Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2023 / iii / Paper 101 / 2 / d / Solution

Form the finite-dimensional $k$-algebraBecause a finite extension is integral, the Lying-over theorem supplies a prime of $B$ above $\ker f$; after localization and extension of the residue field to $k$, this shows $C\ne 0$. Therefore $C$ has at least one maximal ideal.

As an Artinian ring, $C$ has only finitely many maximal ideals. For each such ideal $\mathfrak{n}$, the quotient $C/\mathfrak{n}$ is a finite field extension of the algebraically closed field $k$, so it equals $k$. Consequently the quotient maps $C\to k$ are in bijection with the required extensions $g:B\to k$. The set of extensions is therefore finite and nonempty.