MSc in Finance

The MSc in Finance is a specialist qualification that supports professional and practice development for a wide range of roles in finance. It’s also ideal for career changers aspiring to work in the sector.

Course content

This course provides an up-to-date perspective on both theory and practice in national and international contexts, and a thorough grounding in areas such as corporate finance, financial decision-making, financial reporting and governance – as well as the fundamentals of Islamic finance and behavioural finance.

You will also have the opportunity to develop and apply essential tools for financial, statistical and econometric analysis, and for decision support – building skills in data collection and modelling using databases such as Datastream and Thomson One, and statistical software such as STATA.

You can choose to specialise in derivatives and financial risk management, or in investment and portfolio management. You will also learn to evaluate published research and apply research methods and techniques to new situations by completing a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Descriptions of all modules are available on the MSc in Finance qualification page. You can also download our eBrochure for more information.

Course structure

This qualification can be studied in a two-year route and a three-year route with the flexibility to take up to seven years.

This short video gives an overview of the benefits of studying this qualification, and explains the programme structure:

Career development

Students will acquire knowledge and skills that are highly relevant to a wide range of roles in finance, including investment and portfolio management, corporate finance and treasury, consultancy and investment banking. They will also have the opportunity to develop and apply quantitative research tools, forming their own criticisms and opinions on finance theory and practice.

The MSc in Finance is aimed at both UK and international students to prepare them for the increasingly diverse global economy. In addition, it offers students the choice to specialise in risk or portfolio management to suit their career choices. More generally, by studying for a postgraduate business qualification, students can expect a positive impact on their career progression.

For employers, the MSc in Finance will further develop their employees’ skill set and support improvements to working practices in the organisation.

CFA recognition

The Open University MSc in Finance has been accepted into the CFA University Recognition Program. This status is granted to institutions whose degree programmes incorporate at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) –providing students with a solid grounding in the CBOK and positioning them well to sit CFA exams.

Credit transfers

If you’ve successfully completed some relevant postgraduate study elsewhere, you might be able to count it towards this qualification, reducing the number of modules you need to study. You should apply for credit transfer as soon as possible, before you register for your first module. For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.