Finance

Overview

Finance is a stimulating and challenging discipline that offers a wide range of exciting and dynamic careers across the financial industry. Our MSc Finance has been designed to produce graduates that meet the demands of employers. The application of finance theory to real-world problems is a consistent theme running through our modules. Extensive use of real-world data is a feature of all taught modules as we seek to integrate theory with real-world practice. The programme offers an extensive training in the core areas of finance, such as Asset Pricing and Portfolio Management; Corporate Finance and Valuation; Derivatives Securities; and Financial Risk Analysis; while also offering a Finance Live module, which will bring financial market participants and real financial market challenges to the classroom, giving students an experience of critically evaluating real-world situations and solving problems. A novel Summer School in Data Management and Analytics in Finance is designed to provide students with practical experience in software used across the industry. In combination, these modules deliver skills that will positively differentiate our graduates in the job market.

In common with the world of finance, our MSc Finance is a fast-moving and challenging programme. To begin, we offer a preparatory Autumn School to integrate students from different backgrounds and ensure that all students have the required levels of Finance, Maths & Statistics to succeed in the programme. Students will also be introduced to computer skills essential to modern finance. We then have two semesters of taught modules, during which each module is taught over four days. These four days will be timetabled three to four weeks apart so that learning can occur between the individual teaching days and permits time for reflection on content and the completion of projects and tasks. Our new Summer School and capstone project complete the programme.

Successful applicants will normally have:

- A minimum 2.2 single honours (level 8) degree in Economics, Finance, Business, Maths or other quantitative discipline;



- A minimum 2.2 double honours (level 8) degree in which one of the above disciplines constitute at least 50% of the degree content and the applicant has a 2.2 grade in that component of the overall degree.



Other applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be interviewed if they have:

- A minimum 2.2 double honours (level 8) degree in which any of the above disciplines constitute between 20% and 49% of the degree content and the applicant has a 2.2 grade in that component of the overall degree;



- A primary degree in any other discipline and have at least 5 years relevant work experience. This is done through the Maynooth University Procedure for Non-Standard Entrants and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning.



Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

1 Year Full Time, 2 Years Part Time.

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.

Course Commences: September.

Career Options

Our MSc Finance is an ideal launch pad for a successful career in the global world of finance. The programme is designed to equip graduates with the necessary skills and adaptability to forge a successful and sustainable career in the Financial sector. Investment Banking, Stockbroking, Corporate Finance, Central Banking, and Derivatives trading are among the diverse career paths accessible to graduates.