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University College London MSc Finance Review


9 minutes

Table of Contents

    Introduction

    UCL is a world-class business school in central London. It has been ranked amongst the top-notch B-schools in Europe, and UCL MSc Finance program is an internationally known master’s program, bringing together expert lectures and brilliant minds. For finance enthusiasts, who are in a quest to shape a career in finance or want to develop robust knowledge and skills, this program will serve as a major instrument in accomplishing your career goals. 

    Tuition Fees  £44,400
    Program Length 1 year
    Program deadline 17 May 2024
    Application Fees  £160

    UCL MSc Finance Class Profile

    The UCL MSc Finance program attracts a diverse cohort of students from around the world, creating a dynamic and global learning environment. The class profile typically includes around 150 students with a mix of academic backgrounds, including finance, economics, business, engineering, mathematics, and more.

    The program also attracts students with a range of work experience, from recent graduates to professionals with several years of experience. The University of College London class is typically evenly split between male and female students, and the program promotes inclusivity and diversity. Overall, the UCL MSc Finance class profile reflects a group of talented and ambitious individuals who are committed to pursuing careers in finance.

    Class Size 148
    Average Age 23 Years
    Average GRE 162
    Women Diversity  40%
    Countriies Represented  25 Nationalities
    Application Fees £160 


    Acceptance Rate

    The selectivity of the candidates determines the overall quality and prestige of a college. Therefore, when weighing their prospects of getting into a given institution, this is usually one of the first things students should look at. The UCL MSc Finance had an acceptance rate of 16% for the academic year 2021-22. 

    Acceptance Rate- 16%

    Program and Curriculum

    UCL MSc Finance

    Organizations need people who can bring to the table core knowledge and critical thinking from the outset, and the UCL MSc Finance program is designed to equip ambitious students with the knowledge and skills to work for leading financial firms around the world.

    The program will provide you with the know-how and skills to succeed in a global business environment and to become multicultural and multilingual leaders. It is a 12-months program

    Core Courses

    Course Description
    Asset Pricing This course provides a comprehensive overview of asset pricing theories and models, examining how financial assets are valued in the market. Students explore concepts such as risk and return, efficient markets hypothesis, capital asset pricing model (CAPM), arbitrage pricing theory (APT), and option pricing models.
    Introduction to Quantitative Finance This introductory course covers fundamental concepts and techniques in quantitative finance, including mathematical modeling, stochastic calculus, and numerical methods. Students learn how to apply quantitative tools to analyze financial markets, price derivatives, and manage financial risk.
    Financial Econometrics This course focuses on the application of statistical and econometric methods to analyze financial data and test financial theories. Topics include time series analysis, regression analysis, volatility modeling, and testing for market efficiency.
    Time Series Analysis and Forecasting This course delves into the theory and practice of analyzing time series data in finance. Students learn how to identify patterns, trends, and seasonality in financial time series, as well as develop forecasting models using techniques such as ARIMA, GARCH, and exponential smoothing.
    Advanced Quantitative Finance Building on the foundational concepts covered in introductory quantitative finance courses, this advanced course explores more sophisticated quantitative models and techniques used in financial analysis and decision-making. Topics may include stochastic calculus, Monte Carlo simulation, and advanced option pricing models.
    Corporate Finance This course examines the principles and practices of corporate finance, focusing on financial decision-making within corporations. Topics include capital budgeting, cost of capital, capital structure, dividend policy, and corporate governance.
    Finance Research Project In this capstone course, students apply their knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program to undertake an independent research project in finance. Under the guidance of faculty advisors, students formulate research questions, gather and analyze data, and present their findings in a written report or presentation.

