Financial Risk Management MSc

Demand is growing worldwide for experts who have the technical skills to measure and manage financial risk. This Masters degree enables you to meet these requirements, equipping you with the skills 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.
• Benefit from our strong relationships with finance, credit and accounting professions, providing a connection to the latest practitioner and policy developments.
• You’ll have access to our two, on-campus trading rooms, and the world’s top financial databases, such as Bloomberg, WRDS, CSMAR, Refinitiv Eikon and Datastream.
• Leeds is the second-largest financial centre in the UK. This means there are a multitude of opportunities to gain relevant hands-on experience, both during your Masters and after graduation.
• Guest lectures from high-profile speakers from industry or regulatory bodies share current trends and valuable real-world insight. Recent speakers have included 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, including a Deputy Governor.
• On all Masters courses at Leeds University Business School you’ll have an opportunity to apply for a place on a week-long international study tour which will include company visits, guest lectures and networking events, as well as an opportunity to visit local places of interest. Previous study tours have included visits to Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich.

Find out more about studying your Masters at Leeds University Business School.

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.

Documents and information you’ll need

We’re offering up to 50 Business School Excellence Scholarships to UK and International students starting one of our Masters courses in 2025. These scholarships offer a 50% fee reduction and will be awarded to particularly deserving applicants who demonstrate excellent academic, professional and personal achievements.

You do not have to submit a separate application for our Excellence Scholarships – you will be automatically considered when your course application is reviewed.

International Excellence Scholarships (International applicants)

Masters Excellence Scholarships (UK applicants)

Read more about Masters Funding and Scholarships.

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.

Careers support and 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, and support to boost your employability. You’ll also receive coaching on developing the professional skills needed to start a successful career, and how to evidence these to prospective employers.

As part of the Accounting and Finance Department, you can benefit from commercial awareness networking events and guest lectures from high-profile speakers from industry or regulatory bodies. Students have had the opportunity to develop their knowledge of financial markets through a one-week trading simulation with Amplify Trading.

You’ll also benefit from the University’s award-winning Careers Service, where you can access range of support to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions, even after you graduate.

Read more about our careers and professional development support.