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Business at UEA
Find out more about studying Business at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Finance
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- January 2027
Other Start Dates
Gain a competitive edge with a placement year
This course is also available with an integrated placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable UK industry experience alongside your master's degree
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
Top 20
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research Quality
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research QualityCourse Overview
Finance is at the heart of decision-making in business, government, and global markets. Our MSc Finance offers a rigorous and forward-looking exploration of financial theory and practice, with emphasis on data-driven analysis and emerging technologies. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of investment, risk, or fintech, this course equips you with the tools to navigate a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Our teaching is grounded in academic excellence and practical relevance. As a proud member of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) University Affiliation Program, and an educational partner with the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), and the CQF Institute (awarding body for the Certificate in Quantitative Finance), this programme offers a distinctive combination of academic excellence and professional alignment, with opportunities to apply for scholarships supporting certification pathways.
The course blends core financial principles with cutting-edge topics such as blockchain, financial data science, and ESG investing. You'll gain hands-on experience through Bloomberg-powered modules and develop the analytical and ethical skills essential for success in finance. The structure allows flexibility to tailor your learning to your interests and career goals.
UEA’s FinTech Lab, powered by Bloomberg Terminals, provides a professional-grade environment for financial analysis and decision-making. Norwich offers a vibrant and affordable student experience, with an extensive network of industry partnerships, including the Norwich Financial Industry Group and the CISI East Anglian Branch.
You’ll graduate well-prepared for a rewarding career across financial services, consultancy, and fintech.
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Placement Year
You have the option to choose a variant of this course with an integrated placement year. This gives you valuable UK industry experience as part of your Master’s degree.
In year one, you’ll complete your academic studies, including your dissertation, alongside an employability programme preparing you for UK work.
In year two, you’ll secure an industry placement or complete three employer-led industry projects with different UK organisations. This extra year lets you apply your learning professionally, strengthen your CV with UK experience, and boost your global career prospects.
You’ll lead the search for your placement, supported by employability workshops, coaching, and guidance from our specialist placement partner.
If you don’t secure a placement, you’ll complete three employer-led industry projects with organisations across different UK sectors.
For more information, check out our Postgraduate Placement Year page.
Accreditations
Our MSc Finance and Management is aligned with leading professional standards and supported by recognised financial industry bodies.
We’re proud to be an educational partner of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), and the CQF Institute – awarding body for the Certificate in Quantitative Finance (CQF).
These partnerships provide you with access to professional learning resources, industry insights, and pathways to globally respected finance qualifications – empowering you to stand out in the competitive fields of finance, investment, and management.
Study and Modules
Structure
During the autumn semester, you’re introduced to the core principles of financial decision-making and technologies transforming the financial sector. You'll explore how firms manage capital, assess risk, and respond to innovation in global markets. You'll also begin developing practical skills in financial analysis, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning. Such skills are essential for navigating professional finance environments.
In the spring semester, you'll deepen your engagement with global financial systems and data-driven decision-making. You'll work with real-world financial data and learn how to interpret complex market dynamics using analytical tools and techniques. In this semester, you'll develop technical competencies in modelling, forecasting, and research. You'll also continue building professional experience through industry-standard platforms and ethical training aligned with global certification frameworks.
In the summer semester, you'll consolidate your learning and apply it in a context that reflects your academic and professional interests. You’ll study investment and risk management, exploring how financial decisions are made under uncertainty. Whilst many Master’s programmes focus solely on independent study during this period, our MSc Finance offers a flexible structure: you can choose to complete a dissertation, undertake an industry-focused project (subject to availability), or study two specialised taught modules. This flexibility allows you to pursue academic research, gain practical experience, or deepen your expertise in areas aligned with your career goals. Bloomberg tools and CFA-aligned ethical training continue to support your professional development throughout.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You'll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and hands-on sessions, with a strong emphasis on applying financial theory to real-world scenarios. Interactive learning is central to the course, supported by access to Bloomberg Terminals in our FinTech Lab, where you'll work with live financial market data and industry-standard tools.
Teaching is informed by academic research and aligned with professional standards from bodies such as the CFA Institute, the CQF Institute, CISI, CII, and GARP. You'll benefit from a learning environment that encourages critical thinking, ethical awareness, and analytical rigour – skills essential for success in the finance profession.
Throughout the course, you'll work both independently and in teams, developing leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. You'll engage with financial issues from both domestic and international perspectives, preparing you to operate confidently in global financial environments.
While formal placements are not guaranteed, you may have the opportunity to undertake an industry-focused project, offering valuable experience and professional exposure. You'll also benefit from Bloomberg certification and may have opportunities to take part in extracurricular activities such as guest lectures and workshops, all designed to enhance your learning experience and career prospects.
Class sizes typically range from 20 to 40, though some specialised modules may be smaller, allowing for even more tailored support and interaction. Independent study is a key part of the learning experience, helping you become a self-directed and reflective practitioner ready for the challenges of the finance sector.
As a student, you can join the UEA Finance and Investment Society, a vibrant community for those aspiring to become finance professionals. This student-led society offers hands-on opportunities to collaborate, share ideas, and develop real-world skills through peer learning, networking events, and student-led fund management, helping you apply theory to practice in a supportive, career-focused environment.
Assessment
Assessment on the MSc Finance programme is designed to reflect the demands of professional practice and academic depth. You'll be assessed through a combination of written coursework, analytical reports, examinations, and practical assignments involving financial data and decision-making scenarios. These methods are intended to develop your ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world financial problems and to communicate your findings effectively.
You'll receive formative feedback throughout some your modules, which allows you to reflect on your progress and improve before final assessments. Summative feedback is provided in line with university guidelines and is designed to support your academic development and enhance your understanding of key concepts and techniques.
The assessment methods are varied to support different learning styles and to help you build a broad skill set, including quantitative analysis, critical thinking, and professional communication. This approach also encourages independent learning and ethical awareness, which are essential for success in the finance sector.
While the exact balance of assessment types may vary across modules, you can expect a mix of coursework and written examination, with embedded practical elements. There are no formal placements, but students undertaking an industry-focused project may gain valuable experience and insight into professional finance environments.
Careers
Career Pathways
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Investment and Risk Manager
- Business Finance Assistant
- Financial Planning Analyst
- Regulatory or Compliance Analyst
- Fintech Consultant or Analyst
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
On the MSc Finance programme, you'll develop a strong foundation in financial theory, analytical skills, and practical experience. The course is aligned with professional bodies, helping you build a profile recognised across the finance sector.
You'll graduate with a versatile skill set that supports careers in financial analysis, strategic decision-making, and regulatory compliance. The programme’s flexibility allows you to tailor your learning to your career goals, preparing you to thrive in a dynamic global financial environment. These skills are transferable across industries and adaptable to both traditional and emerging roles.
You'll also have access to Career Central for three years after graduation. The course provides a solid foundation for doctoral research in finance, economics, or related disciplines.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Any subject area.
Please note that if you have studied business before at undergraduate or postgraduate level, we recommend you check the modules carefully to make sure that this course is right for you.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Any subject area.
Please note that if you have studied business before at undergraduate or postgraduate level, we recommend you check the modules carefully to make sure that this course is right for you.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component).
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner INTO UEA. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £14,500
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International Students: £25,700
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.