Law and Finance MSc

Course overview

Master the complexities of law and finance and gain the competitive skills needed to succeed in the face of global challenges.

Law and finance are deeply interrelated and critical to practically all industries. Combining deep academic insights with practical applications, this course is tailored to bridge the gap and give you the skills you need to confidently pursue your career. Analytical yet practical, it’s designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to unravel complex topics such as contracts, regulation, governance, and risk.

Delivered jointly by the School of Law and Leeds University Business School, the course offers a unique and comprehensive educational journey. Drawing on the robust expertise of the School of Law, it covers areas such as financial, corporate, tax, commercial, and banking law. This solid foundation is complemented by the Business School’s expertise in economics, finance, accounting, and risk management. 

Our integrated approach ensures you understand and can navigate the legal frameworks and financial systems that govern global transactions, equipping you to tackle contemporary challenges and adapt to the evolution of financial technology. 

Graduates go on to work at global law firms, investment banks, fintech companies, regulatory bodies, and multinational corporations. Irrespective of whether your background is more in law or finance, we ensure you’ll develop the necessary skills to succeed.

"I had never enjoyed studying as much as I did at Leeds, thanks to the full access to the resources I needed. The School of Law has an abundance of study materials, both in the form of a physical library and a comprehensive e-library."

Lazzu Shrestha, MSc Law and Finance

Why study at Leeds

• Practical teaching linked to the profession: The renowned Centre for Business Law and Practice is known for its strong expert and industry connections that directly inform your teaching.

• Prestigious triple accreditation: The Business School has an exceptional triple-accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs (AMBA), and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).

• Dedicated employability officers: Benefit from personalised career support for the legal profession.

• Be supported to succeed: Benefit from small tutorial groups and regular one-to-one meetings with academic staff to ask questions and discuss your work.

• Gain up-to-the-minute legal insight: The Business School maintains robust connections with the finance, credit, and accounting professions. Events, conferences, and seminars provide unique insights and prepare you for your career. 

• Flexible, bespoke module options: Tailor your studies across international intellectual property law fields in line with your interests and specialism.

• Gain practical, real-world experience: Professional activities and cutting-edge facilities develop your practical skills. Embark on our one-week trading simulation, practice in our moot courtroom and use the Business School’s financial markets lab, equipped with Bloomberg terminals and a virtual trading platform.

• Advanced specialist research units: We have strong links with leading institutions in the US, Europe, and Asia. These include the Centre for Advanced Study in Finance (CASIF), the International Banking Institute (IBI), the Centre for Financial Technology (Fintech), and the Credit Management Research Centre (CMRC).

• Graduate from one of the universities most targeted by the UK’s top employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2026).

Course details and modules

Students enrolled in the MSc Law & Finance course undertake five compulsory modules (15 credits each) and the modules aligned with their chosen dissertation pathway (60 credits). In addition, students are expected to choose from a range of optional modules (totalling 45 credits). There is also ongoing language and academic skills support throughout the academic year. In studying both the compulsory and optional modules, you will be learning alongside students from the School of Law and Business School’s other postgraduate programmes. 

Compulsory modules 

The five compulsory modules are spread over the two semesters of the academic year.  

The School of Law compulsory modules aim to foster your understanding of corporate finance and securities law, as well as foundational principles of international financial law. Simultaneously, the Business School compulsory modules build upon these legal foundations with key theoretical principles of corporate finance related to risk, investment appraisal, and corporate financing decisions, as well as quantitative methods, financial and management accounting. 

Optional modules

The School of Law offers a wide selection of business law-oriented modules. These modules, designed to complement each other and the MSc Law & Finance course, provide a comprehensive understanding of both domestic and international legal developments from practical, regulatory, and policy perspectives. Additionally, the Business School offers an optional module focused on forensic accounting and finance, for which basic accounting knowledge is required for enrolment. 

Dissertation pathways

The course offers two unique dissertation pathways - Law and Finance or Accounting and Finance - depending on your proficiency in quantitative methods. For students with a good background in quantitative subjects, the choice of dissertation is flexible, whereas those needing further enhancement in these areas are guided towards the Law and Finance Dissertation. This allows a personalised exploration of areas best suited to your skills and interests. 

Academic skills and language support 

Throughout the academic year, the School of Law offers ongoing academic support delivered by our Skills Enhancement Fellows. This course aids students in honing vital academic skills necessary at the postgraduate level, including critical thinking, legal research, academic writing, assessment planning, communication, time management, and referencing.

Support is available through weekly skills seminars delivered during each semester on a range of topics relevant to your studies and assessments. Moreover, you can book one-to-one appointments to discuss your individual work in more detail. 

For international students, the University of Leeds Language Centre provides free English language workshops and one-to-one consultations that you can take alongside your degree to develop your confidence in using academic language.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Law and Finance MSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

You will also choose 45 credits from the below.

Learning and teaching

The MSc Law & Finance course offers a sector-leading, inclusive, and active approach to learning. You’ll engage in a variety of learning formats designed to optimise your educational experience. These include stimulating lectures, interactive seminars, collaborative team activities, and presentations.

We blend traditional hands-on, face-to-face teaching methods with innovative digital technologies for a diverse learning experience.

Seminars form a critical part of our course structure, where active engagement is highly encouraged. We promote a sense of belonging through open discussions, fostering a learning environment that values every voice. This is an opportunity to ask in-depth questions, delve deeper into complex topics and engage with fellow students and instructors. 