     

    Electives

    Course Description
    Big Data Analytics This course explores the principles and techniques for analyzing large and complex datasets to extract valuable insights and inform decision-making. Topics include data mining, machine learning, predictive analytics, and visualization techniques applied to financial data and business contexts.
    Hedge Fund Strategies This course examines the various strategies employed by hedge funds to generate alpha and manage risk in dynamic financial markets. Students learn about long-short equity, event-driven, global macro, and quantitative strategies, as well as the regulatory and operational aspects of hedge fund management.
    Corporate Finance Practices This course focuses on the practical application of corporate finance principles in real-world business settings. Students analyze case studies and engage in simulations to understand how financial theory translates into corporate decision-making processes related to capital budgeting, mergers and acquisitions, and financial restructuring.
    Behavioral Finance This course explores the psychological and emotional factors that influence financial decision-making and market behavior. Students examine biases, heuristics, and cognitive errors that can lead to irrational financial choices, as well as the implications for asset pricing, market efficiency, and investor behavior.
    Fintech This course explores the intersection of finance and technology, examining how innovations such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies, robo-advisors, and peer-to-peer lending are reshaping the financial services industry. Students analyze fintech business models, regulatory challenges, and the implications for traditional financial institutions.
    Private Equity and Venture Capital This course provides an in-depth understanding of the private equity and venture capital industries, including the investment process, valuation methods, deal structuring, and portfolio management strategies. Students learn how to evaluate investment opportunities, conduct due diligence, and create value in private equity and venture capital-backed companies.
    Wealth Management and Private Banking This course examines the principles and practices of wealth management and private banking, focusing on serving the financial needs of high-net-worth individuals and families. Topics include investment management, estate planning, tax optimization, and client relationship management.
    Further Topics in Mathematical and Computational Finance This advanced course covers specialized topics in mathematical and computational finance, such as stochastic calculus, numerical methods for derivative pricing, risk management models, and high-frequency trading strategies. Students deepen their understanding of quantitative finance theory and its practical applications in financial markets.

     

    Extra Activities 

    One of the fascinating aspects of university life is the variety of clubs and societies available. With over 300 societies to select from, you’re sure to discover your community at the Union at UCL, so here are a few Clubs and Societies you can join at UCL: 

    • Economics and Finance Society
    • Women in Finance Society
    • Animal Rights Society
    • Autism Society 
    • Book Club
    • Chess Society
    • Coffee Society
    • Communication Society
    • Anime Society

    UCL MSc Finance Eligibility and Requirements 

    UCL MSc Finance

    Eligibility

    • Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, mathematics, mathematical economics, econometrics, economic theory, statistics, engineering, or any combination of these disciplines from a recognised UK university or the overseas equivalent from a recognised higher education institution for applying to the MSc Finance program
    • Degrees from other disciplines may be considered if the applicant has a strong background in mathematics and econometrics. 
    • Applicants who have not yet acquired their final undergraduate degree must show that they have a 2:1 or similar grade average.

    Document Required for Application to UCL MSc Finance

    • Personal Statement ( 3000 character limit)
    • Academic transcripts 
    • TOFEL/IELTS  (standard level)
    • Two academic references
    • Copy of  CV
    • Maths test provided by UCL
    • UCL Mfin program also asks for a application fees of  £160 from it's students which is a part of MFin cost

    Deadlines

    The UCL MSc Finance program has several application deadlines depending on the type of applicant. The first deadline is typically in early October and is for early applications from international students. The second deadline is usually in January and is for all applicants, including UK and EU students.

    Deadline Deadline Dates
    Deadline 1 January 5
    Deadline 2 July 31

    Employment And Placement

    UCL MSc Finance

    Each year, over 1,000 firms and organisations attend UCL Careers events, which include career fairs, corporate presentations, and sector-themed weeks that may include employer forums, networking events, lectures on how to break into the field, and one-on-one coaching sessions. Thus one can conclude that there are plenty of jobs after MFin.

    UCL graduates work in a variety of industries, with the most prevalent destinations being financial institutions of various types, banks, and consulting organisations. Graduates of the UCL MSc Finance program have gone on to work for a number of well-known firms, including:

    • EY 
    • Industrial Security
    • InfraRed Capital Partners
    • Jupiter Asset Management Ltd
    • Macquarie Group

    Top Sectors Hiring 

    If you're considering pursuing an MBA (Master of Business Administration) from University College London (UCL), it's essential to know which sectors are hiring graduates from this prestigious program.

