About this course
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:
- equity
- bonds
- foreign exchange
- derivatives
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.
Course lead
Your course leader is Taufiq Choudhry, Professor of Finance in the University’s Business School. He specialises in stock market volatility and uncertainty. Read Professor Choudhry’s staff profile to find out more about his research and publications.
Accreditations
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
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:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
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
Course structure
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.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
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 ...
The aim of this module is to provide a broad introduction to portfolio selection and derivatives from a theoretical and practical viewpoint. The course will show the interaction between asset management and derivatives.
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 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...
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...
Learning and assessment
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.
Careers
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 2020). 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
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £13,660.
- EU and international students pay £26,500.
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:
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.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
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 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
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