Information for prospective students

Our BSc Finance programme is a rigorous quantitative programme which will equip you with a strong financial foundation and the necessary quantitative skills, as well as teaching you the logic behind the use of specific finance techniques and financial decision-making. You will learn to think analytically and to critically evaluate key issues in finance from a variety of perspectives. You will also learn to apply the analytical methods in finance and financial economics you have learn to a range of real world problems.

Find out more about the programme and how to apply.                

The Department of Finance graduate programmes include Master's programmes (full-time and part-time); Executive programmes and PhD programmes. To find out more about the programmes we offer see our Study page.

The MSc Programme summary table (pdf) can help you identify the right programme for you and includes information about programme duration, academic and additional requirements, student profile and fees.

If you are thinking about applying or have already started an application and need more information then see the LSE Graduate Admissions Office.

To get you started the LSE have put together a complete guide to help with the most common tasks for applicants. 

All applications must be made online via the  the LSE Graduate Admissions Office where you can find more information about how to complete your application.

You will be required to provide:

• Application fee
• Personal statement (there is no word limit, although 2-3 sides of A4 is a guide)
• Transcripts of all degrees and any relevant professional exams to date
• Minimum of two references.
  
  a) If you graduated within the last 5 years and are applying to a full-time MSc: minimum of two academic references required.
  
  b) If you graduated 5-10 years ago or are applying to the part-time MSc: minimum of one academic reference and either an academic or professional reference.
  
  c) If you graduated 10+ years ago: a minimum or two references, professional or academic.
• Additionally, you may be required to apply with a Graduate Record Examiniation (GRE) or a Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). Read more 

International students

No one is required to apply with an English Language score, but you may be required to submit one if you are made an offer. Read more

Global equivalents to a 2.1 undergraduate degree in the British university system can be found in the LSE's information for international students.

Important information if you are applying to MSc Finance (Full-time) or MSc Finance and Private Equity

The MSc Finance (Full-time) and the MSc Finance and Private Equity are identical programmes with the exception of one exclusive, mandatory, half-unit course in Private Equity which is available to MSc Finance and Private Equity students only, and in which those students must do their dissertation.

Therefore applicants should not select one of these programmes as their 1st course choice and the other as their 2nd course choice. Applicants should select their preferred programme only. If the MSc Finance and Private Equity is your preferred option you should demonstrate why you are particularly suitable for, and want to study, Private Equity.

 We have gathered together some commonly asked questions which you can find the answers to on our FAQ page.

Each year, LSE awards around £4 million in scholarships and financial support to its undergraduate students. In addition to LSE's own funds, students may be able to access scholarships and financial support from governments and agencies around the world. Guide to tuition fees and finanical support

Financial Scholarships
The Department of Finance offers a number of scholarships. For the most appropriate and relevant resources, see our scholarship page.

The LSE Student Advice and Engagement team are dedicated to helping and advising you on visas and immigration. Please contact them in all matters relating to visa information as the Department of Finance is legally restricted from offering personalised visa advice.

Graduate Prospects

Graduates of the Department have excellent career prospects relative to their peers. All of our MSc programmes prepare students for a range of careers in investment banking, consulting and the wider financial services sector, as can be seen in the Department of Finance Employment Report. 

Recent salary data shows that 6 months after graduation Department of Finance students achieved an average starting salary of over £40,800 and that 91.5% were engaged in employment, further education or taking time out. These statistics are taken from the DLHE (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education) survey, overseen by the Higher Education Statistics Agency for the UK Government and sample at least 80% of UK graduates and at least 50% of non-UK graduates. 

In addition to the internationally recognised research environment and academic rigour of its teaching programmes, a great advantage of studying at LSE is the reputation it holds amongst employers for producing high level graduates. Both the LSE Careers Service and the Department of Finance aim to help its students be as successful as possible on the job market once they graduate from the programme.

LSE Careers Service

The Career's service is an extensive resource available to LSE students and alumni. Once registered as an LSE student you will be able to access the variety of resources and services it provides. These include careers fairs, company presentations, interview and application skills sessions, personal careers meetings, CV checking and advice sessions.  LSE Careers Service

LSE attracts a large number of recruiters, whom, in many cases, actively target our students and only choose to visit certain university campuses. During the Autumn Term it is likely that there could be a careers presentation or event that you wish to attend every day of the week! 

Professional Development Programme

The Finance department runs an extensive Professional Development programme  to support and prepare students to enter the job market.

Careers support begins from day one of the pre-sessional course in September and continues throughout the year with specialist one to one support and group sessions.