How long is the MSc Finance program at LSE?

Full-time, 10 months with core courses and electives.

How much does LSE MSc Finance cost?

Tuition is ~£48,500; living costs in London ~£15,000–£20,000.

LSE MSc Finance Review

Sahil Sujit

Oct 9

4 min read

LSE MSc Finance Review Overview

The MSc Finance (Full-Time) programme is recognized as one of the world’s top generalist finance master’s degrees, making it an excellent choice for individuals aiming to build careers across the global financial services sector.

Designed for outstanding graduates even those without a prior background in finance , the programme provides a solid foundation and advanced expertise in financial principles. As one of the most competitive and prestigious degrees offered at LSE, it attracts exceptional students from elite institutions worldwide.

Students first develop strong analytical knowledge through core courses in corporate finance and financial markets, before customizing their degree with a wide range of electives, including applied finance modules. In addition, the programme facilitates real-world exposure and professional connections in the City of London, while also enabling networking opportunities with peers from the MSc Finance (Part-Time) programme.

Let's deep dive into LSE MSc Finance Review.

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate degree

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in any discipline and good quantitative skills. Admission to this programme is very competitive. In previous years the majority of students accepted into the programme had obtained 1st class honours degrees or the equivalent

Quantitative skills

The mathematics used in the programme includes basic calculus and statistics, so applicants are also required to have studied a minimum of A level Mathematics (or its equivalent).

Professional experience

Work experience (either through internships or full employment) is not a pre-requisite; however, applicants who have some professional experience should include this in their application, as it may strengthen their application.

English language

You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you don't need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE.

Programme Content

The Department of Finance is globally recognized for outstanding teaching and research, attracting a diverse community of faculty and students. The programme combines strong academic theory with real-world application, starting with core courses in finance fundamentals and advancing to optional modules that deliver practical insights used by top financial institutions.

Component	Description
Pre-sessional programme	A full-time four-week course in early September covering revision/introduction to quantitative mathematics, statistics, interpreting financial statements; also includes career skills sessions.
Year 1 – Core courses	Two full units: • Corporate Finance (firm investment, cost of capital, capital structure, M&A, restructuring) • Asset Markets (fixed income, equity, derivatives markets)
Year 1 – Optional courses	Four half-unit electives (choose courses equivalent to two units) from topics such as: • Fixed Income Securities and Credit Markets • Topics in Portfolio Management • Mergers, Buyouts and Corporate Restructurings • Financial Engineering • Risk Management in Financial Markets • Private Equity • Quantitative Security Analysis • Corporate Investment and Financial Policy • Sustainable Finance and Impact Investing • Entrepreneurial Finance • International Finance A Additionally, one of the options may be completed via a structured project replacing an exam.
Programme regulations & remarks	Course availability may change. Students should refer to the LSE School Calendar for the latest offerings. Also, note that the 9-month and 10-month full-time master’s may differ in recognition under the Bologna Process.

Why Study with LSE

Carbon Neutral In 2021, LSE became the first Carbon Neutral verified university in the UK

Your Application

LSE welcomes applications from all highly qualified students. Admissions are based on academic merit, potential, and motivation, regardless of background.

Each application is reviewed carefully, considering:

Academic achievement
Additional test scores
Two academic references
CV
Statement of academic purpose
Supporting documents

Important note:The MSc Finance (Full-Time) and MSc Finance & Private Equity programmes are identical, except that FM410 Private Equity is compulsory for the latter and optional for the former. Applicants should only apply to their preferred programme, not both. If choosing MSc Finance & Private Equity, you must clearly explain your motivation and suitability for private equity.

Programme competitiveness (2023):

Applications: 1,485
Intake: 134
Acceptance ratio: 11:1

For any queries, contact the Department of Finance Admissions Team at: finance.admissionsenquiries@lse.ac.uk

Fees & Funding

£48,500 – All students pay the same fee, regardless of home or overseas status. This covers registration, examinations, lectures, classes, individual supervision, intercollegiate lectures, and Students’ Union membership. It does not include living costs, travel, or fieldwork.

Deposit:To secure a place, offer holders must pay a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the tuition fee.

Deposit deadlines: