Applicants must normally have a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in:

· A business-related programme (e.g. Commerce, Law, Business Studies, Economics, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Information Systems etc.) or

· A programme with a significant quantitative element (e.g. Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Science, Computing etc.)

Applicants who achieve a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in either a business degree or a degree in a cognate discipline with a quantitative element and applicants from other degree disciplines with at least a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) on a case by case basis.

For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.

International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.

English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.

Non-EU Closing Date: Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

Start Date 7 September 2026

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Skills and Careers Information
The MSc Finance (Corporate Finance) provides targeted preparation for leadership roles across the financial sector. This program provides a direct pathway to high-impact careers across the financial landscape. Go beyond theory and into the roles that define the financial landscape. Our graduates are equipped to excel in roles that demand strategic insight, rigorous analysis, and expert financial management.

Core career destinations include:

Investment Banking & Capital Markets: Launch your career executing major transactions, including mergers & acquisitions (M&A), leveraged buyouts, and capital raising through equity and debt issuances.

Corporate Finance & Strategy: Step into roles driving financial planning, treasury operations, investor relations, and strategic development within multinational corporations.

Business Advisory & Professional Services: Join leading firms to provide expert counsel in financial due diligence, transaction services, business valuation, and management consulting.

Asset Management & Investment Research: Build a career analysing markets and securities, managing institutional portfolios, or conducting equity research for investment funds and sell-side firms.

Venture Capital & Private Equity: Engage in the full investment lifecycle from sourcing and evaluating high-growth companies to supporting portfolio value creation and managing exits.

Financial Regulation & Risk Management: Contribute to market integrity and stability by pursuing opportunities with regulatory bodies, central banks, or within corporate compliance and risk functions.

Fintech & Corporate Development: Pioneer innovation at the intersection of finance and technology or lead strategic initiatives like M&A and partnerships from within a company's corporate development team.

Our curriculum is meticulously designed to build the precise technical acumen and commercial awareness required to secure and succeed in these competitive fields from day one.