International Financial Markets (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of these subject areas: 

• business 
• economics 
• science 
• engineering 
• management 

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country. 

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning. 

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview. 

Got a question?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.

This is a full-time course. You’ll study for a whole year.

The taught part of the course covers the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2). This is a combination of modules that everyone on the course studies, and modules that we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. 

You’ll take exams at the end of semesters 1 and 2. 

During the last 4 months of the course you’ll research and write your dissertation. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You’ll learn through a variety of methods, including: 

• lectures 
• seminars 
• discussions 
• individual and group exercises 
• trading simulations 
• case studies 
• guest lectures from industry 

You'll also have access to Bloomberg trading suite and other real-time data sources to support your learning. 

Assessment

Assessment methods on this course include: 

• coursework 
• written exams 
• group essays 
• practical work 
• dissertation 

Dissertation

You’ll research and write a dissertation of between 15,000 words on a topic of your choice.  

The dissertation is your chance to develop your research skills and increase your knowledge around a specific subject relating to your course. Your tutor will help you decide on a suitable theme and research methodologies. 

Past students have looked at: 

• the impact of the global financial crisis on the world economy 
• financial uncertainty in the UK and EU stock markets after the Brexit vote 
• issues relating to the stock markets in China and Dubai 

You’ll meet regularly with your tutor as you research and write your dissertation to help you keep on track. 

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor. 

This degree will prepare you for success in a wide range of roles in trading or financial management. 

Areas you could go into include: 

• mutual, hedge, pension or insurance funds 
• investment analysis and advice 
• trading in equities, bond, foreign exchange, commodities or derivatives 
• investment banking 
• private equity 

Job roles include: 

• investment consultant 
• corporate treasurer 
• rating agency analyst 
• financial journalist 
• private wealth manager 
• stockbroker
• investment banking analyst

Recent graduates have gone on to work at PwC, HSBC and Bank of Shanghai. 

You’ll also be in a great position to continue your researches at PhD level. 

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £12,950.
• International students pay £22,806.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK and EU nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries  may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

You can apply directly through our online form by using the apply button on this page.

Application deadlines

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000