Entrance to the programme is competitive. While academic credentials are important for a successful application, we also pay great attention to the fit of the applicant with the proposed project, as well as the research expertise and interests of our academic faculty.

Full details of the academic, English language, and application requirements for your application are detailed below.

Applicants should have a postgraduate masters degree from an accredited institution in the UK or overseas, showing evidence of above-average academic achievement. This includes:

  • A masters-level degree with a classification of 65% or more overall (University of Edinburgh level, or overseas equivalent)
  • A dissertation worth a third of the degree’s credits at a distinction level (University of Edinburgh level, or overseas equivalent) in finance, economics, informatics, physics, mathematics, engineering or other relevant programmes with significant quantitative elements.

We will use your most recent qualification to determine whether you meet our entry requirements. Applications may be accepted from those still currently studying for a masters degree, however, any offer will be conditional on the successful completion of the degree at the required standard.

Applicants with a Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, informatics, physics, mathematics, engineering or other relevant programmes with significant quantitative elements will be given due consideration on a case-by-case basis, providing they have significant finance and technological industry experience, or relevant professional qualifications. Any applicant who wishes to have non-standard evidence considered as part of their application should contact the Admissions team to discuss this before making an application.

Applicants who pass the entry requirements will be interviewed by a panel. The final decision on your application will be made based on the strength and rigour of your research proposal and performance in the interview.

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 5.0 with at least 4.0 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE):: total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE : ISE ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT : total 8 with at least 6 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.

How old your English language tests can be

Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced

Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

Joining from overseas

If you are an international student, you may need to apply for permission to study in the UK. Our Edinburgh Global office on provides information on immigration and visa requirements for students.

Immigration information