Is a Master’s in Finance Worth It? Assessing the Investment in Your Financial Future
For professionals seeking to grow in the financial sector, many people opt for a masters degree in Finance (MFin). But does this really pay off? This article will discuss advantages, disadvantages as well as career prospects related to a Masters in Finance. Additionally, it will compare it with other relevant qualifications such as CFA designation or Masters abroad and MBA so that you can figure out which way best meets your needs.
Benefits of a Masters Degree in Finance:
Expertise: Masters in Finance is more specialized than just teaching basics of money management but also provides intensive knowledge on areas like financial modeling, risk control analysis among others.
Prospects for Career Growth: Graduates find themselves highly sought after by companies seeking candidates for positions such as investment bankers; corporate finance officers; financial advisers or wealth managers etcetera.
Networking Opportunities: In many cases students who have completed their masters end up making lasting connections with alumni or professionals already working within industries they would want to work eventually thus gaining access into job markets that might not otherwise be open if one did not possess this level of education.
Earnings Potential: Typically those holding Mfins earn bigger salaries compared to individuals having only bachelor degrees thereby making this course worth every penny spent towards tuition fees.
Possible Cons To Keep In Mind for a Masters in Finance:
Expenses: Programs offering Masters in Finance can be quite costly hence it pays off doing some calculation based on possible returns before enrolling into any program.
Time Commitment: These programs usually take between one year full time study and two years part-time schooling which means you must sacrifice significant amount of your working hours thus possibly derailing current professional path or putting other business ventures on hold during period under consideration.
Job Market Competition: While there may always exist vacancies within finance industry demand tends to outweigh supply especially when it comes top executive level positions thus necessitating for one having additional qualifications besides just possessing an ordinary masters degree in finance.
QS Ranking of Masters in Finance Degrees in 2025
Rank | University | Program | Location | Overall Score |
1 | Oxford (Said) | MSc Financial Economics | Oxford, United Kingdom | 100 |
2 | HEC Paris | Master in International Finance | Paris, France | 99.1 |
3 | MIT (Sloan) | Master of Finance | Cambridge (MA), United States | 98.8 |
4 | London Business School | MSc in Financial Analysis | London, United Kingdom | 98.5 |
5 | Cambridge (Judge) | Master of Finance | Cambridge, United Kingdom | 96.3 |
6 | UC Berkeley (Haas) | Master of Financial Engineering | Berkeley (CA), United States | 95.3 |
7 | ESSEC Business School | Master in Finance | Paris, France | 93.9 |
8 | Yale School of Management | Masters Degree in Systemic Risk | New Haven (CT), United States | 93.8 |
9 | London School of Economics | MSc Finance | London, United Kingdom | 93.4 |
10 | UCLA (Anderson) | Master of Financial Engineering | Los Angeles (CA), United States | 93.2 |
11 | SDA Bocconi School of Management | MSc in Finance | Milan, Italy | 90.7 |
12 | NYU (Stern) | MS in Quantitative Finance | New York (NY), United States | 88.7 |
13 | Columbia Business School | Master of Science in Financial Economics | New York (NY), United States | 88.4 |
14 | Imperial College Business School | MSc Finance | London, United Kingdom | 87 |
15 | ESCP Business School | Advanced Master in Finance | Paris, France | 86.6 |
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Deadlines for Masters in Finance programs:
ESCP Business School - Master in Finance: Round 1: January 10, 2024 Round 2: March 29, 2024 Round 3: June 6, 2024
HEC Paris - Master in Finance: Round 1: October 18, 2023 Round 2: January 4, 2024 Round 3: February 29, 2024 Round 4: April 23, 2024
EDHEC Business School - Masters in Finance Programs: Closed for 2024 intake (as of the time of the document)
Oxford Saïd Business School - MSc in Financial Economics: If visa required: June 17, 2024 If visa not required: July 1, 2024
London Business School - Masters in Finance: Applications for 2025 intake open in July 2024
University of St. Gallen - Master in Banking and Finance: First round: November 30, 2023 Final round: April 30, 2024
IE Business School - Master in Finance: Not specified (rolling admissions)
ESSEC Business School - Master in Finance: Multiple rounds from October 2023 to April 2024
Imperial College Business School - MSc Finance: If visa required: June 17, 2024 If visa not required: July 1, 2024
SDA Bocconi - Master of Science in Finance: Applications open until June 2024
EMLyon Business School - MSc in Finance: Applications open from October 9, 2023 to August 2024
SKEMA Business School - Masters in Finance Programs: Rolling admissions, final deadline usually June-July for September intake
WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management - Master in Finance: Final deadline: May 31, 2025
Warwick Business School (WBS) - MSc Finance: Rolling admissions Deadline (if visa not required): August 2, 2024
MFin vs. MBA vs. CFA: Which Path is Right for You?
