Computing for Financial Markets (MSc)

Entry requirements

Academic requirements A minimum of a second class Honours degree or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply. Other routes of entry If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available. International entry requirements View the entry requirements for your country. English language requirements If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills: IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill. Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill. TOEFL exams taken before 21 January 2026: 80 overall with 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking. TOEFL exams taken from 21 January 2026: 4 overall with no less than 4 in any band. See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements. Pre-sessional English language courses If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree. Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses .

Course details

The MSc Finance is a one-year, full-time course. You’ll undertake up to ten taught modules over two 15-week semesters, followed by a supervised dissertation. Develop your careers skills with our Flying Start Leadership Programme module We go beyond textbooks and lecture rooms to focus on your personal and professional development. Our Flying Start module will help you develop practical career skills such as effective public or conflict management. Modules Teaching Teaching is carried out through lectures, seminars, problem-solving lectures, computer workshops and practical case studies. Many of our staff are publishing research in leading international journals and engaged in developing new policy and practices within the finance profession, as well as delivering innovative teaching. Assessment Assessment is through a combination of multiple choice and written class tests, written assignments, presentations including group assignments and written exams. Course director Professor David McMillan MScFinance@stir.ac.uk Key staff Module co-ordinators Dr Kevin Campbell (Corporate Finance; & Derivatives) Dr Maria Grydaki (Quantitative Methods in Finance; & Economics for Banking and Finance) Mr Alan Somerville (Financial Reporting) Dr Dionysia Dionysiou (Investments: Equity Portfolios and Pricing; & International Corporate Finance; & Empirical Methods in Finance and Accounting) Professor David McMillan (Empirical Methods in Finance and Accounting) Dr Costas Gavriilidis (Behavioural Finance) Professor Lisa Evans (Introduction to Research Methods) Dr Frederick Changwony (Mergers & Acquisitions; and Derivatives) Dr Patrick Herbst (Investments: Fixed Income and Alternative Investments).

Fees and funding

Fees and costs University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship . Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship . If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students. If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees. If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry. For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy . Postgraduate tuition fee loans This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details. Additional costs There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees . Scholarships and funding Funding If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances. Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships. Postgraduate tuition fee loans Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £13,900 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs. English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,858 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme . Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £19,255 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales . Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI . International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Student Scholarships These are available for seven MSc Investment Analysis students each year and are awarded based on academic performance during the course. The scholarships allow those students to sit levels I, II or III of the CFA exams at a significantly reduced fee. A full set of CFA study materials is available at the University. Students also receive a daily CFA Institute newsletter and are invited to local CFA society events. Cost of living If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income. International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support. Find out about the cost of living for students at Stirling Payment options We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay

After you graduate

Our MSc Finance degree will prepare you for a highly competitive recruitment market. The average salary for a qualified Finance Manager is £58,683 per year in the United Kingdom (source: Glassdoor 2024). There are opportunities for growth with seniority and market experience. Many financial roles also offer high bonus payments in addition to basic pay (source: Prospects 2024). You'll have the knowledge and skills for a career in: finance banking portfolio and risk management fund management security dealing financial market regulation treasury management financial engineering corporate finance work Our Finance graduates can be found in institutions around the world, including: ACCA Money Advice Scotland Aldermore Bank PLC Ansar Finance Group Black Professionals Europe Study and careers support You'll have a mentor who will guide you through your studies. The Careers Service provides support for CV design, interview skills and other career skills.