Finance MBA

Postgraduate

Two females chatting at a table looking into a laptop

Develop leadership, finance and strategic skills to excel in diverse business roles. Learn through practical tasks, expert teaching and industry exposure in London, a leading global business hub.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University London (City of London)

Study mode

Full-time
With Professional Placement

Duration

1 year full-time
Up to 2 years full-time with professional placement

Course code

LONT106

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
July 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

This course is ideal for you as an aspiring leader with a background in business or finance, equipping you with strategic, analytical and leadership skills to excel globally.

Develop strategies for managing change in dynamic business environments.
Use financial data for long-term strategic decision-making.
Explore technological innovation, ethical AI and capital market dynamics.

Global ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities

Icon of human figure in front of a whiteboard

Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field

Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

This course is for you if you want access to:

work experience opportunities: gain hands-on experience through internships, placements, and industry projects²
expert guidance: learn from academics with industry expertise and professional teaching accreditations (academics are subject to change)
industry connections: guest lectures provide invaluable insights into financial trends and practices (subject to availability)
Bloomberg: access industry-standard tools including Bloomberg Terminals, with opportunities to earn certifications like Bloomberg Market Concepts at no additional cost.^2,4

You will also have the opportunity to gain practical experience and boost your CV with an additional professional placement or a nine-week internship. See the modules for more details.

Accreditation and professional recognition

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This course is designed¹ to include the criteria set by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. It is expected that students who successfully pass the Leadership, Strategy and Change module will be eligible to gain the award as an additional qualification.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI)

Coventry University is a CISI education partner. This means you'll be offered the chance to take the Certificate in Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of the course at no additional cost.

Want to pursue further CISI qualifications? You can do so for a 50 per cent discount. Simply book through the CISI customer support team at customersupport@cisi.org. Please note that completing CISI exams outside of the course requires you to apply directly to CISI. There may be additional criteria and fees. For full details, visit the CISI website.

Immerse yourself in Coventry University London’s global community and emerge as a talented, career-ready graduate with an international outlook.

What you'll study

Modules

Leadership, Strategy, and Change – 30 credits

Explore how leaders navigate organisational change in today’s fast-paced, high-tech and unpredictable global environment. You’ll learn to align leadership with strategy, build high-performing teams and manage complex change processes. The focus includes tackling resistance to change, strategic alignment, and fostering creativity and innovation to drive success. Interactive activities, case studies and leadership development exercises ensure practical, hands-on learning.

This module is designed to include the criteria set out by the CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice¹.

Compulsory

Strategic Financial Management and Analysis – 30 credits

Discover how finance and strategy work together to achieve sustainable business success. This module covers everything from financial statement analysis and budgeting to incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into decision-making. You’ll also learn advanced techniques like investment appraisal and performance evaluation using tools like the Balanced Scorecard. The aim is to develop skills for strategic, sustainable and data-driven decision-making.

Compulsory

Financial Services and Innovation in the Digital Age – 30 credits

Explore how digital technologies like AI and FinTech are reshaping financial services. From challenger banks to innovative payment systems, this module dives into the business models and regulatory aspects of the evolving financial landscape. Through real-world case studies and industry insights, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how businesses adapt to and thrive in a tech-driven world.

Compulsory

Capital Market and Risk Management – 30 credits

Examine the structure of capital markets and how organisations manage various risks, including financial, market and credit risks. You’ll learn about risk assessment frameworks, regulations and strategies for mitigating risks in an ever-changing business environment. This is ideal for students aiming to become leaders in finance or risk management.

Compulsory

Master's with professional placement

If you successfully secure a placement in industry within your first semester, this master’s with professional placement option allows you to extend your 12-month master’s course up to an additional year to complete the placement before starting your final 60-credit module.

Gain valuable industry insights and skills as you apply your academic knowledge and skills to a professional placement.
The placement must be sourced and secured by you during your first semester. Our careers and employability team are available to support you with the sourcing process.
Start your professional placement after completing the first 120 credits of your course.
You’ll be assessed on your learning through the 60-credit Professional Placement Project (dissertation). This project will be linked to your professional placement experience.
The professional placement option is subject to additional fees, living costs, visa requirements, availability, competitive application and university approval of the placement.²

For full terms and conditions please visit the extended master’s landing page.

Optional

To complete your master’s, you will complete one of the following 60-credit modules:

Dissertation – 60 credits

Apply key learnings through an in-depth research project on a chosen topic. You will be guided by an academic supervisor to identify a research problem based on a literature gap or a real-world organisational issue. Through independent research, you will select appropriate methods, critically evaluate findings, and deliver meaningful insights and recommendations.

Building on research methods classes, you should strengthen skills in literature analysis, data collection and interpretation, supported by one-on-one supervision. Completing the dissertation should equip you with expertise in critical analysis, specialised knowledge in your topic, and the ability to present research findings clearly and logically.

If you have completed either a professional placement² or professional practice experience, your dissertation will be linked to it and will assess this experience.

