MS in Finance in the UK: Eligibility, Top Universities, Cost, & Jobs

Why Study MS in Finance in the UK?

The UK, often referred to as the financial hub, has been one of the world's most respected destinations for finance education and careers. Here's why an MS in Finance is a compelling choice for Indian students wanting to pursue a career in finance:

Strong UK Finance Job Market

The UK’s financial sector is one of the largest employment drivers in the world. This industry created over 354,000 jobs in the UK in 2022, with employment growing at an annual average rate of 1.8%. With many job opportunities, the finance sector offers extensive graduate prospects across banking, investment, consulting, insurance, and fintech.

World-Class Business Schools

Being home to some of the world’s top finance and business schools, the UK is known for its academic excellence and industry relevance. According to QS World University Rankings 2025, five UK universities come under the top 20 rank, including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), London Business School, and Imperial College London. These colleges are renowned for their high placement rates and competitive salaries, with many students securing positions at global firms within months of completing their degree.

Strong Return on Investment (ROI)

Graduates from top UK universities often get highly competitive salaries with starting earnings ranging from £39,000 to £99,000 per year, depending on the role and location. Graduates also experience a quick rise in their salaries, especially in high-growth areas such as investment banking, private equity, and risk management.

Real-World Exposure & Industry Links

Studying in the UK gives finance students direct exposure to real markets and employers. With London and Edinburgh being some of the top global financial centres, they have some of the strongest ecosystems for banking, insurance, asset management and corporate finance. This allows students to benefit from proximity to major industry activity.

If the UK is on your list, this detailed guide on studying in the UK will help you plan better. Learn more about studying in the UK, its education system, and popular courses for international students.

What is an MS in Finance in the UK?

A Master of Science (MS) in Finance in the UK is a postgraduate degree which is designed to provide students wth advanced knowledge along with practical skills in financial theory, quantitative analysis, and real-world financial decision-making.

UK universities offer flexible study formats for students:

Full-time: Usually lasts 12 to 18 months
Part-Time: Typically takes 21–24 months and offers evening or weekend classes
Online: Fully online programs often take 12 months and are a great option for students who are studying while working or are unable to relocate.

All these three options are taught by research-active academics and industry professionals, ensuring that students get both an academic and a practical educational experience.

Eligibility & Admission Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

A 2-4 year undergraduate degree is required in a related field such as finance, economics, business, accounting, engineering, mathematics, or statistics.
Universities expect a UK 2:1 equivalent (roughly 60–70%+ or 3.0/4.0 GPA) for standard programmes. But, top universities like LSE, Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, and LBS often require a high 2:1 or first-class equivalent (around 70–75%+ or 3.3–3.6 GPA).
GMAT: A score of 650-700 and above can strengthen your application
GRE: Students should aim for a quantitative score of 165 and a verbal score of 155.
Work experience is not mandatory as the course is designed for fresh graduates or early-career professionals (0–2 years).

Documents required:

Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Personal statement or statement of purpose
CV or resume
Letters of recommendation (usually two)
Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
Professional qualifications (if relevant)
Passport copy (for international applicants)

*Entry requirements may vary across universities and programs. Applicants should always verify the specific eligibility criteria on the official university course page before applying.

Top UK Universities for MS/MSc in Finance

Find below a curated list of some of the best universities in the UK for an MS in Finance for Indian students.

University Name	City	Program/ Related Program	Duration	Tuition Fees
University of Oxford	Oxford	MS Financial Economics	9 months	£62,920
University of Cambridge	Cambridge	Master of Finance	1 year	£60,000
London Business School	London	MS in Finance Master's in Finance Part-time Master's in Financial Analysis	10 -16 months 22 months 1 year	£67,950 £67,950 £52,950
London School of Economics	London	MS Finance MS Finance and Economics	10 months 10 months	£67,950 £39,900
Imperial Business School	London	MS Finance	12 months	£51,000
Warwick Business School	Coventry	MS Finance	1 year	£44,950
Alliance Manchester Business School	Manchester	MS Finance	1 year	£37,800
University of Edinburgh Business School	Edinburgh	MS in Finance and Investment	1 year	£36,310
Leeds University Business School	Leeds	MS in Finance and Investment MS in Accounting and Finance	1 year 1 year	£35,500 £35,500
Durham University Business School	Durham	MS Finance	1 year	£36,500 per year

*Figures above are indicative and subject to change

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Cost of Studying an MS in Finance in the UK

Tuition Fees

As mentioned in the table above, the average cost for an MS in Finance in the UK is £10032,00 but many popular courses even go up to £10067,000. Universities in London usually have a higher cost. Apart from the tuition fees, universities also charge an application fee, which is around £100150.

Cost of Living

Indian students wanting to study in the UK can expect their monthly cost to be around £1001300-£1001400 in London or £100900-£1001300 in the rest of the UK. This will cover their accommodation, bills, food items, and other living expenses. A rough breakdown of these costs is given below:

Expense	London	Rest of the UK
Private accommodation	£750	£554
Gas, electricity, water, broadband	£140	£80
Groceries	£155	£116
Dining out	£150	£80
Public transport	£103	£54
Mobile bill	£18	£18

*Figures above are indicative and subject to change.

Total Estimated Cost

The total estimated cost of completing an MS in Finance in the UK comes to £45,000-£80,000+ for the full programme in London, and around £40,000-£70,000 for the full programme outside London.

Thinking long-term? Learn what living and working in the UK is like for Indian students. Read our Full Guide on how your life in the UK can be.

Scholarships for MS in Finance in the UK

Apart from the university-specific scholarships listed in the table above, there are additional scholarships available to Indian students studying in the UK.

Studying an MS in Finance in the UK is an expensive task, but students can reduce their costs significantly with the help of scholarships, grants and other funding opportunities. Here are some key funding options available to Indian students:

University Scholarships

Many universities in the UK offer international students merit-based scholarships in finance programs. Either they will cover the full cost or provide partial tuition, and sometimes they also provide stipends for a student’s living expenses. Some of the university scholarships are:

The London School of Economics’s Graduate Support Scheme awards students £5,000 to £15,000, depending on financial need.
Imperial College Business School has multiple scholarships, like the Dean’s Impact Scholarship, the Empowering Futures Scholarship, and the Female Future Leader Award, among others, provided to students based on merit.
The University of Manchester also provides several scholarships, including Global Futures Scholarships for talented but economically disadvantaged students.
Warwick Business School offers a High Potential Scholarship for students who stand out academically.

All universities publish detailed scholarship pages. Students can check the full details regarding the eligibility, deadline and application procedures on the official website of the selected institutions.

Government & External Scholarships

Many scholarships are offered by the government and external scholarships to support students in their study abroad journey in the UK. Find some of those listed below:

Chevening Scholarship: This is for one-year Master’s programs and covers tuition fees, travel and living expenses.
GREAT Scholarship: Funded under the UK’s “GREAT Britain” campaign, Great scholarship awards £10,000 for tuition fees.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: This is primarily for the countries part of the Commonwealth group and covers full tuition fees, travel and provides a living allowance.

Many external organisations also offer scholarships for Indian students, some of which are:

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship: For high-achieving Indian students. The value depends on the course and covers tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel, and health allowance, up to $100,000.
The J. N. Tata Endowment Scholarship: A merit-based scholarship awarded for full-time Postgraduate / PhD. / Postdoctoral studies overseas, across all disciplines is driven by defined eligibility criteria.

Need help with funding your education? Our experts are here to assist you in securing the necessary financial support for your educational pursuits abroad.

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Jobs & Salary After an MS in Finance in the UK

Popular Finance Job Roles

After completing an MS in Finance, students can pursue a wide range of roles depending on their specialisation and interests.

Job Role	Average Annual Salary
Financial Analyst	£40,000
Investment Banking Analyst	£64,395
Risk Analyst / Financial Risk Manager	£63,877
Management / Finance Consultant	£41,920
Asset / Portfolio Manager	£65,693
Corporate Finance Associate	£53,253
FinTech Analyst / Associate	£41,548

*Figures above are indicative and subject to change.

