Overview
Introduction
This bespoke new interdisciplinary programme aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for professionals in roles at the interface of law and the financial markets, allowing you to operate effectively in a globalised market and enhancing your adaptability and competence in a wide range of functions.
The programme offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that delves into the intricate intersections between legal frameworks and financial markets, providing a comprehensive understanding of fundamental concepts and principles of finance and their relevance for both legal rules and legal practice.
Taught jointly by the LSE Law School and Department of Finance, you'll have the opportunity to study in two of the most highly rated departments in their subject areas in the world.
Central to this programme are how closely the core courses are integrated: these have been carefully designed by academics in both departments to ensure students can review common situations in companies from both a legal and financial perspective, and ensure a holistic understanding of how corporations raise capital and complete transactions.
Access to a range of courses, both from the Department of Finance and the LSE Law School, will enable you to complement the core Law and Finance modules with a wide range of specialised legal and financial courses, adding additional depth to your knowledge in your chosen specialist areas.
Entry requirements
A high standing undergraduate (LLB or equivalent) or postgraduate degree in law. In addition, applicants require GCSE level maths (or equivalent), with A-level maths (or equivalent) preferred.
Applicants without an educational background in law may apply, but would need to demonstrate a high level of professional or academic experience in areas closely related to law and finance in order to be considered for a place.
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
Overseas
English language requirements
The English language requirement for this programme is Law. Read more about our English language requirements.
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this doesn't guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out.
Programme content
In addition to the academic terms, you'll attend a full-time pre-sessional programme starting in early September. This will consist of preparatory academic classes, the Professional Development Programme, and opportunities to get to know your fellow classmates and meet with leaders in London's financial and legal industries.
We recognise that students will come to this degree with a broad range of prior academic and professional experience. The pre-sessional course we offer brings everyone up to a common level of knowledge in critical concepts and knowledge. As such, this degree is suitable both for those moving on from recent undergraduate study, and those with professional experience making a career pivot or enhancing their professional practice.
The preparatory academic classes will cover materials in both law (an introduction to common law legal systems and the law of contract in these systems, as well as financial legal concepts), and finance (quantitative methods; financial modelling; interpreting financial statements).
The Professional Development Programme is designed to provide a high level of careers support to students, providing opportunities to develop their career skills, to receive personalised careers support in the form of one-to-one sessions with dedicated Careers Consultants.
Year 1
In the first term, you'll take several courses, including "Corporate Finance: Law" and “Principles of Corporate Finance for MSc Law and Finance", two core courses unique to the programme. These courses have been carefully designed to ensure you can competently navigate complex transactions from both legal and financial perspectives. This includes a holistic understanding of how corporations finance their operations and how – and why – they acquire other businesses.
In the second term, you'll build upon this foundational knowledge. You'll transition to the bespoke “Corporate Transactions: Law" and “Corporate Transactions: Finance” courses, which will look at a variety of corporate transactions and offer practical insight into real-world transactions and their documentation. Designed specifically for the Law and Finance programme, this cutting-edge course is unique in its structure, interweaving faculty expertise from both the Law School and Department of Finance to provide students with a 360-degree perspective which encompasses an in-depth analysis of financial and legal factors, as well as the interplay between these two considerations. Exposure to practical, real-world scenarios and case studies is key here, with faculty leveraging their professional networks, bolstered by LSE’s position, close to the legal and financial hubs of London, to provide insight into how top firms assess and execute deals at the highest level.
You'll also take several other courses, as listed below.
By the end of the year, you'll have taken courses to the total value of four units.
Financial Markets for MSc Law and Finance
One half-unit law course running in the Autumn Term
For the latest list of courses, please go to the relevant School Calendar page.
A few important points you’ll need to know:
Please note that the nine-month and ten-month full time master's programmes are not compliant with the Bologna process, which may affect the extent to which they're recognised. For more information, see Bologna process.
We may need to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees due to unforeseen circumstances. We’ll always notify you as early as possible and recommend alternatives where we can.
The School is not liable for changes to published information or for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study, due to developments in teaching practice, regulatory requirements that require us to comply, lack of demand, financial unviability of a course, or due to circumstances beyond our control, such as the loss of a key member of staff or where a location or building becomes unavailable for use.
Places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements so we cannot therefore guarantee you a place.
Changes to programmes and courses may be made after you’ve accepted your offer of a place – normally due to developments in the discipline or as a consequence of student feedback. We may also make changes to course content, teaching formats or assessment methods but these are made to improve the learning experience.
For full details about the availability or content of courses and programmes, please take a look at the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department.
Some major changes to programmes/courses are posted on our updated graduate course and programme information page.
For further information on how we comply with UK consumer protection law, see your consumer rights as a student.
Why study with us
This programme is taught jointly by the Law School and the Department of Finance.
Law School
Ranked in the top ten law schools worldwide (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026), the Law School is one of the largest departments at LSE, bringing together students, alumni and staff from all over the world. We have an unparalleled range of events, seminars and experiential learning opportunities, which enrich students’ learning. For more than 100 years, our faculty have been at the forefront of research in their fields, playing a significant role in policy debates, policymaking, and research globally.
Learn more about our programmes and our research.
Department of Finance
The Department of Finance is one of the largest and most highly respected finance groups in the UK and Europe. With a longstanding reputation for excellence in both teaching and research, our faculty members work closely with national and international institutions, informing policy at the highest levels.
The department was ranked the top place to study finance in the Good University Guide 2026.
Learn more about our programmes and research.
Why LSE
University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK in 2025 and 2026
Times and The Sunday Times - Good University Guide 2025 and 20261st in London for the 14th year running
The Complete University Guide - University League Tables 20265th in the world for the study of social sciences and management
QS World University Rankings by Subject 20266th in the world for leading the way in social and environmental sustainability
QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026Your application
Overview
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.
We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:
- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
- statement of academic purpose
- two academic or professional references (ideally one of each)
- CV.
See further information on supporting documents.
You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.
When to apply
Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.
There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.
Fees and funding
The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.
You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.
Home
Home student fee (2026/27)
For this programme, all students pay the same tuition fees, regardless of their fee status.
Deposit
To secure a place on the programme offer holders will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the tuition fee.
For offers received by 30 April, the deposit will be due within 28 days of receiving the offer.
For offers received from 1 May onwards, the deadlines are as follows:
- May: within 21 days
- June: within 14 days
- July and August: within 7 days
Overseas
Overseas student fee (2026/27)
For this programme, all students pay the same tuition fees, regardless of their fee status.
Deposit
To secure a place on the programme offer holders will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the tuition fee.
For offers received by 30 April, the deposit will be due within 28 days of receiving the offer.
For offers received from 1 May onwards, the deadlines are as follows:
- May: within 21 days
- June: within 14 days
- July and August: within 7 days
At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status using The Higher education (Fee Limit Condition) (England) Regulations 2017.
Fee reduction
Students who have completed and passed an undergraduate degree at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a 10 per cent tuition fee reduction.
Students who have completed and passed two or more Summer School courses are eligible for a five per cent reduction.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for both discounts, the higher 10 per cent discount rate will apply.
Find out more about the LSE alumni discount.
Scholarships and other funding
We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.
We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme. Competition for these awards and scholarships is strong. To apply for an award, you must have an offer of a place and submit a Graduate Financial Support application before the funding deadline.
The funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 23 April 2026.
In addition to our needs-based awards, we offer scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for certain subjects.
You can’t apply for a Graduate Support Scheme or LSE scholarship once you’ve joined the School.
Please note: we do expect students who register for a programme to have sufficient funds for the duration.
MSc Law and Finance Excellence scholarships
We're offering a limited number of scholarships specific to this programme which will cover a contribution towards tuition fees. Details are as follows:
- Funded by the LSE Law School and Department of Finance
- Value up to £25,000
- Number of awards: multiple
Open to all successful applicants to the programme. These scholarships will be awarded based on academic merit and financial need.
Further information can be found on the Financial Support Office website.
Government tuition fee loans and external funding
The UK Government offers a postgraduate loan for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme. This is designed to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.
Find out more about tuition fee loans.
Further information
Learn more about fees and funding opportunities.
Learning and assessment
How you learn
Our philosophy of education is based on the belief that a sound basis in academic theory is crucial for long-term success. By teaching the theory and concepts first, we equip you with the life-long tools to respond intelligently and dynamically to any future professional scenario you may encounter in your career. We blend the teaching of concepts with the frontier research developed by our faculty, who are leaders in their respective fields. We emphasise the practical application of theory and concepts to real-world scenarios, especially in the "Deals" course, which consists of the Corporate Transactions: Law and Corporate Transactions: Finance courses. Through this practice and case-study teaching, we ensure that your professional profile for future employers is rounded and prepares you to make an immediate contribution once you enter the workplace.
