Risk and Finance (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a subject with quantitative study such as: 

• risk 
• finance 
• science 
• engineering 
• economics 
• business    

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

We do not accept the following subjects:

• Language Studies – degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as 'Business English', 'Applied English', or 'Translation', are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
• Art/Design/Vocational Studies – degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September. 

In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.   

This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. During semester 2 you’ll begin preparing for your dissertation. 

For your optional modules, you can choose insurance-focused modules or finance-related modules to advance in one sector, or select a mix to learn about both areas and broaden your career possibilities.   

For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You’ll learn risk and financial management techniques  through: 

• lectures 
• seminars 
• group work 
• case studies 
• private study 

You’ll apply logical and analytical skills in problem-solving activities and class discussions. 

Our academics use different teaching methods to help you apply theoretical concepts and to develop essential career-building skills, such as analytical, teamwork and communication.  

You’ll also take part in practical computer classes, learning to use industry-standard databases and software such as Bloomberg data, Excel programming tools and MATLAB risk analysis software. Depending on your module selection, you may learn SPSS or SAS Enterprise Miner software. 

Modules leaders regularly invite industry practitioners to share their insights with students, keeping you up-to-date with sector issues.  

You’ll also be able to attend seminars run by the University’s Centre for Risk Research as well as specialist finance-focused Business School events. These include talks by professionals from finance and insurance companies and leading researchers from other universities. 

Assessment

Each module is assessed by exams, coursework or a combination of both.

Most modules will be individually assessed and some will have a group assessment. Other modules are likely to have a practical computer-based assignment. 

Dissertation

As part of this course, you’ll complete a dissertation project on a topic of your choice. This will enable you to specialise in an area of interest and put research skills into practice.    

Academic Support

You’ll have a personal academic tutor (PAT) to guide you throughout your studies. The programme leader is also on-hand for course related questions.  

The Institute of Risk Management will support you on your dissertation project, by giving advice and data sharing.  

You’ll gain the knowledge to pursue a career as an investment banker, fund manager or risk analyst in the financial sector as well as advance your careers prospects in any sector as financial analyst or risk manager. 

Popular graduate careers include: 

• stockbroker 
• fund manager 
• risk officer 
• financial risk manager 
• financial manager 
• financial analyst 
• investment banker 

Graduates now work in various fields, including: 

• banking 
• mutual and hedge funds 
• accountancy 
• insurance 
• IT 
• risk management 
• business security  

Every year, professional risk managers and industry leaders come to discuss careers in the sector with our students. They include representatives from: 

• IBM 
• Goldman Sachs 
• PwC 
• The Chartered Insurance Institute  
• Old Mutual Wealth 

In partnership with IBM’s Academic Initiative, we regularly host guest lectures provided by IBM senior managers and facilitate IBM graduate opportunities for our students. 

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £15,000.
• EU and international students pay £28,000.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

When you accept your offer to study on this course you’ll be asked to pay a deposit. This is non-refundable. The deposit amount is:

• UK students: £250
• EU and international students: £1,000

Full terms and conditions and details of how to pay this deposit will be sent to you in your offer letter.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We'll assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll aim to get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000