MSc Finance (Finance and Investment)

• Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% to 70% 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.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92, with at least 23 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 59.
• 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 meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Durham University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to both domestic and international students.

1. Durham University Scholarships and Bursaries: These are awarded to both undergraduate and postgraduate students based on academic excellence, financial need, or specific criteria such as subject area or country of origin.
2. Durham International Scholarships: These are awarded to exceptional international students who are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the university. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees and is renewable for the duration of the course.
3. Government Scholarships: Durham University participates in a number of government scholarship programs, including the Chevening Scholarship and the Commonwealth Scholarship.
4. College-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges at Durham University offer scholarships and bursaries to their students, such as the Van Mildert College Music Scholarship and the St. Mary's College Travel Grant.
5. Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at Durham University offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships may be discipline-specific or focused on supporting students from specific regions or countries. 
6. Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships are prestigious scholarships awarded to exceptional international students across all academic disciplines. These scholarships cover the full tuition fees and provide a generous living allowance for the duration of the program. The selection process is highly competitive and based on academic merit and leadership potential.

Durham University in the UK offers an MSc Finance (Finance and Investment) program that provides students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in finance, with a specific focus on investment. This program opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the finance and investment sectors. 

1. Investment Banking: Graduates of the MSc Finance (Finance and Investment) program can pursue careers in investment banking. They can work in roles such as investment analyst, investment banker, or corporate finance associate. Graduates may be involved in financial modeling, valuation, due diligence, and transaction advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings (IPOs), or debt and equity financing.

2. Asset Management: Many financial institutions and investment firms have asset management divisions that manage investment portfolios on behalf of clients. Graduates can work as portfolio managers, investment analysts, or research associates, responsible for selecting and managing a diverse range of assets such as stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments.

3. Hedge Funds and Private Equity: The MSc Finance (Finance and Investment) program prepares students for roles in hedge funds and private equity firms. Graduates may work as investment analysts, risk managers, or portfolio managers, conducting in-depth research, identifying investment opportunities, and making strategic investment decisions to generate high returns for clients or the fund itself.

4. Financial Analysis: Graduates can pursue careers as financial analysts in various industries, including banking, consulting, or corporate finance departments. They analyze financial data, evaluate the performance of companies, conduct market research, and provide insights for investment decisions, financial planning, or strategic initiatives.

5. Risk Management: The program equips students with knowledge and skills in financial risk management. Graduates can work in risk management roles within banks, insurance companies, or risk management consultancies. They analyze and manage financial risks such as market risk, credit risk, or operational risk, developing strategies and frameworks to mitigate these risks.

6. Corporate Finance: Many organizations have internal corporate finance departments that handle financial planning, budgeting, and strategic decision-making. Graduates can work in these departments, contributing to financial analysis, capital budgeting, financial modeling, and evaluating investment opportunities for the organization's growth and expansion.

7. Financial Consulting: Graduates can work in financial consulting firms, providing advisory services to clients on financial matters. They may specialize in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, or financial strategy. Graduates assist clients in making informed financial decisions, optimizing their financial performance, and achieving their strategic objectives.

8. Quantitative Finance: Graduates with strong quantitative and analytical skills can pursue careers in quantitative finance. They can work in roles such as quantitative analysts or quantitative traders, utilizing advanced mathematical models and algorithms to analyze financial markets, develop trading strategies, and manage portfolios.

9. Professional Certifications: The MSc Finance (Finance and Investment) program provides students with a strong foundation to pursue professional certifications such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or FRM (Financial Risk Manager). These certifications enhance career prospects and demonstrate expertise in finance and investment.

10. Career Progression: Graduates of the MSc Finance (Finance and Investment) program have excellent opportunities for career progression. With experience and further professional qualifications, they can advance to senior positions such as fund managers, chief investment officers (CIOs), or financial directors. Some graduates may also choose to pursue doctoral studies or academic careers in finance and investment.