You'll be taught in a range of whole-group, small-group and plenary sessions relevant to the content being delivered. Some courses will be taught as traditional lectures, some in break-out groups to examine case study material, and some in interactive, discursive seminars, or in real-world simulation exercises.
Independent study outside of class time is an essential part of the programme. The nature of the required independent study varies for each course, but overall, the requires you to manage the majority of your study time yourself, engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, thinking, class preparation and research.
All academic faculty schedule weekly office hours in which any student may visit them to discuss academic issues. In some cases, students may be able to arrange a time to meet with a member of faculty outside their office hours.
The MSc Law and Finance Associate Programme Director acts as academic and pastoral supervisor for all students on the programme. The Associate Programme Director has extensive professional experience in law and finance, enabling a high level of careers support, and practitioner insight to help students plan their future career path.
Other academic support: at LSE, we offer lots of opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom.
The Learning Lab is the place to discover and develop the skills you’ll need to reach your academic goals at LSE.
Through the Learning Lab, you can:
- attend practical workshops and one-to-one sessions on essay writing, conducting research, and on managing your reading lists, workloads, and deadlines
- develop your academic writing, reading, and critical-thinking skills to meet degree-level expectations
- work in study groups to strengthen collaboration, cross-cultural communication, and teamwork skills in a supportive environment.
Disability and Mental Health Service: we want all LSE students to achieve their full potential. Students can access free, confidential advice through our Disability and Mental Health Service. This is the first point of contact for students.
How you're assessed
There are two types of course work at LSE, formative and summative.
Formative coursework doesn't count towards your final mark. Formative coursework enables students to develop a sense for how well they're doing in terms of understanding course material.
Summative assessment does count towards your final mark. This can take various forms, such as e-exams/digi-exams, in-class assessments under exam-style conditions., group presentations, individual or group projects, empirical or programming exercises, or class participation.
An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.
Exams will take place in both the January and Spring Term exam periods. Some courses do not involve a final exam.
Graduate destinations
Overview
Graduates of both the Law School and the Department of Finance have excellent career prospects relative to their peers. Our graduates take up demanding positions across a diversity of organisations spread around the globe.
We expect graduates of this degree to place into jobs in prestigious law and finance firms, as finance professionals or legal counsel, advising private equity funds and investment banks, in M&A, consultancy, policy-making, risk management and regulation.
Further information on graduate destinations for this programme
Career support
Support and advice for your career starts in the pre-sessional weeks of teaching, before the start of the first term of formal teaching. We know that many students will choose this degree for the career opportunities it opens up, and we support you in each step of that careers journey. By choosing this degree between two of LSE’s leading academic departments, you benefit from the careers support and networking opportunities of both.
The Department of Finance has historically run an extensive Professional Development Programme to support and prepare students to enter the job market. Starting in the pre-sessional course in September, Finance students have been given a wide range of careers support, from CV workshops and application advice to sector overviews and opportunities to meet and network with recent LSE alumni who are working in London.
LSE Careers, the Law School Careers Advisor and Department of Finance Careers Advisors are together invaluable sources of advice and insight, dedicated to advising students on how to develop their careers with deep knowledge of the evolving hiring practices of top law and finance firms.
Together with the Associate Programme Director and in combination with the great programme of support offered centrally by LSE Careers, we prepare you to enter this highly competitive job market ready not only with the academic skills but also with knowledge of the market to take your next career step.
The existing and well-established master’s programmes within the Law School and the Department of Finance means you have the best of both. We have a large and wide-ranging alumni network in these sectors.
With alumni in top jobs and senior positions in London and overseas, this great international network has brought employment opportunities directly to our current students as former graduates and their employers look to hire the very best.
LSE Careers is a far-reaching resource available to LSE students and alumni, and is one of the best in the UK. Once registered at LSE you'll be able to access the variety of resources and services it provides. These include:
- Recruitment fairs
- Company presentations
- Interview and application skills sessions
- Personal careers meetings
- CV checking
- Advice sessions
LSE is very fortunate in attracting the top recruiters in many sectors which enables the careers service to run an LSE-exclusive vacancy board full of internships, voluntary, part-time and graduate positions.
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