Outside of these formal teaching sessions, extensive independent study is a key component of our course. We both encourage and expect students to read widely, deepening their knowledge and understanding of course materials. 

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

The assessment structure of the course consists of various components across two semesters, supplemented by a dissertation to be completed over the summer period.

This multifaceted approach allows us to measure your aptitude and development in several areas, providing a comprehensive evaluation of your academic attainment. 

Assessments within most of the School of Law modules, whether compulsory or optional, are primarily conducted through essays, submitted either during or at the end of each course. In some subjects, assessments could involve alternative formats, such as presentations or practical work, to evaluate a range of skillsets. Modules offered by the Business School are predominantly assessed via timed examinations at the end of each course. The specific details of the assessment methods used in each module are detailed on the respective module pages. 

Your dissertation, a significant piece of written work that exhibits your in-depth research and understanding of a chosen topic, is submitted after the summer period. The dissertation is a critical aspect of your degree, demonstrating your ability to synthesise information from a variety of sources, critically evaluate contemporary debates, and articulate your findings effectively. 

We’re committed to ensuring fairness and inclusivity in our assessments. As such, we have procedures in place to accommodate students with special needs and provide necessary support. Additionally, we’re continually reviewing and updating our assessment strategies to guarantee they remain relevant, meaningful, and engaging for all students.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons).

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read  Language for Law (6 weeks) and Language for Social Sciences and Arts: Law (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Please see our How to Apply page for full details and the application deadlines for each stage.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you will need include:

• original or certified copies of your transcripts in English and the original language
• original or certified copies of your degree certificate in English and the original language
• original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language) or an equivalent English language test.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Law
Leeds University Business School

Contact us

School of Law Postgraduate Admissions Office

Email: pglaw@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £15,500 (Total)

International: £33,250 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

The School of Law usually offers a number of scholarships each year. Find out further details on the School scholarship page.

Career opportunities

This course will equip you with a combination of legal and financial expertise highly valued in today’s job market. Our alumni have successfully established careers across the globe in a wide range of competitive sectors and professions. 

Where this degree could take you

By gaining skills in legal principles, research, and specific areas of financial law, many of our graduates go on to secure employment in the legal sector, particularly in large corporate law firms. Additionally, the financial sector attracts many of our graduates, owing to skills taught across financial reporting, quantitative methods and applied finance. These include:

• investment banking
• private equity
• commercial banking
• hedge fund management
• venture capital.

In addition, the diverse skillset developed during the course opens opportunities in related sectors, including:

• market regulation
• compliance
• accountancy
• management consultancy.

Many of our graduates have chosen to make their mark in government, international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and international media or journalism. There are also those who have ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing their own businesses. What’s more, each year a proportion of our graduates opt for a career in academia, capitalising on their MSc to delve deeper into research and higher education.

Learn more about the careers our students have pursued – read alumni profiles from the School of Law and Leeds University Business School.

Careers support

As an MSc Law & Finance student at the University of Leeds, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive careers support network through the School of Law and the Leeds University Business School.

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one – that’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers. As well as dedicated legal career support, the School also arranges several community engagement (pro bono) and work experience opportunities, career development workshops, guest speaker events, and careers fairs throughout the year. These opportunities will allow you to develop new skills, enhance your career prospects and network with prospective employers.

In addition to the school-specific careers support, you’ll also have access to the University’s award-winning Careers Service. It offers one-to-one appointments, advice on starting your own business, careers events, mentoring schemes and support with your CV, applications and interviews.

• Dedicated employability officer – gain quality advice, guidance and information to help you choose a career path. From CV and cover letter writing to supporting you with job applications, our School’s dedicated employability officers and careers consultants are on hand to discuss your career aspirations and help maximise your capabilities through a process of personal development and career planning. 
• Extracurricular activities – the School of Law organises community engagement (pro bono) activities, work experience opportunities, career development workshops, careers fairs, and guest speaker events throughout the year. These are designed to help you develop new skills, enhance your career prospects, and network with potential employers. 
• Employability and networking events – we run a full range of events, including careers fairs and industry talks in specialist areas and across broader industries, with employers who are actively recruiting for roles, giving you the opportunity to network and engage with industry sponsors. Upon graduation, you’ll become a part of the University’s alumni network, further extending your professional reach. 
• Employability skills training – to support your success in the workplace, we embed training in a range of key transferable skills valued by employers in all our programmes. 
• MyCareer system – on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events. 
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in. 

Study abroad and work placements and industry experience

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

This course offers you the chance to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year, which will extend your studies by 12 months.

Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

Make connections, practice skills and build future confidence in your future with an industrial placement year as part of your course.

A work placement can be a great investment in your future:

• Choose from 100+ organisations in the UK and overseas.
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field.
• Be in direct contact with potential employers thanks to our close industry links.
• Advance your experience and skills by putting course teachings into practice.
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in your chosen industry.
• Improve your employability.
• All placements sourced by the University are paid positions
• We also offer shorter-term placement opportunities.

Our Employability Team are here to help you every step of the way. They run several placement sessions to answer your questions, discuss available opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparation.

If you decide to undertake a placement year, your period of study will be extended by 12 months.

If your application is successful, during placement, you'll be supported by an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout.

On successful completion of your placement year, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

We can’t guarantee a work placement. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation. That said, we encourage everyone to apply.

Find out more about Industrial placements.