MSc Finance

At SOAS University of London’s MSc Finance, you won’t just study financial theory — you’ll apply it in realistic, professional environments. Because the programme is taught in the heart of London, you’re learning just steps away from global banks, investment firms, fintech hubs and policy institutions. Students gain hands-on experience through team-based consultancy projects, real data analysis, and applied coursework that reflects what finance employers actually expect. Throughout your degree, you’ll use specialist campus resources, modern study spaces, and the world-renowned SOAS Library to support your research and skill development.

Here’s how that experiential learning takes shape:

• Virtual Industry Consultancy Projects: Through SOAS’s partnership with Practera, you work in small teams on real client briefs — developing analytical, strategic and communication skills while solving live business problems.

• Finance & Business Network Seminar Series: Regular events bring industry speakers onto campus, giving you insight into banking, investment, risk management, and finance careers while expanding your professional contacts.

• Research-Driven, Applied Coursework: Modules such as Financial Data Modelling, Risk Management, and Green Finance involve working with real financial data, analytical tools, and case-based problem-solving.

• Dissertation or Practical Industry Project: You can choose a traditional research dissertation or opt for a practice-focused industry project to build portfolio-ready work experience.

• Group-Based Learning: Many modules incorporate collaborative tasks, presentations, and cross-cultural teamwork — essential preparation for global finance roles.

• SOAS Library: One of the UK’s major research libraries, offering extensive digital databases, journals, financial texts, study rooms, and research support services.

• University of London Network Access: As a SOAS student, you can use additional specialist libraries and study spaces across the University of London network, enhancing your access to finance-related resources.

• Careers and Employability Support: Workshops, one-to-one advising, employer events and skills training help you build confidence for roles in banking, consulting, asset management, risk, fintech and development finance.

Graduate outcomes: Graduates from the MSc Finance develop strong analytical, quantitative, and applied finance abilities that lead directly into roles across global banking, consultancy, financial institutions, and public-sector organisations. SOAS alumni often move into impactful positions in both private and public sectors, supported by the university’s unique global focus and London location. Typical job roles include: Investment Analyst, Financial Consultant, Risk Manager, and Economic Policy Advisor.

What this means for your future career:

• University services that help students gain employment:
  • The SOAS Careers Service provides one-to-one career advice, CV and interview support, skills workshops, employer events, and job/internship guidance.
  • Students take part in the Virtual Industry Project (delivered with Practera), working in consulting-style teams on real business problems for external organisations.
  • The Finance and Business Network brings industry practitioners and alumni into seminars and events — previous sessions have included events hosted at major financial institutions such as Citigroup’s Canary Wharf offices.

• Employment stats and salary outlook:
  • While the MSc Finance does not publish programme-specific salaries, SOAS postgraduate graduates overall show strong employability, with the majority entering work or further study within months of graduation.
  • Many MSc Finance graduates progress into financial services, consulting, policy, and research roles soon after completing the degree.

• University–industry partnerships:
  • Collaboration with Practera gives students the chance to engage with external organisations through structured, real-world projects.
  • Regular seminars and networking events connect students to professionals from banking, consultancy, and public-sector organisations.

• Long-term accreditation value:
  • SOAS is ranked within the UK’s top institutions for Accounting and Finance, reflecting strong academic quality and reputation.
  • The School of Finance and Management has a recognised research profile, ensuring that teaching is rigorous, up to date, and aligned with industry expectations.

• Graduation outcomes:
  Graduates from finance-related programmes at SOAS have gone on to work with organisations such as Citi, Deloitte, EY, HM Treasury, JP Morgan, KPMG, Santander, UBS, the Financial Times, the World Food Programme, and other global financial, consulting, and policy institutions.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Finance, students commonly progress to PhD or MPhil research in Finance, Economics, Development Studies, or Business-related fields. Others pursue advanced professional qualifications such as the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or FRM (Financial Risk Manager) to specialise further and strengthen long-term career progression in investment, risk, and financial analysis.