Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the duration of the programme?

The programme lasts for 12 months and consists of nine months of taught courses and an individual project carried out over the summer.

When does the programme start?

The Master of Finance programme starts at the end of September each year. It is not possible to start at any other point in the year.

Can I meet with the faculty before I apply for the programme?

Unfortunately we are unable to meet with prospective applicants. However, candidates invited to interview will have several opportunities to speak with the faculty members during the interview day.

Is the MFin degree a useful way to transition to a front office role or similar?

This transition has always been difficult in the finance industry, and given the current labour market it has been made even harder. Whilst the MFin may provide a wealth of experience and knowledge academically and practically, at present it should not be considered a sure way to achieve this transition professionally.

Do you offer a part time/distance learning MFin?

No, the MFin is a full time programme.

Why does the MFin not appear in The Financial Times Master of Finance ranking?

The first class of 23 MFin students completed the programme in 2009. To be eligible for The Financial Times ranking, programmes must have a minimum of 30 students. Data is collected from these students three years after they have completed the programme. The first MFin class to have a minimum of 30 students completed the programme in 2011. As data is collected from students three years after completion, the MFin will only be eligible to take part in the rankings from 2014.

What are your term dates?

Term dates for 2012/13:

* Students are not required to stay in Cambridge for this period

Please note that a few aspects of the programme take place during the vacations. During July - September you are required to complete a summer activity. Visit the Programme Overview to find out more »

Programme duration (last five cohorts):

When can I apply for the 2013/14 programme?

Applications will open in late September 2012. As demand for places is likely to be strong, we recommend you apply as early as possible. Early application also helps to assist with college placement and visa applications. Some scholarships also require applications to be submitted by earlier deadlines.

What's the deadline for applications?

Application submissions for the Master of Finance programme will be accepted for consideration until all the available places are filled, provided they meet the required criteria. We will not accept any applications after 31 May 2013. All three references must also be received by the deadline of 31 May 2013.

What are the minimum requirements for entry onto the programme?

Visit the Our Requirements webpage for full details of the minimum requirements.

Is there an application fee?

Yes, there is an application fee of £100 payable at the point of application submission. Payment can be made by credit or debit card through our online application system.

Do you require work experience?

Yes. Applicants will only be considered if they meet the requirement of a minimum of two years' post-graduation finance-related work experience with a bank or in the financial industry / financial arm of a non-financial industry.

Do I need management experience to qualify for the course?

No, management experience is not necessary for the Master of Finance programme.

Do undergraduate internships count towards the minimum work experience requirement?

No, all work experience must be post-graduation.

Do part-time jobs count towards the minimum work experience requirements?

In most cases no; for example, if you are applying for 2013 entry you must expect to have at least two years' full time, post-graduation work experience by 30 September 2013. However, please tell us if there are extenuating circumstances which mean that you have only been able to work part-time or on temporary contracts, such as bringing up a family or caring for an elderly relative.

How are references submitted?

Please nominate three referees - an academic, a peer and a supervisor - in the "References" section of our online application form. Your chosen referees will be sent an automated email asking them to submit your reference to us directly, via our online system.

I don't want to tell my current line manager that I am applying for the MFin. Can I submit an alternative reference instead of the professional one?

We understand that sometimes it is not possible to ask your current line manager for a reference, in which case we are happy to accept a reference from a former line manager/supervisor. Failing this, we will accept a reference from a customer, supplier or adviser with whom you work on a professional basis.

Do you have an upper age limit?

No.

When do I need to submit degree transcripts and other certificates?

Please upload a copy of your degree transcript (front and back pages) in the "Academic Information" section of our online application form. If you are invited for an interview, we will require you to bring the original transcript certificates with you. If you are unable to provide the original documents, you must have copies authenticated by a public notary or lawyer who has seen the original documents. Please prepare these documents now, as we sometimes invite candidates to interview at short notice. Transcripts should be written in English, or be certified translations into English.

How do I know that you have received my application and supporting documents such as transcripts and references?

Please check the "Current Application Status" section of our online application form to verify that your application is complete. Please note that your application cannot be reviewed until we have received your application fee and all three references.

Can I be considered for both Master of Finance and MPhil?

No. The two courses target different audiences and so have different entry requirements and career prospects. Consequently it is not possible for someone to be eligible for both programmes.

I want to do a PhD afterwards. Is Master of Finance the right course for me?

The PhD requires a substantial amount of research methods training at masters' level, which is not covered in the Master of Finance programme. Candidates interested in an academic career should consider one of the School's MPhil programmes.

Would you consider my application if I do not have a degree?

Our programme is intellectually demanding and the training received at the undergraduate level is considered appropriate preparation for masters' level academic study.

Although we might consider applicants with special circumstances on an individual basis, they will need to provide evidence of sufficient academic ability to cope with the intellectual demands of the programme.

Can I submit further documents after I have submitted my application?

