FinanceMSc
Source: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026/finance-msc Parent: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026
2026-27 entry
Finance MSc
School of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences\
Develop the tools and techniques you need to critically assess real-world investment strategies, financial instruments and market behaviours. \
- Start date \ September 2026
- Duration \ 1 year
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Attendance \ Full-time
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Apply now for 2026 entry or book a place on our online open day on 29 April 2026 to see where a Sheffield masters could take you.
Course description
Advance your understanding of how finance theory is applied in the real world. You'll study essential topics, such as corporate finance, behavioural finance, and asset pricing and portfolio theory.
You'll learn to use the core analytical skills needed to thrive in the financial industry. Our academics will teach you how to use econometric methods to analyse data and interpret complex financial models.
Towards the end of the course, you will complete an extended research project on a topic of your choosing. Our academics will support you in applying the analytical and technical skills needed to explore your interests within the field of finance.
Modules
Semester one
Semester two
Dissertation core
Core modules:
Asset Pricing and Portfolio Theory : This module will introduce you to some of the key concepts and methods in modern finance. This is an analytical module, which reflects the quantitative nature of the subject and in which each topic is developed from first principles. The module will cover the theoretical foundations of investor choice and portfolio selection based on utility theory, using these to provide a rigorous foundation for the Capital Asset Pricing Model. You will then examine some of the empirical issues that arise in the practical use of the theory.
**15 credits**
Behavioural Finance : This module explores the principles of Behavioural Finance, which integrates psychological insights into financial decision-making. Traditional finance models assume rationality, but Behavioural Finance recognizes the role of cognitive biases, emotions, and psychological factors in shaping market outcomes and individual decisions. The module aims to provide you with a deep understanding of how human behaviour impacts financial markets, asset pricing, corporate decision-making, and personal investing.\ \ The following key topics will be covered: Expected Utility Theory; Asset Pricing, Market Efficiency, and Agency Relationships; Prospect Theory, Framing and Mental Accounting; Challenges to Market Efficiency; Heuristics and Biases; Overconfidence; Emotional Foundations; Experimental Behavioural Finance; Behavioural Corporate Finance; Investor Behaviour: The application of Behavioural Finance in Financial Planning and Investing. \ \
**15 credits**
Corporate Finance : This module will aim to equip you with a comprehensive foundation of the core theoretical principles of corporate finance, along with practical insights into how these principles are applied when formulating investment analysis and financial strategy. You will be provided with a deeper understanding of key financial decisions faced by firms, with a particular focus on investment appraisal methods; risk management techniques; valuation techniques for stocks and bonds; financial statement analysis and modelling; the cost of capital and the capital structure decision. Additionally, the module will explore both the theoretical and empirical aspects of these topics, equipping you to tackle real-world financial challenges.
**15 credits**
Econometric Methods : This module will develop your core econometrics skills. The first half of the module provides a grounding in key econometric techniques covering elements such as the classical linear regression model, hypothesis testing and problems of non-spherical disturbances. More advanced topics are then introduced in the second half of the module. Specifically you will focus upon topics in microeconometrics: including modelling discrete binary variables; censoring and sample selection, and then topics in macroeconometrics including: economic forecasting; stationarity; and cointegration. You will also develop a knowledge of using econometric software Stata.
**15 credits**
Core modules:
Applied Econometrics: Cross-sectional and Panel Data Approaches : The module provides examples and experience of applying standard microeconometric techniques to large sample surveys, with practical guidance on how to estimate and interpret results from different models. The syllabus covers topics such as limited dependent variables, instrumental variables, panel data methods and difference in differences methods.
**15 credits**
Applied Econometrics: Time Series Approaches : This module will enable you to understand recent applied literature in core journals of macroeconomics and finance, which uses time series methods, and prepare you for possible later research involving time series. You will learn to identify the empirical features of macroeconomic and financial data, and how to analyse the dynamic interaction of macroeconomic variables over time using key econometric techniques. Throughout use will be made of the Stata econometric software.
