Develop specialist knowledge and practical skills on this MSc International Financial Markets. You’ll study topics such as financial risk management, portfolio management and stock market analysis. Prepare for a successful career as a trader or financial manager anywhere in the world.
On this UK master’s degree you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the workings of global financial markets and how they are affected by political and economic events.
You’ll learn the most effective strategies for managing portfolios of assets such as:
You’ll enhance your professional skills through practical exercises such as portfolio management assignments and a trading floor simulation workshops.
This will let you put theory into practice and make decisions on market prices in response to economic data and contemporary market trends.
Our expert academics who are active in research and have a wealth of experience in the sector. This means that your studies will benefit directly from the latest findings in the sector.
Your learning will be brought to life with real-world case studies, and you’ll benefit from industry guest speakers. This will also add to your network of contacts in the sector.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Dr Martin Enilov, Lecturer in Banking and Finance in the University’s Business School leads this course. His main research interests are empirically oriented and lie at the intersection of macroeconomics, specifically, in commodity markets, international trade, and the development of the stock and security markets, including digital currency trading. Read Dr Enilov’s staff profile to find out more about his research and publications.
This course is based at Highfield.
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
You’ll need a 2.1 degree in a subject which includes quantitative study such as:
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
We do not accept the following subjects:
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.
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.
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
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.
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
You must study the following modules :
The dissertation stage of your Postgraduate programme involves an extended, independent investigation of a topic of your own choosing and the preparation of a 15,000 word dissertation describing your work. Essentially, the dissertation is a test of your a...
In this module we begin by looking at the types and sources of finance for a company. Next we seek to understand the cost of capital and the major theories that guide us. Next comes sources of long-term finance: capital, debt and hybrid finance. Finally, ...
This module covers topics such as investment appraisal, evaluation of corporate investment, M&A, corporate governance issues in both theoretical and empirical aspects, and thus provides the knowledge which may be required for managers. The materials may b...
The module explores bank regulations as well as theoretical and practical techniques to measure market risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. It also discusses the theoretical and practical aspects of the risk management techniques employed in the fina...
This module aims to provide you with a thorough knowledge of the fixed income securities and techniques available for fixed income securities analysis, together with an understanding of investment data and performance measurement. Emphasis will be placed ...
Portfolio Theory and Asset Pricing is designed to equip students with a profound understanding of the principles that govern investment decisions and the valuation of financial assets. The course delves into the core concepts of Modern Portfolio Theory (M...
This module provides an introduction to the modern finance theory and its applications to equity investing. It will start by giving a short preamble of the asset classes and stock markets, security analysis, and equity evaluation models. The course will t...
You must also choose from the following modules :
Mainstream finance assumes that people are rational and is mainly concerned with how they should behave when making financial decisions. In this module, instead, we focus on how individuals make financial decisions in practice, and we use insights from ps...
This module provides a hands-on introduction to modern computational finance, with an emphasis on practical skills useful in the industry. It is in two parts, roughly corresponding to the “buy” and “sell” sides of the industry. Part One introduces tools o...
This module explores the key concepts and theories of financial derivatives. The focus is mainly on futures and options whose underlying asset is a financial asset (e.g., stock index options). Students will learn how to price these derivatives with the us...
The level and extent to which corporate executives, especially those of large multinational corporations pay themselves has, and continues to be, a hot and sometimes, controversial re-occurring issue of major interests to governments, regulators, media an...
This module deals with the finance in an international context. This includes spot and the forward exchange rates, the operation of common currency systems and also international cultural differences which affect the way business is governed.
This module provides you with the opportunity to engage with econometrics theory focusing, in particular, on analysing financial markets and firms' investment and financing decisions. The module will systematically prepare you with the necessary skills to...
This module provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable finance- a rapidly growing area at the intersection of finance and sustainability. The module underscores the significance of sustainable finance, illustrating its potential impact in shaping fi...
You’ll learn through a variety of methods, including:
You'll also have access to Bloomberg trading suite and other real-time data sources to support your learning.
Assessment methods on this course include:
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:
You’ll meet regularly with your tutor as you research and write your dissertation to help you keep on track.
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Accountancy,
Banking,
Business,
Finance,
Government Agencies,
Public Sector,
Think Tanks.
*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees for a year's study:
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
A scholarship is available to home fee paying students studying an eligible postgraduate master's at Southampton Business School.
Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
A scholarship of £9,000 is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at Southampton Business School.
Find out more about the Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
A scholarship is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at the Southampton Business School.
Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
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:
References are not required for this programme.
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.
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
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