Candidates may submit their electronic application at any time, however we can only view applications once they are complete, i.e. those that include a completed application form, transcripts of your degree, certificates for the required tests (GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS) and academic, professional and peer references.

Do you require a GMAT score as part of the application process?

The submission of a GMAT score is optional for anyone applying to the MFin. We assess the strength of an application based on all of the information the applicant provides us (including the application, transcripts and references). Therefore, in some cases a GMAT score can provide more information and potential strength to an application, particularly in cases where the academic score is border line for our requirements or if the scoring of academic qualifications is unfamiliar to us. However, we do not consider a GMAT score by itself as enough to accept or reject an MFin application and it cannot be presented as evidence of a strong academic record by itself. Please note we do reserve the right to request a GMAT score on the rare occasions where we feel it is necessary.

What is a good GMAT score?

80% and over is considered a good GMAT score.

I have more than one GMAT score, which one will you consider?

If you have taken the GMAT more than once, please report your two best scores.

How do my extracurricular activities strengthen my application?

Your suitability for the course is likely to be enhanced by demonstrable evidence of participation in your community or extra curricular activities that demonstrate your capability for strong communication and team working skills. This requirement is also customary for majority of graduate scholarships in addition to exceptional academic achievement and leadership skills.

When will I hear if my application has been successful?

Approximately three weeks after we receive your completed application (including your three references), we will send you an email notification as to the status of your application.

Do I have to come to Cambridge for an interview?

Short-listed applicants will be invited to attend an interview day in Cambridge, and are expected to attend at their own expense. We may carry out a limited number of interviews in countries where it is difficult for candidates to obtain visas at short notice. However, we strongly prefer candidates to meet faculty and tour the School before taking up the offer of a place. In addition to the interview with the faculty, an interview day at the University typically includes opportunities to familiarise yourself with the School and the City. For those who will find it exceptionally difficult to attend an interview in Cambridge, we may also carry out a limited number of video conference and telephone interviews.

What happens after the interview?

We will usually inform applicants if they have been successful within two days of the interview.

Which college am I likely to join?

There are 31 Cambridge colleges and Master of Finance students are put forward for the membership in the same way as other postgraduate students. Candidates can only be considered for a college place once the conditional offer of a Master of Finance place has been made. The Master of Finance admissions team are responsible for working with colleges to find places for the programme's students and it is very difficult to say which college this is likely to be until nearer the time.

What is the difference between the conditional and unconditional offer?

If your application is short-listed you will be asked to take part in an interview. If after the interview you are offered a place on the programme, your place will be conditional on you providing evidence that you can fund the course and on you having a college place. Once these conditions have been satisfied your offer will progress to an unconditional offer.

Do I have to take an English language proficiency test?

Fluency in English is a pre-requisite for the Cambridge Master of Finance. If English is not your first language, you must have taken a recognised English proficiency test TOEFL or IELTS) in the two years before 30 September of the year you are applying for. We may, at our discretion, waive this requirement if you can provide clear evidence that your English is fluent (e.g. you have mainly been educated in English and your principal working language is English), but to expediate your application we would strongly recommend that you take an English proficiency test anyway. Full details of the tests we accept can be found in the guidance notes that accompany the application form. You do not need to apply in advance for any waiver. There is a section for you to do this on the application form.

Do I need a visa to visit/study at Cambridge?

The following websites provide information on whether you will require a visa to study in the UK or to travel to the UK for interview. These sites include information on how to obtain a visa, and the paperwork you are required to submit. Also included is the location of your nearest British Embassy or Consulate:

• UK Visas »
  (website of the joint Home Office and Foreign & Commonwealth Office Unit)
• UKCOSA »
  (a site especially designed for overseas students who wish to study in the UK)

What is the cost of the Master of Finance programme?

The tuition fees for 2013/14 year are £34,500. Those who are offered and accept a place on the programme are asked to pay an initial deposit of £3,450 within a month of being notified of the offer, followed by a second instalment of £6,900 to be paid by 1 June or when your unconditional offer is made, whichever is latest. Both of these are offset against the programme fees.

In addition, you will need to budget at least an additional £14,152 to cover college fees, accommodation and meals, textbooks and computer and software. Visit our "Fees" webpage for a more detailed breakdown.

Are the fees different for overseas students?

No, fees for all Master of Finance students are the same.

What scholarships do you offer?

Visit the "Fees & Financing" section for details of scholarships, bursaries and loans.

Can I visit the School?

Visit the "Meet Us" section for details of any events or open days taking place at the School. The page will be updated regularly so please keep checking back for the latest information. If there are no events scheduled or if you are unable to attend, you can contact the MFin Admissions Office to arrange a visit. Please note that we are unable to meet with visitors without a pre-arranged appointment.

Do you hold events outside of Cambridge?

Please visit the Meet Us page for details of the latest events and locations.

How can I contact MFin alumni?

Due to the busy schedules of our alumni and the demand from the prospective students, we can only connect you with our alumni once you have an offer of a place on the MFin.