As one of the leading global financial hubs, it’s no surprise that the UK serves as home to a string of world-class universities offering Masters in Finance degrees. University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and London Business School are just a few names in the list.
If you’re excited by numbers and the world of investments and insurance then doing a Masters in Finance can be your next big move. Choosing the UK as your academic destination leaves you with a competitive edge since the country has several international banking, fintech, and finance firms where you can seek lucrative career roles ahead.
If you’re really interested in pursuing a Masters in Finance in the UK, make sure you’re going through our comprehensive guide comprising the list of top 10 universities in the UK offering Masters in Finance, their costs, eligibility, scholarships, job prospects and more.
10 Best Universities in the UK for Masters in Finance
In the UK, a Masters in Finance course typically takes 9 months to a year to complete. The course curriculum is the perfect blend of theory and practical applications designed to hone your analytical skills, thereby preparing you for top analytical roles ahead.
Here’s a quick look at the top 10 Best Universities in the UK for Masters in Finance and their respective QS rankings:
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a University in the UK for a Masters in Finance
With so many options available, the entire process of selecting the right university in the UK for a Masters in Finance might end up overwhelming you. So, here we are offering you a comprehensive look at the top considerations that should ideally govern your choice:
Accreditation: Checking accreditation is important to ensure you’re only enrolling in a university that meets the quality benchmark. Very few business schools in Europe have the “Triple Crown’ accreditation, i.e., AACSB, AMBA, and EFMD/EQUIS.
Course Modules and Specialization: Find out if a particular program you’re researching suits your learning style, interests, and career goals or not
Location: Consider places that offer you the right balance of cost and quality in terms of living, food, accommodation, and transportation
Graduate employability: Dig up their placement records to get an idea about the average rate of graduate employability
Alumni network: Speak to current students to secure valuable insights into the overall university experience
Fees and scholarships: The tuition fees may vary across universities in the UK. So it’s important to compare tuition fees and the availability of funding options for the course selected by you
Specific programs may require you to furnish details of relevant work experience as well
The eligibility criteria may vary basis the university you’re applying for. So, make sure you’re checking the official websites of the universities thoroughly before applying.
Admission Process for UK Universities Offering Masters in Finance
Now that you’re aware of the eligibility requirements for studying a Masters in Finance at the top UK universities, let’s take a look at the steps that you need to follow while applying:
Application Process in Steps
A quick look at the application process that you can follow for a Masters in Finance degree in the UK
Select a suitable college (in terms of the courses offered, costs, scholarships, and your eligibility)
Make sure you have all the supporting documents in one place. It may take a little longer than usual to get hold of all of them together, so make sure you’re starting well ahead of time:
Cost of Studying a Masters in Finance at UK Universities
The average cost of studying for a Masters in Finance in the UK is GBP 32,000 (INR 36,63,036 approx). Please note that the average costs may vary across universities depending on their rankings and the specific programs offered by them.
Sharing a quick look at the average course fees charged by a few top universities in the UK to international students:
University of Oxford (Said Business School) - GBP 59,360 (INR 67,98,797 approx)
University of Cambridge- GBP 57,850 (INR 65,45,035 approx) + GBP 120 (INR 13,742 approx) (Application fee)
London School of Economics- GBP 48,500 (INR 55,53,119 approx)
Besides the average tuition fees, do take the overall accommodation, food, healthcare, and transportation costs into consideration as well. The average may vary across locations, so make sure you’re researching your options properly.
