Master's · LSE Finance
LSE's MSc Finance (full-time) is a ten-month generalist finance master's for graduates of any discipline who can show good quantitative skills. Its stated minimum is a 2:1, but LSE says admission is very competitive and that most students accepted in previous years held first class degrees. Applications are rolling, which changes how you should plan your timing.
2027-28 entry · Official requirements
Taken from LSE's official MSc Finance (full-time) programme page and read on 21 October 2026. Check every date and requirement on the page before you apply.
The minimum is an upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in any discipline and good quantitative skills. LSE says admission is very competitive and that in previous years the majority of students accepted had obtained first class honours degrees or the equivalent.
Applicants are required to have studied a minimum of A level Mathematics or its equivalent, because the mathematics used includes basic calculus and statistics.
The GMAT or GRE is required for all applicants without a UK undergraduate degree, with the GMAT strongly preferred. The GMAT is recommended for applicants with UK degrees, especially those whose quantitative skills are not shown by their studies.
Work experience, through internships or full employment, is not a prerequisite, but applicants who have some should include it.
LSE considers academic achievement, additional test scores, two academic references, a CV, a statement of academic purpose and the GRE or GMAT.
Applications are considered on a rolling basis, so they close once the programme is full and there is no fixed deadline. To be considered for funding, applicants must submit the application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline.
The programme lasts ten months full time. Students attend a compulsory, full-time four-week pre-sessional programme starting in late August, and the pre-sessional course begins in August 2027.
Official sources
Read on 21 October 2026 on LSE's MSc Finance (full-time) programme page. The page states no fixed deadline; the funding deadline, the tuition fee amount, the exact deposit schedule and LSE's English language and funding pages were not read for this guide.
The programme
LSE describes the programme as one of the world's leading generalist finance master's degrees, for graduates whose backgrounds may not necessarily be in finance. It starts with core courses in corporate finance and asset markets, continues with four optional half-unit courses and ends with two capstone courses, Topics in Asset Management and Corporate Investment and Financial Policy.
Eligibility
The published minimum is lower than the profile LSE describes, and the gap matters.
A 2:1 or equivalent in any discipline. LSE says that in previous years most students accepted had first class degrees or the equivalent, so treat the 2:1 as the floor and not as the target.
LSE requires at least A level Mathematics or its equivalent and good quantitative skills, because the programme uses basic calculus and statistics. The pre-sessional covers revision and an introduction to core quantitative mathematics, statistics and interpreting financial statements.
Required if you do not have a UK undergraduate degree, with the GMAT strongly preferred. If you do have a UK degree and your quantitative skills are not shown by your studies, or you did not achieve or are not expected to achieve a first, the GMAT is recommended.
Not required. If you have internships or full-time employment, include them.
Timing
LSE says applications are considered on a rolling basis and close once the programme is full, with no fixed deadline. The practical point is that a later application competes for fewer remaining places, and that anyone who wants to be considered for funding must submit the application and all supporting documents by the funding deadline, which LSE sets separately on its funding information. Check that deadline before deciding when to apply. LSE also says offer holders pay a non-refundable deposit equal to 15 per cent of the tuition fee, split into two instalments, to secure a place.
Choosing the right variant
LSE says the full-time MSc Finance and the MSc Finance and Private Equity are identical programmes except that the course Private Equity is mandatory on the latter and optional on the former. It tells applicants to select their preferred programme only, not one as first choice and the other as second. If you prefer the Private Equity variant, LSE says you should demonstrate why you are particularly suitable for, and want to study, private equity.
Context
LSE's page shows 1,704 applications for an intake of 160 for 2025, a ratio of 11:1. That is a historical figure about a past cohort. It is not a requirement and it does not predict any individual result.
Support
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with LSE. Master's support follows the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each programme. No outcome is promised.
Questions
A 2:1 or equivalent in any discipline, good quantitative skills and at least A level Mathematics or its equivalent. LSE also says the majority of students accepted in previous years held first class degrees.
LSE says the GMAT or GRE is required for all applicants without a UK undergraduate degree, with the GMAT strongly preferred. It is recommended for some applicants with UK degrees.
LSE says there is no fixed deadline because applications are considered on a rolling basis and close once the programme is full. Applicants who want funding must meet the separate funding deadline.
No. LSE says work experience is not a prerequisite, but applicants with some should include it.
LSE says they are identical except that the Private Equity course is mandatory on the latter. Select one preferred programme only.
Students and families
Bring your degree and grades, your quantitative background, your test plans, your target programmes and your intended intake to a Master's planning discussion.