**15 credits**
Derivatives, Options, and Securities : The aim of this module is to introduce you to advanced principles of asset pricing, focusing on financial derivative instruments. You will gain knowledge of how important derivatives are traded, the pricing models for derivatives, and the principles of risk management using derivatives. This is an analytical module, which reflects the quantitative nature of the subject. The module will cover both the theoretical foundations of asset pricing, and the issues that arise in the practical use of these models and their limitations.
**15 credits**
Theory of Banking : This is an advanced module that provides a comprehensive examination of contemporary banking practices and challenges. This module covers both on balance sheet and off balance sheet operations with an emphasis on identifying and managing the main banking risks. You will examine the nuances of financial crises and the workings of bank funding schemes. Important facets of contemporary bank regulation are also covered in the module.
**15 credits**
MSc Dissertation : In this module students will complete an extended piece of written work on a topic of their choice. The dissertation will demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research and make an original contribution to the discipline.
**60 credits**
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Open days
Interested in postgraduate taught study?
- Take part in our online open day on Wednesday 29 April
- Join us on a discovery afternoon on Tuesday 12 May
- Register your interest in studying at Sheffield.
Duration
1 year full-time
Your career
This course will give you the tools to excel in a financial career involving areas such as asset management, investment banking, corporate finance and financial consulting. The course will also prepare you for a career in economics or academia.
Over 90% of our graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22). Our students are highly sought after by companies around the world and have gone on to work at:
- Bank of England
- PwC
- IBM
- Deloitte
- Bloomberg
- Columbia University
- Bank of China
Our students have also secured places at other top institutions, such as London Business School, to complete further education in research.
School
School of Economics
We have a global reputation for our expertise in practical and real-world economics. You'll learn from some of the top economic experts, who provide cutting-edge teaching based on their research.
Our academics play an active role in shaping policy, advising UK government departments such as the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Education. They also work with influential bodies such as the Low Pay Commission. The research we produce directly influences government policies and aims to improve lives. This is what informs the content of your modules.
As a result, our graduates are highly sought after by some of the country's leading employers, including the Bank of England, PwC, IBM and HM Treasury.
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in economics or a degree which meets the module requirements below.
Module requirements
You should have studied the following four modules:
- Macroeconomics
- Microeconomics
- Mathematics
- Statistics or Econometrics
We assess each application on the basis of the applicant’s preparation and achievement as a whole. We may accept applicants whose qualifications don’t meet the published entry criteria but have other experience relevant to the course.
If required degree subjects and modules are listed, these are indicative only. Sometimes we may accept subjects or modules that aren’t listed, and sometimes we may not accept subjects or modules that are listed, depending on the content studied.
We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent
Other English language qualifications we accept
Other requirements
We will not ask you to provide references or referee details as part of your application.
We do not require a supporting statement for this programme.
Pathway programme for international students
If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school.
Fees and funding
Funding for postgraduate taught courses
Save on your course fees
£3,000 scholarships for international students
Overseas fee-paying students joining in September 2026 will automatically receive a £3,000 tuition fee discount (subject to eligibility) - no separate application form required.
Save up to £2,500 on your course fees
Are you a Sheffield graduate? You could save up to £2,500 on your postgraduate taught course fees, subject to eligibility.
Apply
You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
More information
Contact
Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.
Contacts for prospective students
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.
0 On
- 1 year
Dr Mark Bryan
Dr Mark Bryan is an expert in labour economics, micro-econometrics and wellbeing. He has advised the UK government on issues such as the minimum wage and the impact of the recession. He is a co-investigator on a Health Foundation project on the social and economic value of health.
Mark teaches on the module Public Policy Evaluation which explores techniques to find out the direct causal effect of a given government policy, identifying the difference between what actually happened and what would have happened without the policy.
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