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Corporate Finance (MSc)

MSc (Corporate Finance)

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MSc (Corporate Finance) at University of Galway

Course Overview

The MSc in Corporate Finance is a one-year, full-time programme that prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in the financial sector. 

This programme is designed to equip you with analytical and decision-making skills relevant to the finance industry. It combines specialist knowledge, practical insight and an advanced understanding of corporate finance theory and practice.

In addition to the core academic modules, students will be exposed to a variety of learning technologies to develop their skills for practice in a global business environment. The MSc in Corporate Finance is accredited by ACCA, Chartered Financial Analysts and Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Potential careers include roles in investment banking, commercial banking, fund management, insurance, corporate finance services, and in finance divisions of firms in other industries and sectors.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. 

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

A H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) in:

(a) Business/Commerce to include a number of quantitative subjects such as Economics or Finance: or

(b) A quantitative-based degree such as Engineering, Mathematics, Physics and Economics.

Applicants should have demonstrated strong academic ability (a H1 or H2.1, or equivalent) in a number of quantitative modules in their degree such as mathematics, statistics or econometrics.

IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable.

 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country here. 

English language requirements here.

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

70

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

Offers are made on a rolling basis. Please refer to the  review/closing date date website.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

Course code

MSC-CFIN

Course Outline

Indicative list of Modules

  • Accounting and Financial Analysis
  • Intermediate Corporate Finance
  • Accounting for Management
  • Intermediate International Financial Reporting and Analysis
  • Business & Society (Ethics)
  • Applied Portfolio Management
  • Advanced Corporate Finance
  • Accounting for Management Control
  • Advanced International Financial Reporting
  • Global Economics for International Managers
  • Derivatives & Risk Management     

Summer Schools X2

  • Managing Organisational Performance
  • Analytical and Communications Skills Development 

Or

  • 12 Week Work Placement*

*We will secure internship opportunities, but it is at the discretion of employers as to whether they shortlist and offer a position to applicants. In case a student cannot secure an internship, two summer schools must be completed.

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Subject
Some courses allow you to choose subjects, where related modules are grouped together. Subjects have their own required number of credits, so you must take all that subject's required modules and may also need to obtain the remainder of the subject's total credits by choosing from its available optional modules.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Required Core Subject
A subject you must study because it's integral to that course.
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year, so a three-year course will have six semesters in total. For clarity, this page will refer to the first semester of year 2 as 'Semester 3'.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

RequiredAY5131: International Financial Reporting and Analysis - 10 Credits - Semester 1
RequiredAY5108: Intermediate Corporate Finance - 5 Credits - Semester 1
RequiredAY5106: Accounting for Management - 5 Credits - Semester 1
RequiredEC5104: Applied Portfolio Management - 10 Credits - Semester 1
OptionalAY5122: Advanced International Financial Reporting and Analysis - 5 Credits - Semester 2
OptionalAY5128: Summer Schools in A&F: Contemporary Global Issues - 20 Credits - Semester 2
OptionalAY5129: Corporate Finance Placement - 20 Credits - Semester 2
OptionalAY5134: Ethics, Data Analytics and Statistics - 5 Credits - Semester 2
OptionalAY5141: Accounting and Management Control for Sustainable Organizations - 5 Credits - Semester 2
OptionalEC5124: Economics and the Global Economy - 10 Credits - Semester 2
OptionalAY5142: Sustainable Accounting, Finance and Governance - 5 Credits - Semester 2
RequiredMG5113: Business & Society - 5 Credits - Semester 2
RequiredAY5109: Advanced Corporate Finance - 5 Credits - Semester 2
RequiredEC5119: Derivatives and Risk Management - 10 Credits - Semester 2

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Careers include roles in investment banking, commercial banking, fund management, insurance, corporate finance services, and in finance divisions of firms in other industries and sectors.

Chartered Accountants Ireland - Professional Examination Exemptions

CAI have granted CAP 1 exemptions in three CAP 1 papers*:

  • Paper 1—Finance
  • Paper 2—Management Accounting
  • Paper 3—Financial Accounting

*Subject to achieving a minimum overall degree award of a 2.2 (second class honours grade two) and minimum examination performance in specified subjects.

