Saïd Business School

The Masters in Financial Economics (MFE) offered at Saïd Business School, commonly known as Oxford MSc Finance, is an intellectually tough and highly practical program. It provides students with international training in the tools sought by finance institutions and companies in various industries. Along with a rigorous curriculum, the program equips students with tailored real-world applications. You may have many questions about the school, and this article hopes to answer all of your questions.

The Oxford MSc finance profile that is as diverse as it is impressive, drawing talented students from across the globe. This class profile is characterized by a rich tapestry of educational and professional backgrounds, ranging from economics and engineering to mathematics and business.

The program attracts individuals with an average of 2-3 years of professional experience, although some students may have more. Students come from a variety of industries, including finance, consulting, technology, and government. Many students are seeking to further their careers in the finance industry, while others are seeking to transition into finance from other fields.

The acceptance rate for the Oxford MSc Finance program varies from year to year and depends on the number of qualified applicants and the availability of places in the program. However, the program is highly competitive, and the acceptance rate is typically low.

According to the Saïd Business School's official statistics, the acceptance rate for the MSc Finance program for the 2020-2021 academic year was around 18%. This means that out of every 100 applicants, only 18 were offered admission to the program.

Acceptance Rate- 18%

Jointly delivered by Saïd Business School finance faculty and the Oxford University Department of Economics, this 9-month learning experience combines the expertise of two world-class departments and is enriched by input from leading international financial recruiters.

As practical as it is academically rigorous, the Oxford MSc Finance program provides an international insight and understanding, the knowledge of finance applications and the real-world skills and tools that leading institutions and companies demand across a breadth of industries. Thus, making Oxford MFE a really popular degree.

Core Course

Electives

Extra Activities

The Oxford Msc Finance has plenty of clubs to provide students with the real-world exposure that they need.

Clubs

• Oxford Union
• Oxford University Dramatic Society
• Oxford University Music Society
• Oxford University Sports Federation

Scholarships

Several of our MBA scholarships are subject to specific application deadlines. While many scholarships are allocated after each MBA admissions phase, their availability in later stages is not assured. Therefore, we advise prospective students to apply early to maximize their chances of receiving these awards.

• Academic Futures Scholarship
• Adara Foundation Scholarship
• Eni-Oxford Africa Scholarships
• Forté Fellowships for Women
• Leo Tong Chen Scholarships
• Oxford-Grace Lake Scholarship (additional application required)
• Oxford-Intesa Sanpaolo MBA Graduate Scholarship

It is important to note that meeting the minimum eligibility requirements for Oxford MFin does not guarantee admission to the program, as admission is highly competitive and based on a holistic review of the application.

Eligibility

• You should have a minimum of a 2.1 (3.5 GPA) or its equivalent. 
• It’s compulsory to submit your application with a GMAT/GRE score. It is recommended that the quantitative scores are in the 85th percentile, the verbal scores are in the 80th percentile and the analytical writing score is at least 5.
• A TOEFL or IELTS test is required if you are not from an English speaking country.

Documents Required for Oxford MSc Finance

• Academic transcripts from all universities attended
• GMAT/GRE scores (if applicable)
• English language test scores (if applicable)
• Two academic or professional references
• A personal statement outlining their interest in the program, academic background, and career goals
• CV/resume
• A non-refundable application fee of £150

The deadline for admission to the Oxford MSc Finance program varies depending on the round of application. It is recommended that applicants submit their applications as early as possible, as the program has rolling admissions and spaces may fill up quickly. Additionally, some scholarship and funding opportunities may have earlier deadlines. It is important to carefully review the application requirements and deadlines on the program's website and plan accordingly.

A degree from Oxford MSc in Finance opens up plenty of employment avenues in the UK for graduates of finance. However, options are pretty high for global Oxford MFE jobs as well. In addition, graduates can work in a wide range of sectors. Thus, providing a great opportunity for all the Oxford MFE class profiles. Therefore, one can conclude that there are plenty of jobs after MSc in Finance.

Average starting salary

The Oxford MFin salary trends showcase a remarkable upward trajectory, with the program's graduates witnessing an eighth consecutive year of salary growth. The average salary has impressively climbed to £63,251, a significant increase of £5,023 from 2021. Particularly noteworthy is the finance sector, where the Oxford MFin salary has surged by 14.5%, reaching an average of £66,880. This substantial growth not only highlights the strong market demand for Oxford's MSc in Finance graduates but also underscores the program's excellence in preparing students for successful careers in finance.

Placement statistics

Six months after graduation, an impressive 93% of Oxford MFin graduates had successfully secured employment, a slight decrease from the previous year's perfect employment rate of 100%. A significant majority, 79%, found their niche in the finance sector, demonstrating the program's strong alignment with industry needs. Additionally, 16% of the graduates ventured into consulting, showcasing the versatility of their skillset, while the remaining 5% pursued opportunities in various other sectors. This distribution of employment highlights the diverse career paths available to graduates of this esteemed program.