Scholarships and Funding Options in the UK for a Masters in Finance
International students aiming for the top universities in the UK for Masters in Finance programs can explore several scholarships and funding options available for them:
Scholarships
Offered By
Coverage
Chevening Scholarships
Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Officer and Partner Organizations
Fully-Funded
Clarendon Fund
University of Oxford
Fully-Funded
Rhodes Scholarship
Rhodes Trust
Fully-Funded
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
University of Cambridge
Fully-Funded
UCL Global Masters Scholarship
University College London
Partial Coverage
LSE Masters Awards
London School of Economics
Partial Coverage
WMG Excellence Scholarships
University of Warwick
Partial Coverage
Source: Official Websites
Top Jobs After Studying a Masters in Finance in the UK
Studying a Masters in Finance at one of the top 10 universities in the UK opens up a plethora of highly rewarding career options for you. With an in-depth knowledge of financial disciplines like financial markets and institutions, corporate finance, accounting, financial analysis, and quantitative methods, you can land top roles like:
Job Role
Average Annual Salary (approx)
Portfolio Manager
GBP 65,716 / INR 75,50,564
Risk Analyst
GBP 42,093 / INR 48,36,355
Financial Analyst
GBP 50,827 / INR 58,39,864
Investment Analyst
GBP 49,349 / INR 56,70,047
Financial Advisor Consultant
GBP 48,895 / INR 56,17,883
How upGrad Can Help You Apply and Prepare for a Masters in Finance in the UK
Get in touch with highly credentialed advisors at upGrad to secure all the help you need while you’re in the process of applying for a Masters in Finance at one of the top UK universities. We can help you streamline your search by:
Guiding you with the choice of your foreign university
Guiding you with the selection of the right program
Getting you to study online with our reputed partner university in India in your first year with us
Getting you off to a foreign university in the second year
What are the typical application deadlines for UK universities offering Masters in Finance programs?
Most of the universities offering Masters in Finance in the UK accept July-September intakes, though the particular application deadlines may vary across the universities. The best bet is to look up the official websites of individual universities while you’re applying for these courses.
Is prior work experience mandatory for admission into a UK Masters in Finance program?
No, it is not mandatory to have prior work experience for admission into a UK Masters in Finance program. However, if you do have any prior relevant work experience you can submit details to be considered a part of your application by the university.
Are international students allowed to work part-time during their studies in the UK?
Yes, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week while they are studying in the UK. Don’t forget to look up the work permit guidelines for international students, if you are considering part-time opportunities there.
Do UK Masters in Finance programs offer internship opportunities?
Yes, several universities in the UK allow you to do internships while you’re doing your Masters. These internships are your exposure to real-world settings, designed to boost future employability.
What are the benefits of alumni networks for graduates of UK finance programs?
Being a part of the alumni networks helps you stay updated with the latest industry trends and get access to highly insightful mentorship programs. In future when students are in hiring positions, it’s through these networks that they seek boomerang hires that end up saving hiring costs significantly.
Are there stay-back opportunities for students?
With a graduate visa you are allowed to stay back for 2 years in the UK after you complete your Masters in Finance degree. For a visa extension, reach out to the concerned authorities in the country.
Is a Masters degree in Finance from the UK recognized globally?
Yes, it is- the simple reason being the UK has several universities that continue featuring among the top 10 best universities across the world. A Masters in Finance degree from Oxford or Cambridge can help you go places!
Is it possible to pursue a part-time or online Masters in Finance in the UK?
Yes, several leading universities in the country offer part-time degree courses to international students. The online courses aren't advertised heavily at present, so you can personally check with the universities.
Is a Statement of Purpose important for studying in the UK?
Yes, it is. An SOP or Statement of Purpose clearly outlining why you wish to apply to a specific UK university is a critical component of your application process. Any discrepancy in the SOP can jeopardize your shot at your preferred university.
How can you find employment after completing a Masters in Finance in the UK?
There are various media through which you can look up jobs in the UK after completing your Masters in Finance. A few of those channels would be job portals, social media, recruitment agencies and newspapers.
What are the leading companies hiring international students from top universities offering a Masters in Finance in the UK?
JP Morgan, Deloitte, Admiral Group, Air Swift, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Hunt, and Capstone feature among the top recruiters absorbing students with Masters in Finance degrees from the top universities in the UK.
A post graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication, Pratishtha enjoys penning down things significant. What interests her the most is exploring and researching on gamut of study abroad.
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