In the aftermath of the 2007-2009 financial crisis, most organisations in finance, banking and insurance are undergoing major changes. These organisations are actively seeking postgraduates who are disciplined in these fields. Westminster Business School is one of just a handful of UK universities to offer a Master's degree in Finance, Banking and Insurance, leaving our graduates' skills sought after on the job market.
Studying the Finance, Banking and Insurance MSc will enable you to pursue a wide range of careers in the financial services industry and to study further for professional institute exams. This year-long full-time programme is designed for students who want to work in the areas of finance, financial services and banking, investment banking, retail banking, insurance, re-insurance and hedged funds as private client advisors and financial analysis both in the public and private sectors.
The course is designed to give you an essential understanding of the role and operations of the finance, banks and insurance companies. The course is delivered by highly qualified individuals with extensive research experience and strong industry links. During your studies, you will acquire essential knowledge and skills that will set the foundations for a successful career in the financial services sector, and you will gain access to our ever-growing alumni network which will support your career development following your graduation.
A highlight for many students are the field trips and social events organised throughout the course which provide an opportunity for networking with peers, alumni and industry professionals.
Students on this course benefit from free access to part of the material on the course reading list and an online subscription to Financial Times.
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core Modules
Option Modules
All students on our full-time Business Masters courses can apply to undertake the PG/MBA Internship Programme, which forms part of the Reflective Practitioner Module.
The internship allows you to test drive a career and explore one of your career interests before you complete your Postgraduate studies!
Completing an 8-12 week accredited internship helps students gain invaluable work experience. This fantastic work experience can be taken in addition to option modules. Students are responsible for finding their own internship with the support of the Business Experience Team.
To express an interest in the module, students must submit a completed application form and a copy of their updated CV. This will give students membership a dedicated website that offers exclusive access to internship vacancies, one to-one CV guidance appointments, mock interviews, employability workshops and much more.
Students can apply to London-based organisations and have the flexibility to take their internship in the summer period or alongside their studies.
Every year we receive very positive feedback from both postgraduate students and employers and expect that the internship programme will continue to remain popular amongst our students.
Find out about postgraduate internships
The MSc Finance, Banking and Insurance degree is perfect for students who want options in their career in that it allows students to specialise in insurance, banking and general finance. This 1-year course is designed for students who want to work in jobs such as:
Students benefit from the fact that the course is practice-focused and is therefore focused on the skill-base needed in the industry. Successful and engaged students will have developed a systematic understanding of the finance, banking and insurance disciplines, using the most up-to- date material and exposure to the latest theory and research on these topics. The elective modules also give students to the ability to further specialise in their area of interest.
You want to develop a successful career in insurance or risk management; or you already work in one of these fields and want to expand your knowledge and enhance your career potential. At Cass, you will study both applied and theoretical aspects of insurance and risk management to an advanced level.
Our MSc Insurance and Risk Management programme will equip you with the all-round knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the constantly evolving fields of insurance, risk and risk management.
You will work through a balanced programme which combines a practical approach with sound theory to create a learning environment that is both challenging and stimulating. You will emerge with a well-regarded and flexible postgraduate degree, solidly positioned to build a successful career in an exciting an increasing complex business world –see ‘Career Pathways’ for testimonials from our past students.
There are three ways of taking our MSc Insurance and Risk Management programme.
In each case you will
To satisfy the requirements of the degree students must complete:
Assessment of Core courses on the MSc in Insurance & Risk Management is by means of coursework and unseen examination in most cases. Elective courses are generally assessed by coursework only. Coursework may consist of standard essays, individual or group presentations, group reports, classwork, unseen tests or problem sets. Group work may include an element of peer assessment.
We review all our courses regularly to keep them up-to-date on issues of both theory and practice.
Our MSc Insurance and Risk Management is a long-established course, and we are very proud of the career progression of our many hundreds of past graduates. They now work in a wide range of organisations around the world, including major global insurance and reinsurance companies, international insurance broking firms, investment and retail banks, leading accountancy firms and management consultants, risk management departments of major corporations, regulatory authorities and many other fields.
Some graduates have pursued further studies (such as PhD) after leaving Cass and embarked on academic careers, others have become successful entrepreneurs and built their own businesses.
