MSc Finance and Investment

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

• Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of  50 to 55% or equivalent.
• English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that entry requirements may vary across different programs and courses. Additionally, meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as the number of available places and competition for certain courses.

The University of Essex offers a range of scholarships and financial support options to assist students in their academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognize and reward academic excellence, promote diversity and inclusion, and provide assistance to those facing financial challenges.  

1. Academic Excellence Scholarships: The university offers scholarships to outstanding students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements. These scholarships are typically merit-based and provide financial support towards tuition fees or living expenses.
2. International Scholarships: The University of Essex provides scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to attract and support talented students from around the world. Eligibility criteria and award amounts may vary, and they may cover a portion of tuition fees or provide assistance with living expenses.
3. Subject-specific Scholarships: Some departments and schools within the university offer scholarships tailored to specific academic disciplines. These scholarships are often awarded to students with exceptional academic records or those who demonstrate a strong commitment to their field of study.
4. Access and Participation Scholarships: The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. It offers scholarships and financial support to students from underrepresented backgrounds, including those from low-income families or individuals who are the first in their family to attend university.
5. Government-funded Scholarships: In addition to internal scholarships, the University of Essex provides information and guidance on scholarships and funding opportunities offered by external organizations and government agencies. These scholarships may be available to students based on factors such as nationality, field of study, or research interests.
6. Sports Scholarships: The university recognizes the importance of sports and offers scholarships to talented athletes who demonstrate exceptional sporting abilities. These scholarships provide financial support along with access to sports facilities, training programs, and dedicated support services.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application processes may change over time. 

Graduates of the MSc Finance and Investment program have excellent career prospects in the finance industry.

1. Investment Banking: Graduates can pursue careers in investment banks, working in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, or capital markets. They can take on roles as investment analysts, investment bankers, or financial advisors, assisting clients with investment decisions, financial analysis, and fundraising activities.

2. Asset Management: Graduates can work in asset management firms, managing investment portfolios for institutional clients or high-net-worth individuals. They can become portfolio managers, investment analysts, or risk managers, responsible for making investment decisions, conducting research, and optimizing portfolio performance.

3. Hedge Funds and Private Equity: Graduates can find opportunities in hedge funds or private equity firms, analyzing investment opportunities, conducting due diligence, and managing investment strategies. They can work as research analysts, portfolio managers, or risk analysts in these dynamic and high-reward sectors.

4. Financial Planning and Advisory: Graduates can pursue careers as financial planners or advisors, working with individuals or organizations to develop comprehensive financial plans, provide investment advice, and assist with wealth management. They can work in financial planning firms, banks, or financial advisory companies.

5. Risk Management: Graduates can find employment in risk management departments of financial institutions or insurance companies. They can become risk analysts, risk managers, or compliance officers, responsible for identifying and managing financial risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and implementing risk mitigation strategies.

6. Financial Research and Analysis: Graduates can work as financial analysts or researchers in financial institutions, investment firms, or rating agencies. They can analyze market trends, evaluate investment opportunities, and provide insights and recommendations to clients or senior management.

7. Consulting: Graduates can pursue careers in financial consulting, working for consulting firms or advisory companies. They can provide financial advice, perform financial due diligence, or assist with financial restructuring and strategy development for clients.

8. Further Studies: Graduates can choose to pursue further studies at the doctoral level in finance or related fields. They can engage in advanced research, contribute to the academic community, or pursue careers in academia as professors or researchers.