MSc Financial Crime and Compliance in Digital Societies (top-up) (blended learning) / Entry requirements

From September 2026, there will be two routes for admission to this programme. The first route is the route that has been in place since the programme started. The second is an alternative route that was approved in January 2026.

If you have successfully completed the ICA Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Crime Compliance or ICA Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance , you can apply for this course.

If you are interested in studying with the ICA, you can get in touch with them directly by emailing: courseenquiries@int-comp.org

If you do not hold one of the above qualifications, you may be able to apply for a place on the programme based on your professional experience. Applying via this route requires the following:

• An Upper Second (2:1) class honours degree, or the overseas equivalent in a relevant discipline, such as law, finance, accounting, criminology or business administration. We also welcome applicants with a relevant professional or academic qualification with credits equivalent to an Upper Second-class honours degree.
• At least 10 years of relevant work experience in governance, risk or compliance, for example, but not limited to, financial crime compliance (including anti-money laundering (AML).
• At least 3 years of experience in management/leadership roles in governance, risk or compliance, for example, but not limited to, financial crime compliance (including anti-money laundering (AML). Applicants should currently be in a senior management/leadership position, with responsibility for leading teams or business units, strategic planning, implementing compliance programmes, managing compliance frameworks, and/or board engagement or reporting.
• Evidence of a range of professional knowledge, skills and competencies which will be assessed through submission of a portfolio containing:
  - 1,500-word essay
  - 2,000-word written statement
  - 2-page CV
  - 2 x professional references

Further details on the content of the portfolio can be obtained by contacting: studyonline@manchester.ac.uk

If you have successfully completed the ICA Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Crime Compliance or ICA Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance , you will be exempt from submitting further evidence of English language proficiency.

If you do not hold one of the above qualifications and 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.

• IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in the individual components or equivalent. Discover more aboutEnglish language requirements.

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.