Course overview
Gain the essential, in-demand technical skills and knowledge to become an expert in the measurement and management of financial risk, worldwide.
This Masters degree will equip you with the capabilities and confidence for a successful career in financial risk management. You'll have the professional skills and latest know-how to respond to emerging developments in the global capital and money markets.
You’ll gain comprehensive knowledge of essential topics, including the dynamics of financial markets, the causes and effects of financial risk, and professional practices for measuring and managing portfolio risk. You can also choose optional modules, allowing you to specialise in areas such as financial reporting and analysis, digital finance, sustainable finance, and Python programming for finance.
The programme is designed to help you become confident in financial modelling, data-driven analysis, and research methods. You'll start by developing a shared set of technical skills, then progress into one of two research pathways depending on whether you want a more industry-facing applied project or a more academically oriented dissertation.
Learning from highly qualified teaching staff involved in world-class research in financial risk management, you’ll test your knowledge in genuine business scenarios during practical case study exercises and simulations. Thanks to our excellent links with industry and commerce, you’ll gain an understanding of the latest challenges in financial markets worldwide.
Why study at Leeds
- Advanced specialist research units: We have strong links with leading institutions in the US, Europe, and Asia. These include the Centre for Advanced Study in Finance (CASIF), the International Banking Institute (IBI), the Centre for Financial Technology (Fintech), and the Credit Management Research Centre (CMRC).
- Go on a live learning experience: Take part in a five-day trading simulation bootcamp with AmplifyMe – an exciting live and interactive learning experience where you'll be immersed in real-world simulations of financial services sector roles.
- Trading rooms to hone your professional skills: Our two on-campus trading rooms give you access to the tools and platforms used by financial professionals, such as Bloomberg, WRDS, CSMAR, Refinitiv Eikon and Datastream – deepening your understanding of real-time financial analysis, data interpretation and investment decision-making.
- Benefit from our connections: Our strong relationships with finance, credit and accounting professionals gives you access to the latest policy developments through guest speakers. Previous visits have included senior members from UBS, Citigroup Asia Pacfic and the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee.
- Global opportunities to broaden your experience: Apply for a place on a week-long international study tour, with company vists, guest lectures and networking events. Previous study tours have included visits to Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich.
- Build real-world skills from industry: The course is partnered with the CQF Institute, giving you access to a range of valuable resources, including industry events, networking opportunities, career support, job listings and technical workshops.
Accounting and Finance at Leeds University Business School
As a student in the Accounting and Finance department, you’ll engage with innovative ideas and the latest real-world challenges through teaching that’s connected to our advanced specialist research units, which have strong links with leading institutions in the US, Europe and Asia; the Centre for Advanced Studies in Finance, the International Banking Institute and the Credit Management Research Centre.
Guaranteed industry experience
While studying at Leeds, you’ll have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online Global Industry Programme.
As well as giving you the opportunity to build key industry connections, you’ll also develop invaluable professional and practical skills that are highly valued by employers.
Explore our triple-accredited Business School
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Discover our campus, facilities and accommodation with our 360 virtual experience platform.
With immersive 360 experiences, image galleries, virtual tours, videos and day-in-the-life content, you can take a personalised, interactive tour of campus and explore the University's academic, social and residential environments from anywhere in the world.
You can get a feel for what it's really like to live, learn and belong at the University of Leeds – all from the comfort of home.
Accreditation
As part of the CFA® University Affiliation Program, eligible students can apply for CFA® scholarships that cover the cost of registration for the CFA examination.
Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from the three leading bodies: AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.
This means you'll join one of the UK's most prestigious business schools with a global reputation for high-quality teaching and research. We’ll introduce you to a culture of new ideas and different perspectives. Our diverse, international learning community will offer you new experiences and global connections for life.
Course details and modules
The course builds your understanding of essential topics such as corporate finance and applies financial theory to practical problems.
You’ll study core topics, such as financial modelling, portfolio risk management and derivatives, specialising in areas that suit your career plans with your choice of optional modules.
You’ll develop specialist knowledge with a choice of optional modules in a range of subject areas, including Python programming for finance, sustainable finance, and digital finance.
To demonstrate the knowledge and skills you gain during the course, you’ll design and carry out your own research, an applied project or academic dissertation. This allows you to focus on a topic of your choice, developing your ability to tackle the most pressing challenges currently facing the industry.
