MSc Finance
London
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc Finance program at SOAS University of London is meticulously designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of financial principles, markets, and instruments. Situated in the heart of London, SOAS offers a unique perspective by integrating global financial practices with insights into emerging markets and economies. The program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing graduates for dynamic roles in the global financial sector.
Curriculum: The curriculum encompasses a blend of core and elective modules, ensuring a robust foundation in finance while allowing for specialization. Core modules typically cover areas such as corporate finance, financial reporting, and quantitative methods. Elective modules offer deeper dives into topics like investment analysis, risk management, and financial technology. This structure ensures that students are well-versed in both theoretical concepts and practical applications, aligning with current industry demands.
Research Focus: SOAS is renowned for its research excellence, particularly in the context of global finance and development. The MSc Finance program encourages students to engage in research that explores financial systems, market dynamics, and the socio-economic impacts of financial policies. Collaborations with research centers such as the Centre for Global Finance provide students with opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge studies and policy analyses.
Industry Engagement: The program maintains strong ties with the financial industry, facilitating interactions through guest lectures, seminars, and networking events. These engagements offer students insights into real-world financial challenges and practices. Additionally, the university's location in London provides unparalleled access to financial institutions, enabling students to pursue internships and employment opportunities within the city's vibrant financial hub.
Global Perspective: SOAS's commitment to a global outlook is evident in its diverse student body and international faculty. The MSc Finance program incorporates case studies and examples from various economies, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global financial systems. This global approach equips students with the cultural competence and adaptability required to navigate the complexities of international finance.
Location
London
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25740
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
SOAS University of London offers a variety of scholarships to support international students pursuing postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance to students from diverse backgrounds.
SOAS International Scholarships: SOAS University of London offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to support students from various regions and backgrounds who are looking to study at the institution. Scholarships vary by program and are awarded based on merit or financial need.
Postgraduate Scholarships: SOAS provides several postgraduate scholarships for international students, including the prestigious SOAS Postgraduate Scholarships. These are awarded based on academic merit and cover partial or full tuition fees. Some specific awards are dedicated to students from particular regions, such as Africa, Asia, or the Middle East, to encourage diverse participation in postgraduate programs.
Regional Scholarships: SOAS University of London provides scholarships for students from specific regions, including the Commonwealth, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These scholarships are aimed at increasing access to higher education for students from regions with traditionally lower rates of study abroad participation. Some of the notable scholarships include the SOAS Africa Scholarship and the SOAS South Asia Scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Certain scholarships are tailored to international students from specific countries. For example, SOAS offers scholarships for students from countries like India, China, Nigeria, and others. These scholarships typically cover a portion of tuition fees and may also include additional benefits like travel allowances or accommodation assistance.
External Funding Opportunities: In addition to the internal scholarships offered by SOAS, international students are encouraged to explore external funding sources. The UK government, private organizations, and international agencies often provide scholarships and grants for students pursuing studies in the UK. SOAS offers guidance and resources to help students find external funding options and apply for them.
SOAS Excellence Awards: The SOAS Excellence Awards are designed to support exceptionally talented international students. These awards are often given to those students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential in their field of study. The Excellence Awards provide significant financial assistance and are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The MSc Finance at SOAS University of London is a globally-focused program designed to equip students with deep analytical, technical, and strategic finance skills. Set in one of the world’s leading financial capitals, this degree blends academic excellence with real-world application, making graduates highly attractive to employers across both the private and public sectors. The unique global outlook and emphasis on emerging markets further distinguishes SOAS finance graduates in today’s competitive job market.
Investment Banking: SOAS MSc Finance graduates are well-prepared for roles in investment banking, including areas such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A), equity and debt capital markets, and corporate advisory services. Employers value the analytical precision and international awareness SOAS students bring, especially when dealing with cross-border transactions and emerging market investments.
Financial Analyst: Many graduates pursue roles as financial analysts in banks, asset management firms, or corporate finance departments. These positions involve analyzing financial data, forecasting trends, and making recommendations for investment decisions. The strong quantitative and research skills developed at SOAS are key to success in these roles.
Risk Management Specialist: With increasing global financial volatility, risk management is a high-demand field. Graduates can enter roles that assess and mitigate financial, operational, and credit risks within organizations. SOAS provides the critical tools needed to identify vulnerabilities in financial systems and develop effective risk strategies.
Asset and Wealth Management: Careers in asset management involve managing investment portfolios for individuals, companies, or institutions. MSc Finance graduates from SOAS possess the technical skills to evaluate investment options, construct portfolios, and monitor performance. Their understanding of global financial markets also adds value when managing diverse, international portfolios.
Corporate Finance and Treasury: Graduates can work in corporate finance departments of multinational companies, managing capital structure, budgeting, and financial planning. Treasury roles also involve managing liquidity, funding, and financial risk, often requiring global financial insight—something SOAS is particularly known for due to its focus on international and emerging market finance.
Development Finance and Impact Investing: A distinctive career path for SOAS graduates is in development finance, working with institutions such as the World Bank, IMF, or regional development banks. Graduates may also explore roles in impact investing, where they finance projects that generate both financial returns and positive social or environmental impacts, especially in emerging economies.
Public Sector and Policy Roles: Given SOAS's strong emphasis on socio-economic and global development issues, MSc Finance graduates often find meaningful careers in government agencies, regulatory bodies, and policy think tanks. Roles in economic planning, financial regulation, and fiscal policy formulation are ideal for graduates with a broader interest in macroeconomics and governance.
Fintech and Innovation: As technology continues to disrupt the financial industry, graduates can enter the fast-growing fintech sector. Roles in blockchain, digital banking, and financial data analytics are increasingly available. SOAS’s strong foundation in financial theory, combined with its forward-thinking approach, prepares students to thrive in these innovative environments.
Research and Academia: Some graduates may choose to pursue further academic research or PhD programs in finance, economics, or related disciplines. SOAS’s research-intensive environment equips students with the academic rigour necessary for advanced studies and teaching roles in universities or research institutions.
Entrepreneurship and Consulting: Equipped with strong financial knowledge and a global perspective, many MSc Finance graduates venture into entrepreneurship or consultancy. They may start their own ventures or provide expert financial advice to companies seeking to expand into new markets or improve financial efficiency.
