phd finance and banking

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

PhD Program

• Program of Study

Wharton’s PhD program in Finance provides students with a solid foundation in the theoretical and empirical tools of modern finance, drawing heavily on the discipline of economics.

The department prepares students for careers in research and teaching at the world’s leading academic institutions, focusing on Asset Pricing and Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance, International Finance, Financial Institutions and Macroeconomics.

Wharton’s Finance faculty, widely recognized as the finest in the world, has been at the forefront of several areas of research. For example, members of the faculty have led modern innovations in theories of portfolio choice and savings behavior, which have significantly impacted the asset pricing techniques used by researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Another example is the contribution by faculty members to the analysis of financial institutions and markets, which is fundamental to our understanding of the trade-offs between economic systems and their implications for financial fragility and crises.

Faculty research, both empirical and theoretical, includes such areas as:

• Structure of financial markets
• Formation and behavior of financial asset prices
• Banking and monetary systems
• Corporate control and capital structure
• Saving and capital formation
• International financial markets

Candidates with undergraduate training in economics, mathematics, engineering, statistics, and other quantitative disciplines have an ideal background for doctoral studies in this field.

Effective 2023, The Wharton Finance PhD Program is now STEM certified.

• Course Descriptions
• Course Schedule
• Dissertation Committee and Proposal Defense
• Meet our PhD Students
• Visiting Scholars

More Information

• Apply to Wharton
• Doctoral Inside: Resources for Current PhD Students
• Wharton Doctoral Program Policies
• Transfer of Credit
• Research Fellowship

• Majors & Careers
• Online Grad School
• Preparing For Grad School
• Student Life

The 10 Best PhD Programs in Finance

In essence, finance is the study of economics and the claims on resources. The best PhD programs in finance help you develop professionally so you can make difficult decisions around fund allocation, financial planning, and corporate financial management. This qualification will also equip you for a career in teaching or research at top universities.

Which of the 10 best finance PhDs is best for you?

Read on to learn everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

Why Get a Doctorate in Finance?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), finance managerial professionals have an average salary of $131,710  per year, and jobs are estimated to grow by 17%  from 2020 to 2030. This is much more than the average across all occupations. With a PhD in finance, you may work as a finance manager or even become a CEO of a large corporation.

Jobs and Salaries for Doctors of Finance

After earning a PhD in finance, you can find well-paid jobs as a professor or in various corporate finance roles.

Here are some of the most common finance professions with the average annual salaries for each:

• Financial Manager ( $96,255 )
• Financial Analyst ( $63,295 )
• Finance Professor ( $73,776 )
• Chief Financial Officer ( $140,694 )
• Investment Analyst ( $67,730 )

Read More:   The Highest Paying PhD Programs

What’s the average cost of a phd program in finance.

The tuition for a PhD in finance can vary depending on the university, with public institutions generally being much more affordable than private ones.

Across all schools, the average tuition is around $30,000 per year.

However, on top of this, you need to factor in other expenses, which could add up to another $30,000 a year. Some top universities offer full funding, including tuition and a stipend for all students who are successfully admitted to the program.

Read Next: The Average Cost of a Master’s Degree in Finance

Top finance phd programs and schools, stanford university, graduate school of business.

PhD in Finance

Stanford University is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. Its PhD in finance programs has an emphasis on theoretical modeling and empirical testing of financial and economic principles.

• Courses include: Financial markets, empirical asset pricing, macroeconomics, and financial markets.
• Duration: 5 years
• Tuition : Full funding
• Financial aid: Research & teaching assistantship, grants, outside employment, and outside support.
• Delivery: On-campus
• Acceptance rate: 5%
• Location: Stanford, California

The University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School

The University of Pennsylvania’s renowned Wharton School of Business is home to faculty who are well-known in the field of business research. The school boasts a low student-faculty ratio in an atmosphere that allows you to work with faculty members as peers. This doctor of finance program emphasizes subjects like asset pricing, corporate finance, and portfolio management. This helps students become experts in research and teaching in these areas.

• Courses include: Topics in asset pricing, financial economics, and international finance.
• Credits: 18 courses
• Financial aid: Fellowships, grants, student employment, health insurance, stipend, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 9%
• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The University of Chicago, Booth School of Business

Booth School of Business is a major center for finance education because its faculty includes Eugene F. Fama, Nobel laureate and the father of modern empirical finance. This finance doctoral degree has an option for a joint PhD in collaboration with the university’s economics department.

• Courses: Financial economics, financial markets in the macroeconomy, and behavioral finance.
• Tuition : Refer tuition page
• Financial aid: Grants, stipends, health insurance, scholarships, fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 7%
• Location: Chicago, Illinois

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Gies College of Business

The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign is one of the best places for studying and conducting research in finance. Its finance research faculty was ranked #4  in the UTD Top 100 Business School Research Rankings between 2016-2019. In this PhD in finance program, students can take the qualifying examination at the end of the first year and, if successful. They’ll be able to start their research project earlier and complete the degree sooner.

• Courses include: Empirical analysis in finance, corporate finance, and statistics & probability.
• Duration: 4-5 years
• Financial aid: Full tuition waiver, stipends, scholarships, grants, student employment, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 63%
• Location: Champaign, Illinois

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management

The Sloan School is one of the top research centers in the world, which aims to transform students into experts who can handle real-world problems in a wide range of spheres, from business and healthcare to climate change. This PhD program in finance gives students the flexibility to choose between a wide range of electives and even study some courses at Harvard.

• Courses include: Current research in financial economics, statistics/applied econometrics, and corporate finance.
• Duration: 6 years
• Financial aid: Full tuition, stipend, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, health insurance, fellowships, scholarships, and loans.
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management

The Kellogg School of Management allows students to conduct independent research under the supervision of faculty who’ve made significant contributions to the field and have earned numerous prestigious awards. This doctorate of finance program’s admission process has a dual application option. You can also apply to the Economics PhD simultaneously, so if you are not selected for the finance program, you may be considered for economics.

• Courses include: Econometrics, corporate finance, and asset pricing.
• Duration: 5.5 years
• Financial aid: Tuition scholarship, stipends, health insurance, moving allowance, and subsidies.
• Location: Evanston, Illinois

The University of California Berkeley, Haas School of Business

The Haas School of Business in Berkeley is an innovative institution that questions the status quo, takes intelligent risks, and accepts sensible failures in its path to progress. This finance PhD program offers students opportunities to learn about cutting-edge research from faculty from around the world.

• Courses include: Corporate finance theory, stochastic calculus, and applications of psychology & economics.
• Tuition : Refer cost page
• Financial aid: Fellowships, grants, tuition allowance, stipends, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.
• Acceptance rate: 17%
• Location: Berkeley, California

The University of Texas at San Antonio, Alvarez College of Business

The Alvarez College of Business is one of the forty largest business schools in the USA. It follows a comprehensive and practical approach to education that allows students to apply the knowledge they gain directly in the workplace. This PhD in finance encourages students to do collaborative research with the faculty, which helps them publish their own academic papers before they even complete the program.

• Courses include: Corporate finance, international financial markets, and microeconomic theory.
• Credits: 84 (post-bachelors)
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, work-study, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, research fellowships, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 84%
• Location: San Antonio, Texas

Liberty University, School of Business

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Finance

Liberty University is a non-profit institution among the top five online schools in the USA and has been offering fixed tuition fees for the past seven years. This is one of the best PhD in Finance programs you can do completely online. It aims to prepare students to address issues in business finance through research, best practices, and relevant literature.

• Courses: Managerial Finance, Investments & Derivatives, Business Valuation, etc.
• Credits: 60
• Duration: 3 years average
• Tuition : $595 per credit
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, work-study, veteran benefits, and loans.
• Delivery: Online
• Acceptance rate: 50%
• Location: Lynchburg, Virginia

Northcentral University

PhD in Business Administration (PhD-BA) – Finance Management

Northcentral University was founded with the objective of offering flexible, fully-online programs to working professionals around the world. This doctorate degree in finance online is flexible and allows you to design your own schedule. You will also get one-on-one personal mentoring from qualified faculty.

• Courses include: Business financial systems, business statistics, and business leadership & strategy.
• Duration: 84 months average
• Tuition: $1,105 per credit
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, and military scholarships.
• Acceptance rate: NA
• Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

Things To Consider When Choosing a Finance PhD Program

The right PhD program for you is a very personal decision and will depend on several individual factors.

However, these general questions will help you to make the right choice:

• Is the university properly accredited?
• Does the university conduct innovative and cutting-edge research?
• Are there renowned faculty members who you’ll want to work with?
• Do they offer subjects or specializations that match your career goals?
• What is the school’s placement history?
• What are the tuition fees, costs, and options for scholarships and financial aid?
• Does the program offer online study options?

It’s also important to consider if you want to pursue a career in academia or work in organizations as a senior finance professional. A PhD degree will generally set you up for a career in research or academia, while a DBA is more suited to a career in business or government.

Preparing for a Finance Doctorate Program

It’s important to start preparing early if you want to be selected for one of the best finance PhD programs.

These handy tips can help you put your best foot forward:

• Research the requirements of the best universities offering PhD in finance degrees, including pre-requisite subjects and qualifying grades. Keep these in mind when completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Understand your strengths and weaknesses in relation to the program’s requirements. Work on your weaknesses and continue to hone relevant skills.
• Read extensively in the field and keep up-to-date on regional and global developments.
• Join communities of finance professionals to build your network and be exposed to the latest knowledge in the discipline.

Skills You Gain from Earning a PhD in Finance

The most important skills you learn as a doctor of finance include:

• Communication skills, including writing and presentation skills
• Data analytical skills
• Economics and accounting skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Mathematical skills
• Analytical software skills
• Management and leadership skills
• Problem-solving skills

PhD Programs in Finance FAQs

How long does a phd in finance take.

PhD programs in finance usually take between three and eight years to complete.

Is It Worth Getting a PhD in Finance?

A PhD in Finance is a qualification that’s in high demand today. It is a terminal degree and can help you get top-level jobs with lucrative salaries in corporate or large organizations.

How Much Can You Make With a PhD in Finance?

With a finance doctorate, you can expect to earn a salary anywhere from around $45,000 to $150,000, depending on your experience, role, and the organization you work for. According to the BLS, the average salary for finance PhD holders is $131,710 .

What Do You Need To Get a PhD in Finance?

The admissions requirements vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance. The programs can take three to eight years of coursework and research.

To apply, you’ll usually need to submit:

• Application
• Academic resume
• Academic transcripts
• Recommendation letters
• GRE or GMAT score
• Personal essay

Final Thoughts

With a doctorate in finance, you can build a rewarding career in academia, research, or the business sector. Like any doctorate, these programs ask for dedication and hard work. By planning early, you’ll set yourself up to pursue one of the best PhD programs in finance.

For more on how to build your career in the field, take a look at our guides to the best master’s degree in finance , the highest paying PhDs , and fully-funded PhD programs .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ ACBSP Vs AACSB: Which Business Program Accreditations is Better?
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ BA vs BS: What You Need to Know [2024 Guide]
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ The 19 Best MBA Scholarships to Apply for [2024-2025]

The 7 Best Student Planner Apps

Most common industries to land a job out of college, related posts.

• Grad Trends: Interest in Artificial Intelligence Surges

• Applying to Big Tech This Year? Here’s How to Ace It.

73% of job seekers believe a degree is needed for a well-paying role–but is it?

Tech Talent Crunch: Cities with More Jobs Than Workers

The Most Under-Rated Career Advancement Tip for 2024

Top 5 Best Psychology PhD Programs in 2024

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

• Breaking Records: Yale Sees Most Selective Grad Admissions Season Yet
• 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
• Is a Master’s Degree Worth It? [2024 Guide]

© 2023 TheGradCafe.com All rights reserved

• Partner With Us
• Results Search
• Submit Your Results
• Write For Us

About / Departments

Finance Department | PhD Program

Phd program.

Our faculty, ranked #1 worldwide based on publications in top finance journals (ASU Finance Rankings), consists of more than 30 researchers who study all major areas of finance, making it one of the largest finance faculty in the country. Stern’s finance faculty is highly rated in terms of research output, and faculty members sit on the editorial boards of all major finance journals.

The finance department offers an exceptionally large range of courses devoted exclusively to PhD students. Apart from core PhD courses in asset pricing and corporate finance, students can choose from a range of electives such as household finance, macro-finance, and financial intermediation. PhD students also enjoy the benefits of Stern’s economics department, NYU’s economics department in the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS), and the Courant Institute of Mathematics.

Graduates of Stern’s Finance PhD program have been placed at leading research institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Chicago, Stanford, Wharton, Yale, and UCLA.

Holger Mueller , Finance PhD coordinator

More information on the Finance PhD

Download the Finance PhD poster (PDF)

Explore Stern PhD

• Meet with Us

• Twitter (X)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Banking & Finance

How to apply

PhD students in our school normally commence their study in Term 1 around early February each year. Prospective candidates are invited to submit their Expressions of Interest (EOI) between  May 1st and  July  31st  to be considered for admission in the following year. Please send your EOIs via email to  Banking and Finance HDR Admissions . Only selected applicants will be invited to apply via the UNSW central portal.

Out of round EOIs submitted after the deadline could be considered only for interested candidates with strong prior research experience, e.g., with a masters by research degree from a leading global institution.

Important:  Make sure you satisfy the UNSW academic and language entry requirements before submitting your EOI. Please read the “Entry Requirements” section below. 

Academic Entry Requirement

The minimum academic entry requirement for Stream 1 is the equivalent of a four-year UNSW Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (Economics, Finance, and related subjects) with first or upper second class honours. The minimum academic entry requirement for Stream 2 is the equivalent of a four-year UNSW Bachelor’s degree with an Honours year (research), or the equivalent of a UNSW Masters’ degree with substantial research component with first or upper second class honours.

Note: an  upper second class honours  is equivalent to a weighted average mark of at least 75/100 (i.e., a Distinction) at UNSW and is allocated to roughly the top 30% of students. Grading systems vary across countries. For more information, read this  guide for grade equivalencies between countries .

English Language Requirement

UNSW recognises the follow countries as English-speaking: American Samoa, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Canada, Fiji, Gibraltar, Ghana, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, The Gambia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland), United States of America, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

If you are not a citizen of an English-speaking country, then you will need to establish that you have sufficient English language fluency. There are four ways to establish sufficient English language fluency: English Tests (including IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson and Cambridge), UNSW Global English Course, Prior Study, or an English Waiver. For details on each of these, please review our  English language requirements .

About the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Banking & Finance

UNSW’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Banking & Finance will prepare you to become a globally focused and socially engaged research leader. You’ll be joining a cohort of high-achieving research students in tackling modern-day challenges at the forefront of Banking & Finance, working alongside leaders in the field (ranked 20 th in the world, QS Subject Rankings , 2022). This is your opportunity to become integrated into the UNSW Business School’s community of scholars.