Throughout the course, we support you to develop the professional skills that are critical for a successful career in the financial services.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Portfolio Risk Management | 15 |
| Corporate Finance | 15 |
| Applied Finance | 15 |
| Financial Modelling and Analysis | 15 |
| Financial Derivatives | 15 |
| Accounting and Finance Dissertation | 60 |
| Critical Skills for the Finance Professional | 15 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Security Investment Analysis | 15 |
| Forensic Accounting and Finance | 15 |
| Behavioural Finance | 15 |
| International Banking and Finance | 15 |
| Python Programming for Finance | 15 |
| Financial Reporting and Analysis | 15 |
| Discrete Time Finance | 15 |
Learning and teaching
You’ll be taught using a range of methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops. The rest of your time will be spent in independent learning, allowing you to develop your skills in research and analysis.
You’ll benefit from access to our Bloomberg Trading Rooms, including two brand new 24-seat suites. The trading rooms allow you to apply your finance theories to decision making in a safe environment using real time information.
Our Virtual Learning Environment will help support your studies. This is a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your course and modules.
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. This may include formal exams, group projects, reports, computer simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations and reflective logs. This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life.
Applying
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a relevant subject such as accounting, finance, economics, mathematics, physics, or engineering. You should have a strong grounding in quantitative subjects with high scores in these subjects.
International qualifications
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Business (6 weeks) and Language for Business (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Documents and information you’ll need
- a copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
- contact details for two academic references
- a personal statement
- an up-to-date CV
- your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
- a letter of sponsorship, if you need one.
* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027
This course is taught by
Leeds University Business School
Contact us
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Email: masters@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Fees
UK: £19,500 (Total)
International: £36,600 (Total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Learn more about Masters funding.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Career opportunities
From day one, we encourage you to think beyond your time at Leeds and reflect on a meaningful career. As a graduate of this course, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue a range of career options within finance, including risk management, credit risk analysis, derivatives, insurance and finance research.
Previous graduates have gone on to work for a variety of financial institutions, investment banks, regulators and standard setters, international insurers, asset managers, underwriters and investment funds.
This degree is also an excellent qualification for individuals looking to go on to a research degree.
Skills for your future
This course equips you with a 360° Finance Professional Skillset, meaning you’ll gain vital work-ready skills and graduate prepared to lead and innovate across diverse sectors.
Through a curriculum designed to foster critical thinking, ethical awareness and global and cultural insight, you develop the intellectual agility to navigate complex challenges.
You’ll develop strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, alongside skills that are in-demand in the workplace, including:
- financial analysis
- problem solving and strategic decision-making
- leadership and teamworking
- commercial and ethical awareness
- digital literacy
- presentation and written communication skills
- enterprise acumen
- sustainability awareness.
As part of our dedicated Professional Skills and Practice module, you’ll take part in a Professional Experience Week where you can test your skills in a supported environment. You’ll identify problems, analyse financial and non-financial data, and exercise your professional and ethical judgement to develop real-world recommendations.
Links with industry
As a student of the Accounting and Finance Department, you can benefit from commercial awareness networking events and guest lectures from high profile industry speakers or regulatory bodies. In addition, you'll experience an intensive five-day trading bootcamp with Amplify ME– an interactive, real-world learning experience with immersive simulations of various financial services sector roles.
Guaranteed industry experience
The Global Industry Programme gives Masters students a great opportunity to gain real-world experience through live industry projects. You’ll connect with leading companies across the globe to work on impactful, hands-on consultancy projects, enhancing your employability skills and enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge to practical business challenges.
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK's leading employers
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.
- Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
- Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
- Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
- MyCareer system —– access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
- Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.
Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.
Study abroad tours
All Leeds University Business School Masters students can apply for a place on a week-long international study tour, which includes company visits, guest lectures and networking events. Previous study tours have included visits to Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich.
Links with industry
As a student of the Accounting and Finance Department, you can benefit from commercial awareness networking events and guest lectures from high-profile industry speakers or regulatory bodies. In addition, you'll experience an intensive five-day trading bootcamp with Amplify ME – an interactive, real-world learning experience with immersive simulations of various financial services sector roles.
Guaranteed industry experience
The Global Industry Programme gives Masters students a great opportunity to gain real-world experience through live industry projects. You’ll connect with leading companies across the globe to work on impactful, hands-on consultancy projects, enhancing your employability skills and enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge to practical business challenges.
Work placements and industry experience
As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.
You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.
This experience will enhance your CV, helping you to stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.
Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:
- Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
- Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
- Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
- Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
- Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
- Improve your employability prospects.
- Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.