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Lancaster University: Finance
| Institution | Lancaster University View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Accounting and Finance |
| Web | www.lancaster.ac.uk |
| lumspgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01524 510733 |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
Ranked among the world’s top master’s programmes in finance, our MSc Finance offers a comprehensive curriculum preparing you for high-value careers in highly sought-after sectors such as investment banking, asset management and corporate finance. The programme provides a solid foundation in essential financial principles while allowing you to tailor your studies through a wide selection of optional modules.
You will build expertise in core areas such as financial data analytics, corporate finance, investment analysis and financial markets, while gaining advanced insights into specialised areas such as AI and machine learning, FinTech, and sustainable finance.
You will also benefit from dedicated CFA training, personalised career coaching, and hands-on experience with industry-standard platforms such as Bloomberg, LSEG Workspace and Datastream, along with programming tools like Python and R. This unique combination of core knowledge and customisable learning ensures that you graduate with both breadth and depth, making you highly adaptable and competitive in the global financial job market.
Industry-led learning Our programme is guided by industry and research trends and delivered by a team of world-class academics. You will benefit from unparalleled networking opportunities with industry experts and access to real-world case studies, ensuring you graduate as a well-rounded professional ready to tackle global challenges. You will also have access to our sector-leading finance career coaching team, which will help you become more competitive in the job market and develop the soft skills needed to excel in any career path. Also, the programme includes optional dedicated training for the CFA Level I exam, which is delivered in the summer.
Tailor your learning with optional modules You can choose from a diverse selection of optional modules that align with your individual interests and career aspirations. Whether you are interested in derivatives modelling, risk management, sustainable finance and ESG investing, or AI and machine learning applications in finance, our programme allows you to specialise in the areas that matter most to you.
Enhance your professional toolkit The core module ‘Career Accelerator: Technical Toolkit and Professional Development’ will help you develop soft skills (such as communication), database management skills (such as SQL, Bloomberg, LSEG Workspace and Datastream), coding skills (such as VBA, Stata, Python and R) and practical skills in using industry-standard accounting software (such as Xero).
Over the summer, you will apply your acquired knowledge to an individual, research-driven dissertation project. This project will provide hands-on experience with real-world quantitative research while developing your research planning, time management, and written communication skills.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2:2 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or another business-related subject. We assess applicants based on their overall academic performance and typically expect strong results in finance and quantitative modules (e.g., mathematics, statistics). Relevant work experience and/or significant programming skills are also viewed favourably. Graduates from non-business disciplines with a strong quantitative focus (Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Computer and Data Science, and related disciplines) are encouraged to apply. We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously. We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications. |
| Location | Main Site Admissions Bailrigg Lancaster LA1 4YW |
Summary
Organisations in the financial management sector require industry professionals with specialist knowledge of financial markets and expertise in investments, financial instruments and risk management. The one-year MSc Finance programme is tailored to these industry requirements and is designed to give you the crucial skills you will need to launch a successful career in finance.
Our students come from a wide range of disciplines, including quantitative subjects. If you meet minimum performance criteria during your first term, you will have the chance to train for and sit the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 1 professional exam during the programme. Upon successful completion of your master's, you will also automatically secure Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) exemptions from most of the Fundamental level papers depending on your module choices during the second term, and 11 exemptions from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) CGMA qualification.
We will teach you about the principles of financial markets and foundation finance, using real-world data and examples. You will have the chance to explore the fascinating areas of corporate finance, advanced investment management and financial econometrics. To help address the industry’s skills gap and give you a competitive edge in the jobs market, you will also have the opportunity to develop key transferable job market skills such as data analysis, and computer programming (using Python, R, Stata, MATLAB, and SAS); and will receive training in industry-standard data platforms such as Bloomberg and FactSet.
Your dissertation is a chance to really shape your future career path. Dissertations are managed in streams and you will be invited to presentation sessions by the stream leader. You will then choose from either empirical asset pricing, accounting, CFA level 1, or corporate finance. You will attend lectures and computer lab sessions designed to introduce you to the key literature and research methods on which your dissertation topic is based.
Throughout your programme, you will have access to the Management School’s dedicated career support. Advisers will help shape a one-to-one plan to play to your strengths and help your advancement. Many of our graduates have moved on to work in international accountancy firms such EY, KPMG, Bloomberg and city firms in London and beyond. A PhD is another route forward, enabling you to deepen your knowledge.
Course outline In the first term, from October to December, you will take four core modules (Quantitative Methods for Finance, Foundations of Finance, Principles of Financial Reporting, and Financial Markets). Each module is split into two parts. The first part takes place over the first three weeks of the term and provides a solid introduction to the topics covered in the second part. In addition, you will have a two-week module on Financial Databases and career sessions spread out through the term.
During your second term from January to March, you will take four assessed modules.
From May to July you work on your Master's dissertation, with guidance from your academic supervisor. During those months, you will attend lectures and computer lab sessions designed to introduce you to the key literature and research methods on which your dissertation topic is based. You will continue to work on your dissertation throughout the remainder of the summer, submitting your dissertation in September, at the end of the Master's programme.
A number of dissertation streams are available including: - Advanced Topics in Investment Strategies, Mutual Funds and Hedge Funds
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Advanced Topics in Corporate Finance
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Advanced Topics in Accounting
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CFA Dissertation Stream
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Economics or other business-related subject. Graduates in non-business areas with strong quantitative elements may also be considered. We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information. We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications. |
| Location | Main Site Admissions Bailrigg Lancaster LA1 4YW |
Lancaster University is home to a dynamic postgraduate community and offers a wealth of both taught and research study options across a wide range of subject areas. Studying at Lancaster is all about broadening your horizons, finding new perspectives and discovering new experiences. By living and studying with students and staff from over 130 countries students join a global community and have the opportunity to make international connections.
We are proud to be highly ranked in three major UK league tables. We’ve also been awarded 5 Stars for overall performance in the globally renowned QS World Ratings. The …
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