You’ll first undertake rigorous coursework covering relevant theories and research methods. As part of the program, you’ll also be involved in research projects from an early stage. This training will equip you with the skills required to identify, analyse, and solve problems in the field.

You’ll then pursue independent research under the supervision of high-profile UNSW academics, culminating in a doctoral thesis. Your PhD thesis will showcase your research skills and enable you to make an original contribution to the field of Banking & Finance.

There will also be exciting opportunities throughout to interact with industry leaders, and to develop your teaching portfolio. The training is geared toward preparing you for a career in academia, although other career paths (e.g., consulting, government, industry, non-profit) are also enabled.

PhD program structure

Most students complete the overall PhD study (including the MPDBS year as illustrated below) in four to five years. For candidates with a strong prior research experience, e.g., with a masters by research degree from a leading global institution, it is possible to complete the study in three to four years without the MPDBS year. Admitted students will be notified in the admission offer about the need of completing the MPDBS study. 

Year One: Master of Pre-Doctoral Business Studies (MPDBS)

The first year of study is designed to provide a rigorous foundation to conduct independent research. You’ll learn a range of methodologies and build your communication and presentation skills.

Your first year of coursework study will cover fundamental research methods. You’ll also start developing key research skills such as identifying, framing, presenting, and writing academic contributions. You’ll work as a research assistant on faculty research projects and start working on your own research as your skills develop.

The first year will help you identify your potential thesis supervisor for the PhD component of the program. Upon successful completion of the first year, you’ll be awarded a Master of Pre-Doctoral Business Studies. A brief overview of the first year is presented below.

• Program Core Course: Foundations of Business Research; Econometric Analysis; Business Research Project Seminar
• Stream Core Courses: Microeconomic Theory I; Mathematical Economics; Asset Pricing Theory; Research Methods in Finance 2; Empirical Corporate Governance
• Research Assistance Work

Year Two: Specialised Coursework & Thesis Work

During the second year, you’ll continue in the Banking & Finance stream with a further year of advanced coursework.

Examples of courses you may take include:

• Empirical Corporate Finance
• Corporate Finance Theory
• Empirical Asset Pricing

Your second year is also when you’ll identify your thesis topic with your supervisor. You’ll engage in literature review, research design and present your research proposal to the School at the end of the year.

Years Three Onwards: Thesis Work

The final two or three years of the program are focused on conducting full-time research and completing your doctoral thesis. This is your opportunity to address some of the biggest challenges in Banking & Finance and make a significant contribution to knowledge in the field. Your research will offer new critical thinking and withstand critical analysis from expert researchers in the area.

For more details about the School of Banking & Finance and our PhD program, check out our home page, people page and research students page.

As with most other OECD countries, the number of PhD completions in Australia has grown dramatically – more than doubling in the last two decades.

An increasing number of PhD graduates find employment in business, government, and the non-profit sector. Nineteen of the largest ASX companies have PhD graduates on their senior executive teams.

Your PhD will set you on the path to a career in a premier research institution, anywhere in the world. Throughout your research degree, you’ll also have many opportunities to develop your teaching portfolio.

Beyond academia, there’s also significant demand in the private and public sectors for people with deep knowledge and sound research and analytical skills*.

Whether you’re looking to pursue a career in academia, or take your research skills out to industry, a PhD in Banking & Finance from UNSW will get you there.

* Source:  2019 Advancing Australia’s Knowledge Economy Report

Degree type

Postgraduate Research

4 years full-time, 5-8 years part-time

Commencing terms

Term 1 – February

Program code

Delivery mode, domestic / international.

International

Useful links

Student research

Scholarships

Student life

Find a research supervisor

Accreditation

About Stanford GSB

• The Leadership
• Dean’s Updates
• School News & History
• Commencement
• Business, Government & Society
• Centers & Institutes
• Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
• Center for Social Innovation
• Stanford Seed

About the Experience

• Learning at Stanford GSB
• Experiential Learning
• Guest Speakers
• Entrepreneurship
• Social Innovation
• Communication
• Life at Stanford GSB
• Collaborative Environment
• Activities & Organizations
• Student Services
• Housing Options
• International Students

Full-Time Degree Programs

• Why Stanford MBA
• Academic Experience
• Financial Aid
• Why Stanford MSx
• Research Fellows Program
• See All Programs

Non-Degree & Certificate Programs

• Executive Education
• Stanford Executive Program
• Programs for Organizations
• The Difference
• Online Programs
• Stanford LEAD
• Seed Transformation Program
• Aspire Program
• Seed Spark Program
• Faculty Profiles
• Academic Areas
• Awards & Honors
• Conferences

Faculty Research

• Publications
• Working Papers
• Case Studies

Research Hub

• Research Labs & Initiatives
• Business Library
• Data, Analytics & Research Computing
• Behavioral Lab

Research Labs

• Cities, Housing & Society Lab
• Golub Capital Social Impact Lab

Research Initiatives

• Corporate Governance Research Initiative
• Corporations and Society Initiative
• Policy and Innovation Initiative
• Rapid Decarbonization Initiative
• Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative
• Value Chain Innovation Initiative
• Venture Capital Initiative
• Career & Success
• Climate & Sustainability
• Corporate Governance
• Culture & Society
• Finance & Investing
• Government & Politics
• Leadership & Management
• Markets and Trade
• Operations & Logistics
• Opportunity & Access
• Technology & AI
• Opinion & Analysis
• Email Newsletter

Welcome, Alumni

• Communities
• Digital Communities & Tools
• Regional Chapters
• Women’s Programs
• Identity Chapters
• Find Your Reunion
• Career Resources
• Job Search Resources
• Career & Life Transitions
• Programs & Services
• Career Video Library
• Alumni Education
• Research Resources
• Volunteering
• Alumni News
• Class Notes
• Alumni Voices
• Contact Alumni Relations
• Upcoming Events

Admission Events & Information Sessions

• MBA Program
• MSx Program
• PhD Program
• Alumni Events
• All Other Events
• Requirements
• Requirements: Behavioral
• Requirements: Quantitative
• Requirements: Macro
• Requirements: Micro
• Annual Evaluations
• Field Examination
• Research Activities
• Research Papers
• Dissertation
• Oral Examination
• Current Students
• Entering Class Profile
• Education & CV
• GMAT & GRE
• International Applicants
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Reapplicants
• Application Fee Waiver
• Deadline & Decisions
• Job Market Candidates
• Academic Placements
• Stay in Touch
• Fields of Study
• Student Life

The field of finance covers the economics of claims on resources. Financial economists study the valuation of these claims, the markets in which they are traded, and their use by individuals, corporations, and the society at large.

At Stanford GSB, finance faculty and doctoral students study a wide spectrum of financial topics, including the pricing and valuation of assets, the behavior of financial markets, and the structure and financial decision-making of firms and financial intermediaries.

Investigation of issues arising in these areas is pursued both through the development of theoretical models and through the empirical testing of those models. The PhD Program is designed to give students a good understanding of the methods used in theoretical modeling and empirical testing.

Preparation and Qualifications

All students are required to have, or to obtain during their first year, mathematical skills at the level of one year of calculus and one course each in linear algebra and matrix theory, theory of probability, and statistical inference.

Students are expected to have familiarity with programming and data analysis using tools and software such as MATLAB, Stata, R, Python, or Julia, or to correct any deficiencies before enrolling at Stanford.

The PhD program in finance involves a great deal of very hard work, and there is keen competition for admission. For both these reasons, the faculty is selective in offering admission. Prospective applicants must have an aptitude for quantitative work and be at ease in handling formal models. A strong background in economics and college-level mathematics is desirable.

It is particularly important to realize that a PhD in finance is not a higher-level MBA, but an advanced, academically oriented degree in financial economics, with a reflective and analytical, rather than operational, viewpoint.

Faculty in Finance

Anat r. admati, juliane begenau, jonathan b. berk, greg buchak, antonio coppola, peter m. demarzo, darrell duffie, steven grenadier, benjamin hébert, arvind krishnamurthy, hanno lustig, matteo maggiori, paul pfleiderer, joshua d. rauh, claudia robles-garcia, ilya a. strebulaev, vikrant vig, jeffrey zwiebel, emeriti faculty, robert l. joss, george g.c. parker, myron s. scholes, william f. sharpe, kenneth j. singleton, james c. van horne, recent publications in finance, financial inclusion, economic development, and inequality: evidence from brazil, dissecting mechanisms of financial crises: intermediation and sentiment, financial innovation in the 21st century: evidence from u.s. patents, recent insights by stanford business, why the “venture mindset” is not just for tech investors, how to: reject pitches like a venture capitalist, when the export-import bank closed up, u.s. companies saw global sales plummet.

• Priorities for the GSB's Future
• See the Current DEI Report
• Supporting Data
• Research & Insights
• Share Your Thoughts
• Search Fund Primer
• Teaching & Curriculum
• Affiliated Faculty
• Faculty Advisors
• Louis W. Foster Resource Center
• Defining Social Innovation
• Impact Compass
• Global Health Innovation Insights
• Faculty Affiliates
• Student Awards & Certificates
• Changemakers
• Dean Jonathan Levin
• Dean Garth Saloner
• Dean Robert Joss
• Dean Michael Spence
• Dean Robert Jaedicke
• Dean Rene McPherson
• Dean Arjay Miller
• Dean Ernest Arbuckle
• Dean Jacob Hugh Jackson
• Dean Willard Hotchkiss
• Faculty in Memoriam
• Stanford GSB Firsts
• Certificate & Award Recipients
• Teaching Approach
• Analysis and Measurement of Impact
• The Corporate Entrepreneur: Startup in a Grown-Up Enterprise
• Data-Driven Impact
• Designing Experiments for Impact
• Digital Business Transformation
• The Founder’s Right Hand
• Marketing for Measurable Change
• Product Management
• Public Policy Lab: Financial Challenges Facing US Cities
• Public Policy Lab: Homelessness in California
• Lab Features
• Curricular Integration
• View From The Top
• Formation of New Ventures
• Managing Growing Enterprises
• Startup Garage
• Explore Beyond the Classroom
• Stanford Venture Studio
• Summer Program
• Workshops & Events
• The Five Lenses of Entrepreneurship
• Leadership Labs
• Executive Challenge
• Arbuckle Leadership Fellows Program
• Selection Process
• Training Schedule
• Time Commitment
• Learning Expectations
• Post-Training Opportunities
• Who Should Apply
• Introductory T-Groups
• Leadership for Society Program
• Certificate
• 2023 Awardees
• 2022 Awardees
• 2021 Awardees
• 2020 Awardees
• 2019 Awardees
• 2018 Awardees
• Social Management Immersion Fund
• Stanford Impact Founder Fellowships and Prizes
• Stanford Impact Leader Prizes
• Social Entrepreneurship
• Stanford GSB Impact Fund
• Economic Development
• Energy & Environment
• Stanford GSB Residences
• Environmental Leadership
• Stanford GSB Artwork
• A Closer Look
• California & the Bay Area
• Voices of Stanford GSB
• Business & Beneficial Technology
• Business & Sustainability
• Business & Free Markets
• Business, Government, and Society Forum
• Get Involved
• Second Year
• Global Experiences
• JD/MBA Joint Degree
• MA Education/MBA Joint Degree
• MD/MBA Dual Degree
• MPP/MBA Joint Degree
• MS Computer Science/MBA Joint Degree
• MS Electrical Engineering/MBA Joint Degree
• MS Environment and Resources (E-IPER)/MBA Joint Degree
• Academic Calendar
• Clubs & Activities
• LGBTQ+ Students
• Military Veterans
• Minorities & People of Color
• Partners & Families
• Students with Disabilities
• Student Support
• Residential Life
• Student Voices
• MBA Alumni Voices
• A Week in the Life
• Career Support
• Employment Outcomes
• Cost of Attendance
• Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
• Yellow Ribbon Program
• BOLD Fellows Fund
• Application Process
• Loan Forgiveness
• Contact the Financial Aid Office
• Evaluation Criteria
• English Language Proficiency
• Personal Information, Activities & Awards
• Professional Experience
• Optional Short Answer Questions
• Application Fee
• Reapplication
• Deferred Enrollment
• Joint & Dual Degrees
• Event Schedule
• Ambassadors
• New & Noteworthy
• Ask a Question
• See Why Stanford MSx
• Is MSx Right for You?
• MSx Stories
• Leadership Development
• Career Advancement
• Career Change
• How You Will Learn
• Admission Events
• Personal Information
• Information for Recommenders
• GMAT, GRE & EA
• English Proficiency Tests
• After You’re Admitted
• Daycare, Schools & Camps
• U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
• Faculty Mentors
• Current Fellows
• Standard Track
• Fellowship & Benefits
• Group Enrollment
• Program Formats
• Developing a Program
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Strategic Transformation
• Program Experience
• Contact Client Services
• Campus Experience
• Live Online Experience
• Silicon Valley & Bay Area
• Digital Credentials
• Faculty Spotlights
• Participant Spotlights
• Eligibility
• International Participants
• Stanford Ignite
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Operations, Information & Technology
• Organizational Behavior
• Political Economy
• Classical Liberalism
• The Eddie Lunch
• Accounting Summer Camp
• Videos, Code & Data
• California Econometrics Conference
• California Quantitative Marketing PhD Conference
• California School Conference
• China India Insights Conference
• Homo economicus, Evolving
• Political Economics (2023–24)
• Scaling Geologic Storage of CO2 (2023–24)
• A Resilient Pacific: Building Connections, Envisioning Solutions
• Adaptation and Innovation
• Changing Climate
• Civil Society
• Climate Impact Summit
• Climate Science
• Corporate Carbon Disclosures
• Earth’s Seafloor
• Environmental Justice
• Operations and Information Technology
• Organizations
• Sustainability Reporting and Control
• Taking the Pulse of the Planet
• Urban Infrastructure
• Watershed Restoration
• Junior Faculty Workshop on Financial Regulation and Banking
• Ken Singleton Celebration
• Marketing Camp
• Quantitative Marketing PhD Alumni Conference
• Presentations
• Theory and Inference in Accounting Research
• Stanford Closer Look Series
• Quick Guides
• Core Concepts
• Journal Articles
• Glossary of Terms
• Faculty & Staff
• Researchers & Students
• Research Approach
• Charitable Giving
• Financial Health
• Government Services
• Workers & Careers
• Short Course
• Adaptive & Iterative Experimentation
• Incentive Design
• Social Sciences & Behavioral Nudges
• Bandit Experiment Application
• Conferences & Events
• Reading Materials
• Energy Entrepreneurship
• Faculty & Affiliates
• SOLE Report
• Responsible Supply Chains
• Current Study Usage
• Pre-Registration Information
• Participate in a Study
• Founding Donors
• Location Information
• Participant Profile
• Network Membership
• Program Impact
• Collaborators
• Entrepreneur Profiles
• Company Spotlights
• Seed Transformation Network
• Responsibilities
• Current Coaches
• How to Apply
• Meet the Consultants
• Meet the Interns
• Intern Profiles
• Collaborate
• Research Library
• News & Insights
• Program Contacts
• Databases & Datasets
• Research Guides
• Consultations
• Research Workshops
• Career Research
• Research Data Services
• Course Reserves
• Course Research Guides
• Material Loan Periods
• Fines & Other Charges
• Document Delivery
• Interlibrary Loan
• Equipment Checkout
• Print & Scan
• MBA & MSx Students
• PhD Students
• Other Stanford Students
• Faculty Assistants
• Research Assistants
• Stanford GSB Alumni
• Telling Our Story
• Staff Directory
• Site Registration
• Alumni Directory
• Alumni Email
• Privacy Settings & My Profile
• Success Stories
• The Story of Circles
• Support Women’s Circles
• Stanford Women on Boards Initiative
• Alumnae Spotlights
• Insights & Research
• Industry & Professional
• Entrepreneurial Commitment Group
• Recent Alumni
• Half-Century Club
• Fall Reunions
• Spring Reunions
• MBA 25th Reunion
• Half-Century Club Reunion
• Faculty Lectures
• Ernest C. Arbuckle Award
• Alison Elliott Exceptional Achievement Award
• ENCORE Award
• Excellence in Leadership Award
• John W. Gardner Volunteer Leadership Award
• Robert K. Jaedicke Faculty Award
• Jack McDonald Military Service Appreciation Award
• Jerry I. Porras Latino Leadership Award
• Tapestry Award
• Student & Alumni Events
• Executive Recruiters
• Interviewing
• Land the Perfect Job with LinkedIn
• Negotiating
• Elevator Pitch
• Email Best Practices
• Resumes & Cover Letters
• Self-Assessment
• Whitney Birdwell Ball
• Margaret Brooks
• Bryn Panee Burkhart
• Margaret Chan
• Ricki Frankel
• Peter Gandolfo
• Cindy W. Greig
• Natalie Guillen
• Carly Janson
• Sloan Klein
• Sherri Appel Lassila
• Stuart Meyer
• Tanisha Parrish
• Virginia Roberson
• Philippe Taieb
• Michael Takagawa
• Terra Winston
• Johanna Wise
• Debbie Wolter
• Rebecca Zucker
• Complimentary Coaching
• Changing Careers
• Work-Life Integration
• Career Breaks
• Flexible Work
• Encore Careers
• Join a Board
• D&B Hoovers
• Data Axle (ReferenceUSA)
• EBSCO Business Source
• Global Newsstream
• Market Share Reporter
• ProQuest One Business
• Student Clubs
• Entrepreneurial Students
• Stanford GSB Trust
• Alumni Community
• How to Volunteer
• Springboard Sessions
• Consulting Projects
• 2020 – 2029
• 2010 – 2019
• 2000 – 2009
• 1990 – 1999
• 1980 – 1989
• 1970 – 1979
• 1960 – 1969
• 1950 – 1959
• 1940 – 1949
• Service Areas
• ACT History
• ACT Awards Celebration
• ACT Governance Structure
• Building Leadership for ACT
• Individual Leadership Positions
• Leadership Role Overview
• Purpose of the ACT Management Board
• Contact ACT
• Business & Nonprofit Communities
• Reunion Volunteers
• Ways to Give
• Fiscal Year Report
• Business School Fund Leadership Council
• Planned Giving Options
• Planned Giving Benefits
• Planned Gifts and Reunions
• Legacy Partners
• Giving News & Stories
• Giving Deadlines
• Development Staff
• Submit Class Notes
• Class Secretaries
• Board of Directors
• Health Care
• Social Impact
• Sustainability
• Class Takeaways
• All Else Equal: Making Better Decisions
• If/Then: Business, Leadership, Society
• Grit & Growth
• Think Fast, Talk Smart
• Spring 2022
• Spring 2021
• Autumn 2020
• Summer 2020
• Winter 2020
• In the Media
• For Journalists
• DCI Fellows
• Other Auditors
• Academic Calendar & Deadlines
• Course Materials
• Entrepreneurial Resources
• Campus Drive Grove
• Campus Drive Lawn
• CEMEX Auditorium
• King Community Court
• Seawell Family Boardroom
• Stanford GSB Bowl
• Stanford Investors Common
• Town Square
• Vidalakis Courtyard
• Vidalakis Dining Hall
• Catering Services
• Policies & Guidelines
• Reservations
• Contact Faculty Recruiting
• Lecturer Positions
• Postdoctoral Positions
• Accommodations
• CMC-Managed Interviews
• Recruiter-Managed Interviews
• Virtual Interviews
• Campus & Virtual
• Search for Candidates
• Think Globally
• Recruiting Calendar
• Recruiting Policies
• Full-Time Employment
• Summer Employment
• Entrepreneurial Summer Program
• Global Management Immersion Experience
• Social-Purpose Summer Internships
• Process Overview
• Project Types
• Client Eligibility Criteria
• Client Screening
• ACT Leadership
• Social Innovation & Nonprofit Management Resources
• Develop Your Organization’s Talent
• Centers & Initiatives
• Student Fellowships

