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.

We do not accept the following subjects:

• Language Studies – degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as 'Business English', 'Applied English', or 'Translation', are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
• Art/Design/Vocational Studies – degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.

English language requirements

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.

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?

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.

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 2022). 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 thriving 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 students pay £14,000.
• EU and international students pay £28,000.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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 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.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. 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, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

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'll assess your application on the strength of your:

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

We'll aim to 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