MSc Law and Finance

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Durham University

Program Overview

The MSc Law and Finance at Durham University is designed for students who want to combine rigorous legal knowledge with advanced financial expertise, opening doors to careers at the intersection of law, finance, and business. This program suits ambitious graduates who are looking to develop analytical skills, understand complex financial markets, and navigate regulatory frameworks with confidence.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Students begin by building a solid foundation in both law and finance. Core modules like Corporate Finance, International Business Law, and Financial Reporting introduce essential principles of corporate finance, legal structures in business, and the interpretation of financial statements. By integrating these disciplines, students gain a strong understanding of how law and finance interact in real-world business contexts.

Year 2:
The focus shifts to advanced topics and applied learning. Modules such as Mergers and Acquisitions, Financial Markets and Institutions, and Commercial Law deepen students’ understanding of complex corporate transactions, market dynamics, and regulatory compliance. Students also develop practical skills in financial analysis, legal research, and problem-solving through case studies and project work.

Year 3 (if applicable/for dissertation or capstone):
Students undertake independent research, often combining legal and financial perspectives, culminating in a dissertation. This stage allows them to explore a topic of personal or professional interest, applying theoretical knowledge to practical challenges in law and finance.

Focus Areas:
Corporate finance, commercial law, financial markets, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, legal risk assessment, financial analysis

Learning Outcomes:
Ability to analyze complex legal and financial issues, proficiency in corporate finance and commercial law, critical thinking, effective communication of legal-financial advice, practical problem-solving skills in regulatory and corporate contexts

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Durham University’s MSc Law and Finance aligns with professional standards in law and finance, equipping students for careers in investment banking, corporate law, financial regulation, and consultancy.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Durham University consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK for employability and academic excellence, recognized for its strong connections with industry and global reputation in law and business education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Durham, the MSc Law and Finance is designed to give you real-world experience, not just classroom learning. From day one, you’ll engage in interactive case studies and practical exercises that mirror the challenges faced by top banks, law firms, and financial institutions. You’ll also gain hands-on exposure to industry-standard tools and databases, helping you develop the skills that employers truly value. The program even includes a London study visit to see finance and legal practice in action, plus opportunities to shape your dissertation around live industry issues or projects.

This practical approach is supported by Durham’s excellent facilities and resources, including:

- Access to financial databases like Bloomberg, Capital IQ, Thomson Reuters, DataStream, and Orbis, giving you real-world analytical experience.
- Case Study in Financial Regulation module, where you tackle live legal and financial challenges with input from industry professionals.
- A two-day London study tour visiting regulators, major law firms, and financial institutions to see theory applied in practice.
- Opportunities to align your dissertation with industry projects or internships, allowing you to explore topics that matter to your career.
- Digital tools like Learn Ultra, Durham Law School’s virtual learning platform, which supports interactive coursework and collaborative projects.
- Purpose-built teaching spaces at the Palatine Centre and Business School, where seminars, workshops, and group work help you develop teamwork and communication skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from Durham’s MSc Law and Finance step confidently into careers that combine the worlds of law and finance. Typical roles include Financial Analyst, Regulatory Compliance Specialist, Corporate Lawyer (Finance Focus), and Investment Banking Associate, giving you the skills and insight to thrive in global financial markets or prestigious legal firms. With Durham’s strong reputation and interdisciplinary approach, you’ll be well-prepared to make an impact from day one:

Tailored career support: The Careers & Enterprise Centre provides one-on-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, sector-specific fairs, and ongoing alumni networking — ensuring you’re ready for opportunities even before you graduate.
Direct industry engagement: Through initiatives like Law Careers Week, you’ll meet recruiters from top London and international firms and gain insights into real-world practices.
Strong graduate outcomes: Around 87 % of Durham graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months, with international graduates reporting a median starting salary of £34,000, highlighting the global value of Durham skills.
Reputation and networks: Durham ranks highly for employer reputation (QS 64th in the world) and its alumni network connects you to leading organisations across finance, law, and consulting.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc, you could continue your studies through PhD research in Law, Finance, or Interdisciplinary Regulation, pursue specialised postgraduate legal qualifications, or professional certifications in finance and compliance. Many graduates also use this programme as a stepping stone toward advanced professional training, strengthening both academic credentials and career prospects