Finance MSc

Postgraduate

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Learn real-world finance on a Bloomberg Trading Floor, gaining skills in asset pricing, data analysis and sustainability to prepare for a diverse career in today’s complex financial landscape.

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

CBLT007

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

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Course overview

The Finance MSc course builds a sound theoretical foundation that comprehensively explores the complex, dynamic interactions between corporations, financial markets and investors.

Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the course encourages you to assess governance and ethics, question norms and build systems-thinking skills.

Key course content includes:

Asset pricing: learn to value equity, debt and derivatives using industry standard techniques. Develop skills crucial for investment management and financial analysis roles, focusing on the accurate assessment and pricing of complex financial instruments.
Governance and sustainability: understand the financial and ethical challenges corporations face. Explore corporate governance, sustainability, and how businesses meet stakeholder expectations while addressing long-term social and environmental impacts, preparing you for responsible roles in diverse settings.
Data analysis: master key statistical techniques, including estimation, hypothesis testing and modelling. These skills should enhance your ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
Study one module at a time, with five weeks of learning followed by one week of assessment per module.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 11th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Practice simulated trading and other finance-related activities using a wide range of industry-standard demo software on our Bloomberg terminals⁴.
Access advanced learning facilities with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the Bloomberg Trading Floor and the EconLab⁴.
There will be opportunities for you to obtain Bloomberg Market Concept (BMC) and Environmental Social Governance (ESG) certifications at no additional cost.
Learn from professionals with industry and research experience and interact with expert guest practitioners and scholars of banking and finance (opportunities not guaranteed)².
You will examine contemporary developments at the forefront of the financial sphere.

What you'll study

Key areas of study include the valuation of equity, debt and derivative securities, addressing the financial and ethical challenges facing modern corporations, and applying statistical techniques for estimation, hypothesis testing and modelling. You’ll also explore contemporary issues in finance such as behavioural finance, and mergers and acquisitions.

Modules

Special Topics in Finance – 30 credits

Engage with advanced literature to develop a robust understanding of key topics in behavioural finance, mergers and acquisitions and institutional finance. Through case-based learning, you will apply theory to current global issues of policy and practice in the field of finance. You will analyse topics from multiple standpoints, such as influences of human behaviour in fund management and capital allocation, and tactical motivations behind mergers and acquisitions in complex scenarios.

Compulsory

Capital Markets and Security Analysis – 30 credits

Use Bloomberg and LSEG Workspace databases to analyse bonds and stocks, building a solid understanding of relevant theories and application. Working with real market data, you can experience hands-on learning that mirrors investment professionals’ environments.4 By exploring equity investment strategies, market timing and stock-picking based on fundamental and technical analyses, you should strengthen your skills in analysing complex systems, evaluating future scenarios, handling uncertainty and making responsible, data-driven decisions.

Compulsory

Data Analysis and Research Methods – 30 credits

Build essential skills for independent research, learning key quantitative methods used by financial analysts, economists, and investors. Using global financial data, you’ll practice descriptive analysis, estimation, hypothesis testing, and modelling, with a focus on interpreting results for economic and financial decisions. Set clear research goals, choose effective methods, and gain experience designing and evaluating research projects. Working with varied data sources should sharpen your analytical and reflective skills, preparing you for tomorrow's data-driven challenges.

Compulsory

Corporate Finance and Risk Management – 30 credits

Critically examine pivotal issues in the global corporate finance landscape. From finance, accounting and economic perspectives, you will explore the relevance of issues such as financial management, asset pricing, capital structure and pay-out policies. The module emphasises the implications of risk exposure and management in dynamic political, economic, financial, operational and regulatory environments.

Compulsory

Governance, Ethics and Sustainability – 30 credits

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal issues concerning sustainability, ethics and governance for the global financial and economic landscape. You will examine the influence of national and global regulations, corporate governance frameworks and ethical principles that drive sustainable and responsible business practices.

You will critically analyse the prevailing corporate governance norms, the allocation of decision-making powers, and their implications for businesses, economies, financial markets and society. Module content is designed to teach you the importance of balancing the needs of shareholders with the needs of society.

It will use the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to help you become a responsible leader who considers the ethical, social, and environmental impact of your decisions.

Compulsory

Postgraduate Project – 30 credits

Apply knowledge and insights from across the course to develop into an independent and ethical researcher. You will conduct a substantive research project related to your choice of topics in economics or finance to evidence intellectual, technical and analytical skills. You will receive personalised support and guidance from a dedicated supervisor and benefit from critical discussions and cross-fertilisation in group supervision sessions.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects
workshops
practical laboratory sessions.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching and learning hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours will vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent learning

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent learning which will make up the required study hours per module. You will be undertaking a variety of activities, learning through: guided background research, planning and preparation, studio activity, creative practice and making, reviewing what you’ve learned and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress towards the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

reports
tests
essays
exams
practical coursework
assignments
vivas
presentations.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above in any discipline or appropriate work experience in the financial sector together with relevant professional qualifications.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

An honours degree 2:2 or above in any discipline or appropriate work experience in the financial sector together with relevant professional qualifications.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with at least 6 in each component area

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £15,400 \| £19,400 (with prof. experience)	Not available
EU	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £15,400 \| £19,400 (with prof. experience) per year with EU Support Bursary 2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £20,050 \| £24,050 (with prof. experience) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £20,050 \| £24,050 (with prof. experience)	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The Trading Floor allows you to get hands-on with industry-standard software. Featuring contemporary dual-screen Bloomberg terminals, Fitch Connect and LSEG Workspace, the facility adds a dynamic practical element to your course.

Our Digital Economics lab (EconLab) is designed to model decision-making, market dynamics and policy impacts to teach core principles such as resource allocation, opportunity cost, and cooperation. It houses economics games which are used in education, research and policy testing, and provides you with specialist econometrics support.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

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Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 36 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Successful graduates may seek positions in the following job roles: investment analyst, financial services, corporate treasurer, compliance officer, wealth manager, risk officer, banking or finance manager.

Upon successful completion, you will be able to:

demonstrate a critical understanding of financial theories and principles, and the ability to constructively challenge their assumptions
appraise financial risk and associated risk management strategies and identify appropriate applications and limitations of portfolios and derivative instruments to manage risk exposure
evidence of the application of advanced mathematical and statistical methods for financial analysis, interpretation and decision-making
demonstrate critical awareness of the role and importance of effective corporate governance, ethical responsibility, professional accountability, civic contribution, and sustainability
execute research using critical judgement in the selection of methodological approaches, research techniques and tools
critically examine the operation and function of international financial markets and institutions and assess the significance of contemporary and innovative developments in finance
critique, interpret and apply financial frameworks and models to real-world unstructured finance scenarios
diagnostically deal with financial and investment complexities to produce viable solutions and utilise a variety of methods to communicate conclusions from both quantitative and qualitative analysis.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.

Full-time applications

If this course has a part-time option, you can apply here.

Part-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.