Specialise in the complex and ever-evolving area of insurance law and learn from academics at the cutting edge of its development. This distinctive LLM, one of just a few of its kind in the UK, will open up a wealth of career options in the global insurance industry.
An intriguing area of study with superb employment prospects,insurance law is a dynamic field that is continually developing in response to new legislation. The LLM Insurance Law is one of just a few masters degrees to offer a comprehensive understanding of this fascinating subject, taught by inspiring academics and informed by the latest research being conducted within the Law School’s prestigious Insurance Law Research Group. As well as studying insurance law and marine insurance law in depth, you’ll be able to tailor your course by choosing from a range of complementary modules that draw on our academics’ extensive expertise in areas such as maritime, company and intellectual property law. You can also choose a topic of interest for your dissertation that will showcase your skills and knowledge to potential recruiters. Part of a close-knit learning community, you’ll receive plenty of academic and career support to help you achieve your goals. Your specialist knowledge will give you the advantage when it comes to applying for jobs in the insurance sector, or you might opt to explore this rich area of law further at PhD level.
We welcome applications from recent law graduates, or from those with professional experience who are seeking to advance their career by gaining specialist knowledge.
View the programme specification document for this course
With its combination of risk and finance modules, including specialist insurance modules rarely offered on similar courses, this MSc will open up career options across the finance and insurance sectors. You’ll gain an advanced understanding of finance, investment, risk taking and decision making as well as critical risk management skills.
An increasingly uncertain financial world means there is growing demand for graduates with critical risk management skills as well as a through grounding in finance. Taught by leading researchers in risk taking, decision making and finance, this MSc will prepare you for a broad range of career paths. You could choose to use your skills in the financial sector, for example as a stockbroker, investment banker, financial analyst, risk officer or fund manager, or work for an insurance company. The course includes specialist modules in insurance and credit scoring rarely found on degrees of this type, so you can opt to develop your skills to progress in this growing sector.
Informed by the Business School’s significant research strengths in banking, finance and risk management, the MSc in Risk and Finance will prepare you for a broad range of career paths. Your knowledge of key financial concepts, risk taking and decision making will be valuable within financial institutions. You’ll also be able to advance your career in the insurance sector. The course includes specialist modules in insurance and credit scoring not found on similar UK degrees, so you can choose to develop your skills in order to progress in this growing industry.
This MSc is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Institute of Risk Management. This demonstrates that we meet rigorous educational standards and also means you will be eligible for credits towards professional qualifications.
We welcome applicants from a range of disciplines who have undertaken some quantitative study, or who have relevant professional experience.
Our graduates now work in a range of industries, such as finance, banking, accountancy, insurance, IT, and many risk management and business security related companies across the financial and insurance-related sectors. You could choose to become a stockbroker, fund manager, risk officer, actuary, financial manager, investment analyst or investment banker. Or you might decide to continue your research at PhD level.
The global business environment is more complex and interconnected than ever before. Major shifts can happen in a day. The pace of change keeps increasing.
The MSc Risk Management at GCU is designed for today - and industry recognises this. Double-accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and the Institute of Risk Management (IRM)
As a student, you'll gain the cutting-edge knowledge and practical skillset to navigate the complexities and challenges of risk management in today's world.
GCU is a global leader in risk management education and research. Our experts pursue high-impact research and investigate real-world problems in risk management. For example, we conducted a recent government-funded study assessing the risks associated with private finance in the construction industry and produced a recent report on the risks associated with e-commerce.
Our staff publish on subjects like insurance risk regulation, occupational health and safety, healthcare risk management, financial risk management and more - contributing to public knowledge and the common good.
In our thriving GCU community, we encourage every student and graduate to help build the common good as well. That means exploring ways to make a positive impact, whatever you do, wherever you go.
Enterprise Risk and Modelling
You will gain an understanding of the theory involved in contemporary risk management processes and practices; providing you with an understanding of the building techniques required to assemble a risk analysis model.
Global Perspectives on Risk
You will learn how to critically analyse a wide range of risks, including managerial, cultural, political, ethical and economic factors impacting on international businesses. You will also evaluate a range of risk management strategies and tactics available to international businesses.
