Finance - Corporate Finance

The MSc Finance (Corporate Finance) is designed for high-achieving graduates seeking to fast-track their careers in the global financial sector. This intensive programme delivers rigorous theoretical training alongside applied, industry-focused projects, preparing you for roles in investment banking, private equity, corporate advisory, and strategic finance. Developed and reviewed in partnership with an active Industry Advisory Board, the curriculum bridges academic excellence and the practical skill demands of top-tier employers.



Professional Accreditation



In today's dynamic economic landscape, where upskilling and professional credentialing are essential for career resilience, this programme is strategically designed to deliver immediate professional value and recognition.



University College Cork is an Affiliated University of the CFA Institute. As part of our school’s finance portfolio, the MSc Corporate Finance includes relevant content that complements the globally recognised investment knowledge reflected in the CFA Program.



This Master's degree has been formally accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Graduates of this programme are eligible for exemptions from specific professional exams.



Upon completion, you will be exempt from four ACCA papers: Business and Technology (BT), Management Accounting (MA), and Financial Accounting (FA). To qualify for the Financial Management (FM) exemption, students must pass four specialised modules: Treasury Risk Management, Capital Markets, International Project Finance, and Risk Management in International Financial Institutions.



Professional Development



The Professional Development (FI6006) module is an innovative program that runs throughout the year, focusing on enhancing students' communication, presentation, and IT skills. This module offers an excellent opportunity to refine and improve your networking, communication, and presentation abilities. It is further supported by a Research Skills module, which helps students develop the competencies needed to tackle the research and analysis challenges they may face in their future careers, as well as familiarize them with professional IT systems. The Professional Development module provides essential training in industry-relevant skills, including effective presentation techniques and advanced Excel proficiency. Collaboration is emphasized, as several modules include team-based projects and assessments.



During the third semester, students are presented with the option to engage in either a corporate finance project or a corporate internship. Those selecting the internship route will be required to navigate a competitive recruitment process, which includes interviews with potential employers. In contrast, students who opt for the project will collaborate under the supervision of an academic mentor. The corporate internship offers students the opportunity to explore diverse career options, thereby facilitating informed decision-making concerning their professional trajectories.

The programme is taken in two parts:



Part I consists of a combination of examinations and coursework in a set of specified taught modules to the value of 60 credits.



Part II consists of a Research Project or a Corporate Internship to the value of 30 credits. In total students take 90 credits as follows:



PART I



AC6101 International Project Finance (5 Credits)

AC6102 Investments (5 Credits)

AC6103 Capital Markets (5 Credits)

AC6105 Risk Management in International Financial Institutions (5 Credits)

AC6106 Corporate Restructuring (5 Credits)

AC6113 Financial Analysis and Forecasting (5 Credits)

AC6412 Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility for International Firms (5 Credits)

FI6001 Treasury Risk Management (5 Credits)

FI6002 Regulation and Compliance in Capital Markets (5 Credits)

FI6005 Equity Valuation (5 Credits)

FI6006 Professional Development (5 Credits)



And either



AC6108 Venture Capital and Private Equity (5 Credits)

Or

AC6030 Python and Machine Learning for Finance (5 Credits)



PART II



AC6128 Research Project or

AC6129 Corporate Internship



Integrated Research Project/Corporate Internship



The concluding component of the course is held during the summer term, during which students may choose between an integrated research project and an internship.



In the research project option, participants have the opportunity to collaborate with their peers under the guidance of an academic mentor, focusing on a corporate finance topic. This initiative is designed to strengthen both analytical and professional skills, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.



Alternatively, those opting for the internship will apply their financial knowledge in a professional environment, facilitating experiential learning and the development of critical writing and analytical skills by utilising the corporate internship as a platform for inquiry, research, and reflection. Students will undertake internships with relevant organisations aligned with the programme's focus. To secure an internship position, students must navigate a competitive recruitment process that includes interviews with prospective employers.

Applicants must normally have a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in:



· A business-related programme (e.g. Commerce, Law, Business Studies, Economics, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Information Systems etc.) or



· A programme with a significant quantitative element (e.g. Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Science, Computing etc.)



Applicants who achieve a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in either a business degree or a degree in a cognate discipline with a quantitative element and applicants from other degree disciplines with at least a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) on a case by case basis.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.



In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

To meet the development objectives of the programme the MSc Finance (Corporate Finance) is assessed by a blend of formal examination and continuous assessment. A number of modules contain up to 30% continuous assessment. The final element of the MSc Finance (Corporate Finance) is either a research project or a corporate internship. This represents one third of the marks for the masters programme.

1 year full-time.

Start Date 7 September 2026

Skills and Careers Information

The MSc Finance (Corporate Finance) provides targeted preparation for leadership roles across the financial sector. This program provides a direct pathway to high-impact careers across the financial landscape. Go beyond theory and into the roles that define the financial landscape. Our graduates are equipped to excel in roles that demand strategic insight, rigorous analysis, and expert financial management.



Core career destinations include:



Investment Banking & Capital Markets: Launch your career executing major transactions, including mergers & acquisitions (M&A), leveraged buyouts, and capital raising through equity and debt issuances.



Corporate Finance & Strategy: Step into roles driving financial planning, treasury operations, investor relations, and strategic development within multinational corporations.



Business Advisory & Professional Services: Join leading firms to provide expert counsel in financial due diligence, transaction services, business valuation, and management consulting.



Asset Management & Investment Research: Build a career analysing markets and securities, managing institutional portfolios, or conducting equity research for investment funds and sell-side firms.



Venture Capital & Private Equity: Engage in the full investment lifecycle from sourcing and evaluating high-growth companies to supporting portfolio value creation and managing exits.



Financial Regulation & Risk Management: Contribute to market integrity and stability by pursuing opportunities with regulatory bodies, central banks, or within corporate compliance and risk functions.



Fintech & Corporate Development: Pioneer innovation at the intersection of finance and technology or lead strategic initiatives like M&A and partnerships from within a company's corporate development team.



Our curriculum is meticulously designed to build the precise technical acumen and commercial awareness required to secure and succeed in these competitive fields from day one.