MPhil in Advanced Chemical Engineering

11 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Cambridge

Program Overview

The MPhil in Finance at the University of Cambridge is ideal for students who want a rigorous, research-focused grounding in finance. Over nine months, you’ll dive into the theory and practice of corporate finance, asset pricing, and econometrics, equipping you with the skills to pursue a PhD or a career in quantitative finance.

Curriculum Structure

Core Courses:
You’ll start with six core modules, including Corporate Finance I, Asset Pricing I, microeconomics, and advanced econometrics. These courses give you a strong understanding of how firms make financial decisions, how assets are priced, and how to analyse financial risk using quantitative methods.
Elective Modules:
You can then choose three electives tailored to your interests. Options include Advanced Financial Models, Advanced Probability, Economics of Networks, and How to Do Finance (focusing on research skills). This flexibility lets you explore the areas that matter most for your career or academic ambitions.
Dissertation Option:
If you have strong research experience and want to go deeper, you can submit a 12,000-word dissertation instead of three electives—an excellent stepping stone to a PhD.
Prep Course:
Before the program starts, there’s a mathematics and statistics online pre-course, ensuring everyone is ready for the quantitative demands of the MPhil.

Focus Areas

Corporate finance, asset pricing, econometrics, microeconomics, quantitative modelling, and financial research methods.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to:

Understand and analyse advanced concepts in finance.
Apply mathematical, statistical, and econometric tools to real-world problems.
Critically evaluate research and design independent studies in finance.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While not vocational, the MPhil is highly respected academically, and graduates often progress to PhD programs or research-oriented roles in finance.

Reputation (Employability)

Cambridge Judge Business School is world-renowned, and the MPhil in Finance is valued for its research strength. Alumni go on to top PhD programs and competitive roles in quantitative finance, asset management, and academia.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Cambridge MFin isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s designed so you actually do finance. From building real financial models to presenting investment recommendations, you’ll get hands-on experience that mirrors what professionals do in the City and beyond. You’ll also work closely with peers, faculty, and industry experts, gaining skills and connections that set you up for a successful finance career.

Here’s how your practical learning comes to life:

Equity Research Project: Work in a team to analyse a real company, build a valuation model, and write a full equity research report — then present your buy/sell recommendation, just like a professional analyst.
Group Consulting Project: Solve a real-world problem for a company or organization in a team setting, applying everything you’ve learned in class to a tangible business challenge.
Summer Internship or Project: You can take a summer internship, a project through the programme, or even an optional international summer course — giving you valuable, career-relevant experience.
City Speaker Series: Learn directly from top finance professionals in talks and Q&A sessions — plus, it’s a great chance to build your network.
Financial Modelling Workshops: Get hands-on training in Excel and other tools to build models used in real finance, including valuations, LBOs, and more.
Electives Tailored to You: Choose from electives like machine learning in finance, blockchain, hedge funds, or sustainable finance to shape your learning around your interests.
Career & Personal Development: Benefit from coaching, leadership workshops, and interview preparation to sharpen your professional skills.
Research Centre Access: Tap into Cambridge’s world-leading finance research centres, from risk studies to alternative finance, giving you exposure to cutting-edge knowledge and methods.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Cambridge’s MFin gives you the skills, knowledge, and networks to hit the ground running in finance. Graduates often move into roles such as:

Investment Banking or Corporate Finance Analyst – working on deals, valuations, and mergers
Asset Management / Investment Manager – managing funds or portfolios, including private equity
Fintech or Quantitative Finance Specialist – applying data analytics, AI, and financial modelling
Risk & Strategy Consultant – advising firms on financial strategy, capital allocation, and risk management

Cambridge makes sure you’re ready for these careers:

Career Support: Cambridge Judge’s Careers Service offers personalised guidance, CV and interview help, and access to a huge alumni network. You’ll also benefit from industry speaker events and finance workshops.
Employment & Outcomes: Around 75% of MFin graduates secure a job within 4 months. Many also make a significant career shift, switching roles, sectors, or countries after the degree.
Industry Connections: The programme is designed with close input from the finance industry. You’ll also have opportunities to work on practical projects and learn from peers with real-world experience.
Long-Term Value: Beyond technical finance skills, you’ll develop leadership, communication, and negotiation skills. The degree also connects you to a global alumni network that opens doors for career growth.
Graduation Outcomes: You’ll finish with a strong finance toolkit, including core knowledge in valuation, financial reporting, and strategy, plus electives like derivatives, sustainable finance, or private equity. Many graduates see substantial salary growth after completing the MFin.

Further Academic Progression:
After the MFin, you could:

Pursue a PhD in finance or a related field if you’re interested in research or academia.
Move into Fintech or quantitative roles, leveraging your mix of financial and analytical skills.
Take on strategic or leadership roles in investment management, corporate finance, or consulting, with the MFin giving you credibility and expertise to progress quickly.