This website uses cookies to ensure the best user experience. Privacy & Cookies Notice Accept Cookies

Manage My Cookies

Manage Cookie Preferences

Confirm My Selections

• Dissertation Areas and Joint PhD Programs
• PhD Career Outcomes
• PhD Proposals and Defenses
• PhD Job Market Candidates
• PhD Research Community
• 100 Years of Pioneering Research
• Rising Scholars Conference
• Yiran Fan Memorial Conference
• Frequently Asked Questions
• PhD in Accounting
• PhD in Behavioral Science
• PhD in Econometrics and Statistics
• PhD in Microeconomics

PhD in Finance

• PhD in Management Science and Operations Management
• PhD in Marketing
• Joint Program in Financial Economics
• Joint Program in Psychology and Business
• Joint PhD/JD Program

Chicago Booth has long been recognized for its PhD in finance. Our finance faculty—which includes Nobel laureates Douglas W. Diamond, Eugene F. Fama, and Lars P. Hansen—sets the course for research in all areas of the field.

As a finance PhD student at Chicago Booth, you’ll join a community that encourages you to think independently.

Taking courses at Booth and in the university’s Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, you will gain a solid foundation in all aspects of economics and finance--from the factors that determine asset prices to how firms and individuals make financial decisions. Following your coursework, you will develop your research in close collaboration with faculty and your fellow students. Reading groups and workshops with faculty, student-led brown-bag seminars, and conferences provide many opportunities to learn from others.

The Finance PhD Program also offers the Joint Program in Financial Economics , which is run by Chicago Booth and the Department of Economics in the Division of the Social Sciences at the University of Chicago.

Our Distinguished Finance Faculty

Chicago Booth finance faculty are leading researchers who also build strong relationships with doctoral students, collaborate on new ideas, and connect students with powerful career opportunities.

Francesca Bastianello

Assistant Professor of Finance and Liew Family Junior Faculty Fellow, Fama Faculty Fellow

Emanuele Colonnelli

Associate Professor of Finance and MV Advisors Faculty Fellow

George M. Constantinides

Leo Melamed Professor of Finance

Douglas W. Diamond

Merton H. Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance

Eugene F. Fama

Robert R. McCormick Distinguished Service Professor of Finance

Niels Gormsen

Neubauer Family Associate Professor of Finance and Fama Faculty Fellow

Lars Hansen

David Rockefeller Distinguished Service Professor The University of Chicago Departments of Economics, Statistics and the Booth School of Business

John C. Heaton

Joseph L. Gidwitz Professor of Finance

Steven Neil Kaplan

Neubauer Family Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance and Kessenich E.P. Faculty Director at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Anil Kashyap

Stevens Distinguished Service Professor of Economics and Finance

Ralph S.J. Koijen

AQR Capital Management Distinguished Service Professor of Finance and Fama Faculty Fellow

Associate Professor of Finance and Fama Faculty Fellow

Stefan Nagel

Fama Family Distinguished Service Professor of Finance

Scott Nelson

Assistant Professor of Finance and Cohen and Keenoy Faculty Scholar

Pascal Noel

Neubauer Family Associate Professor of Finance and Kathryn and Grant Swick Faculty Scholar

Lubos Pastor

Charles P. McQuaid Distinguished Service Professor of Finance and Robert King Steel Faculty Fellow

Raghuram G. Rajan

Katherine Dusak Miller Distinguished Service Professor of Finance

Bruce Lindsay Distinguished Service Professor of Economics and Public Policy

Quentin Vandeweyer

Assistant Professor of Finance and Fama Faculty Fellow

Pietro Veronesi

Deputy Dean for Faculty and Chicago Board of Trade Professor of Finance

Robert W. Vishny

Myron S. Scholes Distinguished Service Professor of Finance and Neubauer Faculty Director of the Davis Center

Michael Weber

Associate Professor of Finance

Constantine Yannelis

Associate Professor of Finance and FMC Faculty Scholar

Anthony Lee Zhang

Assistant Professor of Finance

Luigi Zingales

Robert C. McCormack Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance

Alumni Success

Graduates of the Stevens Doctoral Program go on to successful careers in prominent institutions of higher learning, leading financial institutions, government, and beyond.

Shohini Kundu, MBA '20, PhD '21

Assistant Professor of Finance UCLA Anderson School of Management, University of California, Los Angeles Shohini Kundu's research lies in financial intermediation and macroeconomics, security design and externalities of financial contracts, and emerging market finance. Her dissertation area is in finance.

Jane (Jian) Li, PhD '21

Assistant Professor of Business, Finance Division Columbia Business School, Columbia University Jane's research lies at the intersection of macroeconomics and finance. She is particularly interested in how financial intermediaries affect the real economy and how different types of financial institutions can contribute to financial instability. Her dissertation area is in financial economics.

Spotlight on Research

The pages of Chicago Booth Review regularly highlight the research findings of finance faculty and PhD students.

A Brief History of Finance and My Life at Chicago

Chicago Booth’s Eugene F. Fama describes the serendipitous events that led him to Chicago, and into his monumental career in academic finance.

Climate-Policy Pronouncements Boost 'Brown' Stocks

It was a dramatic example of how White House communications on climate policy can affect asset prices, according to Washington University in St. Louis’s William Cassidy, a recent graduate of Booth’s PhD Program.

With Business Loans Harder to Get, Private Debt Funds Are Stepping In

It’s become harder for many prospective borrowers to access capital. But private debt funds have stepped in to fill the gap, according to Joern Block (Trier University), Booth PhD candidate Young Soo Jang, Booth’s Steve Kaplan, and Trier’s Anna Schulze.

Too Many 'Shadow Banks' Can Limit Overall Access to Credit

While go-betweens can benefit the broader economy by smoothing the flow of credit, there are now probably too many links in the credit chain, argue Zhiguo He and Jian Li (Booth PhD graduate).

A Network of Support

Chicago Booth is home to several interdisciplinary research centers that offer funding for student work, host workshops and conferences, and foster a strong research community.

Fama-Miller Center for Research in Finance Tasked with pushing the boundaries of research in finance, the Fama-Miller Center provides institutional structure and support for researchers in the field.

Becker Friedman Institute for Economics Bringing together researchers from the entire Chicago economics community, the Becker Friedman Institute fosters novel insights on the world’s most difficult economic problems.

Center for Research in Security Prices CRSP maintains one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive stock market databases. Since 1963, it has been a valued resource for businesses, government, and scholars.

Initiative on Global Markets Enhancing the understanding of business and financial market globalization, the IGM positions Chicago Booth as a thought leader in the understanding of ever-changing markets and improves financial and economic decision-making around the world.

George J. Stigler Center for the Study of the Economy and the State Dedicated to examining issues at the intersection of politics and the economy, the Stigler Center supports research by PhD students and others who are interested in the political, economic, and cultural obstacles to better working markets.

Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation Committed to making the world more equitable and sustainable, the Rustandy Center works to solve complex social and environmental problems. The center’s student support includes fellowships, research funding, and networking opportunities.

The PhD Experience at Booth

For Itzhak Ben-David, PhD ’08, the PhD Program in Finance was an exploratory journey.

Video Transcript

Itzhak Ben-David, ’08: 00:03 For me, the PhD Program was an exploratory journey. It was about discovering what was interesting for me, what will be interesting for other economists. It was about discovering something new about the world. Much of the PhD Program experience is to explore and to wonder a bit and to just think and expose yourself to new ideas and new disciplines. Back then, this was 2006, I found a billboard that said, "If you buy this house, we're going to give you a free car or $20,000 in cash." And this seemed really odd to me. What I realized that was going on, that this was part of a borrower fraud and the idea was that seller and the buyer will agree on a higher price on a house and the lender would be under the impression that the collateral worth more than it really is.

Itzhak Ben-David, ’08: 00:58 So I started to investigate other parts of the real estate food chain. What I saw is that in many parts of this chain, there were incentives in place pushing the intermediaries or the different economic agents to inflate prices. It's not always a bubble, but oftentimes it points out behavior that is not consistent with our textbook behavior. I had the dream team of advisors, Toby Moskowitz, Dick Taylor, Steve Levitt, and Erik Hurst. Each one of them contributed in different way to my dissertation and brought different ideas, brought different aspects. There is no better place of doing research than in Booth. It's really a hub of academic activity. There is no important work that doesn't pass at Chicago before being published. It's really an intellectual home. When you meet people and you know that they are from Booth, you can see the difference in their thinking.

Current Finance Students

PhD students in finance study a wide range of topics, including the behavior and determinants of security prices, the financing and investment decisions of firms, corporate governance, and the management and regulation of financial institutions. They go on to careers at prestigious institutions, from Yale University to the International Monetary Fund.

Current Students

Rahul Chauhan Ching-Tse Chen Aditya Dhar Mihir Gandhi  Huan (Bianca) He Agustin Hurtado Young Soo Jang Piotr Langer Jessica Li Edoardo Marchesi Rayhan Momin Lauren Mostrom Meichen Qian Francisco Ruela Sixun Tang Hui (Judy) Yue

Booth also offers joint degrees. Learn more about the current students in our Joint Program in Financial Economics .

Program Expectations and Requirements

The Stevens Doctoral Program at Chicago Booth is a full-time program. Students generally complete the majority of coursework and examination requirements within the first two years of studies and begin work on their dissertation during the third year. For details, see General Examination Requirements by Area in the Stevens Program Guidebook below.

Download the 2023-2024 Guidebook!

