MSc Finance and Investment
- MSc
Overview
The MSc Finance and Investment at the University of Bristol is a rigorous and forward-looking programme designed to equip students with a deep understanding of both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of modern finance. Core areas of study include asset pricing, corporate finance and quantitative methods for finance. In addition, students have the opportunity to tailor their learning through a wide selection of optional units covering derivatives, financial modelling, investment management, advanced corporate finance, banking, green and sustainable finance, financial technology, and behavioural finance. This combination of core and elective content ensures both depth and flexibility, enabling students to develop expertise in areas aligned with their interests and career goals.
A key distinguishing feature of the programme is its strong emphasis on applied learning. Students engage with practical coursework and gain hands-on experience with professional financial tools such as Bloomberg, Refinitiv Eikon, Capital IQ. The programme also incorporates a financial markets simulation, delivered in collaboration with Amplify Trading, a FinTech training provider known for working with leading global financial institutions. This simulation allows students to experience the pressures and decision-making processes involved in trading and portfolio management, helping them develop skills that are directly transferable to the workplace. The curriculum is delivered by internationally recognised academics whose research informs teaching at the forefront of the discipline.
Delivered over 12 months, this full-time programme is suitable for students with good undergraduate degrees in finance, economics, or accounting, as well as those with other quantitative backgrounds (for example, an undergraduate education in mathematics, engineering, or natural sciences). It concludes with an individual research project or dissertation, allowing students to apply financial theory and quantitative techniques to real-world problems.
Graduates of the MSc Finance and Investment are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in investment banking, asset management, financial consultancy, risk management, corporate finance or fintech. Employers value the programme’s blend of analytical rigour, practical training, and exposure to real-world financial tools. Alumni have gone on to secure roles in global financial institutions, consultancy firms, regulatory bodies, and technology-driven finance companies. The programme also provides a robust foundation for students considering further study at the doctoral level or aiming to pursue professional qualifications in finance.
Programme structure
This is a one-year programme. During the first semester, you will complete compulsory units. In the second semester, you will tailor the degree according to your interests by choosing from a range of optional units alongside compulsory training in quantitative methods. The final part of the MSc is a research-based dissertation. This involves identifying and analysing a research question in finance under the guidance of a member of staff. The dissertation gives you the opportunity to explore an original problem, source and process the relevant financial data, analyse that data, and learn to draw appropriate conclusions. The final results are presented in a report. There are competitive opportunities to collaborate with industry peers on dissertations.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the programme structure and unit content.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in a quantitative degree subject, such as Finance, Economics, Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics.
OR
If your degree subject is not listed above, you will typically need an upper second-class honours degree (60% or higher) or an international equivalent with three units of mathematics with 60% or above (or an international equivalent) in each unit, from the units listed in 'Maths qualification requirements' below.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant work experience or qualifications. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
- 5 years' work experience in a relevant sector
- a postgraduate qualification or professional qualification (CFA, FRM or ACCA)
Specific module requirements would still apply, which can be met in either undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level G.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
If your degree subject is not listed in the main entry requirements, you must have evidence of an upper second class honours degree which includes three units of mathematics with 60% or above (or international equivalent) in each unit. Examples of acceptable units include:
-
Advanced Maths (introductory maths does not count towards maths unit requirements)
- Algebra
- Calculus
- Financial Maths
- Maths
- Pure Maths
- Business Mathematics
- Business Statistics
- Computer Science (including programming/algorithms)
- Data Mining/Data Science/ Data Analytics
- Derivatives
- Econometrics
- Financial Modelling
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Investment Analysis
- Probability
- Quantitative Methods
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Statistics/Statistical Methods/Statistical Analysis
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £19,500 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £39,000 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
The Business School is offering a range of scholarships for master's students starting in 2026.
Scholarships for International Students include Think Big Scholarships and Think Big Career Accelerator Scholarships.
Scholarships for Home (UK) Students include the Business School Advance Scholarship.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
This programme provides excellent preparation for careers in investment banking, consulting, and corporate finance, and for further academic study in finance.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk