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Finance (Asset Pricing) MSc

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Discover how complex financial markets operate. And learn about the banking sector in different markets around the world. In the MSc in Finance (Asset Pricing), you’ll develop your understanding of the financial instruments that determine asset prices.

We focus on key issues facing the market. Modules focus on topics like investment analysis in financial markets, models of asset prices and returns, optimal investment, and risk and portfolio management.

We’ll challenge you to think critically about the industry. And the diverse community on the course will provide the ideal environment for networking and learning.


Key Benefits

  • Our course provides you with a thorough knowledge of how complex financial markets operate.
  • Our practitioners have extensive and wide-ranging experience in the finance industry, providing invaluable contributions to the teaching of the modules and bringing theory into practice.
  • Close links and regular speakers from financial organisations give you insights and up-to-the-minute knowledge of the subject area and bring practical insights into the classroom by applying the theory to real-world scenarios.
  • Located in the heart of London, King’s Business School has a strong reputation for research-led teaching and links to industry.

Key information

Application status Open

Duration 1 year Full Time, September to September

Study mode Full-time

Credit value UK 180 / ECTS 90

Course intake 80

Course leaders Dr Alexia Ventouri

Further details

Course contact for further information

Postgraduate Admissions Team, Admissions Office
tel: +44 (0)20 7848 7000
fax: +44 (0)20 7848 7200

Course contact form Postgraduate admissions

Awarding institution King's College London

Faculty King's Business School

Locations

 

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Course detail

Description

You’ll develop your knowledge of theory- and model-based analytical methods. Our focus is on quantitative techniques, taking mathematical, statistical, and econometric methods and applying them to the world of finance.

By the end of your studies, you’ll be able to apply core finance theory to real issues in the industry. And you’ll come away with an understanding of verbal, mathematical, graphical, and econometric representation of financial ideas. You’ll also have the skills to assess the functioning of financial and banking sectors around the world.

Course purpose

Whether you’re a current student or a working professional, we’ll provide an intellectually challenging environment for you to learn about financial markets.

Part of our mission at King’s Business School is to create future leaders. We’ll make sure you’re equipped with all the skills you’ll need in your career, whether that’s academic research, policymaking, or managing financial institutions.

Course format and assessment

The following table will give you an idea of what a typical academic workload might look like as you progress through your studies:

teaching
Module  Lectures, feedback and seminarsSelf-study 
Per 15-credit module Between 20 and 30 hours which typically consist of a combination of lectures, case discussion and class activities; there may be some variation in the precise format. Approximately 120-130 hours.
Dissertation module Dissertation workshops and one-to-one supervision. Approximately 595 hours self-study and project work.

 

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Throughout the degree students are assessed by a variety of methods, which include written examinations, coursework and individual or group projects and presentations for the taught modules. The dissertation submitted in September each year is worth 60 credits. Assignment feedback is provided within four working weeks of submission.

Structure

Year 1

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.
Required Modules

You are required to take:

• Quantitative Techniques (15 credits)

• Investments Analysis (15 credits)

• Applied Corporate Finance (15 credits)

• Financial Markets & Institutions (15 credits)

• Asset Pricing (15 credits)

• Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional Modules

In addition, you are required to take 45 credits from a range of optional modules that may typically include:

•    Financial Derivatives (15 credits)

•    Empirical Finance (15 credits)

•    Risk Management (15 credits)

•    Financial Econometrics (15 credits)

•    Financial Regulation and Governance (15 credits)

•    Topics in Applied Finance (15 credits)

•    Behavioural Finance (15 credits)

•    Applied Wealth Management (15 credits)

•    International Finance (15 credits)

•    Financial Engineering (15 credits)

•    Portfolio Management (15 credits)

•    Credit Ratings (15 credits)

•    Computational Finance (15 credits)

•    Bond Markets, Analysis & Strategies (15 credits)

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. 

Entry requirements & how to apply

Fiance entry requirements
Minimum requirements 

High 2:1

(65%)

Undergraduate degree with High 2:1 honours (i.e. overall average of at least 65% across all years of study) required in a social science related area (e.g. management, economics, finance or other relevant subject). Our programme is most suitable if you have some quantitative background in either finance and/or economics or have a degree with some quantitative elements.

In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum high 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 65% or above in the UK marking scheme.

Please note: Meeting the minimum requirements for your application to be considered does not guarantee an offer as applications for this programme are very competitive.
International requirements   Visit our admissions webpages to view our International entry requirements.
English Language requirements Band B Visit our admissions webpages to view our English language entry requirements.

 

Application procedure

Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £100 applies.

Your application will be assessed by academic staff in the department; we aim to process all applications within four to six weeks, but during February, March and holiday periods, applications may take longer to process.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Personal Statement  Yes

A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).
Previous Academic Study Yes A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
References Yes One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you.
Other Optional Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application

 

Application closing date

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible. Our first application deadline is the 26th March 2021. After this date, the programme will remain open only if places are still available and will be closed as soon as it is full.  

For programmes that remain open beyond this date, the final application deadlines for the following fee statuses are listed below: 

  • EU or overseas (international) fee status: 30th July 2021 

  • Home fee status: 27th August 2021 

Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if you apply after the first application deadline in March, and we are unable to process more offers as places are filled before the final application deadlines above. 

Help and support

If you don't have a suitable qualification for direct entry to a UK university, or if English isn't your first language, our academic preparation courses can help you get ready for study in the UK.

Preparation courses

Fees and funding

  • Full time Home fees: £35,500 per year (2021/22)
  • Full time overseas fees: £35,500 per year (2021/22)
  • Part time Home fees: n/a
  • Part time overseas fees: n/a

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

When you receive an offer for this course you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. The deposit will be credited towards your total fee payment.

The UK deposit is £500.

The INTERNATIONAL deposit is £2,000. 

  • If you receive an offer on or before 31st March, payment is due by 30th April 2021. 

  • If you receive an offer between 1st April and 30th June, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer. 

  • If you receive an offer between 1st July and 31st July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer. 

  • If you receive an offer on or after 1st August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer. 

  • If you receive an offer from late August onwards, payment is due within 2 days of receiving the offer. 

If you are a current King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Scholarships

We have a number of scholarships available for King’s Business School Master’s students. Please visit our scholarships page for more information.

Additional costs/expenses

In addition to the costs above, you can also expect to pay for: 

  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies 
  • Clothing for optional course related events and competitions 
  • Library fees and fines 
  • Personal photocopies 
  • Printing course handouts 
  • Society membership fees 
  • Stationery 
  • Graduation costs
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses 

Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

Financial help and support

Visit the fees and funding webpages to find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans and other financial help available at King's.

Testimonials

Rodolphe

Rodolphe

I chose King's College London because I wanted to study at a top university. It offers a world-class education as you are taught by renowned teachers in fantastic facilities and this explains its international reputation.

Blue box with King's College London rankings. Starting with, 7th in the UK for research quality. Followed by, 6th in the UK for research power. Concluding with, 4th among multi-faculty universities for research Impact. The source is research excellence framework 2014

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