Skip to Content

• Undergraduate Programs
• Graduate Programs
• Faculty & Research

Other ways to search:

• Events Calendar

• PhD in Finance

You are here

The Finance PhD program prepares students to engage in original research on financial markets and decision-making. Students acquire critical technical skills in economic theory, finance theory, data analysis and coding. They also learn to identify promising ideas, write compelling papers and present effectively. Contribute to leading edge research

Our faculty’s research interests and technical approaches are broad, with particular strength in fields and methods such as:

• Corporate finance
• Household finance
• Labor and finance
• Social impact investing
• Textual analysis
• Theoretical modeling

Work with top thought leaders

Because the Finance PhD program is small, students benefit from broad access to faculty as co-authors, advisors and mentors. Students also have direct access to leading scholars within professional associations, including five members of the Finance Theory Group, five members (including one founder) of the Labor and

Additional  information about our Finance faculty  can be found here

General details about the curriculum, requirements, and structure of the  program can be found here . Please be aware this document is not an exhaustive list of the requirements for the Program.

How to Apply

PhD in Finance Program Flyer

PhD Graduates' Publications

ETF Arbitrage, Non-Fundamental Demand, and Return Predictability (2021) Review of Finance David C. Brown (PhD 2014) Shaun William Davies Matthew Ringgenberg

Financing Efficiency of Securities-Based Crowdfunding (2020) Review of Financial Studies (Editor's Choice as Lead Article) David C. Brown (PhD 2014) Shaun William Davies

Learning by Owning in a Lemons Market (2022) Journal of Finance Jordan Martel (PhD 2018) Brian Waters Kenneth Mirkin

A Theory of Financial Media (2022) Journal of Financial Economics Eitan Goldman Jordan Martel (PhD 2018) Jan Schneemier

A Text-based Analysis of Corporate Innovation (2021) Management Science Gustaf Bellstam (PhD 2018) Sanjai Bhagat J. Anthony Cookson

Rival Growth Prospects & Equity Prices: Evidence from Mass Layoff Announcements (2021) Journal of Money, Credit and Banking Adam Bordeman (PhD 2015 Accounting) Bharadwaj Kannan (PhD 2016) Roberto Pinheiro

Employment, corporate investment and cash flow uncertainty (2018) Journal of Financial & Quantitative Analysis Saad Alnahdeh (PhD 2017) Sanjai Bhagat, Iulian Obreja – U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Tax uncertainty and retirement savings diversification (2017) ​ Journal of Financial Economics David C. Brown (PhD 2014) Scott Cederburg Michael S O'Doherty

• Moral hazard in active asset management (2017)  Journal of Financial Economics David C. Brown (PhD 2014) ​Shaun William Davies  
• Size, leverage, and risk-taking of financial institutions (2015) Journal of Banking and Finance Sanjai Bhagat Brian Bolton (PhD 2006) Jun Lu - Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing (PhD 2011)  
• Financial crisis and bank executive incentive compensation (2014) Journal of Corporate Finance Sanjai Bhagat Brian Bolton (PhD 2006)  
• Director ownership, governance and performance (2013) Journal of Financial & Quantitative Analysis​ Sanjai Bhagat Brian Bolton (PhD 2006)  
• Manager characteristics and capital structure: Theory and evidence (2012) Journal of Financial & Quantitative Analysis Sanjai Bhagat Brian Bolton (PhD 2006) Ajay Subramanian 
• PhD in Accounting
• PhD in Information Systems
• PhD in Marketing
• PhD in Organizational Behavior
• PhD in Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Operations (SEO)
• PhD Admissions
• Research Requirements
• Teaching Requirements
• PhD Placements
• PhD Students
• Frequently Asked Questions

Download our PhD brochures to learn more about our programs.

• Harvard Business School →
• Behavioral Finance & Financial Stability →

Malcolm P. Baker

Marco Di Maggio

Robin Greenwood

Samuel G. Hanson

Victoria Ivashina

David S. Scharfstein

Andrei Shleifer

Erik Stafford

Jeremy C. Stein

Lawrence Summers

Adi Sunderam

Luis M. Viceira

Post doctoral.

Doctoral Students

Michael Blank

Spencer Kwon

15 Best Online PhD in Finance Programs [2024 Guide]

Looking for Online PhD in Finance Programs? Some schools have no GRE and offer accelerated courses to help you finish faster.

A doctoral degree in finance may be your ticket to the career you’ve always wanted.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

This online finance degree can help you pursue an executive role or a teaching job related to accounting, banking, asset management, or financial policymaking.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Finance Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Capella University

With Capella University in Minnesota, students can study online to earn a DBA with a concentration in Accounting or a PhD in Business Management with a concentration in Accounting.

These programs are designed to help students learn about theories, methods, rules and ethical issues that influence accounting practice and consider the implications of practicing accounting within a global marketplace.

Before graduation, DBA students are expected to complete two residencies and submit a major research project. PhD students are expected to do three residencies and complete a dissertation.

Both programs use Capella’s GuidedPath format with weekly discussions and specific deadlines for submitting assignments.

• PhD in Accounting
• DBA in Accounting

Capella University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

2. City University of Seattle

When you study with City University of Seattle, you’ll have the opportunity to choose your own area of specialty for your DBA program.

Students who choose the Specialized Study concentration can submit a proposal for the graduate-level courses they would like to take as part of their studies.

If you’re interested in finance, you may be able to request courses on the topics of finance and accounting. During online classes, you’ll have opportunities to engage in live conversations with faculty.

You’ll be expected to submit a dissertation during your doctoral studies and complete three different residencies.

• DBA in Business Administration (Finance concentration)

The City University of Seattle is Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

3. George Fox University

As you pursue a DBA with a concentration in Accounting from George Fox University, you may take classes like Advanced Applications of Ethical Reasoning and Compliance in Accounting and Advanced Topics in Accounting.

In addition, you’ll need to complete both a dissertation and a practicum for the program. During the practicum, you’ll have opportunities to try your hand at teaching or consulting.

Most of the work for this hybrid DBA program is online, but you’ll need to report to the school’s campus in Oregon a few times a year.

George Fox University  is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

4. Hampton University

If you’re interested in a PhD in Business Administration, check out Hampton University in Virginia. The program students to pursue a concentration in Accounting and Finance by taking multiple credit hours of elective courses.

These electives include classes like Financial Accounting and Reporting Research, Accounting Theory, Corporate and Financial Institutions, and Behavior Finance.

Students at this university take online courses during the traditional school year and come to campus for two summer residencies. This PhD program is appropriate for current professionals and for those straight out of a master’s program.

• PhD in Business Administration

Hampton U  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

5. Kansas State University

Do you believe that it is critical for individuals and families to have a solid financial plan for their future? If so, you may be interested in the PhD in Personal Financial Planning from Kansas State University.

You may choose to use this degree in the business world or spread your knowledge to others by working in an academic setting.

During the online doctoral program, you’ll need to come to the school’s Kansas campus for a few intensive sessions and go overseas to expand your knowledge about global markets. A dissertation is required for this program.

• Hybrid PhD in Personal Financial Planning

Kansas State University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

6. Liberty University

For those interested in numbers and money, Liberty University’s online DBA offers two concentration options: Accounting and Finance.

Both programs begin with the same core courses, but Accounting students take specialized classes like Accounting for Decision Making and Advanced Auditing while Finance students focus on classes like Managerial Finance and Advanced Financial Statement Analysis.

Whichever track you choose, you will need to take a comprehensive exam and complete a dissertation before graduation from this Virginia university. Accounting graduates often work as auditors or budget supervisors, and Finance graduates may choose to become treasurers or financial managers.

Liberty University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

7. National University

You can pursue a DBA or a PhD in Business Administration from National University. NU is a network of nonprofit institutions headquartered in San Diego, CA.

The school encourages students of either program to pursue high-level leadership positions, but the PhD program is research-based, and the DBA involves the application of research findings that are already available.

Specialization options for both PhD and DBA students include Financial Management and Advanced Accounting. All faculty hold doctoral degrees, and many tracks can be completed fully online. Dissertations are required for PhD programs.

• PhD in Business Administration – Advanced Accounting
• DBA in Financial Management
• DBA in Advanced Accounting

National University  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

8. Rutgers University

This university offers a PhD in Management; concentrations include Finance, Accounting or Accounting Information Systems. The concentration in finance offers courses like Investments, Corporate Finance, Theory of Corporate Disclosures, Control and Governance, and Econometrics.

The concentration in accounting offers courses like Current Topics in Auditing and Empirical Analysis of Financial Reporting. Students are expected to take a qualifying exam and defend a dissertation before graduating from these programs. The school recommends that students have master’s level education in mathematics, economics or computer science before applying for enrollment.

Rutgers University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

9. Sacred Heart University

Although Sacred Heart University does require DBA in Finance students to come to its Connecticut campus, the program is described as “low-residency,” and it is structured to fit the schedules of people who are already in the workforce.

Each student is part of a cohort that provides opportunities for networking and group projects. During the course of the program, students study topics like mathematics and global markets and choose electives like Fixed Income Securities or Portfolio Management.

Students are also required to submit a dissertation before graduation. The school’s DBA graduates often find work in government, academia, and corporations.

• DBA in Finance

SHU  is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

10. Saint Leo University

You can get an online DBA from Saint Leo University in Florida. The program offers classes like Analytics for Decision Making, Organizational Behavior and Social Responsibility, and A History of Applied Management Theory. It can help you acquire research skills and learn how to apply your findings to real-world business applications.

Before graduation, you will be expected to take a comprehensive exam, defend a dissertation and complete a practicum. This DBA course of study is particularly well-suited for students who want to go into consulting, but the school’s graduates also teach, work as CFOs, manage organizations and become investment analysts.

• Doctor of Business Administration

Saint Leo University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

11. Trident University

Whether you want to earn an online DBA or a PhD in Business Administration, you can pursue your degree from Trident University in California.

One available concentration for the PhD program is Accounting and Finance; students on that track study topics like auditing, global markets, corporation finance, and taxation.

The DBA is a generalist degree that doesn’t include specialization. If you go the PhD route, you’ll need to complete a dissertation, and if you choose a DBA, you will be expected to complete a doctoral study. To help you move through the online program, the university offers its Doctoral Positioning System tracker.

• PhD in Business Administration – Accounting

Trident University  is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

12. University of Dallas

Students at the University of Dallas can earn a DBA through a mix of online classes and time on the school’s Texas campus.

This program is designed for those who already hold leadership positions in the business world and desire increased advancement, and its flexible nature helps working professionals earn their doctoral degrees while remaining in their current jobs.

This generalist program includes classes like Agile Organizations and Emerging Technologies. If you choose this university, you will be expected to join a colloquium and defend a dissertation and will have the option to complete a teaching practicum.

The University of Dallas  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

13. University of South Carolina

The Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina offers an on-campus program through which you can earn a PhD in Business Administration.

One available concentration for this program is Finance, and classes include Current Issues in Finance, Empirical Methods in Financial Research and Theory of Finance.

Faculty in this department have earned multiple recognitions, including the Alfred G. Smith, Jr. Excellence in Teaching Award and the Mortar Board Excellence in Teaching Award. A master’s degree is recommended before admission to the program, but it is not a requirement.

• Hybrid DBA in Business Administration – Finance

The University of South Carolina  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

14. University of the Cumberlands

The PhD in Business program at the University of the Cumberlands takes business courses ranging from comparative economic and corporate finance to managerial ethics and responsibility. Students can choose one of their specialty areas like accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, etc. The Curriculum of this program will engage students in the theories, strategies, and tactics that they need to.

• PhD in Business (Finance concentration)

The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

15. Walden University

Whether you’re interested in DBA or a PhD, you can earn it from Walden University. The DBA program offers concentrations like Accounting and Finance. On the path to earning a DBA, you can complete a doctoral study, assemble a portfolio or take part in a consultation program in which you work with a local organization or company.

If you would prefer to earn a PhD in Management, you can select a 21st Century Finance concentration, which requires the completion of a dissertation. Both the DBA and PhD tracks can be completed through online study.

Walden  University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online PhD in Finance Programs

If you have a particular area of interest within the world of finance, then you may want to select a corresponding degree concentration.

PhD in Finance

Phd in financial management, phd in financial planning.

A concentration can give you opportunities to take an array of courses designed to hone your knowledge on that particular topic.

If you are a numbers person, there’s a good chance that you like accounting just as much as you enjoy general financial topics. This concentration can allow you to explore both of these areas of study.

You might put this degree to work in corporate or academic settings. You may also be interested in an Online PhD in Accounting program .

Being in charge of a company’s financial resources requires a special set of managerial leadership skills. A concentration in financial management can help you gain those skills.

This concentration is designed to teach topics like building a solid financial strategy and navigating international markets.

Helping individuals do their best with their money is the goal behind a concentration in financial management.

This concentration can help train you to guide wise financial choices as you learn not only about asset management and investment growth but also about how to influence smart decision-making through relational know-how.

With a PhD Financial Planning degree, you may help others manage their money, lead a financial advisement company, or teach future finance students.

Doctorate in Finance Salary

Earning your doctoral degree in finance may open many career paths to you. Once you graduate with this degree, you may work in an academic setting, a nonprofit organization, the corporate world, or the public sector.

Here are a few jobs you may be able to look forward to, along with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics job outlook and average salary information.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts are responsible for setting an organization’s budget and helping the company stick to it.

• Outlook for job growth: 5% increase
• Median salary per year: $78,970

This may be an enjoyable career path for those who want to understand all facets of a company – tracking and justifying where each penny goes. Budget analysts make recommendations for investment and expenditure to boost their company’s profitability.

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts are responsible for paying attention to the market in order to make recommendations on how people or businesses should invest their resources.

• Outlook for job growth: 6% increase
• Median salary per year: $83,660

Rather than monitoring their business or organization, they monitor the economy as a whole. This career may be ideal for those who find financial markets interesting and have a deep understanding of investments.

Personal Financial Advisor

Consider this career path if you want the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping others plan for their futures.

• Median salary per year: $89,330

You might also need to have a knack for marketing and sales as you attract and welcome new clients to your firm. In this role, you might work for a successful money management company or start your own practice.

Finance Professor

You may be able to pass your knowledge onto others by teaching students at the university level.

• Outlook for job growth: 7% increase
• Median salary per year: $88,010

Like many careers, you’ll need more than knowledge of the financial sector to be successful in this position. You’ll need organization and communication skills to be able to teach effectively. You’ll also need to be willing to prove your teaching effectiveness to your department via annual reviews.

If you enjoy teaching, researching, and discussing business, you may find yourself quite at home among the faculty of a business college.

Curriculum for Finance PhD Programs

Similar to a MBA in finance or online master’s in finance , when pursuing an advanced degree in finance, you’ll likely take a variety of courses designed to equip you with a thorough understanding of financial matters and how they relate to decision-making for individuals and businesses.

