For more information about tuition fees and entry requirements, see the fees and funding and assessing your application sections.

Minimum entry requirements for MSc Finance (part-time)

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students and want to recruit students with the very best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of their background.

We carefully consider each application on an individual basis, taking into account all the information presented on your application form, including your:

See further information on supporting documents

* For this programme, we request one academic and one professional reference. If you are unable to produce an academic reference, we will accept two professional references. 

When to apply

Application Deadlines:

Round 1: 11/01/2021
Round 2: 29/03/2021
Round 3: 24/05/2021
Round 4: 30/07/2021

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis, meaning the programme will close once it becomes full. We encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment. Details on how to apply.

LSE is an international community, with over 140 nationalities represented amongst its student body. We celebrate this diversity through everything we do.  

If you are applying to LSE from outside of the UK then take a look at our Information for International students. 

1) Take a note of the UK qualifications we require for your programme of interest (found in the ‘Entry requirements’ section of this page. 

2) Go to the International Students section of our website. 

3) Select your country. 

4) Select ‘Graduate entry requirements’ and scroll until you arrive at the information about your local/national qualification. Compare the stated UK entry requirements listed on this page with the local/national entry requirement listed on your country specific page 

Tuition fees 2021/22 intake for MSc Finance (part-time)

Home students, first year: £19,224 (2021/22)
Overseas students, first year: £19,224 (2021/22)

Home students, second year: £19,224 (2022/23)
Overseas students, second year: £19,224 (2022/23)

Every graduate student is charged a fee for their programme. The 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 does not cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Fee status

For this programme, the tuition fee is the same for all students regardless of their fee status. 

Scholarships and other funding

This programme is not eligible for LSE financial support.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

A postgraduate loan is available from the UK government for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme, 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

Fees and funding opportunities

The MSc Finance (part-time) is a 21-month programme taught over two years. All teaching takes place on the central LSE campus in Holborn from 18:30 - 22:00. In the first year, classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In the second year, classes are taught Monday-Thursday. Exact days will vary according to optional course choices. There is a short break part way through each class where catering is provided in the form of sandwiches, salads, snacks, drinks, tea and coffee.

Teaching will be delivered in Michaelmas and Lent terms. Revision sessions take place in the Summer term to help prepare students for exams. Optional online Saturday sessions run throughout the year to assist students who wish to revise or catch up on study. In the first term, you will have an in-class assignment at the end of the Michaelmas and Lent terms and final exams take place in the summer. You can find out more about upcoming dates on the LSE term dates page. 

You will complete courses amounting to the total value of four units, with two full-unit compulsory courses in your first year, and then four half-unit optional courses in your second year.

First year

Before the course teaching begins, you will attend a series of five pre-sessional classes in September. These classes cover revision and introduction to core quantitative mathematics, statistics and accounting, ensuring all students are able to tackle the material in the first term’s core courses.

The foundation of the programme is built in the first year when you will study two full-unit compulsory courses. These courses must be passed in order to progress to the second year. 

Corporate Finance
Provides a comprehensive overview of the firm's investment decision and the cost of capital. This in turn is linked to the firm's financial structure and market environment where the firm operates. It studies in detail major financial decisions including dividend choice, going public, mergers and acquisitions, and restructuring in financial distress.

Asset Markets
The course familiarises students with the workings of financial markets, and equips them with the fundamental tools of asset valuation. It takes students from fundamental concepts to up-to-date applications in fixed-income, equity and derivatives markets.

Second year

In the second year, you will deepen your knowledge by taking four optional half-unit courses, on topics such as financial systems, risk management, portfolio management methods, advanced derivatives and structured financial products, fixed income, advanced corporate finance, and applied financial valuation. You will also be required to write a 6,000 word dissertation in the place of an exam in one of the four optional courses.

You can choose from a range of evening courses or a limited range of daytime courses. You are strongly encouraged to choose from the dedicated evening courses as these have been especially designed to cater to the needs of working students.

You may have coursework assignments or presentations, either individual or group work. This varies between courses. You are also required to submit a 6,000 word dissertation for one of their courses. Final exams take place in the summer.

Teaching will be delivered in Michaelmas and Lent terms. Revision sessions take place in the Summer term to help prepare students for exams. Some courses will have compulsory pre-sessionals or optional Saturday sessions: this varies between courses. 

Optional courses

Evening courses

(* denotes a half unit)

Fixed Income Securities and Credit Markets*
Provides a thorough grounding in recent developments in fixed income securities pricing, hedging and portfolio management.

Topics in Portfolio Management*
Provides analytical and statistical tools for the management of investment portfolios.

Mergers, Buyouts and Corporate Restructurings*
Covers advanced topics in Corporate Finance and Valuation and introduces students to valuation techniques for both securities and projects.

Financial Engineering* 
Covers the basics in derivatives theory, and to apply them to a multitude of financial securities and structured products.

Risk Management in Financial Markets*
Gives an overview of risk management in the context of portfolios of mixed income securities and derivatives, as well as dealing with credit risk.

Private Equity and Venture Capital*
Provides a thorough grounding in the theory and recent developments in the field of private equity. 

Quantitative Security Analysis*
Using information in financial statements and macro-economic variables to come up with the inputs into Merton-type models of viewing corporate securities as contingent claims on a firm’s assets.

Daytime courses

International Finance*
Examines recent developments in international finance, incorporating theoretical, empirical, policy and institutional dimensions.

Entrepreneurial Finance*
Evaluates business plans, growth opportunities and Venture Capital (VC) financing, covering a broad set of instruments used by entrepreneurial firms.

To find the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.

Please note however that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that that 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 events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. 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.

Our philosophy

Our philosophy of finance education is based on the belief that a sound basis in academic theory is crucial for long-term success and our faculty are leaders in their field, regularly publishing new and innovative research which ensures that our teaching is always at the cutting edge of finance theory. However, theory is symbiotic with application. The MSc Finance part-time programme contains a number of bespoke applied courses which are taught using case studies, interactive discussions and visiting expert speakers, and are specifically designed to enable students to gain deeper practical insights and links to the City.

Teaching and learning

MSc Finance courses are taught in a single three-hour lecture in the evening with a dinner break in between. Usually each course has 10 lectures in one term. The teaching allows the study of core theoretical concepts, whilst also allowing students to gain a practical understanding of the application of these concepts. The majority of courses use case studies and practical homework problems to underpin the theory studied. Classroom discussions are key part of the learning. Some optional courses require working in a group.  

Every week, office hour is held by Course Support Managers, who are dedicated tutors for each course, before the evening lecturers.  Course Support Managers also offer optional online Saturday review sessions.     

You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant course guide.

Formative work

This is coursework that does not count towards your final grade. For the majority of courses, you will be set weekly problem sets which you should complete before the following week’s class, where the teacher will work through solutions and answer questions. This provides you with an idea of how well you understand the material throughout the year. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

Summative work

This is coursework that counts towards your final grade. All of the dedicated courses on the MSc Finance programme contain a summative coursework element.

Different courses set different types of summative work, however students should expect two or more pieces of work to be submitted over an eleven week term. Some courses require weekly submission of problem sets which all make up a small percentage of the final grade.

Academic support

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 of their office hours.

The MSc Finance Part-time Associate Programme Director acts as the main academic and pastoral supervisor for all students on the programme.

The Associate Programme Director works closely with the Programme Director and the Programme Manager, and is able to advise students on general issues regarding the programme. In addition, she has extensive experience of the financial services sector, enabling her to provide a high level of careers support.

There are many opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom and complement your academic studies at LSE. LSE LIFE is the School’s centre for academic, personal and professional development. Some of the services on offer include: guidance and hands-on practice of the key skills you will need to do well at LSE: effective reading, academic writing and critical thinking; workshops related to how to adapt to new or difficult situations, including development of skills for leadership, study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work; and advice and practice on working in study groups and on cross-cultural communication and teamwork.

LSE is committed to enabling all students to achieve their full potential and the School’s Disability and Wellbeing Service provides a free, confidential service to all LSE students and is a first point of contact for all disabled students.

Graduate destinations

The vast majority of MSc Finance (part-time) students are already working in finance related roles at the time of joining the programme. As such, each individual’s future direction upon graduation depends on their own aspirations and career experience. Previous graduates of the programme have gone on to take on new roles within the sector or change their trajectory entirely from a non-finance related role.

Whatever your reason for pursuing the programme, whether to help fast-track your professional development, change trajectory, or simply gain more knowledge in relation to your current role, the programme aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in, and enhance, your career.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Please note: 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).

LSE Careers

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 will be able to access the variety of resources and services it provides. These include:

Alumni network

The Department’s multiple well-established Master’s programmes mean we have a large and wide-ranging alumni network. Students get direct access to this through the alumni networking events that take place during the pre-sessional, Michaelmas term and Lent term.

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.

The Department has a strong presence on LinkedIn and encourages all alums to connect with us and to keep us updated as their careers progress. The Department and LSE alumni LinkedIn pages facilitate online engagement between alums and contain details of news and events as well as programme specific groups.

In the past we have had great success linking up students to alumni and also alumni from different classes with each other, forming both professional and personal bonds.

*data gathered from combined Year 1 and Year 2 cohort (2020)

As a student at LSE you’ll be based at our central London campus. Find out what our campus and London have to offer you on academic, social and career perspective. 

Student societies and activities

Your time at LSE is not just about studying, there are plenty of ways to get involved in extracurricular activities. From joining one of over 200 societies, or starting your own society, to volunteering for a local charity, or attending a public lecture by a world-leading figure, there is a lot to choose from. 

The campus 

LSE is based on one campus in the centre of London. Despite the busy feel of the surrounding area, many of the streets around campus are pedestrianised, meaning the campus feels like a real community. 

Life in London 

London is an exciting, vibrant and colourful city. It's also an academic city, with more than 400,000 university students. Whatever your interests or appetite you will find something to suit your palate and pocket in this truly international capital. Make the most of career opportunities and social activities, theatre, museums, music and more. 

Want to find out more? Read why we think London is a fantastic student city, find out about key sights, places and experiences for new Londoners. Don't fear, London doesn't have to be super expensive: hear about London on a budget. 

We’re here to help and support you throughout your time at LSE, whether you need help with your academic studies, support with your welfare and wellbeing or simply to develop on a personal and professional level.

Whatever your query, big or small there are a range of people you can speak to and who will be happy to help.  

Academic mentors – an academic member of staff who meets with you during the course of the year to discuss your academic progress and who can help with any academic, administrative or personal questions you have. (See Teaching and assessment)

Department librarians – they will be able to help you navigate the library and maximise its resources during your studies. 

Accommodation service  - they can offer advice on living in halls and offer guidance on private accommodation related queries. 

Class teachers and seminar leaders – they will be able to assist with queries relating to a specific course you are taking. 

Disability and Wellbeing Service – the staff are experts in long term health conditions, sensory impairments, mental health and specific learning difficulties. They offer confidential and free services such as student counselling, a peer support scheme, arranging exam adjustments and run groups and workshops. 

IT help– support available 24 hours a day to assist with all of your technology queries.  

LSE Faith Centre – home to LSE's diverse religious activities and transformational interfaith leadership programmes, as well as a space for worship, prayer and quiet reflection. It includes Islamic prayer rooms and a main space for worship. It is also a space for wellbeing classes on campus and is open to all students and staff from all faiths and none.  

Language Centre– the centre specialises in offering language courses targeted to the needs of students and practitioners in the social sciences. We offer pre-course English for Academic Purposes programmes; English language support during your studies; modern language courses in 9 languages; proofreading, translation and document authentication and language learning community activities.

LSE Careers ­- with the help of LSE Careers, you can make the most of the opportunities that London has to offer. Whatever your future career plans, LSE Careers will work with you, connecting you to opportunities and experiences from internships and volunteering to networking events and employer and alumni insights. 

LSE Library  Founded in 1896, the British Library of Political and Economic Science is the major international library of the social sciences. It stays open late, has lots of excellent resources and it’s a great place to study. As an LSE student, you’ll have access to a number of other academic libraries in Greater London and nationwide. 

LSE LIFE – this is where you should go to develop skills you’ll use as a student and beyond. The centre runs talks and workshops on skills you’ll find useful in the classroom, offer one-to-one sessions with study advisers who can help you with reading, making notes, writing, research and exam revision, and provide drop-in sessions for academic and personal support.(See ‘Teaching and assessment). 

LSE Students’ Union (LSESU) – they offer academic, personal and financial advice and funding. 

PhD Academy - is available for PhD students, wherever they are, to take part in interdisciplinary events and other professional development activities and access all the services related to their registration. 

Sardinia House Dental Practice - offers discounted private dental services to LSE students. 

St Philips Medical Centre - based in Pethwick-Lawrence House the centre provides NHS Primary Care services to registered patients. 

Student Services Centre – our staff here can answer general queries and can point you in the direction of other LSE services.  

Student advocates and advisers– we have a School Senior Advocate for Students and an Adviser to Women Students who can help with academic and pastoral matters. 

If you have any questions about the academic programme or admissions process please check our frequently asked questions page, or contact the Department of Finance Admissions team at finance.admissionsenquiries@lse.ac.uk.

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