University of Strathclyde

What you'll study

The MSc Finance combines core modules in financial theory and quantitative methods with specialised options to reflect career goals. Teaching typically covers corporate finance, financial markets and institutions, valuation and portfolio management, derivatives and fixed income, and financial risk management. Students also study applied financial econometrics and quantitative techniques for modelling and forecasting.

• Core topics: Corporate Finance; Financial Markets and Institutions; Valuation and Corporate Strategy; Portfolio Management; Derivatives and Fixed Income; Financial Risk Management; Financial Econometrics/Quantitative Methods.
• Optional/specialist topics: Behavioural Finance; Sustainable Finance/ESG; Fintech and Financial Innovation; Advanced Asset Pricing; Private Equity and Venture Capital.
• Project work: The programme normally culminates in a research dissertation or a supervised applied consultancy project, allowing students to apply techniques to real datasets or employer-provided briefs.
• Learning methods: Lectures, seminars, computer-based workshops (e.g. Excel, Python/R for finance), case studies, group work and guest lectures from industry practitioners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a good honours degree (usually a UK 2:1 or international equivalent) in finance, economics, mathematics, engineering or another numerate discipline. Candidates with a lower second class degree plus relevant professional experience, or strong quantitative background, may be considered.

• Numeracy: Demonstrable quantitative skills are important — prior study in mathematics, statistics, econometrics or quantitative methods is advantageous.
• Professional experience: Relevant work experience in finance, accounting or analytics can strengthen an application, particularly for candidates from non‑quantitative academic backgrounds.
• Tests and qualifications: Some applicants may be asked to provide GMAT/GRE scores if their academic record does not clearly demonstrate quantitative ability, but this is considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
• English language: International applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language requirements (e.g. recognised tests such as IELTS or TOEFL at the levels specified by the university).

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSc Finance move into a wide range of finance roles with employers in the UK and internationally. Typical destinations include investment banking, asset and fund management, corporate finance and advisory, treasury and risk management, financial analytics and modelling, and roles in fintech and financial consultancy.

• Investment banking and corporate finance — advisory, M&A and capital markets roles.
• Asset management, wealth management and research — portfolio management, quantitative analysis and equity/fixed income research.
• Risk management and treasury — market risk, credit risk, enterprise risk and treasury operations.
• Fintech and data analytics — quantitative developer/analyst roles, financial modelling and algorithmic trading.
• Regulation, compliance and corporate advisory — roles with banks, regulators and consulting firms.

Why study at University of Strathclyde

Strathclyde Business School has a strong reputation for applied business and finance education and benefits from close links with Glasgow’s financial and professional services community. The school is triple‑accredited, and programmes emphasise employability, practitioner engagement and real‑world project experience.

• Industry connections: Regular guest speakers, employer projects and recruitment events help students build professional networks and access internship and graduate roles.
• Applied focus: The curriculum combines rigorous theory with practical training in financial modelling, data analysis and industry software.
• Location and support: Based in Glasgow, a major UK centre for financial services outside London, the university provides dedicated careers support and mentoring for postgraduate students pursuing finance careers.