Your classes may include:

• Accounting and Control for Nonprofit Organizations
• Business Ethics
• Business Valuation
• Data Analysis for Investments
• Financial Management for International Business
• Human Resource Development
• Investment Portfolio Analysis
• Managerial Finance
• Mathematical Foundations for Finance
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Money, Capital Markets & Economic Growth
• Quantitative Research Design & Methodology
• Real Estate Finance
• Real Option Valuation
• Risk Management
• Strategic Thinking for Decision-Making
• Stochastic Foundations of Finance

Since your program will likely encourage you to take a mix of both foundational classes and specialized electives, the coursework listed above includes both core classes and electives. Your PhD in finance requirements may also include a dissertation or capstone project. A growing number of doctorate programs have no dissertation required , but these tend to be professional doctorates, not PhDs.

Choose programs with a capstone project if you’d like to finish your degree faster. Dissertations can often take 2-3 years more to complete after you finish your coursework.

DBA in Finance vs. PhD in Finance

When you have your sights set on a finance degree, there are two different doctoral routes you can take. You could earn a doctorate of business administration (DBA) in finance or pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in finance.

Although you can learn a great deal about numbers, money, and economics either way, the two different degrees will likely set you on divergent career tracks.

People often choose a professional doctorate, such as a DBA in Finance, if they want to put their education to work in the field — for example, working on Wall Street or in a Fortune 500 company.

A DBA in Finance:

• Is typically pursued by those who want to stay with their current company or work for another corporation.
• May involve drawing from others’ data and research for the culminating project.
• Is often pursued by those with several years of professional experience.

A PhD in finance is often pursued by people who want to work in an academic setting. You may find that a PhD program focuses more on the theoretical aspects of finance than the practical ones.

A PhD in Finance:

• Is typically pursued by people who want to conduct research, get published or teach.
• Typically requires conducting original research.
• May be good for those straight out of school, such as recent graduates of a master’s in finance or master’s in accounting program.

Think about what you want to do for your career, then choose the degree that best fits those goals.

Online vs. Traditional Finance Degree

When it comes to online versus traditional finance doctoral programs, the main difference is the format through which the material is presented. The content should remain about the same, and the rigors of the program likely will as well.

You may choose a fully online program, an on-campus one, or a hybrid mix.

Accreditation for a Doctorate in Finance Online

Universities receive accreditation as proof that their programs provide a thorough educational experience for students. Therefore, when you’re looking for a doctor of finance program, the school’s accreditation should be the first thing that you consider.

Reputable universities receive accreditation from a regional accrediting agency . These organizations give a broad stamp of approval to the entire school rather than to its individual programs. It is essential that you enroll in a school with regional accreditation.

In addition, there are several national and international organizations that provide accreditation specifically for business programs. Although this type of accreditation may not be absolutely essential, it’s certainly a valuable sign that the program is thorough, reputable, and excellent in quality.

A finance program may be accredited by:

• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
• International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)

The top finance PhD programs are accredited both regionally and programmatically by one of these specialty boards. You can find your chosen university’s accreditation by searching the US Department of Education’s accreditation database .

Financial Aid for a Finance Degree

As you begin looking into finance PhD programs, don’t forget to also look into financial aid opportunities. At the doctorate level, you may still be eligible for federal financial aid as well as fellowships and scholarships from universities and scholarships from private organizations.

Your employer might even have tuition assistance programs available.

Can I Get My PhD Online?

Yes, many universities offer online PhD and professional doctorate programs. This includes doctoral degrees in finance, public health, education, nursing, and organizational leadership.

This approach can help you earn your advanced degree in a format that fits your schedule.

Is an Online PhD Respected and Credible?

In an online program, you should have to work just as hard as you do in an on-campus program. Additionally, your official records are unlikely to specify how you earned your degree.

The important thing is not the format in which you completed your coursework but whether you attended an accredited university.

Are There Any Online PhD In Finance Programs?

Earning a doctoral degree in finance doesn’t have to require moving onto campus or uprooting your whole life. Rather, there are programs for a DBA or PhD in finance online.

In these programs, you can engage in a computer-based educational experience as you work toward your degree.

Getting Your PhD in Finance Online

To take your finance education to the highest level, you may want to pursue a doctoral degree in this field, whether a PhD or a DBA.

Completing your coursework online can help you receive a solid education in a format that fits your lifestyle and prepare you for the next step on your career path.

Use the above list of schools to narrow down the finance PhD programs for you.

Related Guides:

• Best Online Masters in Finance No GMAT
• Finance vs. Accounting – What’s the Difference?

/pubs/2019handbooks/aos/banking-and-finance-phd-program/index.html

Faculty of Business and Economics

• Skip to content
• Skip to navigation
• Current students
• Giving to Monash

Banking and finance PhD program - 2019

Postgraduate research area

Commencement year

Unit codes that are not linked to their entry in the Handbook are not available for study in the current year.

Managing faculty

Coordinator(s)

Dr Hue Hwa Au Yong

Caulfield Clayton

This program provides doctoral (PhD) students with the opportunity to focus on developing knowledge and expertise in their chosen discipline, as well as developing professional skills that will support their career ambitions.

Each student's research will be supported by the development of a range of skills that will help them to become more efficient researchers, ultimately improving the quality of the research and developing generic/transferable skills of value to prospective employers.

This program is offered by the Department of Banking and Finance.

Program requirements

All PhD students will be required to undertake compulsory training in the following areas:

• Monash Graduate Research Induction (online)
• Research Integrity (online)
• faculty induction, including occupational health and safety (where required).

Coursework component

All PhD students must complete the following coursework unit/s, normally prior to confirmation of their enrolment:

• BEX6011 Empirical asset pricing
• BEX6012 Corporate financial management
• BEX6013 Issues in financial institutions
• BEX6014 Contemporary issues in finance

Students may be required to undertake up to an additional four units as recommended by the PhD Director

Students may also be directed or encouraged to attend and make presentations at various forums throughout their enrolment.

Relevant courses

0029 Doctor of Philosophy

Recommended pages

• Undergraduate open days
• Postgraduate open days
• Accommodation
• Information for teachers
• Maps and directions
• Sport and fitness

Join our Postgraduate Open Day - Saturday 22 June

PhD/ MPhil/ MSc Finance (Research)

• Visit an Open Day
• Request a prospectus
• Course details
• Entry Requirements
• Teaching and assessment
• Employability

The PhD/MPhil/MSc in Finance comprises a short taught component followed by a longer research phase. Taught modules allow you to broaden, as well as deepen, your knowledge of research methods as well as conducting your own research and developing transferable professional skills.

The PhD programme in Finance will facilitate the creation and interpretation of new knowledge by the research student, demonstrated through the thesis. The taught component is designed to ensure that doctoral researchers understand the breath of techniques used in modern social science research.

Doctoral researchers will be capable of analysing a range of data using a range of qualitative and quantitative techniques. They will be able to explain theories underlying different approaches to social science research. Doctoral researchers are expected to participate to the fullest possible extent in the life of the Department of Finance and the Business School. This means attending seminars organised by the Department of Finance and more widely in the Business School thereby helping expose doctoral researchers to new ideas emanating from outside their own area of specialisation. It also requires actively participating in PhD workshops and conferences organised by the Department of Finance, the Business School and Graduate School as well as institutions outside the University of Birmingham.

Ultimately all doctoral researchers will have the ability to characterise and solve business and financial problems using advanced research tools. They should be able to derive policy implications from their research and communicate these to policy makers, practitioners and other academics in a manner which is comprehensible. They will also be able to peer review others’ research and offer constructive criticism; and to extend the frontiers of the discipline through their own innovative research.

Doctoral researchers may choose to become academics, work in Government, businesses, supranational organisations or in the research arms of major financial institutions. They are expected to achieve a substantial understanding of contemporaneous financial and business issues enabling them to take a lead in ongoing debates within society. They will be aware of and understand the function of related institutions at both a national and international level.

Fees 2024 - 2025

• Code: 021B - £4,778 (UK) PhD Full time
• Code: 022B - £2,389 (UK) PhD Part time
• Code: 021B - £23,520 (International) PhD Full time
• Code: 023B - £4,778 (UK) MPhil
• Code: 023B - £23,520 (International) MPhil
• Code: 045B - £4,778 (UK) MSc (Research)
• Code 045B - £23,520 (International) MSc (Research)

Learn more about fees and funding

Scholarships and studentships

A limited number of scholarships may be available to outstanding applicants. International students  can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home Government.

For further information contact the School directly or visit our helpdesk.

How To Apply

• How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page . Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Our Standard Requirements

The Business School's entry requirement is a good honours degree (first or upper second class honours) awarded by a recognised University in an appropriate subject, and a merit in a relevant Master’s degree. We usually ask students for an average of 65 in the taught component of their Masters. All international students also need to show that they have adequate knowledge of written and spoken English.

Learn more about our entry requirements.

Writing your research proposal

Along with your academic record, your references and your curriculum vitae your research proposal plays a critical role in the evaluation of your application.

Your research proposal should illustrate your ability to plan an independent research study and the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of Birmingham Business School.You need to demonstrate that you understand the field that you plan to research, identify an interesting and original research question, and develop a tentative plan of study. It is highly desirable that your research proposal is written to the guidelines specified below.

Guidelines for the Research Proposal

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the how to apply pages.

International Requirements

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 14/20 from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Argentinian university, with a promedio of at least 7.5, may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent

Applicants who hold a Masters degree will be considered for admission to PhD study.

Holders of a good four-year Diplomstudium/Magister or a Masters degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a good 5-year Specialist Diploma or 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan, with a minimum GPA of 4/5 or 80% will be considered for entry to postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Birmingham.

For postgraduate research programmes applicants should have a good 5-year Specialist Diploma (completed after 1991), with a minimum grade point average of 4/5 or 80%, from a recognised higher education institution or a Masters or “Magistr Diplomu” or “Kandidat Nauk” from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a CGPA of 3.0-3.3/4.0 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students who hold a Masters degree from the University of Botswana with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (70%/B/'very good') will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Please note 4-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a Diploma of Higher Education. 5-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a British Bachelor (Ordinary) degree.

Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

A Licenciatura or Bacharelado degree from a recognised Brazilian university:

• A grade of 7.5/10 for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement
• A grade of 6.5/10for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement

Holders of a good Bachelors degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good post-2001 Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a minimum average of 14 out of 20 (or 70%) on a 4-year Licence, Bachelor degree or Diplôme d'Etudes Superieures de Commerce (DESC) or Diplôme d'Ingénieur or a Maîtrise will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Canadian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A GPA of 3.0/4, 7.0/9 or 75% is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1.

Holders of the Licenciado or equivalent Professional Title from a recognised Chilean university will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD study will preferably hold a Magister degree or equivalent.

Students with a bachelor’s degree (4 years minimum) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. However please note that we will only consider students who meet the entry guidance below.  Please note: for the subject areas below we use the Shanghai Ranking 2022 (full table)  ,  Shanghai Ranking 2023 (full table) , and Shanghai Ranking of Chinese Art Universities 2023 .

需要具备学士学位（4年制）的申请人可申请研究生课程。请根据所申请的课程查看相应的入学要求。 请注意，中国院校名单参考 软科中国大学排名2022（总榜） ，  软科中国大学排名2023（总榜） ，以及 软科中国艺术类高校名单2023 。  

Business School    - MSc programmes (excluding MBA)  

商学院硕士课程（MBA除外）入学要求

School of Computer Science – all MSc programmes 计算机学院硕士课程入学要求

College of Social Sciences – courses listed below 社会科学 学院部分硕士课程入学要求 MA Education  (including all pathways) MSc TESOL Education MSc Public Management MA Global Public Policy MA Social Policy MA Sociology Department of Political Science and International Studies  全部硕士课程 International Development Department  全部硕士课程

  All other programmes (including MBA)   所有其他 硕士课程（包括 MBA）入学要求

Please note:

• Borderline cases: We may consider students with lower average score (within 5%) on a case-by-case basis if you have a relevant degree and very excellent grades in relevant subjects and/or relevant work experience. 如申请人均分低于相应录取要求（5%以内），但具有出色学术背景，优异的专业成绩，以及（或）相关的工作经验，部分课程将有可能单独酌情考虑。
• Please contact the China Recruitment Team for any questions on the above entry requirements. 如果您对录取要求有疑问，请联系伯明翰大学中国办公室   [email protected]

Holders of the Licenciado/Professional Title from a recognised Colombian university will be considered for our Postgraduate Diploma and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent.

Holders of a good bachelor degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree(from the University of the West Indies or the University of Technology) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A Class II Upper Division degree is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1. For further details on particular institutions please refer to the list below.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Masters degree or Mphil from the University of the West Indies.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10, or a GPA of 3 out of 4, and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bakalár from a recognised Czech Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, velmi dobre ‘very good’ (post-2004) or 2, velmi dobre ‘good’ (pre-2004), or a good post-2002 Magistr (Masters), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum overall grade of 7-10 out of 12 (or 8 out of 13) or higher for 2:1 equivalence and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters/ Magisterkonfereus/Magister Artium degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Ecuadorian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 70% or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Magister/Masterado or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Licenciado with excellent grades can be considered.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 4/5 or B, or a good one- or two-year Magistrikraad from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with very good grades (grade B, 3.5/4 GPA or 85%) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

Holders of a good Kandidaatti / Kandidat (old system), a professional title such as Ekonomi, Diplomi-insinööri, Arkkitehti, Lisensiaatti (in Medicine, Dentistry and Vetinary Medicine), or a Maisteri / Magister (new system), Lisensiaatti / Licenciat, Oikeustieteen Kandidaatti / Juris Kandidat (new system) or Proviisori / Provisor from a recognised Finnish Higher Education institution, with a minimum overall grade of 2/3 or 4/5, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters/Maîtrise with a minimum overall grade of 13 out of 20, or a Magistère / Diplôme d'Etudes Approfondies / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures Specialisées / Mastère Specialis, from a recognised French university or Grande École to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Magister Artium, a Diplom or an Erstes Staatsexamen from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5, or a good two-year Lizentiat / Aufbaustudium / Zweites Staatsexamen or a Masters degree from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good four-year Ptychio (Bachelor degree) with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10, from a recognised Greek university (AEI), and will usually be required to have completed a good Metaptychiako Diploma Eidikefsis (Masters degree) from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

4-year Licenciado is deemed equivalent to a UK bachelors degree. A score of 75 or higher from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC) can be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 60 is comparable to a UK 2.2.  Private universities have a higher pass mark, so 80 or higher should be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 70 is comparable to a UK 2.2

The Hong Kong Bachelor degree is considered comparable to British Bachelor degree standard. Students with bachelor degrees awarded by universities in Hong Kong may be considered for entry to one of our postgraduate degree programmes.

