Finance (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
From corporate and investment to sustainable finance, master real-world challenges and shape your path to becoming an innovative, future-ready finance leader.
Social responsibility
Study traditional finance subjects alongside climate change and ethical requirements.
Topical and engaged
Build your network with events and societies, like the Finance and Trading Society.
Gain practical skills
Use cutting-edge simulations in our Trading Room, with optional Bloomberg qualification.
Emphasis on employability
From corporate and investment to sustainable finance, you’ll master real-world challenges and shape your path to becoming an innovative, future-ready finance leader.
Combining cutting-edge theory with real-world challenges, our Finance (MSc) programme prepares you for career success in the evolving finance world.
You’ll explore such topics as asset pricing and investment management while developing consultancy and research skills.
You’ll study innovative financial technologies and instruments, electronic trading, ethical financial decision making and the corporate financial life cycle. Optional modules allow you to tailor your learning in line with your career ambitions.
Exposed to cutting-edge trading simulations in our flagship Trading Room - one of the largest in the UK – you’ll put theory into action, gaining the practical skills required for life at the stock exchange.
Wherever your ambition lies, as an MSc Finance graduate you’ll be equipped and confident to pursue your career in the interconnected, diverse and ever-changing international finance context.
Accreditations
“I found the modules appealing, striking the right balance between empirical and theoretical topics. I also enjoyed the focus on trading and financial markets; the atmosphere in the trading room is phenomenal, it accurately reflects the vibes you feel on an actual trading floor.”
Where you'll study
Cardiff Business School
We’re an AACSB International and AMBA-accredited Business School with a clear mission: to make a positive impact in the communities of Wales and the world.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in any discipline with at least one module related to mathematics, statistics or quantitative content, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
If you do not have a degree in a relevant area, your application may be considered on the basis of your professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
This is a 1-year full-time programme, running from September to September.
Taught Stage (September – June): Between September and June, you’ll study 120 credits of taught modules.
Dissertation Stage (July to September): On successful completion of the taught stage, you’ll undertake a dissertation project.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
During the taught phase of the programme, you’ll cover the key areas of finance with optional modules allowing you to tailor your learning to your interests and career aspirations.
On successful completion of the taught stage, you’ll undertake an independent research dissertation focused on a real-world finance challenge.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Asset Pricing | BST951 | 20 credits |
| Corporate Finance | BST954 | 20 credits |
| Financial Markets and Investment | BST973 | 20 credits |
| Critical skills for Finance Professionals | BST981 | 20 credits |
| Research Dissertation: Accounting, Finance and Fintech | BST980 | 60 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Technology and Behaviour | BST976 | 20 credits |
| International Financial Management | BST978 | 20 credits |
| Market Structure and Electronic Trading | BST985 | 20 credits |
| Sustainable Finance | BST986 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
Our Finance (MSc) programme is taught through a block structure. You’ll concentrate on 1 or 2 modules at a time, allowing you to immerse yourself in a particular subject area before moving onto the next.
We believe that learning is most effective when you engage with contemporary real-world challenges and critically reflect on them using diverse tools and perspectives. You’ll learn through a blend of lectures and smaller-group tutorials, industry insights and case studies, complemented by self-directed study activities.
Our teaching is designed to develop not only your academic capability but also your professional confidence. You’ll work with other students to reflect on your existing knowledge and skills; collaborative learning enables you to gain insights into the nature finance in a variety of contexts.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments are designed to help you build confidence and apply your knowledge in authentic contexts. You’ll encounter a mix of individual and group-based tasks, including reports, presentations, essays, video creation and exams.
Short knowledge/skill review activities are built into each module to help you check your progress and build confidence.
All formal assessments are completed within, and at the end of each module block. This facilitates more in-depth consolidation and application of knowledge which contributes to successful performance in assessment tasks.
How will I be supported?
Learning
Course materials will be provided on Learning Central, our Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll also have access to libraries across our campus which hold over 1.1 million printed books, supplemented by online books, journals, resources and databases.
If English is not your first language, then our Academic English Skills for International Students team offer classes and one-to-one tutorials to support your studies including reading, writing and presentation skills.