Risk Financing and Insurance
You will learn the basic principles of risk finance, examine insurance theory and undertake a critical evaluation of insurance practice. Alternative risk financing methods such as options, futures, swaps and securitisation will also be analysed.
Business Continuity and Crisis Management
You will examine the relationship between risk management and business continuity management, study the key drivers of Business Continuity and the strategies involved when an organisation faces a crisis situation.
Ethics and Corporate Governance
This module explores the key issues in corporate governance and the extent to which the arrangements currently in place secure corporate accountability.
Personal and Professional Development
Enables you to identify, understand, develop and articulate your personal abilities in the context of your future career aspirations.
Research Methods
This module develops advanced skills related to a range of research methods needed for academic and practical research at masters level.
Dissertation
The final element of the programme is the dissertation, which provides you with an opportunity to design and undertake a piece of research in a selective area of risk management.
Our graduates are highly competitive candidates for job opportunities in the UK and across the world. Graduates find successful roles in risk management, risk analysis, risk co-ordination, insurance and business continuity management and more in a wide range of industry sectors including banking, insurance, consultancy, oil and gas, transport, and construction.
On this course, we will help you develop understanding and knowledge in the areas of risk analysis, risk and society, corporate risk, quantitative risk management, and the strategic use of insurance in risk management.
You will undertake research methods and a dissertation tailored towards risk management. This course provides you with all you need to establish your career path to a Chief Risk Officer position in the areas of healthcare, aviation, law, engineering, oil and gas, health and safety, and insurance.
It is recognised by the Chartered Insurance Institute, the world’s leading professional body for insurance and financial services. In addition, graduates automatically become affiliate members of the Institute of Risk Management.
This Masters degree provides you with knowledge of advanced finance concepts, whilst developing your quantitative, mathematical and research skills.
Taught by experienced academics based in both Leeds University Business School and the School of Mathematics, you’ll cover key topics including financial derivative pricing, discrete and continuous time models, risk management and portfolio optimisation, as well as statistical methods for finance.
You will be equipped with a rare combination of mathematical skills and the latest business finance knowledge, which is highly sought after in the financial sector by banks, investment and consultancy companies. It’s also excellent preparation if you’re interested in pursuing further academic research.
This course is ideal if you’ve previously studied finance, economics, mathematics, physics or computing, and are interested in applying your skills to financial markets.
Academic excellence
As a student, you will be able to access the knowledge of our advanced specialist research units, which also have strong links with leading institutions in the US, Europe and Asia. These include the Centre for Advanced Study in Finance (CASIF), the Institute of Banking and Investment (IBI) and the Credit Management Research Centre (CMRC).
This research makes an important contribution to your learning on the MSc Financial Mathematics; you will benefit from a curriculum that is informed by the latest knowledge and critical thinking.
You will also benefit from our strong relationships with the finance, credit and accounting professions. This provides a connection to the latest practitioner and policy developments, giving you a masters degree that is relevant to the contemporary environment.
In your first semester you’ll develop a broad understanding of corporate finance and how financial theory relates to practice in business and financial markets. This will put your mathematical studies into context while you develop your skills in applied statistics and probability, optimisation methods and discrete time finance.
You’ll build on these skills in topics such as continuous time finance, risk management and computational methods. You’ll also gain specialist knowledge in topics that suit your career ambitions such as risk and insurance, actuarial science and behavioural finance.
The programme will improve your research skills and allow you to study different research methodologies, including those employed by our own leading academics. This will prepare you for your dissertation – an independent research project on a topic of your choice that you’ll submit by the end of the year.
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
You'll also take two optional modules.
For more information on typical modules, read Financial Mathematics MSc in the course catalogue
We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These will include lectures, seminars, workshops, online learning and tutorials. Independent study is also vital for this course allowing you to prepare for taught classes and sharpen your own research and critical skills.
In addition to the assessed modules and research dissertation, you benefit from professional training activities and employability workshops. Thanks to our links with major companies across the business world, you can also gain a practical understanding of key issues.
Recent activities have included CV building and interview sessions, professional risk management workshops and commercial awareness events. For example, students have developed their knowledge of financial markets through a one-week trading simulation. Read more about professional development activities for postgraduate finance students.
Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. They include formal exams, group projects, reports, computer simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations.
This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life.
You have various opportunities open to you as a Financial Mathematics graduate, including: quantitative analysis, risk management, investment banking, financial consultancy, insurance, accounting and academia.
Previous graduates have gone on to secure employment with Allianz (London), AstraZeneca, Barclays, Cathay Life Insurance, CITIC Group, Commerzbank, Deloitte, First Direct, Gaz de France, HSBC, KPMG, Moody’s, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Royal Bank of Scotland, RSA and UK Government Actuary’s Department.
We help you to achieve your career ambitions by providing professional development support and training as part of the course. You benefit from the support of a professional development tutor, who will work with you to develop the important professional skills that employers value.
Read more about our careers and professional development support.
The University of Leeds Careers Centre also provides a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website
Demand is growing worldwide for experts who have the technical skills to measure and manage financial risk. This masters degree prepares you to meet these requirements, equipping you to respond to emerging developments in the global capital and money markets.
You’ll gain comprehensive knowledge of essential topics including the dynamics of financial markets, the causes and effects of financial risk and professional practices for measuring and managing portfolio risk. You can also choose optional modules allowing you to specialise in areas such as accounting, international banking and security investment analysis.
Learning from highly qualified teaching staff involved in world-class research in financial risk management, you’ll test your knowledge in genuine business scenarios during practical case study exercises and simulations. Thanks to our excellent links with industry and commerce, you’ll gain an understanding of the latest challenges in financial markets worldwide.
Academic excellence
As a student you will be able to access the knowledge of our advanced specialist research units, which also have strong links with leading institutions in the US, Europe and Asia. These include the Centre for Advanced Study in Finance (CASIF), the Institute of Banking and Investment (IBI) and the Credit Management Research Centre (CMRC). This research makes an important contribution to your learning on the MSc Financial Risk Management; you will benefit from a curriculum that is informed by the latest knowledge and critical thinking.
You will also benefit from our strong relationships with the finance, credit and accounting professions. This provides a connection to the latest practitioner and policy developments, giving you a masters degree that is relevant to the contemporary environment.
The course builds your understanding of essential topics such as corporate finance and applies financial theory to practical problems. You’ll study financial modelling, risk and insurance, managing portfolio risk and derivatives. You’ll also undertake professional skills training throughout the year to help you develop the critical skills to apply your knowledge into the workplace.
Beyond these core areas of study, you’ll be able to specialise in areas that suit your career plans with your choice of optional modules. You’ll take at least one of Behavioural Finance or Discrete Time Finance, and can choose from topics such as forensic accounting and finance, international banking and finance or information and organisation design.
You’ll also develop your knowledge of research methods in finance and by the end of the year, you’ll be prepared to design and carry out your own research dissertation on a related topic of your choice, developing your ability to tackle the most pressing challenges currently facing the industry.
Compulsory modules
You’ll study eight compulsory modules including your dissertation.
Optional modules
You’ll also take two optional modules. One of these must be either Behavioural Finance or Discrete Time Finance.
For more information on typical modules, read Financial Risk Management MSc in the course catalogue
We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These will include lectures, seminars, workshops, online learning and tutorials. Independent study is also vital for this course allowing you to prepare for taught classes and sharpen your own research and critical skills.
In addition to the assessed modules and research dissertation, you benefit from professional training activities and employability workshops. For example, students have developed their knowledge of financial markets through a one-week trading simulation delivered in partnership with Amplify Trading. Read more about our professional skills activities for finance students.
Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. They include formal exams, group projects, reports, computer simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations.
This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life.
Graduates of this course are equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue a range of career options within finance, including risk management, credit risk analysis, derivatives, insurance and finance research.
Previous graduates have gone on to work for a variety of financial institutions, investment banks, regulators and standard setters, international insurers, asset managers, underwriters and investment funds.
This degree is also an excellent qualification for individuals seeking to pursue further postgraduate research.
We help you to achieve your career ambitions by providing professional development support and training as part of the Masters programme. You benefit from the support of a Professional Development Tutor, who will work with you to develop the important professional skills that employers value.
We’re committed to offering a wide range of development and training opportunities. Recent activities have included field trips to corporate headquarters, CV building and interview sessions, professional risk management workshops and commercial awareness networking events.
Read more about our careers and professional development support.
The University of Leeds Careers Centre also provides a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate.
