Course overview
Pursue a competitive career spanning law and finance with combined tuition across corporate finance, regulation, quantitative methods and reporting.
If you want a future as an expert across the legal and financial sectors – such as law firms, financial institutions, consultancies, or regulatory bodies – this course can take you there. Taught jointly by the School of Law and Leeds University Business School, it offers a solid grounding in both fields, combining legal analysis with financial and economic reasoning.
You’ll rigorously learn both disciplines through core subjects include corporate finance and international financial law, alongside quantitative, financial reporting, and analysis skills. Optional modules let you shape your course around your interests and specialisms, such as international banking law, capital markets and behavioural finance.
Learn from academics whose research informs policy and practice across law and finance, and benefit from access to key databases, Bloomberg terminals and trading platforms to support your research and analytical training. The course is supported by tailored academic skills development and language provision too, ensuring that, whatever your background, you’re well prepared to succeed.
Whether you have a legal or financial background, the course is structured to help you gain key skills and knowledge to make a real impact throughout your career. Work with financial instruments, navigate legal frameworks, and understand the regulatory and policy challenges that shape today’s markets.
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.
Why study at Leeds?
Balanced legal and financial learning: A structured yet flexible curriculum provides the tools and insights needed to work across both professions – or specialise in the increasingly crucial space where they overlap.
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).
Train in purpose-built facilities: Both Business and Law schools are based in modern, purpose-built teaching and research spaces across our leafy and welcoming campus. They provide a supportive and engaging environment where you can deepen your understanding and develop the skills required to succeed.
Learn from leading academics: Our staff regularly contribute to debates across public policy and the legal and financial professions. You’ll also benefit from the expertise of our Centre for Business Law and Practice (CBLP), which consults to law firms, accounting bodies, national law reform commissions, government departments and international organisations.
Gain practical, real-world experience: You’ll have access to world-class facilities across the University of Leeds, including dedicated resources for law and business students. Practice in our moot courtroom and use the Business School’s financial markets lab.
Explore Leeds
Discover our campus, facilities and accommodation with our 360 virtual experience platform.
With immersive 360 experiences, image galleries, virtual tours, videos and day-in-the-life content, you can take a personalised, interactive tour of campus and explore the University's academic, social and residential environments from anywhere in the world.
You can get a feel for what it's really like to live, learn and belong at the University of Leeds – all from the comfort of home.
Accreditation
Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from three leading bodies:
This means you'll join one of the UK's most prestigious business schools with a global reputation for high-quality teaching and research. We’ll introduce you to a culture of new ideas and different perspectives. Our diverse, international learning community will offer you new experiences and global connections for life.
Course details and modules
Course details and modules
As a student on the MSc Law and Finance, you’ll undertake five compulsory modules (15 credits each) and complete a dissertation aligned with your chosen pathway (60 credits). In addition, you’ll choose from a range of optional modules (totalling 45 credits), letting you focus your studies on the areas that interest you most.
Academic and language support is available throughout the year, and you’ll study alongside students from other postgraduate law and business courses, enriching your experience through diverse perspectives.
Compulsory modules
The five compulsory modules are taught across two semesters.
Modules from the School of Law will deepen your understanding of corporate finance and securities law, as well as international financial law.
Business School modules build on this foundation by covering key topics in corporate finance, quantitative methods, and financial reporting and analysis.
Optional modules
A broad selection of optional modules lets you explore specialisms across both law and finance.
Law modules cover areas such as banking regulation, corporate governance, tax, arbitration, financial crime, and cross-border transactions. Business School options include behavioural finance, applied finance, and forensic accounting.
Dissertation pathways
The course offers two dissertation pathways: Law and Finance, hosted by the School of Law, or Accounting and Finance, hosted by Leeds University Business School.
Students with a strong quantitative background may opt for either pathway, while those with less prior experience in quantitative methods are normally advised to follow the Law and Finance pathway.
Both options provide an opportunity to pursue a substantial piece of independent research in an area aligned with your interests and skills, supported by academic supervision.
Academic skills and language support
Throughout the year, the School of Law provides ongoing support through our Skills Enhancement Fellows.
This initiative is designed to help you strengthen vital academic skills for postgraduate study, including critical thinking, legal research, academic writing, communication, time management, and referencing. Weekly skills seminars run each semester on topics relevant to your studies and assessments, and you can also book one-to-one appointments for personalised feedback.
For international students, the University of Leeds Language Centre offers free English language workshops and individual consultations to support your confidence in academic English.
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.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Corporate Finance and Securities Law | 15 |
| Principles of International Financial Law | 15 |
| Quantitative Methods | 15 |
| Corporate Finance | 15 |
| Financial Reporting and Analysis | 15 |
Learning and teaching
This course is delivered through a mix of lectures, interactive seminars, and small-group discussions, with a strong emphasis on independent learning and critical analysis. You’ll study alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering a vibrant, intellectually stimulating classroom environment.
Seminars form a core part of the course, offering space to explore legal and financial issues in detail, develop your arguments, and learn from both academic staff and your fellow students. Digital learning tools – including virtual learning platforms, legal and financial databases, and specialist software, such as Bloomberg terminals – support both your structured teaching and independent research.
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
Assessment is designed to develop and test your ability to think critically, apply your knowledge, and communicate complex ideas with clarity. You will be assessed through a combination of essays, problem-based assignments, reports, presentations, and examinations.
Modules taught by the School of Law are typically assessed through written coursework, providing the opportunity to engage in depth with legal principles and contemporary debates. Business School modules may include examinations and analytical assignments focused on quantitative and financial skills.
You will also complete a dissertation in your chosen pathway. This major piece of independent research, guided by academic supervision, allows you to investigate a topic of your choice and demonstrate your ability to contribute to academic and professional debates in law and finance.
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
International Application Deadline – 30 July 27
UK Application Deadline – 10 September 27
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 2027
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: £16,000 (Total)
International: £31,500 (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. Learn more about Masters funding.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
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 competitive and impactful sectors and professions.
Where this degree could take you
Graduates are well placed to pursue careers across a range of sectors, including legal practice, banking and finance, consultancy, asset management, policy development, and regulation.
The course is especially relevant for roles that require expertise in both law and finance, such as corporate advisory, compliance, financial regulation, or in-house legal roles within financial institutions.
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.
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK's leading employers
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 courses.
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 while gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects.
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, extending 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 on the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
Make connections, practice skills and build confidence 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.