Employment report

In the face of external market challenges such as geopolitical tensions and rising inflation, the MFE class of 2021/22 from Oxford experienced a stable employment landscape at the outset of their program. Despite these global economic uncertainties, London and Hong Kong emerged as the top job destinations, with nearly half of the graduates, 49%, securing positions in the UK, reflecting a 6% increase from previous years. Additionally, the appeal of Asia as a career hub remained consistent, with 32% of the students finding opportunities there. Meanwhile, employment in the UK and Europe combined saw a slight uptick, accommodating 63% of the graduates. This distribution underscores the global appeal and adaptability of the Oxford MFE program in a fluctuating economic environment.

The Oxford MFin program opens a gateway to a multitude of career opportunities for its graduates. This prestigious program not only equips students with a profound understanding of financial concepts but also connects them with leading industries in the global market. In this overview, we delve into the top sectors that actively seek the expertise of Oxford MSc Finance graduates, highlighting the diverse and dynamic career paths available to these accomplished individuals. From the bustling world of investment banking to the innovative realms of fintech, we explore where Oxford's finest are making their mark in the financial world.

Companies recruiting from Saïd MFE

We will delve into the leading three sectors that recruit Oxford MFin graduates, providing you with an insight into the multinational corporations you might aspire to join. According to the 2022 employment report, these sectors stand out in their active pursuit of Oxford MFin talent, offering a glimpse into the potential career paths available to you in the future.

As Oxford MSc Finance alumni network, you may have many questions in mind. With 17,000+ SBS alumni in over 140 countries, including the 300,000 University of Oxford MFE alumni and 60 dedicated ambassadors globally, the alumni network is nothing short of stellar at Saïd. The Oxford Business Alumni (OBA) Network is the Schools official alumni community, bringing together individuals that share a common interest in business who support and serve as proud ambassadors around the globe. As a graduate of Saïd Business School, you will benefit from accessing alumni from all parts of the world, including the wider University of Oxford MFE alumni network.

Some Famous Alumni

The application essay question for the Oxford MSc Finance program may vary from year to year. However, here is an example of a past essay question:

"Describe a recent innovation in finance and explain its potential impact on the industry. Discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with this innovation and how it may affect financial institutions and their clients."

This essay question is designed to assess the applicant's knowledge of recent trends and developments in the finance industry, as well as their ability to analyze and evaluate the potential impact of these trends. It also requires the applicant to think critically about the challenges and opportunities associated with innovation in finance and how it may affect the industry as a whole.

To apply for Oxford MSc Finance, you must submit one letter of recommendation. It should be written by your professional referee who has worked with you closely to comment on your professional and managerial skills critically. The person’s designation does not matter, but they must be able to talk about your strengths and weaknesses thoroughly for Oxford MSc Finance LORs.

The Oxford MSc Finance (Master of Finance) program is highly selective and competitive, and the interview process is an important part of the admissions process. Here are some possible interview questions that may be asked:

Q. Why did you choose the Oxford MFin program, and how do you think it aligns with your career goals?
Q. Can you walk me through your resume and highlight your relevant experiences, skills, and achievements?
Q. What do you consider to be your strengths and weaknesses, and how do you plan to leverage or address them in the program?
Q. Can you discuss a current financial event or trend that interests you, and why?
Q. How do you approach problem-solving, and can you give me an example of a challenging problem you faced and how you resolved it?
Q. What do you think sets you apart from other candidates, and how do you plan to contribute to the Oxford community?
Q. Can you discuss a time when you worked effectively in a team, and what role you played in achieving success?
Q. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the finance industry today, and how do you plan to address them in your career?
Q. How do you stay current with developments in finance, and what resources do you rely on?
Q. Is there anything else you would like to share with the admissions committee that we haven't covered in the interview or your application materials?

The MSc Finance program at Oxford University's Saïd Business School offers a range of unique features that distinguish it from other finance programs. Here are some of the key features of Oxford MSc Finance:

• World-renowned faculty: The program is taught by a team of world-class faculty members who are experts in their fields and have extensive industry experience.
• Flexible curriculum: The program offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to customize their course of study based on their interests and career goals.
• Emphasis on practical skills: The program focuses on developing practical skills that are highly valued by employers, including financial modeling, data analysis, and quantitative research methods.
• Strong industry connections: The program has strong links with leading financial institutions and firms, which provide students with networking opportunities, internships, and career placement assistance.
• Global perspective: The program attracts a diverse cohort of students from all over the world, which helps to foster a global perspective and an understanding of different financial markets and systems.
• Entrepreneurial focus: The program offers opportunities for students to explore entrepreneurship and innovation in finance through initiatives such as the Oxford Seed Fund and the Oxford Finance Lab.

Overall, the MSc Finance program at Oxford University's Saïd Business School is highly regarded for its academic rigor, practical focus, and global perspective, making it a top choice for students seeking to advance their careers in finance.

The Oxford MSc Finance, offered by the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, stands out as one of the best MFin colleges in the UK. This one-year, full-time master's degree program is meticulously designed to immerse students in the core principles of finance, while also honing their analytical and quantitative skills essential for a successful career in the finance industry.

Within the program, students explore a comprehensive range of finance topics, including corporate finance, financial markets and institutions, investments, and quantitative methods. The curriculum also offers the flexibility to specialize in areas like asset management, private equity, or risk management. This blend of broad-based knowledge and specialized learning cements the Oxford MSc Finance's position as a leading choice among the best MFin colleges in UK, preparing graduates for the dynamic and challenging world of finance.