CFA Institute Affiliation

The MSc (Corporate Finance ) is participating in the University Affiliation Program (UAP) run by the CFA Institute. This affiliation demonstrates that our curriculum is closely tied to the practice of investment management and is helpful to students preparing for the CFA Program exams

ACCA Exemptions

MSC in Corporate Finance has been awarded exemptions from six ACCA subjects:

Accountant in Business, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Performance Management, Financial Reporting and Financial Management.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply effective decision making to global business problems.
  • Identify, analyse and solve applied problems in individual and team-based settings.     
  • Evaluate and apply tools in the core business disciplines of Finance, Accounting and Economics to solve technical problems and contribute to solving strategic problems.
  • Analyse and evaluate corporate finance and investment problems using appropriate techniques, practices, and theories.
  • Critically analyse and interpret how global financial markets and investment firms operate.
  • Develop analytical, ethical, and communication skills to contribute to both personal and organisational development.

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Placement period is a minimum of 12 weeks. The placement can be any role in Finance that contains an element of exposure to corporate finance. Previous areas of employment are financial services, financial advisory and consulting, banking, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, corporate tax and insurance.

Corporate Finance Placement Partners

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€11,640 p.a. (including levy) 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€11,500 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€21,000 p.a. (€21,140 including levy) 2025/26


For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Find out More

Programme Director
Mr John Nolan
E: nolanj@universityofgalway.ie

Programme Administrator
Ms Sharon Gilmartin & Ms Tracy Coloe Cloonan 
E: accountancy@universityofgalway.ie

 

Quick Links

What our Students Say

David

David Doherty |   Compliance Associate, Mazars Ireland

I would highly recommend the MSc Corporate Finance Program to anyone with a keen interest in Finance. Individuals looking to pursue a career in this field will leave the MSc Corporate Finance program with the necessary skill set to succeed in the workplace. The MSc Corporate Finance program provides access to world-class faculty, resources, and research, providing an opportunity to build a strong foundation for a successful career in the field. Having studied at the University of Galway this year and for three years during my undergraduate degree, I can say the faculty at the University is outstanding. I was fortunate to be a recipient of the Business Postgraduate Merit Scholarship and I know this motivated me to achieve excellence in my studies. The University has many Scholarship opportunities available enabling students to pursue their academic goals without worrying about the financial burden. I would encourage the reader to take this amazing opportunity at the University of Galway and open up a world of possibilities!
in Connect with David
Blessing

Blessing Omoya |   Junior Finance Business Partner, Deloitte

Starting the MSc in Corporate Finance programme at The University of Galway has been a wonderful experience for me. From my arrival In Ireland to date, the school has provided me with information and guidance to overcome all my worries as an international student. The MSc in Corporate Finance programme offers a combination of qualitative and quantitative modules which have helped me to develop analytical skills. The programme is very flexible, and I can customize my modules in a way that suits my career aspirations. There is also an optional 12-week work placement which would avail me the opportunity to gain work experience in Ireland before my graduation and build networks within the finance industry. The course modules include interactive sessions and I get to work with my class colleagues in teams. We also get lectures from industry experts, and mock interviews to help us prepare for the job market. As an international student, the scholarship eased some of my financial burdens and I was able to settle in Galway better. The University of Galway has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend prospective students to come here.
in Connect with Blessing
Hiral

Hiral Metha |   Consultant, Financial Advisory at Teneo

The MSc in Corporate Finance at University of Galway provides a perfect combination of technical and practical knowledge. It has provided multiple opportunities for career development since, along with the knowledge of the core modules, one also has an option for a 12-week work placement, the unique selling point of this course. The curriculum offers global exposure providing exemptions from ACCA which is globally recognised. The programme size is small with a mix of national and international students in the class giving an opportunity to bond with our classmates and make good connections. The teaching faculty of the programme is very professional, friendly and easily approachable. The transition from applying to the course, getting accepted, being a scholarship recipient to arriving in Galway to attending in-person classes in the middle of the pandemic was very smooth. The scholarship provided eased away some of the financial burden I had as an international masters student. The campus has a beautiful, friendly environment with top-notch facilities. Galway is a fantastic location to study and gives a wholesome Irish experience!
in Connect with Hiral
Amal

