Who is this course for? 

The MSc Corporate Finance is designed for ambitious graduates with a background in business, economics, finance, engineering, or other quantitative fields. If you're eager to build a career in investment banking, financial consultancy, asset management, or strategic finance, this programme gives you the tools to confidently step into the industry. It's especially suited to those who enjoy analytical problem-solving, want practical training aligned to global trends, and value professional accreditation as a career accelerator. 

You don’t need previous corporate finance experience - just a strong academic foundation and the drive to learn, grow, and lead in dynamic finance environments. 

What will I study?  

During this one-year programme, you’ll gain a deep and practical understanding of corporate finance, exploring the financial decisions that drive business value and strategic growth. Your studies will include: 

• Advanced Corporate Finance - Analyse capital structure, valuation techniques, and M&A activity.
• Derivatives & Risk Management - Examine instruments for managing financial uncertainty and market risk.
• Applied Portfolio Management - Learn investment strategy, performance measurement, and asset allocation.
• Global Economics & Ethics - Explore macroeconomic influences and ethical frameworks in financial decisions.
• Data Analytics for Finance - Use digital tools and analytics to support financial forecasting and strategy.
• Sustainable Finance - Understand how finance intersects with environmental, social, and governance priorities.
• Elective Modules - Choose from specialised topics tailored to your interests and career aspirations. 

Capstone Options To round off the programme, you’ll take part in either: 

• A 12-week professional work placement, where you’ll apply your skills in a real finance environment; or
• Industry-led Summer Schools, exploring transformative themes like Financial Modelling and Alternative Investments in a collaborative setting. 

These immersive experiences allow you to connect classroom theory with the evolving realities of global finance - building confidence, insight, and a professional edge. 

You’ll also choose electives aligned to your interests and career goals. 

Curriculum Information

Graduates are well-prepared for roles across a wide spectrum of financial services and corporate sectors: 

Sectors & Industries in Demand 

• Investment Banking
• Commercial Banking
• Fund & Asset Management
• Insurance & Risk Management
• Corporate Finance Advisory
• Financial Consulting
• Finance Divisions in Multinational Corporations
• Public Sector Finance & Regulation
• Fintech & Financial Technology 

Graduates typically qualify for: 

• Financial Analyst
• Corporate Finance Associate
• Investment Analyst
• Audit Trainee
• Junior Finance Business Partner
• Risk Analyst
• Compliance Associate
• Business Advisor
• M&A Analyst 

Career Progression Pathways 

With experience and further qualifications, graduates can advance into: 

• Senior Financial Analyst / Manager
• Finance Director / CFO
• Corporate Development Lead
• Investment Banker / Portfolio Manager
• Risk & Compliance Manager
• Strategy Consultant
• Partner in Financial Advisory Firms 

Many alumni have progressed to leadership roles in restructuring, mergers & acquisitions, and strategic finance across global firms.

A 12-week placement option* gives students real-world exposure and hands-on experience in finance roles.  

 Please note that the School will secure work placement opportunities, but it is at the discretion of employers as to whether they shortlist and offer a position to applicants. Where a student does not secure a placement, the Summer Schools option must be completed.

You will benefit from programme accreditations that open doors to professional pathways: 

• Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) - CAP1 exemptions available.
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) - Up to six subject exemptions.
• CFA Institute Recognition - Supports your journey toward CFA qualification through the University Affiliation Program.

These affiliations show employers that your education meets global standards in finance excellence. 

Course queries: 
accountancy@universityofgalway.ie

Programme Director(s):  

John Nolan, Lecturer,  
Accountancy & Finance 
J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics 
E: nolanj@universityofgalway.ie

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

This programme is designed to provide early and mid-career accountants with the skills and knowledge needed to engage with big data in a variety of roles in practice and industry. 
 
Candidates who have completed all of the professional accounting examinations and have been admitted as full members by a recognised professional accountancy body including the following: ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAI, ICAS or other IFAC member body assessed as equivalent by the academic programme director, are eligible for consideration.

Throughout your studies, you’ll build a powerful skillset that goes well beyond finance alone: 

• Financial Modelling & Analysis: Learn to construct and interpret financial models that support strategic decision-making.
• Strategic Thinking: Apply theory to solve complex financial challenges, anticipate market trends, and guide long-term planning.
• Communication Skills: Present confidently to peers and professionals, whether pitching investment ideas or explaining financial reports.
• Ethical Reasoning: Understand the role of ethics in financial governance and learn to navigate dilemmas with integrity.
• Collaboration & Leadership: Work in teams across projects and debates, developing leadership capabilities in dynamic environments.
• Digital Fluency & Data Analytics: Use financial software and analytical tools to interpret data, manage portfolios, and deliver results. 

These skills are highly valued across the finance, consultancy, and tech sectors - giving you a competitive edge wherever your career takes you. 

Minimum 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. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents 

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

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. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships 

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships 
University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

Business Postgraduate Merit Scholarships - J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics  

At J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, we are committed to attracting top students from around the world. Our Merit Scholarships provide up to 50% tuition fee coverage across our Taught Master's programmes for high-achieving students.  

Key Highlights:  

• No application required – All eligible candidates are automatically considered.
• Eligibility: Achieve a H1 (or international equivalent) in your primary degree. 
• Competitive selection process – Scholarships are awarded based on merit.  

How to Qualify:  

• Accept your offer on a Taught Master's programme.
• Pay the required deposit to secure your place.

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here. 

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.