Wellbeing
You’ll be assigned a Personal Tutor, who can support you with academic and pastoral matters in a confidential and informal manner. Additional support is available through our Student Life teams, based in the Centre for Student Life. These teams include Advice and Money, Counselling services, Health and Wellbeing, the Student Disability Service including dyslexia support, and Student Visa Support.
Careers and Employability
The Student Futures team can enhance your career prospects by offering tailored support throughout your studies. You’ll benefit from expert advice on CV writing, interview techniques, and job applications. The team can support you with internships, placements, and networking opportunities, giving you valuable real-world experience. If you are an international student, Student Futures offers tailored support to explore part-time jobs, placements, and graduate roles in the UK and globally.
Community
You’ll become a member of the Cardiff Business School community, making friends and connections that will last beyond your studies. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in programme and school level events and activities that enhance your learning and broaden your experiences.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
- Apply modern finance knowledge to analyse emerging challenges and development in global business environments.
- Critique the interrelationships between principles, theories, techniques, and practice of finance.
- Apply investment, asset pricing and trading knowledge to evaluate the financial and investment market.
- Systematically comprehend the economic, environmental, and social responsibilities of finance in contemporary society.
- Critically evaluate contemporary issues in finance by drawing on current research and practice.
Intellectual Skills:
- Define a business or research-based problem in finance field clearly.
- Review and select an appropriate research approach commonly used in finance.
- Evaluate the relative merits of different methods in econometrics and finance and competing forms of data and evidence.
- Critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate contrasting perspectives and their supporting evidence.
- Develop well-evidenced conclusions and recommendations for effective decision-making.
Professional Practical Skills:
- Analyse data and predict future trends in financial markets.
- Select and interrogate appropriate databases and relevant econometric software packages.
- Apply relevant financial knowledge for effective day-to-day decision making.
Develop effective working relationships with peers.
Transferable/Key Skills:
- Communicate with clarity and confidence to diverse audiences through a range of media.
- Challenge established views and assumptions based on robust evidence generated from commonly used quantitative methods.
- Work independently and take the initiative and be proactive.
- Use financial databases and tools to solve problems.
- Respond flexibly to different financial market conditions.
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £13,950 | None |
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £31,700 | £2,500 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
No.
Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?
No specific equipment is needed
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
An employability focus is embedded throughout, including case studies and assessments that mirror the challenges you’ll face in the workplace.
Combining academic depth with real-world relevance, you’ll be provided with a strong platform to embark on a broad range of careers in the accounting and financial services sector. We integrate technical, professional and critical skills to prepare you for roles in investment, banking, consultancy, management and beyond. Flexibility within the programme allows you to specialise in areas of interest. Throughout the course, there is a strong emphasis on ethical awareness, critical thinking and sustainability – vital skills in today’s business environment.
You’ll hear from guest speakers from industry, who’ll provide useful insights as you prepare for your future career. You’ll also have the chance to attend events hosted by Cardiff University Investment Society and Fintech Wales, allowing you to deepen your knowledge and network.
Some modules offer the opportunity to undertake Bloomberg certificates, taking advantage of our trading room facility.
Our alumni have gone on to become analysts, financial managers, consultants, traders and auditors in such organisations as the London Stock Exchange Group, Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, JP Morgan, China Merchants Bank and Petronas.
Placements
You’ll benefit from a range of experiential and work-based learning opportunities that allow you to apply theory to practice and develop professional skills.
While the programme doesn’t include a formal placement, some modules enable you to undertake applied research, engage with contemporary case studies, take part in skills development sessions, and undertake exercises that address real-world issues for accounting and finance professionals today.
Where possible, we aim to provide opportunities to meet with industry professionals, allowing you to benefit from work-based learning activities, such as guest lectures and site visits.
“I want to follow a career in research and contribute to the latest academic thinking in finance. I’ve learnt about quantitative methods and empirical and mathematical finance which are all crucial tools for any early career researcher in the field of finance.”
Next steps
Open Day visits
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Contact us for more information about this course.International
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
