MSc Finance

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Manchester

Program Overview

The MSc Finance at the University of Manchester is a 1-year program that will provide students with a solid foundation in finance with specific focus on real-world issues in financial markets and investment. It will enable students for critical thinking and problem-solving to be successful in the global finance sector. The program blends theoretical rigor and practical applicability to meet the financial needs of business corporations in a dynamic market environment.

Course Structure:
The MSc Finance program integrates advanced financial theory and practicality, preparing students for a broad range of careers within the financial industry. The program consists of:
• Core Modules: These include topics such as Financial Markets and Investment Management, which provide students with a sound theoretical foundation and its application in the finance field.
• Specialized Modules: Students can choose from topics like Corporate Finance, Financial Modelling, and Risk Management, which enables students to specialize in areas of interest in finance.
• Quantitative Techniques: Emphasis is placed on advanced mathematical techniques and data analysis so that students become proficient in the use of financial tools and methodologies in decision-making.
• Dissertation: A final dissertation enables students to synthesize their learning into real financial problems, where they can research and provide solutions to complex financial problems in an academic setting.

Accreditation:
The MSc Finance program receives accreditation from leading professional organizations, such as CFA Institute and ACCA, giving students a direct pathway to CFA Level 1 exemption and making it a highly reputed qualification among the global financial fraternity. This ensures that the degree is globally acknowledged and maintains high standards of academic excellence.

Campus Location:
Located in Manchester, a city renowned for having a robust financial sector, the University of Manchester provides students with access to a wide network of opportunities, both with leading companies and industry professionals. The course is housed in the Alliance Manchester Business School, which is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and services supporting learning and professional growth.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Manchester emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, with plenty of opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems:
• Industry Placements: Students can work with top financial institutions, banks, and consultancies to gain real-world experience.
• Guest Seminars and Lectures: The course hosts industry professionals from companies like Goldman Sachs, Barclays, and PwC to share knowledge of recent developments in the financial sector.
• Networking with Finance Professionals: Students are encouraged to network with established finance professionals at a number of career fairs, workshops, and seminars held throughout the year.
• Associations with Financial Institutions: The university has close links with financial institutions, and it works in close association with them on case studies, live projects, and internships.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The University of Manchester's Career Service provides unbeatable support to the students throughout their course, offering:
• Personalized Career Counselling: Individual career development and job search strategy guidance for the competitive finance industry.
• CV and Interview Preparation: Dedicated workshops to render students' CVs and cover letters more competitive, and to equip them for successful interviews.
• On-Campus Recruitment Events: Regular on-campus recruitment events with top finance employers such as JP Morgan, HSBC, and Deloitte, providing students with direct access to career opportunities.

Employability:
MSc Finance graduates are highly sought after by global financial institutions. Graduates of the course are working in leading firms including Goldman Sachs, Barclays, and UBS. The course's focus on contemporary financial issues ensures that graduates are strongly positioned for careers in investment banking, corporate finance, asset management, and financial consultancy.

Further Academic Progression:
Following completion of the MSc Finance, students may continue their studies in specialist fields such as Financial Engineering, Financial Risk Management, or PhD studies in finance or finance-related fields. Alternatively, they may choose to complete professional designations such as the CFA or FRM in order to further develop their expertise in financial analysis and risk management.