MSc in Law and Finance
The MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) is a distinguished program jointly taught by Oxford’s Law Faculty and Saïd Business School, offering students an advanced understanding of economics, finance, and law. The course combines a rigorous analytical academic core with practical applications, enhanced through collaboration with leading professional and regulatory organisations, ensuring graduates are equipped for successful careers at the intersection of law and finance.
Step-by-Step Pathway
The MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) program requires students to complete three core courses before choosing either the Law Stream or Finance Stream. Pre-sessional courses in mathematics and financial reporting are also offered to ensure students are fully prepared for the program.
Essential Modules
The program features two core finance courses—Finance and First Principles of Financial Economics—alongside a core interdisciplinary course, Law and Economics of Corporate Transactions. Finance is delivered across the first and second terms. First Principles of Financial Economics is taught in the first term, while Law and Economics of Corporate Transactions spans the second and third terms, providing a strong analytical foundation bridging finance and law.
Law stream
Students selecting the Law Stream complement the core MLF courses with two law electives drawn from a curated list of approximately ten courses available to Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) students. These electives focus on business law and are designed to work cohesively with the MLF curriculum. Students join peers from the BCL and Magister Juris (MJur) programs. Teaching formats include lectures, seminars, and tutorials throughout the academic year, with substantial reading required outside class to engage effectively with the course material.
Financial Track
As an alternative, students may choose the Finance Stream, taught through interactive sessions at the Saïd Business School during the second and third terms. This option involves taking only one law elective. The second law elective is replaced with a mandatory finance course, Corporate Valuation, in the second term, along with a finance elective in the third term. Finance electives are selected from offerings available to MBA and MSc in Financial Economics (MFE) students, providing complementary content to the MLF curriculum. The Finance Stream is integrated with MBA and MFE cohorts and may be available in future years, subject to notice.
Financial Track
The Law Faculty benefits from the exceptional Bodleian Law Library, part of the Bodleian Libraries—the largest university library system in the UK. This connection provides access to legal materials published across the UK and Ireland under legal deposit legislation.
The Law Library houses approximately 550,000 items on open shelves spanning four floors, with low-use materials stored offsite but retrievable within half a day. It serves a large community of graduate students and academics, supporting research across UK, European, and Commonwealth legal systems, as well as international law, Roman law, and jurisprudence.
To complement the physical collection, the library offers a wide range of online legal resources, including the Bodleian’s collection of Official Papers. The library also features reader workstations with legal database access, a Graduate Reading Room, seminar rooms, IT facilities, and small discussion rooms for private or group study. Dedicated law librarians provide classes and one-to-one sessions to assist graduate students with tailored research support.
Saïd Business School
The Sainsbury Library at the Saïd Business School provides a well-equipped study area and comprehensive information support services, with a strong emphasis on online resources.
In addition to print collections, the library offers access to a wide array of online business resources, including financial and economic databases, industry and market research, and analyst reports. The Sainsbury Library staff also provide workshops and online modules covering business research, competitive intelligence, and international business information.
Most library databases are accessible remotely, allowing students to conduct research from anywhere in the world. Experienced staff offer in-depth assistance for locating and using complex information sources for research projects, assignments, and theses, alongside general guidance and support for students.
Assessment
Students enrolled in the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) program are assessed throughout all three terms of the course. The core modules—Finance, Law and Economics of Corporate Transactions, and First Principles of Financial Economics—employ a variety of assessment methods, including group exercises, timed examinations, and formal coursework, to evaluate both analytical and practical skills.
Most law electives are assessed through timed examinations at the conclusion of the course, while some may require extended essays completed over a longer period. Detailed information on assessment formats is provided in the MLF Graduate Student Handbook for the relevant academic year.
For students in the Finance Stream, elective modules are assessed through a combination of formal coursework, practical exercises, and/or timed examinations during the third term. The mandatory Finance Stream course, Corporate Valuation, is specifically assessed in the second term, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical application skills.
If you want, I can now rewrite the next sections like Admissions, Fees, Scholarships, and Careers in the same style so we can eventually combine everything into a fully polished, SEO-optimized Oxford MSc Law and Finance article ready for publishing.