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Graduate Route Visa & Post-Study Work

One of the biggest advantages of studying in the UK is the Graduate Route Visa, which allows international students to stay and work after completing their degree.

Under this route:

MS in Finance graduates can work for 2 years to gain work experience and build their professional network
Graduates can work in any role, at any skill level, in a full-time job.
This allows students to gain valuable work experience and build their professional network.

Ready to Begin Your Journey in an MS in Finance in the UK?

For over two decades, Career Launcher has supported Indian students with personalised counselling, university admissions, and career guidance for study abroad destinations like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia, among others.

Our best-fit approach ensures students apply only to programs aligned with their strengths, and this is one reason 99% of students guided by our team receive at least one admit from their shortlisted universities.

Hear from one of our students:

“My study abroad journey with Career Launcher was incredibly smooth and well-guided. From shortlisting universities to building a strong application, the entire process was handled with great clarity and support. The team was always approachable and patient. It is with their guidance that I could secure offers from three out of the five UK universities I applied to.”

Alayna Malhotra, Durham University

Get Expert Guidance for MS in Finance

This guide is curated with insights from Career Launcher’s Study Abroad team, which has over 29+ years of experience guiding Indian students to leading global universities. Our UK Admissions Counsellors and Finance Education Experts regularly mentor students applying to competitive finance programmes across the UK.

FAQ's

Is completing an MS in Finance in the UK good?

Yes, doing an MS in Finance in the UK is a good choice for Indian students who are aiming for a global career in finance. Since the UK has one of the world's largest financial sectors, employing over 2.4 million people, it provides students with ample opportunities with a promising career ahead. Universities in the UK are also known for their academic rigour, and graduates benefit from strong employer demand, competitive salaries, and access to the Graduate Route Visa.

What are the best UK universities to study finance?

Some of the best universities in the UK for an MS in Finance are the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, London Business School, London School of Economics (LSE), Imperial College London, Warwick Business School, Alliance Manchester Business School, and the University of Edinburgh. These universities consistently rank among the top 10 due to their excellent academic reputation and placement records.

What are the best finance master's degrees in the UK?

A few Finance degrees are highly regarded, such as Oxford's MSc Financial Economics, Cambridge's Master of Finance, LBS's MS in Finance, LSE's MS Finance and MS Finance & Economics, Imperial's MS Finance, and Warwick's MS Finance. These programs are valued for their academic rigour, quantitative focus, and strong links with the global finance industry.

MS in Finance or MBA in Finance- which is better?

The MS in Finance is a specialised degree in finance that will provide students with knowledge in financial theory, quantitative analysis, and real-world financial decision-making. It is a good option for students looking to build a specialised career in finance expertise. An MBA in Finance is a business programme that combines finance with management, strategy, and leadership training. It is ideal for professionals who want to prepare for executive and decision-making roles in finance and beyond.

Do you require work experience to do an MS in Finance in the UK?

For an MS in Finance in the UK, students don't need work experience since this degree is designed for fresh graduates or early-career professionals with 0-2 years of experience.

Do I need GMAT or GRE for an MS in Finance in the UK?

An MS in Finance degree in the UK does not require GMAT or GRE scores, but some top universities strongly recommend them since they significantly strengthen your application.

Can Career Launcher help me with scholarships and education loans for an MS in Finance in the UK?

Yes, Career Launcher aids students in identifying scholarships that fit their needs, preparing strong funding applications, and connecting with leading education loan providers. Career Launcher's financial counselling team helps students plan funding early and structure applications to maximise the chances of securing study abroad loans.

How early should I start preparing for MS in Finance applications to the UK with Career Launcher?

Students should ideally start their preparation 9-12 months before the intake. Career Launcher helps students create a personalised application timeline covering test preparation, profile building, SOP development, and university applications. Early planning with expert mentors allows students to target competitive universities and strengthen their academic and professional profiles.