Feature | Masters in Finance (MFin) | Master of Business Administration (MBA) | Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) |
Focus | Specialized in finance | Broader business curriculum with finance as one specialization | Investment management and analysis |
Career Paths | Investment banking, asset management, financial analysis, etc. | Various industries, including finance, consulting, marketing, operations | Portfolio management, research analysis, etc. |
Typical Students | Recent graduates, career changers with some finance experience | Professionals with a few years of work experience | Finance professionals seeking career advancement |
Format | Classroom-based | Classroom-based | Self-study with three levels of exams |
Duration | 1-2 years | 1-2 years | Varies, usually 2-5 years |
Cost | Varies, often less than MBA | Varies, can be more expensive than Masters in Finance | Lower cost than MFin or MBA |
Career Paths for Masters in Finance Graduates
There are several career options available for those with a Master’s in Finance. Some of these include:
Investment Banking Analyst/ Associate: Involves working on financial transactions such as mergers and acquisitions among others;
Financial Analyst: Responsible for analyzing business performance through assessment of investment plans vis-à-vis financial data provided by companies under review or consideration;
Portfolio Manager: Charged with managing investments made either by individuals (retail investors) or organizations (institutional investors);
Corporate Finance Manager: Involved in overseeing all aspects of company’s financial activities ranging from budgeting, forecasting up to capital allocation decisions etcetera.
Risk Manager: Tasked with identification mitigation potential risks that could negatively impact organization’s bottom line;
Financial Consultant: Offers advice relating money matters be it personal or corporate level depending on client needs analysis done before making recommendations is tailored towards meeting particular objectives outlined during initial consultation session between parties involved.
Is a Master’s in Finance Right For You?
The following considerations can help determine whether a Masters in Finance would suit you:
Your Career Objectives – how much do you want advance within finance industry what specific areas interest most?
Financial Implications – Can I afford tuition fees will there be scholarships available should apply now or wait until next year when my savings have grown more;
Learning Style Preference – Do prefer traditional classroom setting where everything taught at once over certain period time then tested later through exams etcetera; Or am better off studying own pace using online resource materials supplemented by occasional face-to-face interaction sessions organized school authorities alongside fellow students who may also reside within vicinity thus creating study groups?
Time Allocation – Am ready undertake full-time studies lasting duration one-year minimum two years maximum part time basis;
Competitiveness Level – Are willing put extra effort required excel above average candidates seeking similar job vacancies as me upon completion this course considering fact that many employers usually recognize Masters in Finance holders during recruitment drives due their higher qualifications attained within finance field.
Is a Masters in Finance what you are looking for? Get a free analysis from GOALisB Admissions Consultants. We will examine your profile and offer advice tailored specifically to the best programs available and pathways toward achieving your aspirations; just get in touch with us right away!