Amal Nada |   Audit Trainee at Grant Thornton

I was very lucky to be accepted MSc Corporate Finance, J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, University of Galway. The MSc Corporate finance is very exciting me because it provides practical insight to what is happening in the real world! Personally, I need such practical study because all my previous experience is academic. But after participating in this course, I feel that I can touch the application of theory in the industry world. Moreover, it is very nice when you find a continuous support from your instructors who are interested to arrange guest speakers' sessions to encourage us to participate and to keep us deeply understanding what is happening in the real world. Also, I am very happy with our weekly over coffee meeting with our program coordinator, in which we can discuss any concerns and listen to guest speakers from different disciplines, as well. A remarkable advantage that deserves to be mentioned is, at the end of this programme, there will be a work placement opportunity which will qualify you to be a part of the industry afterwards. Trust me, this programme is inclusive, you can learn so many things by doing.
in Connect with Amal
Jason

Jason Rochford |   Assurance Associate - PWC

"I cannot recommend the MSc in Corporate Finance or the faculty enough to prospective students, in what was an extremely challenging year to deliver educational content the staff consistently over-delivered. Despite the online learning environment, the course proved extremely interactive and engaging throughout the term, at a pace suitable for all backgrounds, combining both theoretical and practical perspectives. A big emphasis was placed on regular check-ins, one to one meetings and virtual coffees which showcased University of Galway’s commitment to delivering high quality education no matter what the environment – physical or virtual which I found particularly valuable. Working in finance for 3 years prior, I felt the course provided a strong bedrock across key finance, asset management and accounting principles on which to further build on my career. The class comprised of a diverse set of backgrounds which truly enforced the global nature of the programme adding to the learning environment via team projects and discussion. The alignment of studies to professional exam bodies providing exemptions is also a super benefit."
in Connect with Jason
Emma

Emma Gillespie |   Business Advisor - Local Enterprise Office Mayo

As a student in the MSc Corporate Finance course I gained both the skills and confidence necessary for a rewarding future career. The smaller class size allowed us to develop and engage in all the elements, albeit in a virtual sense, due to Covid restrictions. The lecturers are patient, approachable and highly-skilled and additionally their agility in being able to deliver the course in the virtual environment has to be commended. The modules are both challenging and rewarding, with the ability to somewhat customize your modules to direct your learning to areas that you are interested in. The course itself is a mix of quantitative and qualitative modules. The analytics elements are delivered by world-leading providers like SAP and offer separate certification that is highly desirable to employers. The work placement element of the course offers real-world experience and an opportunity to transform learning into actions. It enables the creation and cultivation of a network of industry peers that will serve well in the future. It has been a wholly positive experience and I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in a career in the finance field.
in Connect with Emma
Conor

Conor Flynn |   Turnaround and Restructuring Executive - EY Chair of CASSC

I chose the MSc Corporate Finance Program as it offers students the opportunity to develop their technical and analytical skills that are now so often sought by employers. In my experience lecturers were engaging, patient and understanding of student’s individual circumstances. As students come from a variety of backgrounds requiring no previous knowledge of module content, lecturers provide clear concise learning material in addition to extra resources across a variety of platforms including videos, websites, readings and podcasts. In my opinion, student diversity within the program is advantageous particularly in group discussion and/or projects as students draw upon different real-world experiences. The analytical elements of the degree are provided in conjunction with international institutions such as SAP allowing students to increase their employability prospects in the current competitive labour market. Finally, alignment with professional accountancy bodies mean the degree is well suited to students seeking to pursue a career in accountancy or professional services.
in Connect with Conor
Ellen

Ellen Coleman |   Corporate Development - M&A at Accenture

I would highly recommend the MSc in Corporate Finance to anyone looking to pursue career opportunities in this area. This masters programme focuses on developing both analytical and decision making skills through modules such as accounting, finance and portfolio management. The scholarship opportunities available at University of Galway for postgraduate taught courses are second to none and provide many students with financial support that can aid in many ways. As a recipient of the Business Postgraduate Merit Scholarship, I believe that this drove me to achieve top results in Semester 1 and gave me the confidence to take part in finance related competitions and events throughout the year. My experience so far on the MSc in Corporate Finance programme has been very positive and I would strongly recommend that anyone interested explores this fantastic opportunity.
in Connect with Ellen

