About this course
Study this UK risk management master’s for a broad understanding of theory and practice in key topics of risk. Explore financial and credit risk, decision making and corporate security and insurance.
This course equips you with the skills to apply project risk management principles to a range of sectors. You’ll be able to tailor your degree and explore your own interests through optional modules, taught by experienced academics and researchers.
Applications for 2022 entry to this course are now closed to all international applicants. View our available courses.
This UK risk management degree teaches risk management topics so that you can apply techniques and theory in any field, rather than focusing on finance or engineering.
This course is for you if you have some professional experience and want to advance risk management practice in your industry, or if you are looking to specialise following your undergraduate study.
You’ll explore different aspects of risk and discover your area of interest through optional module selection in areas such as finance, quantitative methods and corporate security.
MSc Risk Management is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute. This means you can apply for credits towards professional qualifications when you graduate.
You’ll be taught by academics at the forefront of risk management research, including experts in decision making in uncertain environments and project risk.
Our master’s in risk management is delivered with links to Southampton’s Business School’s Centre for Risk Research, the only specialist centre of its kind in a Russell Group University. The centre hosts unique opportunities, such as industry seminars, to inform your learning.
Course lead
This course is led by Dr Mario Brito, Associate Professor in Risk Analysis and Risk Management. His area of expertise is in risk analysis of extreme events where there is large uncertainty with respect to a critical event and historical hard data alone is not sufficient to reduce the uncertainty to acceptable levels. Visit Dr Brito’s staff profile to find out more.
Accreditations
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a subject with quantitative study such as:
- accounting
- finance
- business
- maths
- engineering
- science
- economics
You’ll need evidence your maths, statistics, calculus and algebra knowledge.
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:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
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
Course structure
You'll study this full-time master’s course over 12 months.
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.
Your optional modules give you the opportunity to personalise your degree and study topics of interest and to work towards your career goals. The optional modules cover topics such as:
- financial and credit risk
- managing corporate security
- quantitative risk analysis
During semester 2 you’ll begin preparing for your dissertation. 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.
Part-time study
The part-time version of this course usually involves taught study over two 9 month periods followed by 6 months work on a dissertation
Semester 1 overview
You’ll study compulsory modules covering key risk management principles and processes and quantitative methods. These will give you a base knowledge to explore the topics further in semester two.
Semester 2 overview
As well as building on your knowledge from your first semester, you’ll study specialist compulsory modules in subjects like:
- risk taking and decision making
- project risk management
- insurance
You’ll also study quantitative and qualitative research methods in preparation for your dissertation.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
The dissertation stage of your Postgraduate programme involves an extended, independent investigation of a topic of your own choosing and the preparation of a 15,000 word dissertation describing your work. You will attend 10 sessions where you will work ...
The module provides practical insight into the workings of the corporate risk and insurance profession. Emphasising corporate risk management’s strong reliance upon corporate insurance programmes, it also introduces the broader range of risk retention and...
The management of risk and uncertainty, in any organisational context, rests upon a broad-ranging skillset comprising an understanding of relevant concepts and an ability to think critically about management procedures. This ‘front end’ module equips stud...
Project risk management has evolved significantly over many years, but there are conflicting views about what constitutes best practice. This course provides an overview of best practice as outlined in the course text with a critical comparison of alterna...
MANG6003 aims to develop statistical reasoning. Via a series of examples and activities, students are introduced to the idea of probability modelling and how it can be applied to aid decision making in uncertain situations, which are frequently encountere...
The ability to make effective decisions in the face of risk and uncertainty is essential to success in today’s fast changing world. This module seeks to equip you with the knowledge of decision-making processes and models that will help you achieve this o...
You must also choose from the following modules:
Having learnt the basic techniques and principles of business analytics in semester 1 modules, this module will introduce you to a number of advanced applications of business analytics in practice. These include data management using database engines, GLM...
This module provides a deep insight in some key theories and topics in Corporate Finance. The module looks at how firms and corporation manage financial investment and decisions in the long term and short term. The module will discuss topics ranging fro...
The module will start by defining the concept of data analytics and demonstrating the processes in three steps: data pre-processing, data mining and post-processing. Next, we will zoom into the data mining step and distinguish three types of data mining:...
The module explores bank regulations as well as theoretical and practical techniques to measure market risk, interest rate risk and credit risk. It also discusses the theoretical and practical aspects of the risk management techniques employed in the fina...
This module gives an overview of moral philosophy and shows how such ethical theories apply in a business context. This module also covers the development of the concept and the meaning of the terms ‘corporate social responsibility’ (CSR) in a business co...
This module addresses the inter-related activities of defining, developing, exploring and working with ill-structured organisational problems. Such activities are often classed as problem structuring activities, and they can be contrasted with activities...
The global and rapid growth of managing by projects in every sector, industry, and company type has led to the development of pan-sector theories and bodies of knowledge in project management. The specific nature of projects as temporary and unique activi...
This module provides a practical introduction to the theories and techniques of simulation. The approach taken is very broad and covers different forms of simulation, including discrete event simulation, system dynamics and agent-based modelling. The mod...
Strategy is fundamentally concerned with decisions that determine the direction of an organisation and provides the context for short, medium and long-term planning. The highest level, corporate strategy, considers which activities an organisation should ...
Security management is an essential activity in most organisations, with poor security practices often playing a key role in organisational failure and crises. This has resulted in a need for individuals with specialist knowledge in organisational securit...
Learning and assessment
Learning
You’ll learn through lectures, seminars and independent study. Our academics make your learning interactive, using case studies and real examples from their research to bring theory to life. You’ll also take part in group exercises exploring theories and their real-world application.
Some modules include guest talks by industry speakers, and you’ll have the opportunity to attend industry seminars by the Centre for Risk Research.
You’ll hear from guest speakers, who bring their insight into current sector issues and advice on career options to talks. You’ll also be taught by leading risk management consultants and the chief risk officer of a major insurance firm as part of your module selection.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary depending on your chosen modules, typical methods include:
- exams
- coursework
- group projects
- computer-based assignments
- dissertation project
Dissertation
As part of this course, you’ll complete a 15,000 word 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 with the support of an academic.
Academic Support
We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
You’ll graduate with a wide range of career options. Popular organisations to continue a career in include:
- financial or insurance companies
- the pharmaceutical or medical industry
- environmental risk management
- consultancy service firms
- government organisations
- private sector companies
Our graduates have gone on to work for companies such as:
- PwC
- Deloitte
- Ernst and Young
- Old Mutual Wealth
- Formula 1
The reputation of our risk management courses means we are regularly approached by companies seeking students for placement, internship or job opportunities.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). 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
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £13,000.
- EU and international students pay £25,000.
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:
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.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
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
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