Financial Risk Management MSc
Year of entry 2026
- Start date
- September 2026
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 12 Months (Full time)
- Entry requirements
- A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a related subject.
Full entry requirements - English language requirements
- IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component
- UK fees
- £18,750 (Total)
- International fees
- £35,500 (Total)
- Contact
- masters@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
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, international banking, security investment analysis, discrete time finance, and Python programming for finance.
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.
Course Highlights
- This course is shaped by the latest knowledge and critical thinking through the work of our advanced specialist research units, which also have strong links with leading institutions in the US, Europe and Asia. These include the Centre for Advanced Studies in Finance, the International Banking Institute, and the Credit Management Research Centre.
- Get the skills for success with the latest highly sought-after quantitative skills training, including machine learning and data analytics.
- 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.
- Our strong relationships with the finance, credit and accounting professions give you the latest practitioner and policy developments. This includes high-profile guest speakers, with recent visits from a non-executive board member at UBS, the Head of Securities and Fund Services at Citigroup Asia Pacific and members of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.
- On all masters courses at Leeds University Business School, you 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.
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 centres, 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.
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.
To demonstrate the knowledge and skills you gain during the course, you’ll design and carry out your own research dissertation in the final semester. 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 |
| Financial Reporting and Analysis | 15 |
| Discrete Time Finance | 15 |
| Python Programming for 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 2026
This course is taught by
Leeds University Business School
Contact us
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Email: masters@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Fees
UK: £18,750 (Total)
International: £35,500 (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
We’re offering over 100 Business School Excellence Scholarships to UK and International students starting one of our Masters courses in 2025. These scholarships offer up to a 50% fee reduction and will be awarded to particularly deserving applicants who demonstrate excellent academic, professional and personal achievements.
Find out more about scholarships at Leeds University Business School:
International Excellence Scholarships (International applicants)
Masters Excellence Scholarships (UK applicants)
Read more about Masters Funding and Scholarships at the University of Leeds
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 Critical Skills 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.
Careers support
Professional development activities are built into your course. You can access advice and guidance on your career choices, help in identifying and applying for jobs, support to boost your employability, and opportunities to develop the professional skills you'll need to start a successful career – and how to evidence these to prospective employers.
Employability workshops provide practical guidance and support to help you prepare for the job market with confidence. These workshops cover essential skills such as CV writing, interview techniques, networking and personal branding, all of which are crucial for standing out to employers. They also offer insights into recruitment processes and industry expectations, helping you make informed career choices and improve your chances of securing internships or graduate roles.
Leeds University Business School provides dedicated support to help you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to make a real impact in your chosen career.
You’ll also benefit from the University’s award-winning Careers Service, where you can access a range of support to help secure the career you want, even after you graduate.