Feedback from Industry

Austin

Austin Sammon |   Partner & Global Board Member, Forviz Mazars

We live in a world where non-traditional sources of finance are becoming mainstream in developed economies – the ability to speak their language and interpret financial information is paramount to accessing this finance. Knowledge of a company’s industry to decide on the ideal debt / equity mix and building of a network gained from colleagues taking part in the MSc in Corporate Finance are valuable tools which will elevate you from a traditional accountant and ensure your progression to executive level with key strategic decision making powers
in Connect with Austin
Bruce

Bruce Waldron |   Investment Banking - Goodbody

I was delighted to hear of the introduction of the MSc in Corporate Finance at University of Galway. Corporate Finance is an extremely rewarding career path where you will learn fast, develop a strong network and help clients fulfil their financial and strategic goals. Corporate Finance professionals are often at the centre of a deal, liaising with all parties invoved from bankers to lawyers and thereofre it is critical to have a strong mix of technical and non-technical skills. No two days are the same and you will often be preparing Information Memorandums, Valuations, Business Plans, Financial Modelling, and Pre/Post Contract Due Diligence reports. Due to the growing economic acitivty here in Ireland, oppourtunities in the Finance indusry are on the rise and the MSc in Coporate Finance at University of Galway will equip graduates with an excellent skill-set to seize these oppourtunies.
in Connect with Bruce
Kathy

Kathy Joyce |   University Relations Lead at EY Ireland

We at EY are delighted to hear about University of Galway’s unique MSc in Corporate Finance. We have worked closely with University of Galway and their masters' students over the last number of years and it is very evident that the skills these students learn and built upon through studying at University of Galway are highly transferable in today's working world. This new MSc in Corporate Finance is coming at a great time where we here at EY need trusted business advisers in our Corporate Finance sector due to the incredible growth in the area and numerous opportunities arising from this.
in Connect with Kathy
Aengus

Aengus Burns |   Advisory Partner at Grant Thornton Ireland

At Grant Thornton we offer hands-on commercial and strategic advice for businesses, working with management teams to deliver sustainable improvements and accelerated growth in shareholder value. The University of Galway MSc in Corporate Finance comes at a time when Corporate Finance professionals are in increased demand for M&A, Fundraising, Transaction Advisory and Valuation support. We welcome the MSc in Corporate Finance and recommend it to those interested in pursuing opportunities in this area."
in Connect with Aengus
Ronan

Ronan Murray |   Partner, Corporate Finance, Deloitte

At Deloitte, success is about protecting, enhancing and realising value for our clients. That is how our Corporate Finance team makes a lasting impact that matters. Our market-leading team offers a full range of services from M&A advisory to due diligence, valuation, debt advisory and restructuring services. Our team has been growing strongly over the last number of years, and we have been at the forefront of a number of significant transactions with major Irish clients. We seek Corporate Finance trainees eager to develop their analytical and decision making skills to deliver innovative, effective solutions tailored towards our clients’ specific requirements. The new MSc in Corporate Finance offered by University of Galway will offer graduates an opportunity to equip themselves with the essential tools and techniques necessary to develop a career in Corporate Finance.
in Connect with Ronan
Chris

Chris Ball |   Corporate Finance Partner, RBK Chartered Accountants

Developing a career in Corporate Finance involves so much more than the technical application of accounting standards and reporting. Being able to make a positive difference to clients in their decision making means being able to absorb and analyse data across the business, the industry sector and the wider economy, whilst also being aware of the global macro-economic factors that affect a client’s business. Applying this analysis to practical business and investment decisions, which are becoming more and more complex, is a critical skill for our team. The programme and course content of the MSc in Corporate Finance offered by University of Galway contains the tools and learning points that will give graduates a head start in pursuing a career in this field.
in Connect with Chris

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