Oxford MSc Finance
Dreaming of a high-flying career in finance? The Oxford University Master’s in Finance—officially the MSc Financial Economics (MFE)—is your ticket to the top. Ranked #1 globally by QS World University Rankings 2025, this nine-month, full-time program at Saïd Business School is a powerhouse, blending rigorous financial economics with practical skills tailored for the world’s leading financial institutions. Whether you’re aiming for investment banking, asset management, or consulting, the Oxford MFE is designed to make you stand out. Let’s dive into what makes this program a game-changer for aspiring finance pros in 2025!
Why the Oxford MFE?
The Oxford MFE isn’t just another master’s degree—it’s a fast track to the finance elite. Offered in partnership with Oxford’s Department of Economics, this program combines cutting-edge academic theory with real-world applications, crafted with input from top financial recruiters like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. With only 88 spots for over 1,063 applicants annually, it’s ultra-selective, ensuring you learn alongside the brightest minds. Ready to see what makes this program the #1 choice for finance careers? Let’s break it down!
Program Overview
The Oxford MFE is a full-time, nine-month program based at Saïd Business School, running from September to June. It’s designed to equip you with the tools of financial economics sought by global employers, from banks to public organizations. The program stresses the links between financial theory (think CAPM and Black-Scholes) and practical finance activities like valuations and mergers. You’ll study in Oxford’s vibrant academic ecosystem, with access to world-class resources like the Sainsbury Library and a global alumni network that opens doors worldwide.
Curriculum: Where Theory Meets Practice
The MFE curriculum is a perfect blend of academic rigor and hands-on training. Here’s what you’ll dive into:
Core Modules:
- Asset Pricing: Learn CAPM, portfolio theory, and derivative pricing.
- Corporate Finance: Master firm valuation, capital structure, and M&A.
- Financial Econometrics: Build skills in statistical modeling for finance.
- Economics of Financial Markets: Understand market dynamics and economic theory.
Electives:
Choose five from options like Advanced Econometrics: Forecasting, Continuous Time Finance, Entrepreneurial Finance, or an individual project. These let you tailor your degree to your career goals, whether it’s fintech or private equity.
Co-curriculars:
- Oxford Saïd Finance Lab: Hands-on training in valuations, financial modeling, and M&A, designed with industry experts.
- Asset Management Masterclass: Dive into portfolio management with real-world simulations.
The curriculum is delivered through lectures, seminars, and group work, with extensive reading to deepen your understanding. You’ll also have access to online resources and case studies, ensuring you’re ready to tackle complex financial challenges.
Fees and Funding
For the 2026-27 academic year, the Oxford MFE tuition is £62,920 (for both home and overseas students), including Oxford Union membership. You’ll need to pay a £9,440 deposit within 30 days of receiving an offer. Living costs in Oxford (e.g., accommodation, food) are estimated at £15,000-£20,000 for the nine months, depending on your lifestyle.
Good news: Oxford offers over 1,000 graduate scholarships for 2025-26, many of which you’re automatically considered for if you apply by the January deadline. Check the Oxford fees, funding, and scholarship search tool for options like college-specific grants or external funding. Some students also apply for small grants to cover research or travel expenses for their projects, though these are optional.
Career Outcomes: Your Finance Future
The Oxford MFE is a career rocket. According to Financial Times 2024 rankings, 98% of graduates are employed within three months, with an average starting salary of $111,005—a 42% salary increase post-graduation. Top employers include Morgan Stanley, UBS, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. Graduates excel in:
- Investment Banking: Structuring deals and advising on M&A.
- Asset Management: Managing portfolios for global funds.
- Consulting: Solving strategic challenges for top firms.
- Fintech: Innovating at startups or tech giants.
The Saïd Business School’s Careers Service offers personalized support, including CV reviews, mock interviews, and networking events with recruiters. You’ll also join Oxford’s global alumni network, connecting you to over 500,000 professionals across industries, from fintech pioneers to banking CEOs. Speaker events with senior finance practitioners further boost your connections.
