Is A Master Of Science In Finance Worth It?

Are you an aspiring professional with a strong skillset in mathematics, economics, engineering, statistics and business? Maybe you’re a recent graduate wishing to advance your way in a finance career or you’ve already started a job in the finance industry and want to advance your career into a more specialised role? Here we outline the ways in which completing a Master of Science (MSc) in Finance could provide you with the career and salary boost you’re looking for.

What is a Master of Science in Finance? 

A Master of Science in Finance is a specialised postgraduate programme to advance your knowledge and practical skills in economics, accounting and financial strategy that you can use in banking, investment management, consulting or corporate finance. Typically lasting two years, a masters’ degree in finance is the ultimate qualification in topics including asset markets, investment analysis, risk management and financial engineering.

Who Can Obtain an MSc in Finance Degree?

Different institutions will have different admissions criteria, but an MS Finance Degree will require a strong academic background in finance, economics, mathematics, engineering or a related quantitative field. You might also be eligible if you have already embarked on a financial career path that includes mathematics, statistics or econometric skills. Invariably, you will also require English language proficiency if you an international student. Click here to find out more about what to know before starting a Master of Science in Finance in the UK at the London School of Business & Finance.

What does a Master's Degree in Finance comprise?

You will embark on a comprehensive programme that will provide a deep dive into complex world of finance, blending foundational academic theory with real-world analytical skills that employers in the financial sector so value. Most MSF programmes comprise three main components:

• Rigorous Coursework – involving a mix of core and elective

  1. Core modules provide a robust foundation in essentials financial topics such as corporate finance, Investments and Asset Markets, Derivatives and Risk Management, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Quantitative Methods and Financial Econometrics.

  2. Elective Modules enable specialisation in specific areas such as Sustainable Finance, ESG investing, FinTech, Mergers and Acquisitions and Private Equity.

• Practical Application and Skill Development

Learning to apply theory into practice via case studies and simulations, industry internships and projects, as well as learning professional skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, presentation and industry-standard tools and platforms, that are crucial for success in the industry.

• Programme Completion

Your final assessment component will typically comprise a research project or dissertation on a specific topic, as well as exams or coursework.

Why Get a Master’s Degree in Finance?

Depending on your career objectives and personal circumstances, a master’s in finance can significantly enhance your career prospects by providing the advanced knowledge, specialised theoretical and practical skills, as well as an expanded professional network. You can elect to study specific modules that will make you stand out to employers and provide you with that competitive edge to advance your prospects with positions of greater responsibility and improved salaries.

Costs involved in a Master of Science in Finance

If studying at a UK institution, tuition fees for a MS finance degree can vary in top universities from £23,000 to £47,000 per year, or from £15,000 to £22,000 outside London. On addition, you must factor in living costs, if pursuing an on-campus degree, or technology fees if studying remotely. Some institutions may offer scholarships or grants. Student loans are also widely available, so investigate the ways in which lowering the cost of tuition may be available.

Top Industries Hiring MSc in Finance Graduates

Your investment into an MSc Finance could well be worth it however, as it can open the door to multiple careers in finance. Here are just some of the finance graduate jobs in Banking and Financial Services you could consider:

• Investment Banking and Private Equity: act as a financial advisor helping corporations and institutions raise capital and execute major transactions, and earn fees for your advisory and underwriting services. Or invest pooled capital from institutions and individuals into private companies. Improve the operations and value of portfolio companies before selling them for a profit. Take more of an ownership, rather than advisory, role.

• Financial Advisor and Consultant: provide guidance to individuals or businesses on managing their money, investments and planning to help achieve specific financial goals.

• Fintech (Financial Technology Companies): harness technology-enabled financial innovation such as mobile banking apps and online payment systems to make financial services more efficient and user-friendly.

• Risk Management and Compliance: proactively identify, assess and mitigate potential threats to an organisation’s objectives, assets and earnings. Ensure adherence to all mandatory external laws, regulations and internal policies.

• Real Estate and Property Management Finance: handle the funding, investment analysis, acquisition, development and sale of property assets. Or focus specifically on the day-to-day financial operations of an existing, functional property.

• Insurance and Actuarial Services: oversee the payment of a premium in exchange for financial protection against specified losses or damages. Utilise specific mathematical and statistical analysis to measure, price and manage the financial risks inherent in insurance and pension plans.

• Asset Management and Wealth Management: manage and invest pooled funds into assets like stocks, bods and real estate to maximise return or work with high-net-worth individuals to address their entire financial well-being.

Choose the London School of Business and Finance for Your MS Finance Degree Course

If you wish to pursue your MSc in Finance degree at one of London’s top educational institutions, with industry experts either on campus or remotely, London School of Business & Finance is an excellent option. Our Finance Programmes are career-focused and can be followed fully online, providing accessibility to student worldwide and allowing you to study flexibly, balancing education with professional or personal commitments. Our courses are taught by experienced tutors who bring real-world finance expertise, ensuring your knowledge growth is current and industry relevant. And we offer a range of career support to help you navigate your job search effectively.

FAQs

How Much Can You Earn With a Master’s Degree in Finance?

In May 2024, the median annual wage for finance graduate jobs was over £60,000. Investment banking is one of the most lucrative occupations you can pursue once you’ve obtained your Master’s and often average between £84,000 and £165,000 per year at major bulge bracket and elite boutique firms.

What are the Differences Between an MSc in Finance and an MBA in Finance?

An MS Finance Degree offers a deep, specialised, and quantitative education in financial theory for those seeking technical roles, while an MBA with a finance concentration provides a broad business and management education with a finance specialism, typically targeting leadership positions.

How Long Does It Take to Get a MSc Finance degree?

Full-time study curricula in the UK can take nine to twelve months. Part-time programmes typically extend over two academic years. Many institutions, like LSBF, offer flexible or fully online programmes.

How can MSc Finance help your career?

There are so many careers in finance you can pursue with an MSc in Finance. Many doors will open for you with this qualification in Investment Banking and Private Equity. Asset and Wealth Management, Corporate Finance and Consulting, Risk Management and Compliance, as well is emerging sectors with the rise of new technology and sustainability initiatives.

Do I need good math skills for MS finance degree?

If you hate maths, then this is not the degree for you, but you don’t have to be Einstein either. That said, most finance degrees include courses in mathematics, statistics course, financial modelling and economics.

Is Master of Science in Finance online worth it?

Do you wish to hone your aptitude for analytical problem-solving and feed your interest in the intricacies of financial markets, investment strategies and corporate finance? Do you wish to boost your earning potential by taking on challenging roles in the ever-evolving, dynamic finance industry? Are you happy to balance your career and personal obligations with a flexible study schedule? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you should definitely consider completing your master of science in finance online.

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