Program Overview
The Master of Science in Finance at The University of Manchester is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at The University of Manchester. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in finance & economics, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in finance & economics.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at The University of Manchester.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Finance & Economics.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Finance programme at The University of Manchester develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional networks that leading employers in finance & economics value. Common career destinations include:
- Financial Analyst: Evaluate investment opportunities and financial performance.
- Investment Banker: Advise on capital raising, M&A, and corporate finance.
- Risk Manager: Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.
- Economist: Research economic trends and advise governments or corporations.
- CFO / Finance Director: Lead corporate financial strategy and reporting.
Graduates have secured roles at multinational corporations, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and high-growth startups. Many also progress to doctoral (PhD) programmes.
Program Curriculum
Course overview
From derivatives and investments to mergers and acquisitions and global markets, this course covers the essential information you need to pursue a range of exciting careers in finance at an international level, or an academic career via a PhD.
Open days
Have questions about this course? MSc Finance and MSc Quantitative Finance Webinar with Programme Director, Wednesday 1st April - Register here Join one of our upcoming webinars or in-person events to learn more about the programme and speak directly with our team. Whether online, on campus in Manchester, or at events worldwide, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and get advice on your next steps. At these events you can: Learn more about this programme and related Master’s courses Get guidance on eligibility, applications and funding Discover student life, careers and studying in Manchester View upcoming events >>
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows:
- MSc (full-time) UK students (per annum): £22,600 International, including EU, students (per annum): £37,800
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs. Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information . Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance.
Policy on additional costs
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
We require a First or Upper Second class honours degree (2:1, with 60% average) from a UK university or the overseas equivalent. You need a degree in finance or economics. You must have taken a significant number of finance and quantitative courses during your degree (accounting is not considered to be finance). You must be taking a major or specialisation in finance in your final year and need to achieve top-level results in final year finance subjects. You must also demonstrate a solid background in quantitative skills, econometrics or maths. Applicants studying degrees in business administration can be considered but must be able to demonstrate a very strong background in finance throughout their degree and a final year major or specialisation in finance (as outlined above). Due to competition for places, we give preference to applicants with a bachelor degree in finance or economics. Applicants studying degrees in mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering, actuarial or decision sciences might wish to consider our MSc Quantitative Finance course. You will need to submit a new application for this programme online. A GMAT/GRE is not required to apply for this course but in some cases The Admissions Team may request this after the initial review of your application if your degree does not contain enough relevant quantitative modules. Full entry requirements
How to apply
Apply online Staged Admissions Deadlines NOTE: There is a non-refundable application fee of £60. You should be prompted to pay this within the application portal before you can submit your application. We cannot consider applications until you have paid the application fee. Applying to multiple programmes
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 24,000/year (international)
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows:
- MSc (full-time) UK students (per annum): £22,600 International, including EU, students (per annum): £37,800
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs. Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information . Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
Scholarships are being reviewed for 2026 entry, information will be updated on our scholarships page in due course
Contact details School/Faculty Alliance Manchester Business School Contact name Master's Admissions Office Telephone +44 (0)161 306 1339 Email pg.ambs@manchester.ac.uk Website https://www.alliancembs.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/msc-finance/ School/Faculty overview Alliance Manchester Business School was established in 1965 as one of the UK's first two business schools. Today, we are the UK's largest campus-based business and management school, and 'Original Thinking Applied' is at the heart of everything we do. Find out more .
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Scholarships/sponsorships
Scholarships are being reviewed for 2026 entry, information will be updated on our scholarships page in due course
Contact details School/Faculty Alliance Manchester Business School Contact name Master's Admissions Office Telephone +44 (0)161 306 1339 Email pg.ambs@manchester.ac.uk Website https://www.alliancembs.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/msc-finance/ School/Faculty overview Alliance Manchester Business School was established in 1965 as one of the UK's first two business schools. Today, we are the UK's largest campus-based business and management school, and 'Original Thinking Applied' is at the heart of everything we do. Find out more .
About The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Application Deadline 2018-06-01
- Start Date 2018-09-17
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)