Blended online course

MSc Financial Management

  • Qualification: MSc
  • Duration: Part-time blended learning for 2 years
  • Delivery: Online course content and the opportunity to attend face-to-face workshops
  • Workload: Approx 15 hours per week
  • Next enrolment: September 2024
  • Fees: £21,000
Financial data

Introduction

Build knowledge and skills in finance

Whatever function you work in, skills and knowledge in areas such as corporate finance, financial markets and financial accounting will build your credibility and ability to see the big picture for your organisation. The MSc in Financial Management will equip you with the financial acumen you need to succeed and solve business challenges in any sector while you work full-time. It is designed for professionals based anywhere in the world who:

  • Have no finance experience and seek a career change into the financial services sector
  • Need to build more substantial skills and knowledge in finance to further your career (in any sector)
  • Are looking to build on existing finance experience to progress your career in financial services (or a related industry)
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Key features

Flexible learning

Studying a flexible course means that you can learn, while you continue to work and apply the skills and knowledge you learn immediately to solve your day-to-day business challenges in finance.

Face-to-face workshops

Meet and network with industry peers and global experts during workshops, held over six days, twice each year at our prestigious locations across the world.

World-class team

Taught by one of Europe’s most experienced Accounting and Finance teams, with access to some of the most extensive financial databases and learning material around.

Developed and delivered by Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS)

AMBS

Alliance Manchester Business School

 
  • Our MSc in Financial Management is developed and delivered by Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS). AMBS was established in 1965, as one of the UK’s first two business schools.
  • We have a global network of over 60,000 alumni, spread across 176 countries. With triple accreditation from AACSB International, AMBA and EQUIS, we provide world-class, industry-focused education to professionals across the globe.

 

 

Key information

  • Delivery

    A mix of online content with face-to-face workshops in either Manchester, Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong or Dubai.

  • Duration

    Part-time blended learning for 2 years

  • Enrolment dates

    Start in September 2024

  • Workshops

    This course provides you with an opportunity to network with peers and the academic team during face-to-face workshops. The workshops are a chance to take time out from day-to-day working life and undertake experiential learning. You'll apply theory to case studies based on real business problems while working in multicultural groups with colleagues from diverse professional backgrounds.

  • Apply

    For more information on how to apply and what documents to submit with your application, please visit our application and selection section.

  • Workload

    Approx 15 hours per week

  • Course director

    Susanne Espenlaub

Fees and funding

The course fee is £20,500. The fee covers your tuition. It does not cover your accommodation and travel costs when attending face-to-face workshops.

Please note:

  • Students registered with the Dubai Centre are required to pay 5% VAT on top of the tuition fee, which is a mandatory requirement of the government of the UAE. The VAT will be added to the tuition fee payable and is applicable regardless of the student's nationality or residency.
  • Singapore residents are required to pay the prevailing GST, which will be added to the tuition fee payable

Find out more about fees and funding

Entry requirements

We require a 1st or 2:1 UK Bachelor's honours degree or international equivalent from an institution recognised by NARIC or a Master's degree or international equivalent from an institution recognised by NARIC .

We expect that most candidates interested in this Master's will have a degree in engineering, mathematics, business, economics, science or other related subjects; however your degree can be in any discipline if you can demonstrate that you have good numeracy and analytical skills.

Find out more about entry requirements

Course overview

Who this course is for

 

This course will equip you with the skills, knowledge and confidence that allows you to pursue a successful career in financial management.

You'll gain a deep understanding of the characteristics and functioning of financial markets in a global context and while you do not need to be a finance specialist to take this course, a strong interest in numbers and analytics is important.

 

What you will learn

  • Understand the interplay between well-functioning financial markets and successful companies
  • Apply a full range of financial techniques to real-life business situations
  • Describe, analyse and interpret financial data from markets and companies
  • Search and gather relevant financial information from multiple sources, including companies' annual reports and financial databases
  • Offer data-based solutions to complex and relevant business challenges, for example:
  • Evaluating the performance and riskiness of a company or an asset
  • Selecting valuable investment projects
  • Determining the type of capital a company should raise to fund investment
  • Analysing a company's financial strategy

Where and when you will study

 

This online course also offers face-to-face workshops (six days, twice each year) in either Manchester, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore or Dubai depending on where you choose to study. These valuable opportunities give you time to develop your global network, meet the academic team, and benefit from the additional support from the lecturers.

 

How it will benefit your career

The MSc Financial Management course will equip you with the skills and knowledge that financial managers and other similar finance practitioners require for a successful career in finance. The course offers a balance between theoretical foundations and practical applications to solve complex and relevant business challenges.