Admission Requirements for 2025–26
The entry requirements for the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) are specific to the year of entry and designed to identify applicants with strong academic potential. Prospective students can use the University’s interactive tool to assess the competitiveness of their application. Candidates should also review any linked studentships, as these may include additional or different requirements that must be carefully considered before applying.
Undergraduate Degrees
Applicants to the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) program should hold or be predicted to achieve a first-class or a strong upper second-class undergraduate degree in law. Equivalent qualifications may include a master’s in law, postgraduate diploma, or other professional law qualification.
For students with a degree from the USA, a minimum GPA of 3.6 out of 4.0 is typically required to satisfy the undergraduate-level criteria. Applicants with degrees from other countries should consult the University’s International Qualifications guidance to determine which qualifications and grades meet the minimum entry requirements.
Professional Achievements
While work experience in a relevant field may enhance an application for the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF), it is not mandatory. Applicants who have been away from full-time education for a longer period will have their professional experience given greater consideration.
Publications are not required for admission, though in some cases they may provide an advantage. The opportunity to publish can vary depending on a student’s academic stage and prior coursework, so a lack of publications will not negatively impact an application.
English Fluency
The MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) requires applicants to demonstrate high-level English proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University’s language standards. The minimum required scores for accepted tests are clearly specified to ensure applicants can fully engage with the academic program.
| Test | Minimum Overall Score | Minimum Score per Component |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (Institution code: 0713) | 7.5 | 7.0 |
| TOEFL iBT, including 'Home Edition' (Institution code: 0490) | 110 | Listening: 22, Reading: 24, Speaking: 25, Writing: 24 |
| C1 Advanced* | 191 | 185 |
| C2 Proficiency† | 191 | 185 |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 165 | 155 |
Previously, the C1 Advanced test was known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE), and the C2 Proficiency test was called the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).
All English language tests must have been completed within two years prior to the course start date. Further details and guidance on meeting the University’s English language requirements are available in the MLF Application Guide.
Declaring extenuating circumstances
If your ability to meet the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) entry requirements has been impacted by exceptional circumstances—such as the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in an unclassified or ungraded degree, or other personal challenges like illness or bereavement—you should follow the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide. Properly declaring these circumstances ensures that your application can be fairly and appropriately considered.
References
Applicants to the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) must register three referees who can provide informed evaluations of their academic ability and suitability for the program. Detailed guidance on the types of references required and how they are assessed is available in the University’s How to Apply section.
Supporting documents
All applications must include the necessary supporting documents as outlined in the How to Apply section. These documents are used to verify eligibility, assess suitability for the course, and support the overall evaluation of your application.
Performance at interview
Interviews are not normally held as part of the admissions process.
Requirements for Admission Offers
If you receive an offer to join the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) at Oxford University, the offer will specify any conditions you must meet and actions required, along with relevant deadlines. Academic conditions may include achieving a specific final grade in your current degree. These requirements are tailored to each applicant’s individual academic circumstances and may vary accordingly. Further details are available on the University’s ‘After you apply’ pages.
In addition to academic conditions, applicants must also meet the following requirements:
Financial Declaration
Candidates offered a place must complete a Financial Declaration to satisfy the financial conditions of admission.
Disclosure of criminal convictions
In line with the University’s obligations to staff and students, applicants must declare any relevant, unspent criminal convictions before enrollment.
Other factors governing offers
Additional factors influencing admission include:
The University’s ability to provide appropriate supervision for your studies.
The University’s capacity to offer adequate support, including facilities, resources, teaching, and research opportunities.
Compliance with minimum and maximum student limits for taught and research programs
Departments offering this course
The MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) is delivered jointly by the following departments at Oxford University:
Faculty of Law
Saïd Business School
This collaboration ensures students benefit from a unique interdisciplinary curriculum, combining rigorous legal training with advanced financial expertise.
Funding
For the 2025-26 academic year, Oxford University expects to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across its diverse range of postgraduate courses.
If you submit your application by the January deadline and receive an offer for the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF), your application will be automatically considered for most Oxford scholarships. Some scholarships, however, require a separate application and may have additional eligibility criteria. Scholarships are generally awarded based on academic merit and potential.