Program | Duration | Specializations | Tuition Fees (2024/2025) | Key Highlights | FT Ranking 2024 |
ESCP Business School | 15 months | Investment Banking, Financial Markets | €29,100 | Paris & London campuses, 100% employment rate | 1 worldwide |
HEC Paris | 10 months | Corporate Finance, Capital Markets | €43,800 | Dual-location, high salary increase, strong career services | 2 worldwide |
SKEMA Business School | 1-2 years | Corporate Financial Management, Financial Markets | €18,000 - €42,000 | Multiple campuses, strong industry links | 4 worldwide (Financial Markets & Investments) |
Tsinghua University | 2 years | General Finance | RMB 128,000 (approx. €16,000) | Strong emphasis on China-specific finance | 6 worldwide |
London Business School | 10-16 months | Investment Management, Corporate Finance | £62,500 | Flexible program, strong industry connections | 8 worldwide |
University of St. Gallen | 18 months | Banking and Finance | CHF 8,000 per semester | High employability, strong academic reputation | 9 worldwide |
Esade Business School | 12 months | Corporate Finance, Global Markets | €31,500 | Strong focus on practical skills, international exposure | 10 worldwide |
Imperial College Business School | 12 months | Corporate Finance, Investment Management | £45,400 | Strong quantitative focus, excellent career support | 11 worldwide |
Warwick Business School | 12 months | General Finance | £35,500 (UK/EU) £41,750 (International) | Strong links with industry, CFA affiliated | 12 worldwide |
EDHEC Business School | 1-2 years | Financial Markets, Corporate Finance | €23,500 | Multiple campuses, strong industry links | 14 worldwide |
ESCP Business School: Master in Finance
Duration: 15 months
Language: English
Specializations: Investment Banking, Financial Markets
Tuition Fees: €29,100
Scholarships: Up to 50% reduction for CROUS holders
Key Highlights:
Campuses: Paris and London give a comprehensive international experience.
Employment Rate : 100% employment rate within three months of graduation.
Average Salary : $165,557.
Diversity : Students come from various backgrounds including engineering, law, social sciences etc.
Application Requirements : Bachelor’s degree (minimum 180 ECTS credits), proficiency in English.
FT Ranking : Ranks 1 worldwide in the Financial Times 2024 Masters in Finance ranking.
HEC Paris - Master in International Finance (MIF)
Duration: 10 months
Language: English
Specializations: Corporate Finance; Capital Markets
Tuition Fees €43,800
Scholarships HEC Foundation Excellence Scholarship
Key Highlights:
Dual-location – Combines coursework at HEC Paris and Tsinghua University for dual degree option.
Salary Increase – 99% salary increase post-graduation with average salary of $183,928.
Diverse Tracks – Business Track for finance graduates; Accelerated Track for quantitative backgrounds.
Career Services – Strong support leading to high placement rates.
Application Requirements – Bachelor’s or Master’s degree; GMAT/GRE scores; proficiency in English.
FT Ranking: Ranks 2nd worldwide in the Financial Times 2024 Masters in Finance ranking.
Oxford Saïd Business School: MSc Financial Economics
It lasts for 9 months.
Areas of Concentration are Financial Economics
£55,630 : total cost.
Many scholarships exist that one can apply for.
Key highlights include:
Academic Rigor: Combines rigorous academic training with real-world applications.
Industry Connections: Developed in consultation with leading financial recruiters.
Career Prospects: Graduates are highly sought after in finance and consulting.
Application Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GMAT/GRE scores, proficiency in English language skills.
FT Ranking: Ranks 3rd worldwide in the Financial Times 2024 Masters in Finance ranking
SKEMA Business School - MSc Financial Markets & Investments
Duration: 1 year (or 2 years double MSc)
Language English
Specializations Corporate Financial Management; Financial Markets; Sustainable Finance & Fintech
Tuition Fees €18,000 (one year) to €42,000 (two years)
Scholarships Various scholarships available including international and French specific options
Key Highlights:
Campuses – Paris, Sophia-Antipolis, Belo Horizonte, Suzhou, Raleigh.
Practical Training – Emphasis on hands-on learning with Bloomberg terminals and simulation games.
Industry Links – Strong connections with industry professionals and alumni.
Application Requirements – Bachelor’s degree; professional experience; proficiency in English.
FT Ranking : Ranks 4th worldwide (Financial Markets & Investments) in the Financial Times 2024 ranking.
MIT Sloan School of Management: Master of Finance
Duration is between 12 to 18 months
English is the medium of instruction used at this school only so far;
Specializations offered are General Finance only;
This program costs $82k (the figure given above).
Various scholarships available for students who need them which are not mentioned here;
Key Highlights:
Innovative Curriculum: Strong emphasis on quantitative methods and financial engineering.
Global Exposure: Opportunities for international study and projects.
Career Services: Dedicated career development office with strong industry links.
Application Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GMAT/GRE scores, proficiency in English language skills..
FT Ranking: Ranks 5th globally according to FT Master Rankings 2024.
Tsinghua University: Master in Finance
Duration: 2 years
Language: English
Specializations: General Finance
Tuition Fees: RMB 128,000 (approx. €16,000)
Scholarships : Various scholarships available
Key Highlights:
Focus – Strong emphasis on China-specific finance and global financial markets.
Industry Connections – Close ties with leading Chinese financial institutions and global firms.
Career Opportunities – High employability within China and internationally.
Application Requirements : Bachelor’s degree; GMAT/GRE scores; proficiency in English.
FT Ranking : Ranks 6th worldwide in the Financial Times 2024 Masters in Finance ranking.
London Business School - Masters in Finance
Duration: 10-16 months
Language English
Specializations Investment Management; Corporate Finance
Tuition Fees £62,500
Scholarships Various scholarships available
Key Highlights:
Flexibility - Options for full-time or part-time study to accommodate working professionals.
Industry Exposure - Strong connections with financial institutions in the City of London.
Career Support - Comprehensive career services with high placement rates.
Application Requirements – Bachelor’s degree; professional experience; GMAT/GRE scores; proficiency in English.
FT Ranking: Ranks 8th worldwide in the Financial Times 2024 Masters in Finance ranking.
University of St. Gallen: Master in Banking and Finance (MBF)
Duration: 18 months
Language English/German
Specializations Banking and Finance
Tuition Fees CHF 8,000 per semester
Scholarships Limited scholarships available
Key Highlights:
Academic Reputation – Known for rigorous academic curriculum and research.
Career Prospects – High employability with top financial institutions in Switzerland and globally.
Diverse Curriculum – Strong emphasis on both theoretical and practical aspects of finance.
Application Requirements : Bachelor’s degree; GMAT/GRE scores; proficiency in English/German.
FT Ranking : Ranks 9th worldwide in the Financial Times 2024 Masters in Finance ranking.
Esade Business School: MSc in Finance
Duration: 12 months
Language: English
Specializations: Corporate Finance, Global Markets
Tuition Fees: €31,500
Scholarships: Various scholarships available
Key Highlights:
International Exposure: Study tours and internships worldwide.
Practical Focus: Strong emphasis on practical skills and hands-on learning.
Career Support: Excellent career services with high placement rates.
Application Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GMAT/GRE scores, proficiency in English.
FT Ranking: Ranks 10 worldwide in the Financial Times 2024 Masters in Finance ranking.
Imperial College Business School: MSc Finance
Duration: 12 months
Language: English
Specializations: Corporate Finance, Investment Management
Tuition Fees: £45,400
Scholarships: Various scholarships available
Key Highlights:
Quantitative Focus: Strong emphasis on quantitative skills and financial modeling.
Industry Connections: Close ties with leading financial institutions.
Career Opportunities: High placement rates in top financial firms.
Application Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GMAT/GRE scores, proficiency in English.
FT Ranking: Ranks 11th worldwide in the Financial Times 2024 Masters in Finance ranking.
Warwick Business School: MSc Finance
Duration : 12 months
Language : English
Specializations : General Finance
Tuition Fees : £35,500 (UK/EU) £41,750 (International)
Scholarships : Various scholarships available
For those who are serious about making careers in finance, a Masters in Finance can be an invaluable asset. It is important, however, to understand the different paths available and choose one that aligns with your goals, preferences, and financial resources. Whether you decide to pursue an MBA or CFA designation as well as other professional certifications alongside or after completing this degree program like CPA etc., investing more into education towards achieving greater heights financially rewarding career opportunities becomes necessary.
To improve admission prospects, our application package is comprehensive. GOALisB Admissions Consultants guide clients on drafting SOPs, preparing them for interviews among others.Are you interested in making an exceptional application?
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To explore more Masters Degrees and ideas around the Masters career options read our expert resource guide:
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