"The MSc in Financial Management aims to offer the notions and skills that today’s managers require, and provides a starting point for a successful career in finance." Amedeo De Cesari, Course Director

Course units

  • Foundations of Accounting (15 credits)

     
    • Introduction to accounting
    • Accounting conventions and techniques to support organisational decision-making
    • Foundations and principles of management and financial accounting
     
     
     
  • Foundations of Finance (15 credits)

     
    • Introduction to finance
    • Time value of money and asset valuation
    • Cost of capital and capital budgeting techniques
     
  • Corporate Finance (15 credits)

     
    • Introduction to corporate finance
    • Cost of capital estimation and advanced capital budgeting techniques
    • The choice between equity capital and debt capital
     
  • Global Financial Markets and Institutions (15 credits)

     
    • Overview of the global financial system
    • Banking and financial regulation, investment banking and private equity
    • Risk management and hedging strategies
     
  • Data Analysis and Statistical Techniques (15 credits)

     
    • Basic econometric tools to estimate relationships between variables
    • Formulation of empirical hypotheses to be tested
    • Interpretation of results from statistical and econometric outputs
     
  • Financial Statement Analysis (15 credits)

     
    • Strengths, limitations and developments in contemporary financial reporting
    • Interpretation and assessment of firm performance
    • Credit and debt analysis to predict the likelihood of financial distress
     
  • International Financial Management (15 credits)

     
    • Principles underlying financial decision-making by multinational corporations
    • Foreign direct investment decisions, exchange risk and hedging techniques
    • Political risk measurement and management
     
  • Quantitative Methods for Financial Management (15 credits)

     
    • Sophisticated statistical tools for finance practitioners
    • Analysis and forecasts of time series data
    • Empirical interactions between stock returns, exchange rates and other variables
     
  • Venture Capital and Private Equity (15 credits)

     
    • Introduction to venture capital and private equity
    • Fundraising activities by private equity investors
    • Identification of capital investment opportunities and capital allocation, and management of investments to maximise returns
     
  • Business Models and Financial Strategy (15 credits)

     
    • Evaluation of alternative business models to create and capture value
    • Short- and long-term financial decisions over the lifecycle of the firm
    • Fintech and other innovative sources of finance
     
  • Group Project (30 credits)

     
    • Identification of topic and formulation of plan to collect information and data
    • Selection of suitable methods and analysis of information
    • Dissemination of the results of the study
     

Course structure

The course is delivered through an online and blended learning format, so you will study online and also get the opportunity to learn and share experiences with other students located across the globe during face-to-face workshops, held during each semester, at one of our International Centres.

The workshops are a chance to take time out from day-to-day working life, focus on your studies and undertake experiential learning. You'll apply theory to case studies based on real business problems while working in multicultural groups with colleagues from diverse professional backgrounds.

Course learning aims

The MSc Financial Management course will equip you with the skills and knowledge that financial managers and other similar finance practitioners require for a successful career in finance.

  • The course offers a balance between theoretical foundations and practical applications to solve complex and relevant business challenges
  • You will be able to study a full range of financial techniques that, for instance, will allow you to evaluate the performance and riskiness of a security or a company, select valuable investment projects, determine the type of capital a company should raise to fund investments and analyse a company's financial strategy.
  • Practical experience is gained through the use of case studies and other hands-on activities, requiring the application of financial techniques and the ability to process real-world financial data from markets and companies.
  • A final supervised project will allow you to apply the skills and the techniques you have learned by exploiting financial information to address complex and practically relevant questions.
  • Each unit will be taught by an academic with extensive and valuable financial expertise, as well as significant experience delivering finance courses, both online and face-to-face.
  • While the teaching on the course focuses on practical applications, it is informed by recent research in finance. A significant strength of our course and our institution relates to the availability of a large set of financial databases that are exploited in our teaching activities.
  • The units are mainly delivered in a web-based format, with each unit being studied over a five-month period with a total of 150 hours of study. Most units also comprises a three-day face-to-face workshop which takes place either at the start or around the middle of the teaching period.

Teaching and learning

This course is mostly delivered online, allowing you to study flexibly at a pace that suits your own requirements and lifestyle.

You will also participate in four six-day face-to-face workshop, held twice a year in Manchester, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore or Dubai.

The dates for the six-day workshops are:

Manchester, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai or Singapore

September

  • Foundations of Accounting - 3 Days in September 2023
  • Foundations of Finance - 3 Days in September 2023

May

  • Corporate Finance - 3 Days in May 2024
  • Global Financial Markets and Institutions - 3 Days in May 2024

The workshops are a chance to:

  • Take time out from day-to-day working life and focus on your studies
  • Undertake experiential learning
  • Experience world-class teaching from leading academics
  • Apply theory to case studies based on real business problems
  • Work in multicultural groups with colleagues from diverse professional backgrounds
  • Meet peers from around the world and make valuable business connections
  • Attend careers and networking events
  • Debate current issues

The course is taught from an applied perspective using practical elements such as problem solving and case studies. This equips you to apply your learnings directly and immediately at your workplace.

Coursework and assessment

Each unit consists of 15 credits (excluding the final project) and requires a total of 150 hours of study per unit. Most units also comprise a face-to-face workshop at our Manchester centre.

There are no exams within the MSc. Summative assessment comprises individual and group coursework, with two assessments per unit. We will provide online quizzes and activities through each unit as a method of formative assessments.

