Organisations in the financial management sector require industry professionals with specialist knowledge of financial markets and expertise in investments, financial instruments and risk management. This one-year MSc is tailored to these industry requirements, and is designed to give students the crucial skills they will need to launch a successful career in finance.

Graduates come from a wide range of disciplines, including quantitative subjects. If students meet minimum performance criteria during their first term, they will have the chance to sit the Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) Level 1 professional exam during this course. On successful completion of the course, students will also automatically secure Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) exemptions from most of the Fundamental level papers depending on their module choices during the second term.

Students will learn about the principles of financial markets and foundation finance, using real-world data and examples. Students will have the chance to explore the fascinating areas of corporate finance, advanced investment management and financial econometrics. Some modules also provide training in Python programming to help address the industry’s skills gap and give students a competitive edge in the jobs market.

The dissertation is a chance to really shape a future career path. Dissertations are managed in streams and students will be invited to presentation sessions by the stream leader. Students will then choose from either empirical asset pricing, accounting, CFA level 1, or corporate finance.

Throughout the course, students will have access to the Management School’s dedicated career support. Advisers will help shape a one-to-one plan to play to the students' strengths and help their advancement. Many of Lancaster University's 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 students to deepen their knowledge.