Admission Requirements
Getting into the Oxford MFE is tough but worth it. Here’s what you need:
Academic Qualifications:
A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree (GPA 3.6/4.0 for USA). Any discipline is fine, but strong quantitative skills (calculus, vectors, statistics) are a must.
- GMAT/GRE: Highly recommended, with an average GMAT score of 740.
- English Proficiency: IELTS 7.5 (7.0 per category) or TOEFL 110 (24+ per category).
Supporting Documents:
- Official transcripts (with certified translations if not in English).
- CV (1-2 pages, highlighting academic and professional achievements).
- Personal statement (300 words, explaining your motivation and financial interests).
- Written work (2,000-word essay on a finance or economics topic).
- Three references (at least two academic, one professional acceptable).
- Work Experience: Not required, but it strengthens your application, especially in finance-related roles.
Apply by the January deadline to be considered for scholarships. No interviews are typically required, but your application must shine to beat the 1,000+ competitors for those 88 spots.
Why Choose the Oxford MFE?
What sets the Oxford MFE apart?
- Global Prestige: #1 ranking (QS 2025) and Oxford’s 800-year academic legacy.
- Selective Cohort: Only 88 students, ensuring personalized learning and a tight-knit network.
- Interdisciplinary Edge: Combines Saïd Business School’s finance expertise with Oxford’s top-tier Economics Department.
- Practical Training: The Finance Lab and Asset Management Masterclass give you real-world skills, from financial modeling to portfolio strategies.
- Global Network: Join Oxford’s alumni, connecting you to leaders in finance, consulting, and beyond.
- Career Support: Dedicated careers team and industry events ensure you land top roles.
Whether you’re crunching numbers for a hedge fund or advising on billion-dollar deals, the MFE equips you with the skills and connections to succeed. Plus, studying in Oxford’s historic city—think cobblestone streets and world-class libraries—is an experience like no other!
Final Thoughts
The Oxford University Master’s in Finance (MFE) is your launchpad to a world-class finance career. With its #1 ranking, rigorous curriculum, and unmatched career support, it’s built for those ready to lead in investment banking, asset management, or fintech. Check sbs.ox.ac.uk for application deadlines and scholarship details. Ready to join the finance elite? Apply now and make 2025 your year to shine! Got questions? Drop them below, and let’s chat!
Disclaimer: Data sourced from sbs.ox.ac.uk and QS/FT 2024-2025 rankings. Fees for 2026-27; verify on the official website.
FAQ
Does Oxford offer a finance course?
Yes, Oxford University offers finance-related courses. The core courses of Finance, Law and Economics of Corporate Transactions and First Principles of Financial Economics use a range of assessment methods which may include group work exercises, timed examinations and formal coursework.
Which University is best for MSc finance?
While the provided text lists several colleges for MSc Finance, it does not explicitly state which one is "best." The list includes:
- Jamia Millia Islamia University - [JMI] New Delhi, Delhi NCR (NAAC A++)
- B.K Birla College Of Arts Science & Commerce Thane, Maharashtra (NAAC A++)
- GLS University Ahmedabad, Gujarat (NAAC A+)
- JBIMS Mumbai Mumbai, Maharashtra
The "best" university can depend on individual preferences, program focus, and career goals.
Is Oxford a good school for finance?
Yes, Oxford is considered an excellent school for finance. The University of Oxford has been ranked 4th in the world in the Accounting and Finance category, and 1st place in the UK, maintaining its position from the previous year. In the 2024 QS Rankings, the University also placed 6th in the world in the Business and Management Studies category, moving up three places from last year, and 2nd in the UK.
How hard is it to get into Oxford University?
Getting into Oxford University is highly competitive. Its average acceptance rates are as low as 13-15%, and for specific courses such as Mathematics or Computer Science, the acceptance rates can be even lower.