Masters in Accounts & Finance in UK: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

The UK’s financial sector contributes over £132 billion (₹14.5 lakh crore) to the economy annually and employs 1.1 million+ professionals (Source: TheCityUK). With London being a global financial hub, finance graduates have direct access to top firms like HSBC, Barclays, JP Morgan, and Goldman Sachs. 

A Master's in Finance in UK gives students access to world-class universities, top recruiters, and a strong job market.

Why Pursue a Master's in Finance in UK?

• UK universities like LSE, Oxford, and Imperial offer globally recognized finance degrees.
• Get a master’s degree and enter the job market faster.
• High demand for investment bankers, financial analysts, and fintech experts.
• Thousands of finance jobs open every year.

What This Page Covers:

Best Universities offering finance programs.
Tuition Fees & Living Costs – London vs. other UK cities.
Eligibility & Application Process for international students.
Scholarships & Financial Aid – How to reduce costs?
Career Opportunities – Salaries, job roles, and post-study work options.

Let’s explain everything you need to know about earning a Master's in Finance in UK.

Highlights: Master's in Finance in UK

Best Universities for Master's in Finance in UK (2025)

The UK has some of the best finance programs globally, with universities consistently ranked high in QS and Financial Times (FT) rankings. 

Top Universities for Master's in Finance in UK

Which University is Right for You?

• For Investment Banking & Asset Management: LSE, Oxford, and Cambridge have the highest placement rates.
• For FinTech & Quantitative Finance: Imperial, Bayes, and Cranfield focus on AI-driven finance and blockchain.
• For Risk Management & Corporate Finance: Warwick, Manchester, and Durham offer strong career pathways.
• For Budget-Friendly Finance Degrees: Durham and Manchester provide high-quality education at lower tuition fees.

What Specializations Can You Choose in a Master's in Finance in UK? 

The UK’s financial industry is one of the largest in the world, with over 2.3 million people working in finance-related roles (Source: UK Parliament). 

Specializing in the right area can help you stand out in a highly competitive job market, especially in cities like London, which hosts global finance giants like JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, and HSBC.

Which Specialization is Right for You?

If you’re interested in the growing FinTech space, London alone has over 2,500 FinTech startups (Source: Innovate Finance), which makes it a great place for students who want to work with AI, blockchain, or digital banking innovations.

Types of Master’s in Finance in UK 

The type of degree you choose will define the kind of finance professional you become. Some programs focus on deep technical skills, while others prepare you for leadership roles in banking and finance.

Which Finance Master’s Degree Suits You Best?

London processes 37% of global foreign exchange trading (Source: Bank of England), making it a prime location for finance professionals. If you’re looking for strong industry connections, consider universities in major finance hubs like London, Manchester, or Edinburgh.

For more details on top finance programs, check out the best business schools in the UK that offer strong industry ties and internship opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria for a Master's in Finance in UK

If you're planning to pursue a Master's in Finance in UK, you need to meet specific academic and language requirements. Some universities have stricter criteria, while others offer flexibility. Here's a checklist of what you need before applying:

Tip: If you don’t meet the requirements, some universities offer Pre-Master’s Finance courses to help bridge any academic gaps.

Application Process for a Master's in Finance in UK

Applications open a year in advance, with different deadlines depending on the university.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Deadlines & Best Time to Apply

Most finance programs in the UK follow a September/October intake, but some also offer a January intake.

Application Deadlines:

• September Intake: Applications open October–January. Some universities accept applications until April, but earlier applications have better acceptance chances.
• January Intake: Applications close September–November of the previous year.

Rolling Admissions & Early Applications

Some universities use a rolling admissions process, meaning applications are reviewed as they come in. Applying before January improves your chances of securing a spot at a top-ranked university.

Cost of Studying a Master's in Finance in UK

Tuition fees vary by university, and living costs in London are significantly higher than in other UK cities.

Estimated Costs for Finance Students in the UK

London is 25-40% more expensive than other UK cities. Choosing universities in Manchester, Edinburgh, or Leeds can cut down costs without compromising on quality education. Read more about the cost of living in the UK.

How to Manage Expenses?

• Apply for Scholarships: Check UK scholarships for international students.
• Work Part-Time: Students can work 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Learn more about part-time jobs in the UK.
• Student Loans & Assistantships: Some UK universities offer tuition fee reductions or assistantships for research roles.

Scholarships for Master's in Finance in UK

There are several scholarships available for finance students in the UK, including government-funded, university-specific, and private grants.

Top Scholarships for MSc Finance in the UK

Apply for scholarships at least 6–12 months in advance. Some scholarships require separate applications, while others are automatically considered when you apply for admission.

If you're interested in fully funded education, check study in the UK for free for additional funding options.

Career Opportunities After a Master's in Finance in UK

If you’re aiming for a finance career, the UK is one of the best places to be. London is a global financial hub, home to top investment banks, hedge funds, and fintech startups. If you want to work in investment banking, financial analysis, or risk management, a master’s in finance can provide access to high-paying roles and long-term career growth.

Top Finance Jobs & Salaries in the UK

London finance salaries are 20-30% higher than other UK cities due to demand and cost of living (Source: Glassdoor).

Best Companies Hiring Finance Graduates in the UK

Some of the biggest names in finance regularly hire MSc Finance graduates. Here’s where you’ll find the best opportunities:

• Investment Banks: Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Citi, Barclays
• Big 4 Consulting Firms: Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG
• Asset & Wealth Management: BlackRock, Vanguard, Fidelity
• FinTech & Digital Banks: Revolut, Stripe, Monzo

Want to know which finance jobs are the most in demand? Check out most in-demand jobs in the UK.

Finance Certifications That Complement a Master's in Finance in UK

A degree is great, but in the finance industry, certifications make a huge difference. Employers value candidates who go beyond academics and invest in professional training.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking at investment banking or asset management, CFA is a must-have. If risk and compliance interest you, go for FRM.

Work Permit & PR Pathways After a Master's in Finance in UK

The UK provides multiple visa routes that allow international graduates to stay and work after completing their degrees.

Post-Study Work Visa Options for Finance Graduates

How to Get a UK Work Visa After Graduation

1. Apply for the Graduate Route Visa
   • Allows finance graduates to stay in the UK for two years after completing their degree.
   • No job offer required at the time of application.
2. Secure a Finance Job with Visa Sponsorship
   • Finance roles in investment banking, asset management, fintech, and risk management often meet the £26,200 minimum salary requirement for a Skilled Worker Visa.
   • Companies like Goldman Sachs, Barclays, PwC, and Deloitte actively sponsor international finance graduates.
3. Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2)
   • After securing a full-time finance job, apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, which allows you to work in the UK for up to 5 years.
   • You can apply for PR (Indefinite Leave to Remain - ILR) after this period.
4. Apply for PR (Permanent Residency) After 5 Years
   • You must have lived and worked in the UK continuously for 5 years under a work visa.
   • Meet the salary threshold and pass the "Life in the UK" test.

If you're planning to stay in the UK long-term, check out this guide on how to get UK citizenship for Indians.

Is a Master's in Finance in UK Worth It?

Pros & Cons of Studying Finance in the UK

If your goal is to work in investment banking, fintech, or asset management, the UK is one of the best places to study finance. Read more about why studying in the UK is a great choice.