To ensure consideration for scholarships requiring separate applications, you can use the University’s fees, funding, and scholarship search tool to identify opportunities and learn how to apply. In addition to Oxford scholarships, applicants are encouraged to explore external funding options, postgraduate loan schemes, and other available scholarships, some of which may remain open after the January deadline.
College preference and funding
Applicants should consult the College preference section to see which colleges accept students for the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF).
For most college scholarships, the college you select in your application does not affect your eligibility. If another college can offer you a scholarship, your application may be transferred to that college upon acceptance. Certain scholarships, however, may require you to state a specific college preference, so it is important to review eligibility requirements carefully.
Additional information about funding opportunities for this course is available on the respective faculty websites:
Funding information from the Faculty of Law
Funding information from Saïd Business School
Costs
The MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) is charged on an annual basis. For the 2025-26 academic year, the course fees at Oxford University are:
Home students: £53,340 per year
Overseas students: £53,340 per year
These fees cover tuition for the full academic year, while students should also consider living costs and other associated expenses when planning their budget.
What do course fees cover?
The MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) course fees include tuition, teaching, and access to academic services and facilities that support your studies. Unless specifically stated in the additional information section, fees do not cover accommodation, residential costs, or other living expenses, nor do they cover any extra charges outlined elsewhere.
How long do I need to pay course fees?
Course fees are payable each year for the duration of your fee liability, which corresponds to the period you are required to pay fees. For courses lasting longer than one year, fees typically increase annually. Detailed guidance is available in the University’s fees and charges guidance.
Where can I find further information about fees?
The Fees and Funding section of the University website provides additional details on course fees, fee status, eligibility, and the length of your fee liability.
Deposits
Successful applicants are required to pay a deposit against their course fees as part of the offer conditions. For the MLF course:
Amount of deposit: £8,000
Payment deadline: Approximately 8 weeks after an offer is made
For more details about deposits, refer to the University’s Fees and Other Charges page.
Additional information
There are no compulsory components of the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) program that require extra costs beyond course fees and living expenses. However, selecting a dissertation, project, or thesis topic may involve additional expenses, such as travel, research, or fieldwork costs. While students are responsible for these costs, small grants may be available from your department or college to help offset them.
Living costs
In addition to course fees and any course-specific expenses, students must ensure they have adequate funds to cover living costs throughout the duration of the program.
Living costs for full-time study
For the 2025-26 academic year, estimated living costs for a single, full-time student in Oxford range from £1,425 to £2,035 per month. Multiply the monthly cost by the number of months you expect to reside in Oxford. Additional costs may include student visa fees, immigration health surcharges, and living expenses for dependants, if applicable and eligible.
Further information about living costs
Due to the current economic climate and high national inflation, future living costs may increase. For study beyond 2025-26, it is recommended to budget for a potential 4% annual increase in living expenses, though this may vary depending on economic conditions. Detailed guidance on living costs, including food, accommodation, and study-related expenses, is available on the University’s website.
College preference
Students enrolled in the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) will be affiliated with both a department/faculty and a college. The term ‘college’ includes all 43 University colleges, including societies and permanent private halls (PPHs).
Applicants can express a preference for a specific college from the list provided or request that the University assign a college on their behalf. Before making a decision, it is recommended to review the brief introduction to the college system at Oxford and the guidance on expressing a college preference.
Current Oxford students wishing to remain at their existing college should check if it is eligible for the MLF course. If it is, indicate your preference during application. If not, contact your college office to see if an exception is possible. Further guidance on staying at your current college is available in the Application Guide.
The following colleges accept students on the MSc in Law and Finance:
Before you apply
The University’s guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare and begin your application for the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF). You can also use the interactive tool to assess whether your application is likely to be competitive.
If you want your application to be considered under a specific deadline, such as the January deadline for Oxford scholarships, it is recommended to submit your application at least two weeks early. For full details, consult the deadlines listed on this page and the guidance in the Application Guide.
