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  • Finance (MSc) (with pathways to MSc Finance and Commodities and MSc Finance with Accounting)
  • 2012/2013 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment
    • Coursework and examinations, including a dissertation.
  • Attendance
      • Two–three evenings a week part-time; four-five evenings a week full-time.
      • September–August.
  • Duration

    • Two years part-time or one year full-time.

  • Entry requirements
      • First- or second-class honours degree, or its equivalent, in either a directly relevant or a quantitative subject, or Birkbeck's Graduate Diploma in Finance.
      • Non-EU students are encouraged to submit GRE or GMAT results, although these are not required.
      • Relevant practical work experience is taken into consideration.
      • Demonstrable qualities, such as good time management and the ability to cope under pressure, are vital.
      • You are expected to pass the pre-sessional module on quantitative techniques and introductory finance.

      Find out about our international entry requirements

  • Fees and funding
    • Fees (2012/13)
      • Part-time (home/EU students): £4975 pa
      • Part-time (overseas students): £7050 pa
      • Full-time (home/EU students): £9950 pa  
      • Full-time (overseas students): £14,075 pa
  • Location
    • Central London.
  • Teaching
    • Through lectures. Most subjects will also have classes where problem-sets, based on material presented in the lectures, are solved. For the dissertation you will receive tutorial guidance from a staff member.

Finance (MSc) (with pathways to MSc Finance and Commodities and MSc Finance with Accounting) - 2012/2013 entry


  • Overview

    • Specialist knowledge of finance is increasingly valued in commercial firms, government and academia. You will obtain excellent specialist training in financial economics including basic portfolio theory, corporate finance, and advanced pricing theory applied to derivatives and government bond markets. You will also learn the latest econometrics and numerical analysis skills important in the marketplace. The course is demanding and challenging; you should have strong intellectual ability and be willing to work hard.

      The course reflects the long-running experience in cutting edge, research-led, evening teaching at Birkbeck. It is open to both full-time (one year) and part-time students (two years) and offer a rigorous training in finance.

  • Why study this course at Birkbeck?
      • Combines a high level of academic rigour with a solid grounding in practical problem-solving skills.
      • Offers pathways in Finance and Commodities and Finance with Accounting.
      • Many of our students work in the finance industry, which generates a lively atmosphere.
      • Excellent reputation for the quality of our teaching, providing training for employers such as the Treasury and the Bank of England.
      • Department of Economics, Mathematics and Statistics enjoys an international reputation and stands among the foremost research groups in the country.
      • Watch our video of Professor Ron Smith talking about studying in the department.
  • Course structure

    • The core modules reinforce financial theory with practical application. Option modules provide the opportunity to specialise, with possible pathways in Finance and Commodities and Finance with Accounting.

      Core Modules

      • Pre-sessional modules: Quantitative Techniques and Introductory Finance
      • Financial Econometrics
      • Theory of Finance
      • Dissertation.

      Option Modules

      • Commodities and Commodity Derivatives*
      • Contemporary Issues in Financial Reporting for Complex Entities**
      • Corporate Finance
      • Financial Markets and Regulation
      • Forecasting
      • International Finance
      • Principles of Financial Reporting**
      • Risk Management
      • Topics in Finance 1: Financial Crises and Behavioural Finance
      • Topics in Finance 2: Market Micro structure and Asset Management.

      Please note: option modules may vary from year to year. Find out more about the modules for this programme.

      * choose this option module and write a suitable dissertation to obtain the MSc Finance and Commodities.
      ** choose these two option modules and write a suitable dissertation to obtain the MSc Finance with Accounting.

  • Study resources
    • Trading room simulations offer you hands-on experience in stockbroking. Additional courses in programming prepare you for jobs with a quantitative profile. You will also have access to the computer laboratories and the college library.
  • Further study opportunities
  • Careers information
  • Apply now
    • Application deadlines and interviews
      • You should apply as early as possible. We need to receive your supporting documents, i.e. your transcript, before we can proceed with your application.
    • Online application
      You can apply online from the link below.