target valuation and value creation to develop your understanding of the key issues and research topics in this important field. It will also provide you with the ability to critically review this specialised and complex area with a view to undertaking a finance dissertation and potentially future research work. Econometric Methods will provide you with the knowhow necessary to be able to carry out empirical research in economics or finance and to understand more advanced econometric techniques. 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
In recent years, optional modules have included: Derivative Markets; Behaviour and Neurofinance; Financial Risk Management; Portfolio Management; Security Analysis; Islamic Banking and Finance; Islamic Capital Markets; Islamic Law and Financial Transactions; Bank Management; Financial Technologies I; Financial Technologies II; Fintech Regulations; Climate Finance; Banking and Financial Intermediation; Python for Finance; International Financial Asset Pricing; International Study Visit; Capital Market Development; Financial Modelling and Business Forecasting; A language module offered by the Centre for Foreign Language Study.
Assessment method
Assessment on this course is rigorous and carried out through exams in May and June, a range of 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 Masters in Finance programme is designed for new or recent graduates. Certain routes within the Masters in Finance programme may also be of interest to those who already have practical experience in the field of finance. Prospective candidates must hold qualifications equivalent to a UK first or upper second-class honours degree in any discipline. Applicants are also expected to have strong quantitative skills for the programme, which includes fundamental concepts of calculus and statistics. Therefore, having studied a relevant mathematics/quantitative module at university level or a minimum of A level Mathematics (or its equivalent) is a prerequisite for prospective candidates.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £16000 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £16000 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £16000 | Year 1 |
Wales | £16000 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £16000 | Year 1 |
EU | £35500 | Year 1 |
International | £35500 | 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
Sponsorship information
For more information please see the Durham University Business School website.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE