MSc Finance with Placement Year

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 with Placement Year at SOAS University of London is a comprehensive two-year program that provides students with the necessary skills and industry experience to excel in the global financial sector. The integration of a placement year offers students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting, enhancing both their employability and understanding of the financial markets. With a strong emphasis on emerging markets, sustainability, and financial inclusion, graduates are well-positioned to pursue diverse and impactful careers in finance across various industries.

Investment Banking Analyst: Graduates from the MSc Finance with Placement Year program are highly sought after by investment banks due to their advanced understanding of financial modeling, risk analysis, and corporate finance. These graduates can enter roles as analysts in areas like mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate advisory, and capital markets. The placement year helps build critical industry experience, making graduates more attractive to top-tier investment banks and financial institutions globally.

Corporate Finance Professional: Corporate finance roles involve managing a company’s financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and strategic planning. Graduates of the MSc Finance program can pursue careers as financial analysts, treasury analysts, or corporate finance managers. With a comprehensive understanding of financial markets, capital structures, and financial strategy, graduates can help organizations maximize profitability and minimize financial risk.

Risk Management Specialist: Given the global complexity and volatility of financial markets, risk management has become an increasingly important field. MSc Finance graduates are well-prepared to enter risk management roles where they assess, identify, and mitigate financial risks. These professionals work for financial institutions, corporations, and regulatory bodies, ensuring that organizations adhere to risk management best practices and navigate potential threats, such as market fluctuations and credit risks.

Asset and Wealth Management Advisor: Asset and wealth management involves advising clients on investment strategies and managing portfolios. Graduates can become portfolio managers, asset managers, or wealth management advisors, working with private clients, institutions, or family offices to achieve investment goals. The program’s focus on emerging markets and sustainable finance equips graduates to manage diverse portfolios that consider financial returns alongside social and environmental impact.

Financial Consultant: Financial consultants provide expert advice to businesses on financial planning, investment strategies, and regulatory compliance. MSc Finance graduates are well-prepared for consulting roles, where they work with clients across different sectors, including banking, healthcare, and technology. Consultants leverage their financial expertise to help businesses improve financial performance, optimize capital allocation, and navigate complex financial regulations.

Sustainable Finance Expert: With growing concerns over environmental and social issues, there is increasing demand for financial professionals who specialize in sustainable finance. Graduates of the MSc Finance with Placement Year program can pursue roles in green finance, impact investing, or ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) analysis. These professionals develop and implement strategies to invest in projects that not only offer financial returns but also contribute to environmental and social sustainability.

Fintech and Financial Technology Roles: The rise of fintech has transformed the financial industry, creating new opportunities for professionals in digital banking, cryptocurrency, and financial data analytics. Graduates can explore careers in fintech startups or large technology companies that offer digital financial services. With a focus on innovative financial solutions, MSc Finance students are well-equipped to understand both the technical and financial aspects of fintech, making them ideal candidates for roles in product development, digital finance, or financial data analysis.

Private Equity and Venture Capital: Private equity and venture capital firms provide funding to companies at various stages of their development. MSc Finance graduates can work as analysts or associates in private equity or venture capital firms, where they assess investment opportunities, conduct due diligence, and help manage portfolios. The placement year provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the investment process, positioning graduates to contribute effectively to investment decisions and deal structuring.

Financial Regulation and Compliance: Financial institutions must adhere to various regulatory standards to ensure transparency and protect investors. MSc Finance graduates can work in regulatory bodies, compliance departments of banks, or financial advisory firms to monitor and enforce financial regulations. These professionals ensure that organizations comply with the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern financial markets, particularly in emerging markets where regulations may be rapidly evolving.

Development Finance and International Institutions: SOAS is known for its focus on emerging markets and global development, which provides graduates with a unique perspective on development finance. Graduates can work in international organizations such as the World Bank, the IMF, or regional development banks, where they design and implement financial strategies that support sustainable development in low-income and emerging economies. These roles often involve securing funding for large-scale infrastructure projects or economic development initiatives.

Entrepreneurship: The MSc Finance with Placement Year program equips students with not only financial skills but also a comprehensive understanding of business operations. As a result, many graduates venture into entrepreneurship, starting their own financial consulting firms, fintech startups, or other financial services businesses. The hands-on experience gained during the placement year can help graduates build strong industry connections and gain the practical knowledge needed to launch and manage successful ventures.