    Finance Consulting Technology
    Bank of EnglandBCG EY Google
    Morgan Stanley Accenture Milward Brown

    UCL MSc Finance Alumni Info

    UCL School of Management has a graduate class network in excess of 200,000 previous students over the globe. After graduating from UCL MSc Finance, you become a part of its wide alumni network.

    Some Famous Alumni

    • Paul Donovan, current CEO of Odeon UCI Cinemas Group and former CEO of Vodafone Ireland and Eircom
    • Dominic Blakemore (French), CEO of Compass Group 
    • Richard Brown (MPhil Town and Transport Planning), current Chairman of Eurostar International and former chief executive of Eurostar UK
    • Rishi Khosla, serial entrepreneur, investor, and the co-founder and chief executive officer of OakNorth Bank Limited
       

    Application Essay 

    Professional Statement 

    The initial application must be accompanied by a professional statement, which is an important part of the application process. The statement will capture and articulate the motivation for pursuing the UCL MSc Finance degree, exhibiting a clear interest in finance and economics, and flowing into a statement of well-researched and grounded professional and personal goals, both short and long-term.

    Letter of Recommendation

    UCL MSc Finance requires the candidate to provide two Letters of Recommendation. Your recommender should be able to appraise your capabilities, explain your ability to succeed in our graduate programme, and provide qualities or attributes that best describe you. 

    Interview Questions 

    Applicants who meet the entry requirements, submit a professional statement, and pass the online maths test will be invited to an online interview using WePow. Here are a few interview questions that have been previously asked:

    Q. What do you know about UCL MSc Finance?
    Q. A module you are interested in
    Q. Give an example of how you would add value to the program
    Q. Which point of your personality you would like to change
    Q. Do you face any problems in teamwork?
    Q. Describe an incident where you showed your leadership quality
    Q. Why do you want to pursue an MSc in Finance?
    Q. Why UCL?
    Q. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
    Q. What are your short-term and long-term goals?

    What Makes UCL MSc Finance Unique

    UCL MSc Finance

    Is MFin worth it? UCL MSc Finance has several unique features that set it apart from other similar programs. Some of its unique features are:

    • The program offers a high level of flexibility, allowing students to choose from a range of elective modules that suit their interests and career goals.
    • The program provides an opportunity for students to gain practical experience by working on real-world projects and case studies.
    • The program has a strong focus on quantitative and analytical skills, providing students with a solid foundation in finance theory and practice.
    • UCL MSc Finance has a diverse student body, with students from over 50 different countries, providing a rich and dynamic learning environment.
    • The program has strong links with the finance industry, providing students with opportunities to network with leading finance professionals and secure employment in top finance companies.

    Conclusion

    The core financial concepts necessary for the financial sector to operate effectively are covered by the finance master’s degree. The program focuses on the theory and application of critical ideas in corporate finance, portfolio management, mergers and divestitures, and other crucial areas. An UCL MSc Finance will enable you to gain a solid understanding of these ideas and be able to put them to use in real-world situatunderstandions.

    Know Your Author
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    Abhyank Srinet
    Study Abroad Expert
    Abhyank Srinet, the founder of MiM-Essay.com, is a globally recognized expert in study abroad and admission consulting.His passion lies in helping students navigate the complex world of admissions and achieve their academic dreams. Having earned a Master's degree in Management from ESCP Europe, Abhyank's expertise in data-driven marketing strategies has driven growth for some of the most competitive industries. As the founder of MiM-Essay.com, he has helped thousands of students get into top business schools with a strong emphasis on research, shortlisting, and applying to schools from a single platform. His dedication to education has also led him to create MentR-Me, a free-to-use social platform that simplifies the study abroad process for students, while providing universities with a powerful recruitment tool. As a leader in the field of admission consulting, he is constantly researching and implementing the latest strategies to ensure that his clients receive the best possible guidance. He leads the Business Development and Digital Marketing side of both companies, and has grown both ventures to 7 figure revenue.His unique insights, experience, and dedication to his clients make him a valuable resource for anyone seeking to advance their education or career.
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