Application fee waivers
A £75 application fee is required for each application to the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF). However, application fee waivers are available for eligible applicants, including:
Applicants from low-income countries
Refugees and displaced persons
UK applicants from low-income backgrounds
Applicants who applied for the Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria
It is strongly recommended that applicants check eligibility for a fee waiver before submitting their application.
Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?
You do not need to contact the department prior to submitting your application for the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF). However, it is recommended that you visit the relevant departmental webpages to review any additional information about your chosen course.
Completing your application
When completing your MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) application, it is essential to carefully follow the guidance provided, particularly regarding supporting documents. Each section of the application should be completed accurately, adhering to the specific requirements, including word counts, document formats, and submission instructions.
Failure to meet these specifications may result in your application being considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Ensure you expand each section thoughtfully to provide all necessary details, demonstrating your academic readiness, relevant experience, and suitability for the program.
Referees
Applicants for the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) must register three referees, of which at least two must be academic. The department may begin assessing your application once two references are submitted by the course deadline, provided your application is otherwise complete. You may still be required to ensure your third referee submits a reference for full consideration.
Choose referees who can provide an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the program. One professional reference is acceptable if it is directly relevant to the course. Personal references, such as those from family or friends, are not accepted.
Your references should demonstrate your intellectual ability, academic achievements, and motivation for the MSc in Law and Finance program.
Official transcript(s)
Applicants must provide official transcripts detailing the individual grades achieved in their university-level qualifications to date. Only official documents issued by your institution will be accepted.
If your transcript is not in English, it must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Further guidance on transcript requirements is available in the Application Guide.
CV/résumé
A CV or résumé is mandatory for the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) application. Most applicants submit a one- to two-page document highlighting their academic achievements and any relevant professional experience that demonstrates suitability for the program.
personal statement
Applicants must submit a personal statement of maximum 300 words, written in English. The statement should clearly explain your motivation for applying to the MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) at Oxford, your relevant education and experience, and the specific areas of law or finance that interest you or you wish to specialise in.
If possible, display the word count on your document. While the personal statement is less central than references, written work, or academic qualifications in the Law Faculty’s assessment, it will be evaluated for your motivation, understanding of the field, ability to present a reasoned case in English, and commitment to the area of law and finance.
Written work
Applicants are required to submit one essay of maximum 2,000 words, written in English on a legal topic. Academic work from your most recent qualification is preferred, but relevant work from a professional context may also be submitted if academic work is not readily available.
If your submission is an excerpt from a longer piece, include a preface note to provide context. The word count does not need to include the bibliography or brief footnotes. If possible, display the word count clearly on the document.
The written work will be assessed for your comprehensive understanding of the subject area, ability to identify and address problems, construct and defend arguments, as well as your analytical and communication skills.
Start your application
You can start a new application or return to an existing one using the relevant links provided. While completing the form, make sure to follow all requirements outlined above and consult the Application Guide for detailed guidance and advice on submitting a strong application.
After submitted application
Once submitted, your application—including all supporting documents—will be assessed against the entry requirements outlined on this course page. Funding status will not affect the evaluation of your application.
For more details on the shortlisting and selection process, refer to the University’s detailed guide. You can also manage your application after submission using the Applicant Self-Service tool to track progress and updates.
FAQ
What are the entry requirements for the Oxford MSc Law and Finance?
Applicants should hold a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree in law (or equivalent). Work experience may be advantageous but is not mandatory. International qualifications are considered via the University's guidance.
When is the application deadline?
Deadlines vary by course year, but for scholarship consideration, applicants should aim to submit at least two weeks before the January deadline. Always check the official course page for exact dates.
What are the tuition fees and living costs for the 2025-26 academic year?
Annual course fees are £53,340 for both Home and Overseas students. Living costs range from £1,425 to £2,035 per month, depending on individual circumstances.
Is a CV and personal statement required?
Yes, a CV/résumé of 1-2 pages highlighting academic and relevant professional experience is required. A personal statement (maximum 300 words) is also required, explaining motivation, education, experience, and intended areas of specialization.
What written work is required for the application?
Applicants must submit one essay, up to 2,000 words, on a legal topic in English. Academic work is preferred, but professional work is acceptable. Excerpts from longer works must include a preface note. Assessed for understanding, argument construction, analysis, and expression.