Students with Masters degrees may be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Alapfokozat / Alapképzés or Egyetemi Oklevel from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 3.5, or a good Mesterfokozat (Masters degree) or Egyetemi Doktor (university doctorate), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a 60% or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of the 4 year Sarjana (S1) from a recognised Indonesian institution will be considered for postgraduate study. Entry requirements vary with a minimum requirement of a GPA of 2.8.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a score of 14/20 or 70% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution, with 100 out of 110 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students who hold the Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Students with a Bachelor degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for entry to a postgraduate Masters degree provided they achieve a sufficiently high overall score in their first (Bachelor) degree. A GPA of 3.0/4.0 or a B average from a good Japanese university is usually considered equivalent to a UK 2:1.

Students with a Masters degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for PhD study. A high overall grade will be necessary to be considered.

Students who have completed their Specialist Diploma Мамаң дипломы/Диплом специалиста) or "Magistr" (Магистр дипломы/Диплом магистра) degree (completed after 1991) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate Masters degrees and, occasionally, directly for PhD degrees.  Holders of a Bachelor "Bakalavr" degree (Бакалавр дипломы/Диплом бакалавра) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of  2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, may also be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/50

Holders of a good Postgraduate Diploma (professional programme) from a recognised university or institution of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10, or a post-2000 Magistrs, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a score of 16/20 or 80% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Libya will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency. Alternatively students will require a minimum of 3.0/4.0 or BB to be considered.

Holders of a good pre-2001 Magistras from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10, or a good post-2001 Magistras, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, or a Diplôme d'Études Supérieures Spécialisées (comparable to a UK PGDip) or Masters degree from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (70-74% or A or Marginal Distinction from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 60-69% or B or Bare Distinction/Credit is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Malaysian institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum of 3.0) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from the University of Malta with a minimum grade of 2:1 (Hons), and/or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (Honours) from a recognised institution (including the University of Mauritius) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2:1).

Students who hold the Licenciado/Professional Titulo from a recognised Mexican university with a promedio of at least 8 will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Students who have completed a Maestria from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree, licence or Maîtrise and a Masters degree, with a score of 14/20 or 70% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Students with a good four year honours degree from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. PhD applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 60-74% or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Doctoraal from a recognised Dutch university with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10, and/or a good Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (minimum 4 years and/or level 400) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of B/Very Good or 1.6-2.5 for a 2.1 equivalency, and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters, Mastergrad, Magister. Artium, Sivilingeniør, Candidatus realium or Candidatus philologiae degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with a CGPA of 3.0/4 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in the Palestinian Territories will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3/4 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency or a GPA of 2.5/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.    

Holders of the Título de Licenciado /Título de (4-6 years) or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Paraguayan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 4/5 or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  The Título Intermedio is a 2-3 year degree and is equivalent to a HNC, it is not suitable for postgraduate entry but holders of this award could be considered for second year undergraduate entry or pre-Masters.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría / Magister or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Título/Grado de Licenciado/a with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of the Licenciado, with at least 13/20 may be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent. The Grado de Bachiller is equivalent to an ordinary degree, so grades of 15+/20 are required.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría or equivalent qualification.

Holders of a good pre-2001 Magister from a recognised Polish university with a minimum overall grade of 4 out of 5, dobry ‘good’, and/or a good Swiadectwo Ukonczenia Studiów Podyplomowych (Certificate of Postgraduate Study) or post-2001 Magister from a recognised Polish university with a minimum overall grade of 4.5/4+ out of 5, dobry plus 'better than good', will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Licenciado from a recognised university, or a Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) from a recognised Polytechnic Institution, with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, and/or a good Mestrado / Mestre (Masters) from a recognised university, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Romanian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10, and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree/Diploma de Master/Diploma de Studii Academice Postuniversitare (Postgraduate Diploma - Academic Studies) or Diploma de Studii Postuniversitare de Specializare (Postgraduate Diploma - Specialised Studies) to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) or Диплом Магистра (Magistr) degree from recognised universities in Russia (minimum GPA of 4.0) will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes/PhD study.

Students who hold a 4-year Bachelor degree with at least 16/20 or 70% will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. A score of 14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2

Students who hold a Bachelor (Honours) degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (or a score of 60-69% or B+) from a well ranked institution will be considered for most our Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees with a 2:1 requirement.

Students holding a good Bachelors Honours degree will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good three-year Bakalár or pre-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, Vel’mi dobrý ‘very good’, and/or a good Inžinier or a post-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (Bachelors degree), Diplomant (Professionally oriented first degree), Univerzitetni diplomant (Academically oriented first degree) or Visoko Obrazovanja (until 1999) from a recognised Slovenian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8.0 out of 10, and/or a good Diploma specializacija (Postgraduate Diploma) or Magister (Masters) will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor Honours degree (also known as Baccalaureus Honores / Baccalaureus Cum Honoribus) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (70%) or a distinction (75%).

Holders of a Masters degree will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelor degree from a recognised South Korean institution (usually with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/4.5) will be considered for Masters programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 7 out of 10 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and will usually be required to have completed a Masters degree, with 60-74% or a CGPA 3.30/4.0 or higher for 2:1 equivalency from a recognised institution to be considered for entry. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd), and/or a good Magisterexamen (Masters degree), International Masters degree or Licentiatexamen (comparable to a UK Mphil), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good "PostGraduate Certificate" or "PostGraduate Diploma" or a Masters degree from a recognised Swiss higher education institution (with a minimum GPA of 5/6 or 8/10 or 2/5 (gut-bien-bene/good) for a 2.1 equivalence) may be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0, 3.5/5 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Bachelor degree (from 75% to 85% depending upon the university in Taiwan) from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate Masters study. Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for entry to our postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree or Mphil from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Students with a Bachelors degree from the following universities may be considered for entry to postgraduate programmes:

• Ateneo de Manila University - Quezon City
• De La Salle University - Manila
• University of Santo Tomas
• University of the Philippines - Diliman

Students from all other institutions with a Bachelors and a Masters degree or relevant work experience may be considered for postgraduate programmes.

Grading Schemes

1-5 where 1 is the highest 2.1 = 1.75 2.2 = 2.25 

Out of 4.0 where 4 is the highest 2.1 = 3.0 2.2 = 2.5

Letter grades and percentages 2.1 = B / 3.00 / 83% 2.2 = C+ / 2.5 / 77%

Holders of a postdoctoral qualification from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.  Students may be considered for PhD study if they have a Masters from one of the above listed universities.

Holders of a Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a Yuksek Diplomasi from a recognised university will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (2.1) or GPA of 3.5/5.0

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a good Bachelors degree / Диплом бакалавра (Dyplom Bakalavra), Диплом спеціаліста (Specialist Diploma) or a Dyplom Magistra from a recognised Ukrainian higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 4.0/5.0, 3.5/4, 8/12 or 80% or higher for 2:1 equivalence and will usually be required to have completed a good Masters degree to be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

The University will consider students who hold an Honours degree from a recognised institution in the USA with a GPA of:

• 2.8 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement 
• 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement 

Please note that some subjects which are studied at postgraduate level in the USA, eg. Medicine and Law, are traditionally studied at undergraduate level in the UK.

Holders of the Magistr Diplomi (Master's degree) or Diplomi (Specialist Diploma), awarded by prestigious universities, who have attained high grades in their studies will be considered for postgraduate study.  Holders of the Fanlari Nomzodi (Candidate of Science), where appropriate, will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of the Licenciatura/Título or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Venezuelan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Scales of 1-5, 1-10 and 1-20 are used, an overall score of 70% or equivalent can be considered equivalent to a UK 2.1.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Maestria or equivalent qualification

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Vietnamese institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum GPA of 7.0 and above) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.  Holders of a Masters degree (thac si) will be considered for entry to PhD programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5/5.0 or a mark of 2.0/2.5 (A) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a good Bachelor Honours degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

International Students

English requirements are IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band or equivalent.

Members of the Department of Finance can offer supervision within the following areas.

Corporate Finance

Capital structure decision making including interactions between corporate investment and dividend/capital structure decisions. Issues relating to capital structure and firm performance and the study of agency costs. The examination of corporate events such as  stock repurchases, corporate restructuring, mergers and acquisitions ,IPOs, delistings and financial distress & bankruptcy. Entrepreneurial finance, debt and equity gaps, venture capital and private equity, financial flexibility in firms and R&D smoothing.

Capital  Markets

Within the field of capital markets we can offer supervision which examines debt maturity, and a wide range of market microstructure topics including those relating to liquidity and liquidity risk, market architecture and the trading environment, as well as microstructure effects associated with the international cross-listing of securities.  The use of derivatives for risk management. Islamic Finance. Institutional investment, portfolio investment, risk and investment volatility

Financial Regulation and Corporate Governance

Corporate governance – including shareholder voting, engagement, stock lending, communication within the board of directors, and board behaviour and performance, executive compensation. Agency conflicts. The use of the interbank market as a regulatory device, Basel III and new rules for global finance,.

Banking and Financial Services

Doctoral researchers in Finance are registered for a full time 3-year PhD or a part-time 6-year PhD. In the first year of the programme doctoral researchers are required to take Econometrics with Financial Applications module from the Department of Economics (30 credit module). They also need to take at least one of the existing MSc Investments and MSc Accounting and Finance courses and one other module to successfully complete 60 credits of study. The MSc module and one other appropriate M or D level module should be chosen in agreement with the doctorial researcher’s supervisor, as appropriate for the their research topic.  Modules available include: Financial Modelling and Forecasting Techniques (20 credits), Empirical Topics in Accounting and Finance (20 credits) and Quantitative Methods in Finance (10 credits). Doctoral researchers are also recommended to take Advanced Training Modules from the MA Social Research Programme or other modules (e.g. Qualitative Methods) as appropriate to their research and training needs.

By the end of their first year doctoral students will have completed an 8,000 word research proposal that they will present and be evaluated on at the first annual review. This forms the basis for supervised research over the remaining two years of the programme and the production of an 80,000 word thesis.

Career prospects

PhD graduates from Birmingham Business School are working in central banks, Government departments, a variety of financial institutions, accountancy firms, supranational organisations and multinational corporations. Many of our PhD graduates also go on to forge successful academic careers in other top Universities.

Doctoral Research career assistance

The University of Birmingham has invested heavily in careers and employability support. The Careers Team have been praised for enhanced developments within their team and for adopting a model of integrated employability and internship support; something that has been rolled out and implemented across all Schools and Colleges at the University.

Doctoral researchers at Birmingham Business School benefit from its own well qualified dedicated Careers Team to support students with employment opportunities, work placements, internships and how to succeed at interview. In addition, a range of career management, personal development and employer events are run each year by the Careers in Business Team to help you make the most of the opportunities available.

The University also has dedicated careers advisors for international students  who run workshops and networking opportunities with potential employers. These are especially popular with international postgraduate researchers.

• Online chat events

• Academics /

Finance Master’s Degree Program

Build the skills and network you need to advance your career in finance.

Online Courses

11 out of 12 total courses

On-Campus Experience

2 weekends or a 3-week summer course

$3,220 per course

Program Overview

Ready to deepen your financial expertise and enhance your career potential? Develop the advanced knowledge and practical skills you need to take on greater professional responsibilities or make a career pivot.

Our Finance Master’s Degree Program offers a wide range of courses that cover essential financial topics — from microeconomics to investment theory to business valuation. Under the instruction of expert faculty, you’ll learn to make complex financial decisions. And you’ll examine issues in finance through a local, regional, and global lens.

Program Benefits

Customizable path, stackable certificates, & experiential learning

Instructors who are academics and professionals at the top of their fields

Personalized academic & career advising

Entrepreneurial opportunities through the Harvard Innovation Labs

Paid research options

Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation

Customizable Course Curriculum

Our curriculum is flexible in pace and customizable by design. You can study part time, choosing courses that fit your schedule and align with your career goals. In the program, you’ll experience the convenience of online learning and the immersive benefits of learning in person.

In core finance courses, you’ll deepen your knowledge of essential finance concepts, tools, and strategies. Through elective coursework, you’ll build upon that foundation — focusing on the specialized areas that are most important to you, such as corporate finance, investments, or financial accounting.

11 Online Courses

• Synchronous and asynchronous
• Fall, spring, January, and summer options

You’ll complete 1 degree requirement in person at Harvard, at an accelerated or standard pace:

• 2 weekends in fall or spring
• 3 weeks in the summer

The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program.

First, you’ll register for and complete 3 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies and count toward your degree, helping ensure success in the program.

As an alternative, you may choose to earn one of the following credentials as part of your admissions path: HBS Online CORe Admissions Pathway or the MITx MicroMasters® Program Pathway .

Getting Started

We invite you to explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.

Earn a Stackable Certificate

As you work your way toward your master’s degree, you can take courses that also count — or “stack” — toward a graduate or microcertificate . It’s a cost-effective, time-saving opportunity to build specialized skills and earn a professional credential along the way to your degree.

Here are a few examples of stackable certificates and courses. 

Business Economics View More

Through courses taken for this graduate certificate, you’ll learn how to integrate economic principles and business concepts.

Sample Stackable Courses

• Microeconomic Theory
• Behavioral Economics and Decision Making
• The Economics of Financial Markets
• Strategy, Conflict, and Cooperation

Learn more about the Business Economics Graduate Certificate .

Corporate Finance View More

Gain the knowledge and tools needed for corporate financial analysis and decision-making in this graduate certificate.

• Managerial Finance
• Emerging Markets: Investment Theories and Practice
• Mergers, Acquisitions, and Restructurings

Learn more about the Corporate Finance Graduate Certificate .

Data Analytics View More

Deepen your analytics knowledge to inform strategic business decisions with this graduate certificate.

• Introduction to Computer Science with Python
• Data Mining for Business
• Introduction to Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance
• Introduction to Statistical Modeling

Learn more about the Data Analytics Graduate Certificate .

Principles of Finance View More

Learn to use financial information to make business decisions through this graduate certificate.

• Foundations of Real-World Economics
• Monetary Policy After the Financial Crisis
• Financial Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Cryptocurrencies
• Private Equity

Learn more about the Principles of Finance Graduate Certificate .

Real Estate Investment View More

Develop practical, real-world knowledge and skills for investing in real estate with this graduate certificate.

• Financing Community and Economic Development
• Urban Development Policy
• Principles of Real Estate
• Real Estate Finance and Investment

Learn more about the Real Estate Investment Graduate Certificate .

A Faculty of Finance Experts

Studying at Harvard Extension School means learning from the world’s best. Our finance instructors are renowned experts in their field and bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Peter Marber

Chief Investment Officer for Emerging Markets, Aperture Investors

Gregory Sabin

Instructor in Accounting and Finance; Preceptor, Harvard Extension School

Teaches Managerial Accounting, Principles of Finance, Corporate Finance

Zinnia Mukherjee

Associate Professor of Economics, Simmons University

Teaches courses on a variety of topics, including microeconomic theory and the economics of climate change

Our Community at a Glance

Students in our Finance Master’s Degree program are experienced financial professionals seeking to advance their careers at their current companies, level up at different organizations, and even make total career changes.

