MSc in Law and Finance
Overview
Oxford's MSc in Law and Finance (MLF) is an intensive ten-month programme for outstanding law graduates who want to understand the financial, economic and commercial forces shaping legal practice, business and public policy.
Taught jointly by the University of Oxford's Faculty of Law and Saïd Business School, the MLF provides students with an advanced interdisciplinary understanding of economic and financial concepts and their application to legal topics.
Students learn to move confidently between legal reasoning and financial analysis, preparing them for careers spanning law, finance, regulation, policy, entrepreneurship and academia.
Led by Academic Thinking... Informed by Practice
Course in brief
Each MLF student is required to take:
Three MLF core courses:
- First Principles of Financial Economics (FPFE)
- Finance
- Law and Economics of Corporate Transactions (LECT)
And either:
- two law electives chosen from a select list or,
- one law elective and a dissertation or,
- one law elective and Corporate Valuation and one other finance elective chosen from a select list (the ‘Finance Stream’).
The law electives are advanced courses in different subject areas of special interest taught by Law Faculty members over the course of the whole academic year.
Admissions
We require all applicants for the MLF to have an outstanding undergraduate degree in law or equivalent professional qualification in law (this includes PgDL/CPE).
See full details of the MLF’s entry requirements and how to apply on the University of Oxford website.
What else do we look for?
The MLF is a tough and demanding course, which offers significant professional and academic rewards to successful candidates. We expect our applicants to be exceptional and highly motivated. We look for evidence that you:
- Have made an informed decision to study the intersection of law and finance and are highly motivated
- Have a track record of outstanding academic achievement
- Have a proven capacity for hard work and the ability to engage in a very demanding programme of study
- Have the maturity to cope with a professional learning environment, although prior work experience is not essential.
There is no formal mathematics requirement for the course, but you will be expected to understand basic quantitative skills at the start of the course, and to acquire statistical skills as the course progresses. A pre-sessional course in mathematics is offered as part of the MLF induction to all students and further support classes are then scheduled during term to assist those identified as being in need of some additional support.
You will be joining a group of highly motivated and capable individuals, all with a strong ability to think conceptually and analytically.
The Oxford 1+1
There is also the option to partner the MLF with an MBA. The Oxford 1+1 MBA is a unique two-year experience, allowing talented individuals to combine a Master's with the one-year Oxford MBA. For more information visit Oxford 1+1 MBA.
The MLF has really helped me get a better understanding of the commercial side of law as opposed to approaching a problem only from the legal aspect. I have a better understanding of the economics that lie behind that problem and I think that will help me become a better lawyer as I build my practice.
(MLF Student)
Course Structure
| Pre-Sessional | Term 1 (Michaelmas) | Term 2 (Hilary) | Term 3 (Trinity) |
|---|---|---|---|
Pre-Course Training in Maths and Financial Reporting Two weeks before the start of the first term, MLF students attend an induction programme which includes pre-sessional courses in Maths and Financial Reporting. Preparatory work for both courses is required. If you receive an offer, we will give you access to the MLF Maths Workbook, which you will be expected to work through before you arrive to start the maths pre-sessional course. The pre-sessional course is made up of six, three-hour classes and ends with a short diagnostic test. If you then need additional maths support this is provided during the year. | Financial Economics | Law and Economics of Corporate Transactions | |
Finance | |||
Law elective 1 | |||
| Either: Law elective 2 | |||
| Or: Corporate Valuation | and one finance elective | ||
See more information on the modules available to MSc in Law and Finance students | |||
Student Experience
"I have gained so much tangible value from what I experienced at Oxford during the MLF. The many concepts that I was tutored on at Oxford elucidated much of the financial jargon which I did not understand during my undergraduate law degree. Recently I have been working with the Saïd Business School in relation to FinTech and have found myself assisting players in the finance sector in relation to elements of their field regardless of the fact that they have operated in their sector for many years."
(MLF Graduate)
Whilst the Faculty manages the admissions process and provides the teaching for graduate students, all students are also a member of a college. Colleges provide students with an ideal opportunity for interaction with peers from different academic disciplines, countries and backgrounds, as well as a place to get involved in clubs, sports and cultural activities, socialise, eat and sometimes live.
Admission to a college happens after a candidate receives an offer of a place on the MLF. Receiving an offer of a place on the MLF guarantees the candidate a place at a college, but not necessarily the college of their choice.
All MLF students are members of both the Law Faculty and the Saïd Business School (SBS). Students therefore have access to the facilities and services in both the Law Faculty and at SBS. The SBS site includes the canteen and dining room, the Sainsbury Library, and SBS-run events and discussion groups, as well as SBS-based careers support (online SBS career-resources, SBS careers events, workshops and employer presentations), and the SBS Oxford Business Alumni network.
In addition to the pastoral support provided by college advisors, the MLF administrative team can help and advise students on a range of matters relating to their studies, or point them towards dedicated sources of support elsewhere in the University. Other sources of support within the Faculty include Academic Supervisors, Programme Directors and Disability contacts.
MLF graduates go on to successful, high impact careers in law, finance, policy, and academia. Graduates have moved on to work as trainee or associate lawyers and barristers, as well as building successful careers as entrepreneurs or working in investment and banking. Many graduates have made the transition from their home countries to careers in London, New York, Paris, Singapore and many other locations around the world.
Governance
A final word from a past student
To put in words what I have learned so far is not an easy task. Living in Oxford was one of the most intense experiences I've had. It was fascinating, challenging and overwhelming at once. It was a place where every day I was challenged with learning new things, developing skills, meeting interesting and inspiring people and having profound conversations about law, economy and politics. It was the best year of my life.
(MLF Graduate)