FAQs
- How much does the MSc cost?
- What is the GMAT and do I need to take it?
- How long does it take?
- My primary degree is not in finance or economics. Can I do the MSc?
- What are the minimum entry requirements?
- What is the closing date for applications?
- How do you choose students?
- How is the parttime course different to the fulltime course?
- How do I apply?
- If I am a fulltime student, can I work while undertaking the course?
- Does the MSc exempt me from any of the CFA Institute examination?
- How is the MSc examined and assessed?
- What is the difference between this and an MBA?
- Can you tell me about the Advisory Board?
- What careers can graduates expect?
- Can you tell me more about Trinity College Dublin?
- Can you tell me more about Dublin and Ireland?
Q. How much does the MSc cost?
A. The Masters in Finance has an annual fee of €12,500 for EU students, €15,625 for Non EU Students. That is for the fulltime one year course. The part-time two year course is priced at €7,000 per annum for EU and €8,500 for Non EU students.
Q. What is the GMAT and do i need to take it?
A. The gmat is the Graduate Management Admission Test, and it is mandatory for all students to sit this and achieve a grade acceptable to the admission committee. The GMAT can be taken in a wide varity of locations worldwide and is a common examination, thus there is no difference between a GMAT grade obtained in Ireland from one in Brazil or the UK or India. We strongly suggest that students sit the GMAT as early in the application process as possible.
Q. How long does it take?
A. The MSc has two options: the fulltime course lasts 11 months, with coursework over the September-April period and dissertation work over the May-July period. Parttime students can take the course over two years, with the dissertation to be completed by the end of December of the second year.
Q. My primary degree is not in finance, business or economics. Can I apply to do the MSc?
A. Yes, you can. However, if accepted, the course will assume that you have a comparable background to other class members. In particular, this is important for quantitative methods, accounting, and economics.
Q. What are the minimum entry requirements?
A. You should have obtained an honours degree (preferably but not necessarily in economics, business or finance) with at least a grade of upper second or equivalent. You will also need to sit the GMAT examination and ensure that we receive the details. If English is not your native language, or you have not undertaken your undergraduate degree through English, you will also need to satisfy the university language requirements. Finally, if the admissions committee deems that you have insufficient preparation in management, economics, data analysis or financial statement analysis, we may require you to attend a brief course in one or more of these areas. You will have to pass these courses prior to formal admission.
Q. What is the closing date for applications?
A. There is no formal closing date - we admit until the course is filled or until it commences. Admissions are made on a rolling basis, but we strongly recommend early applications.
Q. How do you choose students?
A. We do not apply mechanistic rules, and strive in the admissions process to create a class that will be balanced in terms of experience, background and full/parttime. The key elements that we will use include your undergraduate (and graduate if relevant) degree results , the GMAT score, references and (if relevant) work experience.
Q. How is the parttime course different to the fulltime course?
A. The course delivery is in an intensive bloc format. Parttime and fulltime students both attend the same course of instruction. Typically each module (c 24h class contact) is delivered over a one week bloc, in the afternoons and early evening and also on Saturday. Parttime students would need therefore to put aside c3 weeks class time per semester, over 4 semesters or two years.
Q. How do I apply?
A. All applications go via the electronic application portal www.pac.ie . Please do not send paper applications or any material to the School of Business, or to the Graduate Studies Office of TCD.
Q. If I am a fulltime student, can I work while undertaking the course?
A. We do not recommend that you work while taking the course.
Q. Does the MSc exempt me from any of the CFA Institute examination?
A. No, although a number of courses have learning objectives that overlap in greater or lesser degree with the CFA examinations, and you should consider that you will be well prepared for these, no exemptions are given.
Q. How is the MSc examined and assessed?
A. Each module typically contains three asessment elements; in class assignments, group or individual assignments and an end of semester examination. students must obtain a passing grade in all modules.
Q. What is the difference between this and an MBA?
A. A MBA is a generalist degree, which exposes students to a wide variety of business disciplines (accounting, organizational behaviour, marketing etc). This degree is a specialist course which is aimed at students who wish to make or advance their career in the finance industry.
Q. Can you tell me about the Advisory Board?
A. The advisory board consists of representatives of the financial services industry. At present it consists of Ms Aileen O'Donaghue, Chief Executive, Financial Services Ireland ; Mr. Joe Kavenagh, CFA , Risk Manager, KBC Asset Management and President, Society of Investment Analysts in Ireland (CFA Local Branch) ; Mr. John Kelly, Manager, Financial Services Division, Central Bank of Ireland; Mr. Kieran Bristow,Chief Investment Officer, Irish Life Investment Managers and Mr Terry Gallagher, a US based private investor. All members have very extensive experience of the financial services industry and provide a pool of experience and knowledge from which the MSc draws strategic direction.
Q. What careers can graduates expect?
A. Graduates of masters courses in finance typically find employment in analyst, fund management, fund administration, trading, and systems.
Q. Can you tell me more about Trinity College Dublin?
A. The University of Dublin, Trinity College, founded in 1592, is the oldest university in Ireland. Trinity College is the sole constituent college of the University. At present there are over 12,000 students and 1,200 staff members working on the College campus. Standing on a self-contained site in the heart of Dublin, the College covers some 40 acres of cobbled squares and green spaces, around buildings which represent the accumulated architectural riches of nearly three centuries. Follow these links for information on the history of the College, virtual tour, and information on its visitor attractions including the Book of Kells.
Q. Can you tell me more about Dublin and Ireland?
A. Dublin is the capital of Ireland. Situated on the river Liffey, its foundations lie in the Viking era. With a population of 1.2m, Dublin is a lively busy city with all the attractions of a capital. More detailed information on the city, from the perspective of a prospective student, can be found at the International Office website.