The final project will consist of a 30-credit group research report. The report should take the form of an 8,000-10,000 words assignment, produced following the accepted academic standards of the University in terms of presentation, structure and source material.

Admissions information

 

From your initial expression of interest right through to graduation, you’ll receive all the support you need. We can support you with enrolment and subject assistance, administrative logistics and fee options, online learning skills, workload management and special circumstances including a possible professional entry route.

 

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

Academic Criteria

  • Normally, a 1st or 2:1 UK Bachelor's honours degree or international equivalent from an institution recognised by NARIC.
  • Or A Master's degree or international equivalent from an institution recognised by NARIC.

We expect that most candidates interested in this Master's will have a degree in engineering, mathematics, business, economics, science or other related subjects; however your degree can be in any discipline if you can demonstrate that you have good numeracy and analytical skills.

  • We can also consider excellent candidates with a 2:2 UK Bachelor's honours degree or international equivalent, with at least one year of relevant professional experience who can demonstrate their suitability and motivation for this Master's course. The degree should be in a relevant subject with good grades in quantitative subjects. An interview may be required.

 All our degree programmes, require a high level of competency in all aspects of English language - speaking, writing, listening and reading. You will need to provide evidence that your English language ability meets the University of Manchester minimum requirements and is sufficient to enable you to fully participate and be successful in the programme.

English language

If you are not from or did not graduate from a majority English speaking country , we will also require proof of your English language ability. If you have already taken an English language qualification, please include your certificate with your application.

The minimum requirements for this course are:

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in listening, writing, reading and speaking.
  • TOEFL (iBT): 90 overall with 20 in listening, writing, reading and speaking.
  • PTE Academic: 59-65 overall with 59 in listening, writing, reading and speaking.
  • CPE or CAE (Cambridge): Minimum grade 176-184
  • Pearson Versant English Placement Test (VEPT), supplemented with a University of Manchester short written test administered by the University Language Centre: Minimum VEPT overall score: 56 - 60
  • India Standard XII Examination: 65% in English
  • IGCSE English Language grade
  • International Baccalaureate English (Higher or Standard Level)
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Other international entry requirements

English Test Exemptions

As an alternative to taking a standard English Language Test, we can consider one or a combination of the following.

  1. You have successfully completed a degree level qualification (recognised by UK NARIC as equivalent to a UK bachelor degree or higher), which was fully taught in English.
  2. If English is the main business language of the company/organisation where you are currently working and you predominately use English in your role, we can consider this when assessing your English language competency.

An interview will also be required.

Application and selection

How to apply

 To start the application process, please click here.

Advice to applicants

To speed up the application process, you will need to prepare the following documents to submit with your online application form:
  1. Statement of Purpose (Essay)
  2. Academic qualification documents
  3. A copy of your CV detailing your full work experience.
  4. At least one reference, academic or professional - The University will contact your referees directly after you submit your application and direct them to complete our online reference form.
  5. Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable).

Academic Qualification Documents

You will need to upload a scanned copy of your official degree with both transcript(s)/certificate(s). If your original document is not in English, you must provide a translation from a certified translator. If your degree is not from the UK, you need to provide the grading scale from the university where you are studying.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Your CV is an important part of our assessment and should also be uploaded with your application. Your CV/résumé should have a simple clear well-formatted layout, no more than two pages in length.

Academic credentials

Details of all your qualifications; including your Bachelor's degree, any Master's degree, postgraduate diplomas/specialisations and professional qualifications.

Professional experience

If you have work experience, please include the following: Each job you have taken since graduating from your undergraduate degree in reverse chronological order, starting with your current position. Include the month/year start and end date, company name and job title for each position undertaken.

Reference (one required)

We do not need to receive your reference at the same time as you submit your application, however we will normally need to receive at least one reference before making an offer. If you do not have professional experience, choose two lecturers or professors at your last University who can provide an academic reference.  

Evidence of English language competence

Please review the admissions requirements for details of our English language requirements for this programme and ensure that you submit the evidence required with your application. This is an important element of your application.  

Fees and funding

The course fee is £20,500 for those joining the course in September 2023.

The fee covers your tuition. It does not cover any accommodation OR travel costs incurred when travelling to any conferences or workshops. 

Alumni Loyalty Bursary - 15% Discount

If you have successfully graduated from a credit-bearing qualification at The University of Manchester or UMIST, you can receive a 15% discount on your full tuition fees.

Corporates - 15% Discount

Corporate partners who receive 3 or more places on the course can expect to receive 15% tuition fee discount for each student enrolled onto the course.

Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai Centre Discounts

Students applying to learn at the Singapore Centre, Dubai Centre or Hong Kong Centre will all be eligible for a 15% discount on tuition fees.

Please note that the University operates a one-discount policy; Early Application, Alumni Loyalty Bursary and Scholarships are not accumulative. If you qualify for more than one discount or scholarship, you will be awarded the one that is the highest amount.

Additional cost information

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.