MSc Finance and Private Equity

About the MSc programme

This is the world’s only finance master’s degree with an integrated specialisation in the study of private equity. This unique programme, supported by The Abraaj Group, offers you unparalleled access to leading private equity researchers and practitioners who have actively participated in the deals which are studied.

The foundation of the programme is built in the first term with the study of Asset Markets and Corporate Finance. In the second term, you will deepen your specific knowledge of private equity by taking a dedicated course taught by the School's Abraaj Group Chair in Finance and Private Equity. This will explore the structure of private equity (PE) funds and how PE can be used in start-ups, in scaling-up cash flow businesses, and in restructuring firms facing financial distress. It explores the link between PE and venture capital on the one hand and public securities markets on the other.

The programme involves a number of case studies and is taught in conjunction with a range of practitioners in the field via a weekly additional PE practitioner seminar.

Programme details

You can find the most up-to-date list of optional courses for MSc Finance and Private Equity in the Programme Regulations section of the current School Calendar.

You must note however that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, some circumstances may cause the School to subsequently change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to circumstances outside of its control. You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee places on its courses. You should visit the School's Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the Updated graduate course and programme information page.

Graduate destinations

A significant proportion of graduates join either investment banks or boutique corporate finance firms as analysts as a first step in their careers into the world of private equity, however, some have been hired directly upon graduation by private equity or venture capital firms. Following a similar structure to the generalist MSc Finance, the programme also prepares students for various roles in investment banks, consultancies, hedge funds and asset management firms, or to pursue further study. In addition, having met on the programme, students have worked together on entrepreneurial ventures and start-ups.

This programme is not intended as suitable preparation for the PhD Finance at LSE (if you are interested in PhD study, please see MSc Finance and Economics).