You’ll join a network of talented peers who are committed to developing deep expertise in banking, investments, and economics. By the time you’ve completed your studies, you’ll likely have lifelong friends and professional contacts.

Download: Finance Master's Degree Fact Sheet

Average Age

Work Full Time

Have Experience in the Finance Field

Average Years of Professional Experience

Would Recommend the Program

Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes

With a graduate degree in finance, you can prepare to advance in a variety of roles. Our finance graduates work in a range of finance-related industries, including accounting, banking, biotechnology, information technology, investment and asset management, and financial management consulting.

Roles held by recent graduates include: 

• Hedge fund analyst
• Credit analyst
• Compliance analyst
• Corporate strategy manager
• Vice president of mergers and acquisitions

Alumni work at a variety of organizations, including:

• Bain Capital
• Bank of America
• Citizens Bank

Career Advising and Mentorship

Whatever your career goals, we’re here to support you. Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, employment opportunities, Harvard alumni mentor connections, and career fairs like the annual Finance and FinTech Fair on campus at Harvard.

Your Harvard University Degree

Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will receive your Harvard University degree — a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Finance.

Expand Your Connections: the Harvard Alumni Network

As a graduate, you’ll become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).

From start to finish, Harvard has given me a lifetime of experience for a fraction of the cost of similar programs. I am forever grateful I made the move.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.

After admission, you may qualify for financial aid . Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.

Coffee Chat: All About Management Programs at HES

Are you interested in learning more about management graduate degree programs at Harvard Extension School? Attendees joined us for an informational webinar where they had the opportunity to connect with program directors, academic advisors, and current students.

What is a Master’s in Finance?

A master’s degree in finance can help financial professionals deepen their knowledge and technical skills in the financial field. Students who choose to get this degree are often already working in finance or a related field. Core courses can provide a solid foundation in the principles of finance, while electives can help you specialize your degree.

What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Finance?

A master’s degree in finance gives you foundational knowledge and practice skills to help your organization better manage its finances and investments. Whether you specialize in mergers and acquisitions, real estate investment, sustainable finance, or monetary policy, a master’s degree will give you the skills and tools you need to keep your career moving forward. It may even help you advance into mid- or even senior-level positions or start a new career in finance.

For more information on how a master’s degree in finance can help advance your career, read our blog Corporate Finance Career Path: How to Keep Your Growth on Track .

Is a Degree in Finance Useful?

A degree in finance is a great way to supplement and expand the real-world experience you’ve developed in the office.

Our curriculum offers the theoretical and academic knowledge you need to solve problems and develop solutions in creative and practical ways. You’ll find yourself applying the tools you learn in class right from the start.

Is a Career in Finance a Good Career?

The outlook for careers in finance is strong.

Careers in finance tend to be stable, even during economic downturns. And the job market for experienced finance professionals is likely to continue to grow over the next decade. The potential for a high-income career — especially for individuals with an advanced degree and several years’ of experience — is excellent.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Finance Graduate Program?

Program length is ordinarily anywhere between 2 and 5 years. It depends on your preferred pace and the number of courses you want to take each semester.

For an accelerated journey, we offer year round study, where you can take courses in fall, January, spring, and summer.

While we don’t require you to register for a certain number of courses each semester, you cannot take longer than 5 years to complete the degree.

How Will This Finance Master’s Degree Program Help My Career?

A master’s degree in the field of finance demonstrates your mastery of the key knowledge and critical skills to build and advance a successful career in finance.

In the program at Harvard Extension School, you’ll gain an understanding of core elements of organizational finance decisions, including accounting and financial statement analysis, principles of finance, investments, corporate finance, and business valuations.

You’ll build advanced knowledge of economic theory, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, international markets, and risk management.

Whether you are seeking to advance your career in finance or taking the first step in a career change, you can gain the knowledge you need to prepare for roles such as account manager, cash manager, financial analyst, financial risk analyst, or financial auditor. You may also qualify for senior financial management positions such as controller, treasurer, or even chief financial officer.

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is dedicated to bringing rigorous academics and innovative teaching capabilities to those seeking to improve their lives through education. We make Harvard education accessible to lifelong learners from high school to retirement.

• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts

Become an FT subscriber

Try unlimited access Only $1 for 4 weeks

Then $75 per month. Complete digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Cancel anytime during your trial.

• Global news & analysis
• Expert opinion
• Special features
• FirstFT newsletter
• Videos & Podcasts
• Android & iOS app
• FT Edit app
• 10 gift articles per month

Explore more offers.

Standard digital.

• FT Digital Edition

Premium Digital

Print + premium digital, ft professional, weekend print + standard digital, weekend print + premium digital.

Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• Global news & analysis
• Exclusive FT analysis
• FT App on Android & iOS
• FirstFT: the day's biggest stories
• 20+ curated newsletters
• Follow topics & set alerts with myFT
• FT Videos & Podcasts
• 20 monthly gift articles to share
• Lex: FT's flagship investment column
• 15+ Premium newsletters by leading experts
• FT Digital Edition: our digitised print edition
• Weekday Print Edition
• Videos & Podcasts
• Premium newsletters
• 10 additional gift articles per month
• FT Weekend Print delivery
• Everything in Standard Digital
• Everything in Premium Digital

Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• 10 monthly gift articles to share
• Everything in Print
• Make and share highlights
• FT Workspace
• Markets data widget
• Subscription Manager
• Workflow integrations
• Occasional readers go free
• Volume discount

Terms & Conditions apply

Explore our full range of subscriptions.

Why the ft.

See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times.

International Edition

Best Finance MBA Programs

Ranked in 2024, part of Best Business Schools

The top business schools for finance prepare graduates

The top business schools for finance prepare graduates to work in business administration and management. Students can often specialize in areas like investment banking and corporate finance. These are the top business schools for finance. Read the methodology »

For full rankings, GMAT scores and employment data, sign up for the U.S. News Business School Compass .

See online MBA rankings.

Here are the Best Finance MBA Programs

University of pennsylvania (wharton), university of chicago (booth), new york university (stern), columbia university, stanford university, massachusetts institute of technology (sloan), harvard university, university of california, berkeley (haas), university of michigan--ann arbor (ross).

SEE THE FULL RANKINGS

• Clear Filters

Philadelphia , PA

• # 1 in Finance
• # 1 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$79,800 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

1,754 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) offers these departments and concentrations: accounting... Read More »

Business school

Tuition and fees.

$79,800 per year (full-time)

ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

Average gmat (full-time).

Chicago , IL

• # 2 in Finance
• # 3 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$80,961 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

1,307 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Booth School of Business at University of Chicago (Booth) offers these departments and concentrations: accounting... Read More »

$80,961 per year (full-time)

New York , NY

• # 3 in Finance
• # 7 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$84,180 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

639 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University (Stern) offers these departments and concentrations... Read More »

$84,180 per year (full-time)

• # 4 in Finance
• # 12 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$84,496 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

1,512 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Columbia Business School at Columbia University offers these departments and concentrations: accounting, business... Read More »

$84,496 per year (full-time)

Stanford , CA

• # 5 in Finance

$79,860 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

873 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Graduate School of Business at Stanford University offers these departments and concentrations: accounting... Read More »

$79,860 per year (full-time)

Cambridge , MA

• # 6 in Finance
• # 5 in Best Business Schools

N/A TUITION AND FEES

817 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Sloan School of Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) offers these departments and... Read More »

Allston , MA

• # 7 in Finance
• # 6 in Best Business Schools

$74,910 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

1,953 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Business School at Harvard University offers these departments and concentrations: accounting, business analytics... Read More »

$74,910 per year (full-time)

Berkeley , CA

• # 8 in Finance

$69,814 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

$82,059 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

509 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Haas School of Business at University of California, Berkeley (Haas) offers these departments and concentrations... Read More »

$69,814 per year (in-state, full-time)

$82,059 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

Ann Arbor , MI

• # 9 in Finance

$70,392 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

$75,392 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

734 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at University of Michigan--Ann Arbor (Ross) offers these departments and... Read More »

$70,392 per year (in-state, full-time)

$75,392 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

Boston College (Carroll)

Chestnut Hill , MA

• # 10 in Finance  (tie)
• # 46 in Best Business Schools

$62,280 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

161 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Carroll School of Management at Boston College (Carroll) offers these departments and concentrations: accounting... Read More »

$62,280 per year (full-time)

Creighton University (Heider)

• Unranked in Best Business Schools

0 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Heider College of Business at Creighton University (Heider) offers these departments and concentrations... Read More »

University of California--Los Angeles (Anderson)

Los Angeles , CA

• # 20 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$74,618 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

$74,618 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES

610 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Anderson School of Management at University of California--Los Angeles (Anderson) offers these departments and... Read More »

$74,618 per year (in-state, full-time)

$74,618 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

See all 47 Ranked Schools

Get the U.S. News Grad Schools School Compass and start finding the grad schools school that's right for you. You'll have access to expanded data including GMAT scores, financial aid information, graduate salary and employment statistics and more!

More Schools in this List (Alphabetical)

Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)

Pittsburgh , PA

• # 16 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$75,712 total program (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

359 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) offers these departments and concentrations... Read More »

$75,712 total program (full-time)

Cornell University (Johnson)

Ithaca , NY

• # 15 in Best Business Schools

$79,910 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

577 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University (Johnson) offers these departments and... Read More »

$79,910 per year (full-time)

Dartmouth College (Tuck)

Hanover , NH

• # 10 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$77,520 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

580 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College (Tuck) offers these departments and concentrations: accounting... Read More »

$77,520 per year (full-time)

Duke University (Fuqua)

Durham , NC

$75,000 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

787 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University (Fuqua) offers these departments and concentrations: accounting... Read More »

$75,000 per year (full-time)

Fairfield University (Dolan)

Fairfield , CT

N/A ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University (Dolan) offers these departments and concentrations: accounting... Read More »

Fordham University (Gabelli)

• # 62 in Best Business Schools  (tie)

$120,784 total program (full-time) TUITION AND FEES

115 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University (Gabelli) offers these departments and concentrations: accounting... Read More »

$120,784 total program (full-time)

Gonzaga University

Spokane , WA

The Graduate School of Business Administration at Gonzaga University offers these departments and concentrations... Read More »

Research Topics & Ideas: Finance

120+ Finance Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

If you’re just starting out exploring potential research topics for your finance-related dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research topic ideation process by providing a hearty list of finance-centric research topics and ideas.

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . To develop a suitable education-related research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Finance Research Topics

• Corporate finance topics
• Investment banking topics
• Private equity & VC
• Asset management
• Hedge funds
• Financial planning & advisory
• Quantitative finance
• Treasury management
• Financial technology (FinTech)
• Commercial banking
• International finance

Corporate Finance

These research topic ideas explore a breadth of issues ranging from the examination of capital structure to the exploration of financial strategies in mergers and acquisitions.

• Evaluating the impact of capital structure on firm performance across different industries
• Assessing the effectiveness of financial management practices in emerging markets
• A comparative analysis of the cost of capital and financial structure in multinational corporations across different regulatory environments
• Examining how integrating sustainability and CSR initiatives affect a corporation’s financial performance and brand reputation
• Analysing how rigorous financial analysis informs strategic decisions and contributes to corporate growth
• Examining the relationship between corporate governance structures and financial performance
• A comparative analysis of financing strategies among mergers and acquisitions
• Evaluating the importance of financial transparency and its impact on investor relations and trust
• Investigating the role of financial flexibility in strategic investment decisions during economic downturns
• Investigating how different dividend policies affect shareholder value and the firm’s financial performance

Investment Banking

The list below presents a series of research topics exploring the multifaceted dimensions of investment banking, with a particular focus on its evolution following the 2008 financial crisis.

• Analysing the evolution and impact of regulatory frameworks in investment banking post-2008 financial crisis
• Investigating the challenges and opportunities associated with cross-border M&As facilitated by investment banks.
• Evaluating the role of investment banks in facilitating mergers and acquisitions in emerging markets
• Analysing the transformation brought about by digital technologies in the delivery of investment banking services and its effects on efficiency and client satisfaction.
• Evaluating the role of investment banks in promoting sustainable finance and the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in investment decisions.
• Assessing the impact of technology on the efficiency and effectiveness of investment banking services
• Examining the effectiveness of investment banks in pricing and marketing IPOs, and the subsequent performance of these IPOs in the stock market.
• A comparative analysis of different risk management strategies employed by investment banks
• Examining the relationship between investment banking fees and corporate performance
• A comparative analysis of competitive strategies employed by leading investment banks and their impact on market share and profitability

Private Equity & Venture Capital (VC)

These research topic ideas are centred on venture capital and private equity investments, with a focus on their impact on technological startups, emerging technologies, and broader economic ecosystems.

• Investigating the determinants of successful venture capital investments in tech startups
• Analysing the trends and outcomes of venture capital funding in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, or clean energy
• Assessing the performance and return on investment of different exit strategies employed by venture capital firms
• Assessing the impact of private equity investments on the financial performance of SMEs
• Analysing the role of venture capital in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship
• Evaluating the exit strategies of private equity firms: A comparative analysis
• Exploring the ethical considerations in private equity and venture capital financing
• Investigating how private equity ownership influences operational efficiency and overall business performance
• Evaluating the effectiveness of corporate governance structures in companies backed by private equity investments
• Examining how the regulatory environment in different regions affects the operations, investments and performance of private equity and venture capital firms

Asset Management

This list includes a range of research topic ideas focused on asset management, probing into the effectiveness of various strategies, the integration of technology, and the alignment with ethical principles among other key dimensions.

• Analysing the effectiveness of different asset allocation strategies in diverse economic environments
• Analysing the methodologies and effectiveness of performance attribution in asset management firms
• Assessing the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria on fund performance
• Examining the role of robo-advisors in modern asset management
• Evaluating how advancements in technology are reshaping portfolio management strategies within asset management firms
• Evaluating the performance persistence of mutual funds and hedge funds
• Investigating the long-term performance of portfolios managed with ethical or socially responsible investing principles
• Investigating the behavioural biases in individual and institutional investment decisions
• Examining the asset allocation strategies employed by pension funds and their impact on long-term fund performance
• Assessing the operational efficiency of asset management firms and its correlation with fund performance

Hedge Funds

Here we explore research topics related to hedge fund operations and strategies, including their implications on corporate governance, financial market stability, and regulatory compliance among other critical facets.

