The Lancaster University provides a Master of Science in Finance degree from its prestigious Management School, which is ranked as one of the best in the UK. The 1-year full-time intensive program is designed to provide students with a solid grounding in contemporary finance concepts, quantitative methods, and practical applications. The program has a well-balanced mix of theory and practice, enabling graduates to pursue a broad variety of professional opportunities in the international financial markets. It's particularly appropriate for those wanting to go into investment banking, asset management, financial consulting, or corporate finance careers.
Curriculum Structure:
The MSc Finance program combines academic rigor with practical relevance. Students learn about:
• Corporate Finance and Financial Markets – core subjects at the center of modern financial systems.
• Quantitative Methods for Finance – building analytical and modeling skills.
• Derivatives Pricing, Risk Management, and Fixed Income – imparting knowledge of complex instruments and markets.
• Empirical Finance and Econometrics – teaching how to use theory in the context of real data tests.
• Dissertation or Applied Research Project – an opportunity to research a finance topic in depth, typically with the aid of data and faculty supervision.
There is also potential to engage in Bloomberg and Refinitiv Eikon training, giving students exposure to industry-standard platforms.
Accreditation:
Lancaster's MSc Finance is part of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, which aligns the course syllabus closely with the CFA Level I examination. This affiliation supports students pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter by granting access to scholarships and study materials.
Campus Location:
Located in Lancashire, England, Lancaster's green and spacious campus has cutting-edge learning provision and a lively student community. The Management School is particularly well-equipped with brand new lecture theatres, computer labs, and dedicated group work and finance simulation areas.
Lancaster places considerable emphasis on learning by doing. Students are able to draw on a wide range of practical opportunities:
• Consultancy and Research Projects – Put learning into practice on actual projects with industry or data-rich finance case studies.
• Internship Opportunities – Though not mandatory, students are encouraged to apply for internships during breaks. Students in the past have interned in companies including Barclays, PwC, Deloitte, HSBC, and smaller boutique finance organizations.
• Finance Society and Competitions – Join student-led societies, take part in trading competitions, case competitions, and even simulations of real-world financial decision-making.
• Guest Lectures and Networking – There are regular events for alumni and finance professionals from the City of London and beyond.
The LUMS Careers Team offers finance students tailored support, including:
• Career planning appointments, one-to-one guidance, and mock interviews.
• Help with preparing an outstanding CV and cover letter.
• Invitations to exclusive employer networking events and on-campus career fairs.
Employability:
Lancaster MSc Finance students are well-positioned for competitive roles in banking, consulting, investment management, corporate finance, and fintech. Graduates are currently working at JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Ernst & Young, KPMG, and Bloomberg. Employers value Lancaster's integration of quantitative skills development, industry relevance, and critical thinking.
Further Academic Progression:
While many students go directly into the workforce, others pursue further education, such as a PhD in Finance, or specialize in Financial Engineering, Risk Management, or even Data Science to augment their finance skills.
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