• Assessing the impact of hedge fund activism on corporate governance and financial performance
• Analysing the effectiveness and implications of market-neutral strategies employed by hedge funds
• Investigating how different fee structures impact the performance and investor attraction to hedge funds
• Evaluating the contribution of hedge funds to financial market liquidity and the implications for market stability
• Analysing the risk-return profile of hedge fund strategies during financial crises
• Evaluating the influence of regulatory changes on hedge fund operations and performance
• Examining the level of transparency and disclosure practices in the hedge fund industry and its impact on investor trust and regulatory compliance
• Assessing the contribution of hedge funds to systemic risk in financial markets, and the effectiveness of regulatory measures in mitigating such risks
• Examining the role of hedge funds in financial market stability
• Investigating the determinants of hedge fund success: A comparative analysis

Financial Planning and Advisory

This list explores various research topic ideas related to financial planning, focusing on the effects of financial literacy, the adoption of digital tools, taxation policies, and the role of financial advisors.

• Evaluating the impact of financial literacy on individual financial planning effectiveness
• Analysing how different taxation policies influence financial planning strategies among individuals and businesses
• Evaluating the effectiveness and user adoption of digital tools in modern financial planning practices
• Investigating the adequacy of long-term financial planning strategies in ensuring retirement security
• Assessing the role of financial education in shaping financial planning behaviour among different demographic groups
• Examining the impact of psychological biases on financial planning and decision-making, and strategies to mitigate these biases
• Assessing the behavioural factors influencing financial planning decisions
• Examining the role of financial advisors in managing retirement savings
• A comparative analysis of traditional versus robo-advisory in financial planning
• Investigating the ethics of financial advisory practices

The following list delves into research topics within the insurance sector, touching on the technological transformations, regulatory shifts, and evolving consumer behaviours among other pivotal aspects.

• Analysing the impact of technology adoption on insurance pricing and risk management
• Analysing the influence of Insurtech innovations on the competitive dynamics and consumer choices in insurance markets
• Investigating the factors affecting consumer behaviour in insurance product selection and the role of digital channels in influencing decisions
• Assessing the effect of regulatory changes on insurance product offerings
• Examining the determinants of insurance penetration in emerging markets
• Evaluating the operational efficiency of claims management processes in insurance companies and its impact on customer satisfaction
• Examining the evolution and effectiveness of risk assessment models used in insurance underwriting and their impact on pricing and coverage
• Evaluating the role of insurance in financial stability and economic development
• Investigating the impact of climate change on insurance models and products
• Exploring the challenges and opportunities in underwriting cyber insurance in the face of evolving cyber threats and regulations

Quantitative Finance

These topic ideas span the development of asset pricing models, evaluation of machine learning algorithms, and the exploration of ethical implications among other pivotal areas.

• Developing and testing new quantitative models for asset pricing
• Analysing the effectiveness and limitations of machine learning algorithms in predicting financial market movements
• Assessing the effectiveness of various risk management techniques in quantitative finance
• Evaluating the advancements in portfolio optimisation techniques and their impact on risk-adjusted returns
• Evaluating the impact of high-frequency trading on market efficiency and stability
• Investigating the influence of algorithmic trading strategies on market efficiency and liquidity
• Examining the risk parity approach in asset allocation and its effectiveness in different market conditions
• Examining the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence in quantitative financial analysis
• Investigating the ethical implications of quantitative financial innovations
• Assessing the profitability and market impact of statistical arbitrage strategies considering different market microstructures

Treasury Management

The following topic ideas explore treasury management, focusing on modernisation through technological advancements, the impact on firm liquidity, and the intertwined relationship with corporate governance among other crucial areas.

• Analysing the impact of treasury management practices on firm liquidity and profitability
• Analysing the role of automation in enhancing operational efficiency and strategic decision-making in treasury management
• Evaluating the effectiveness of various cash management strategies in multinational corporations
• Investigating the potential of blockchain technology in streamlining treasury operations and enhancing transparency
• Examining the role of treasury management in mitigating financial risks
• Evaluating the accuracy and effectiveness of various cash flow forecasting techniques employed in treasury management
• Assessing the impact of technological advancements on treasury management operations
• Examining the effectiveness of different foreign exchange risk management strategies employed by treasury managers in multinational corporations
• Assessing the impact of regulatory compliance requirements on the operational and strategic aspects of treasury management
• Investigating the relationship between treasury management and corporate governance

Financial Technology (FinTech)

The following research topic ideas explore the transformative potential of blockchain, the rise of open banking, and the burgeoning landscape of peer-to-peer lending among other focal areas.

• Evaluating the impact of blockchain technology on financial services
• Investigating the implications of open banking on consumer data privacy and financial services competition
• Assessing the role of FinTech in financial inclusion in emerging markets
• Analysing the role of peer-to-peer lending platforms in promoting financial inclusion and their impact on traditional banking systems
• Examining the cybersecurity challenges faced by FinTech firms and the regulatory measures to ensure data protection and financial stability
• Examining the regulatory challenges and opportunities in the FinTech ecosystem
• Assessing the impact of artificial intelligence on the delivery of financial services, customer experience, and operational efficiency within FinTech firms
• Analysing the adoption and impact of cryptocurrencies on traditional financial systems
• Investigating the determinants of success for FinTech startups

Commercial Banking

These topic ideas span commercial banking, encompassing digital transformation, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the evolving regulatory and competitive landscape among other key themes.

• Assessing the impact of digital transformation on commercial banking services and competitiveness
• Analysing the impact of digital transformation on customer experience and operational efficiency in commercial banking
• Evaluating the role of commercial banks in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Investigating the effectiveness of credit risk management practices and their impact on bank profitability and financial stability
• Examining the relationship between commercial banking practices and financial stability
• Evaluating the implications of open banking frameworks on the competitive landscape and service innovation in commercial banking
• Assessing how regulatory changes affect lending practices and risk appetite of commercial banks
• Examining how commercial banks are adapting their strategies in response to competition from FinTech firms and changing consumer preferences
• Analysing the impact of regulatory compliance on commercial banking operations
• Investigating the determinants of customer satisfaction and loyalty in commercial banking

International Finance

The folowing research topic ideas are centred around international finance and global economic dynamics, delving into aspects like exchange rate fluctuations, international financial regulations, and the role of international financial institutions among other pivotal areas.

• Analysing the determinants of exchange rate fluctuations and their impact on international trade
• Analysing the influence of global trade agreements on international financial flows and foreign direct investments
• Evaluating the effectiveness of international portfolio diversification strategies in mitigating risks and enhancing returns
• Evaluating the role of international financial institutions in global financial stability
• Investigating the role and implications of offshore financial centres on international financial stability and regulatory harmonisation
• Examining the impact of global financial crises on emerging market economies
• Examining the challenges and regulatory frameworks associated with cross-border banking operations
• Assessing the effectiveness of international financial regulations
• Investigating the challenges and opportunities of cross-border mergers and acquisitions

Choosing A Research Topic

These finance-related research topic ideas are starting points to guide your thinking. They are intentionally very broad and open-ended. By engaging with the currently literature in your field of interest, you’ll be able to narrow down your focus to a specific research gap .

When choosing a topic , you’ll need to take into account its originality, relevance, feasibility, and the resources you have at your disposal. Make sure to align your interest and expertise in the subject with your university program’s specific requirements. Always consult your academic advisor to ensure that your chosen topic not only meets the academic criteria but also provides a valuable contribution to the field. 

If you need a helping hand, feel free to check out our private coaching service here.

You Might Also Like:

thank you for suggest those topic, I want to ask you about the subjects related to the fintech, can i measure it and how?

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Print Friendly

• COVID-19 Updates

How Can We Help You ?

We are happy to answer all your admission related enquiries. Fill out the form and we will be in touch with you shortly.

Thank you for writing to us.

We acknowledge the receipt of your enquiry. Our team will get back to you shortly.

Ph.D. in Finance & Banking |

Finance is one of the preferred areas of Ph.D. under Management Studies. Finance specialization covers wide range of topics which are relating to finance in micro aspects as well as macro aspects. Under micro aspects areas like financial problems of a business unit are covered. Under macro aspects financial markets and policy issues are covered. Major topic of research will be relating to issues of raising of the funds by a firm. This activity involves so many topics which can be researched. Here the management perspective also comes. Raising of the right amount of funds from right source and at right cost involves lot of research. The other aspects of research could be, once the funds are raised, how to use it in an optimum way. The distribution of surplus by a business and use of internal source can also be covered here.

The macro aspect of finance includes topics like financial markets, financial institutions, financial instruments, micro finance, Government finance and various policy issues relating to these components. Under financial markets research areas can be relating to capital markets, money markets, credit markets, foreign currency markets, Government security markets etc. There is a lot of scope to cover in the research, various financial instruments. Apart from traditional finance instruments, now a day there is lot of research required for structured products and products which are used for risk management like derivatives. In India and in the world, there are many issues relating to management, solvency, restructuring of various financial institutions in innovative ways. The other areas are relating to NBFCs, private equity, venture capital, micro finance and Government finance. All these topics are highly dynamic because there is continuous change in policy relating to them by Government to make the financial system robust. Hence, it gives ample opportunity of research to a researcher.

• Financial Aid

[email protected]

+91 70282 33777

WhatsApp Chat

Key Information

• Programme Code ST1756
• Course Type Ph.D.
• Mode of study Regular
• Campus Vidyavihar - Mumbai
• Institute K J Somaiya Institute of Management

Guide Associated

• Homes for sale
• Foreclosures homes
• New construction for sale
• All new construction
• New home construction
• Housing market
• Recently sold homes
• Property records
• Home buying checklist
• Home buyers reveal: 'What I wish I had known before buying my first home'
• First-time home buyer resource center
• More home buying insights
• Success stories
• Seller's marketplace
• See what your home is worth
• Learn how to sell your home
• How to select an agent
• Compare agents & pick the right one
• Selling your home? Don't neglect these 6 maintenance tasks - or else
• More home selling insights
• Apartments for rent
• Manage rentals
• List your rentals
• Screen tenants
• Create a lease
• Collect rent online
• Renters resource center
• Should I rent or buy?
• Debunked! 8 myths about renting you should stop believing immediately
• Rental report
• More renting insights
• Get pre-approved
• Mortgage rates
• Home equity financing rates
• Refinance rates
• Finance advice
• For veterans

Mortgage calculator

Refinance calculator.

• How much house can I afford
• Rent vs. buy
• 6 ways home buyers mess up getting a mortgage
• Mortgage guide
• Learn about home insurance
• More finance insights
• Search for real estate agent
• 6 reasons you should never buy or sell a home without an agent
• Difference between agent, broker & Realtor ®
• Listing vs. buyer agent
• How to find a REALTOR ®
• Real estate agents reveal the toughest home buyers they've ever met
• More news around REALTORS ®
• The latest news
• Housing trends
• Real estate news
• Celebrity real estate
• Unique homes
• Corporate blog
• Home improvement
• 2024 housing market predictions
• 2023 hottest zip codes
• Complete guide on how to sell your home
• Veterans home buyer guide
• USDA home loan guide
• Home insurance guide
• Real estate videos
• Housing resources

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage tools, affordability calculator, rent or buy calculator, veteran home loan center, mortgage tips.

5 Most Common Questions About Mortgages—Answered

Learning the Lingo: Mortgages Explained, From ARMs to Points

Expert Home-Buying Advice for Our Nation's Veterans

How to Buy a Home With Bad Credit (Yes, You Can)

Mortgage Rates by State

• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

Mortgage Rates by Loan Type

• 30 year fixed
• 20 year fixed
• 15 year fixed

Fresh Graduate (Accounting, Economics, Banking and Finance) at Great Brands Nigeria Limited

• Add to favorites

Company Info

Company Type:  Large organization

Size:  200 + Employees

Company Name:  Great Brands Nigeria Limited is a World-Class, people-oriented, Performance Driven, Sales and Distribution Company. We are the leading consumer goods distribution company in Nigeria with over 35 years of experience. We aim to achieve dominant market leadership positions for premier FMCG producers by combining quality production and brand value with expert distribution.

Great Brands Nigeria Limited is a World-Class, people-oriented, Performance Driven, Sales and Distribution Company. We are the leading consumer goods distribution company in Nigeria with over 35 years of experience. We aim to achieve dominant market leadership positions for premier FMCG producers by combining quality production and brand value with expert distribution.

Title: Fresh Graduate (Accounting, Economics, Banking and Finance)

Locations: Festac and Marina – Lagos

Employment Type: Full-time

Description

• The candidates will review the accounts of companies and other organizations to ensure their financial records are correct and in line with the law.

Requirements

• Interested candidates should possess a Bachelor’s Degree with 2 – 3 years work experience.
• N80,000 monthly.

Deadline: 25th May, 2024.

How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should send their CVs to:   [email protected]   using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

Hot and trending jobs below:

• Legal Officer at Greenbond Finance Company Limited
• Graduate Trainee at Infinion Technologies
• Vacancies at Cellulant
• Sales and Customer Service Personnel at OH'LIAB…
• Relationship Service Agent at HR-Light Consult
• IT Technical Sales Professional at Jibs-Ray Nigeria Limited
• Latest Vacancies at Ecobank
• Executive Assistant to the MD at NetConstruct
• Cybersecurity Delivery Manager at The Coca-Cola Company
• I.T Manager at Pragmatic Technologies Limited
• NYSC Trainee - Human Resources at Esslibra Limited
• Client Experience and Growth Manager at Oaklands and…
• Customer Care Representative at Arrogate Estimable…
• IT Administrator at GIL Automation
• Vacancies at Seven-Up Bottling Company Limited
• KYC NIN Verification Agent at Outcess Solutions…
• Vacancies at TechnoServe
• Engineering Director, Community at Canonical
• Customer Service Representative at Booze.ng
• Network Associate at The United Nations Development…
• Building Construction Engineer at Farmya
• NYSC Intern at Rome Business School Nigeria
• Site Supervisor at Dangote Group
• Management Trainee at Great Brands Nigeria Limited
• Contract/Admin Executive at Elvaridah
• Vacancies at PZ Cussons
• Polaris Bank Limited Graduate Intensive Training -…
• Office Assistant at Blanche Aigle Communication
• Computer Science/Computer Engineering Corper at…
• Site Construction Superintendent at Amaiden Energy…
• Customer Care Officer at Reputable Company
• IT Administrator/Officer at Lily Hospitals Limited
• Front Desk Officer at Novotel Hotels and Resorts
• Intern Pharmacist at Reputable Pharmacy
• Experienced House Parent at Keen British School
• Senior Java Engineer at Motopay
• NYSC Trainee - International Sales Executive at Five…
• Database Management, Geographical Information…
• Graduate Customer Support Representative at Digital Figures
• Cashier/Customer Service Officer at Khenpro Global Services

Posted In Accounts/Sales/Marketing/Loans , Finance/Banking , Graduate/Internship and Hot Nigerian Jobs

Forgot password