Internship Project – 60 credits

Apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. Through a supervised nine-week internship, you will work on challenging and hands-on projects with industry mentors. You should develop critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills, while building a strong professional network. Our dedicated careers and employability team will guide you every step of the way from internship sourcing and application to completion.

You will be responsible for sourcing your nine-week internship by the end of semester two of your course. All internships are subject to university approval and will be completed during semester three of the course. Your final 60-credit project will be based on this experience.

Internship experiences are subject to additional living costs, availability, competitive application and university approval of the placement.

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.

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 contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may 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 study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to 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
practical coursework
assignments
viva
presentations.

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

The MBA Finance is an exciting, vibrant, intensive non-industry specific course that prepares students for successful careers in multi-discipline, business leadership and management roles globally. The course will develop students as individuals who are well-equipped to meet the leadership challenges of the future. They will, therefore, emerge from the course with well-developed powers of analysis, clear perspectives on strategy and strategic thinking, and highly effective communication and research skills, all of which are demanded by employers in the private, public, and third sectors.
Naima Parvin, MBA Finance Course Director, quoted in 2022

Brunette young lady smiling while sitting in front of a distinctive green wall.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) in any discipline. Evidence of relevant professional qualifications equivalent to Level 6 or at least two years relevant work experience will be considered.

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

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

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	£20,350 £1,500 professional placement fee (if placement secured)	Not available
EU	£20,350 per year with EU Support Bursary £1,500 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year with EU Support Bursary £20,350 per year without EU Support Bursary £1,800 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£20,350 £1,800 professional placement fee (if placement secured)	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

Career and employability support

Our dedicated team is on hand to help. They can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate-level jobs and offer skills development workshops. The team also aims to organise networking events to introduce you to potential employers and industry contacts (subject to availability).

Library services

Featuring around 100 study spaces including silent study areas, our library features a wide array of resources including books, journals, and online databases to support your studies. You’ll also benefit from expert staff guidance and tailored workshops to give you essential research skills. Services can be accessed remotely and as part of the library provision at University House.

Bloomberg Suite

Enter the world of finance with our Bloomberg Suite, using industry-standard software to analyse real-time data and market trends. Gain the experience and practical skills needed for a successful career in the global market.

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

Key positions that you might pursue on successful completion of the course:

Financial Analyst: evaluate financial data, provide insights, and help businesses make informed investment decisions by analysing market trends and company performance.
Investment Banker: help companies raise capital, advise on mergers and acquisitions, and facilitate large financial transactions, including private equity and IPOs.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO): oversee all financial activities within an organisation, including financial planning, risk management, record-keeping, and financial reporting to ensure the company's financial health.
Risk Manager: identify and analyse risks (financial, operational, or market) to the organisation and implement strategies to mitigate these risks, ensuring the company’s long-term stability.
Portfolio Manager: oversee investment portfolios for clients or institutions, making investment decisions based on risk tolerance, market analysis, and the client’s financial goals.
Financial Controller: manage the financial reporting process, ensuring the accuracy of financial statements, regulatory compliance, and efficient financial operations within the company.
Management Consultant: advise businesses on how to improve efficiency, solve financial problems, or restructure, often using financial analysis to guide strategic decision-making.
Hedge Fund Manager: be responsible for managing investment funds that use a variety of strategies, including leveraging, short-selling, and derivatives trading, to generate high returns for investors.
Private Equity Analyst: assess and invest in privately held companies, analysing financial performance and identifying opportunities for growth and profitability in the businesses they invest in.
Financial Planner/Advisor: help individuals manage their finances, providing advice on investments, retirement planning, tax strategies, and other financial decisions to meet personal financial goals.
Credit Analyst: evaluate the creditworthiness of individuals or companies applying for loans or credit, assessing financial statements and other factors to make lending recommendations.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Analyst: assist in the evaluation and execution of mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate restructuring transactions, analysing financial data to assess potential opportunities and risks.
Financial Risk Analyst: assess potential risks that could affect an organisation's financial performance, from market fluctuations to operational or credit risks, recommending strategies for risk management.

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

evaluate a comprehensive understanding of the current business and financial transformation landscape and critical awareness of the digitalisation changes that influence the functioning of the financial industry, particularly with the emergence of fintech
appraise capital market and financial implications of various financial risks including market risks, credit risk and operational risk in business and financial institutions
apply advanced strategic financial management principles to evaluate and optimise organisational performance, integrate sustainability into financial decision-making, and develop adaptive strategies that enhance shareholder value in a dynamic global business environment
critically analyse strategic leadership practices, integrating theory and practice to address strategy and changes in diverse global contexts to achieve balanced business outcome
demonstrate effective self-management and independence by employing rigorous reflective skills in planning, behaviour, and motivation to meet the demands of the field in investment, trading and risk management, taking responsibility for personal learning and continuous professional development aligned with clearly identified career goals
conduct independent and critical analysis of complex issues in the areas of investment and finance employing appropriate quantitative research methodologies, synthesise findings to formulate well-substantiated conclusions and recommendations, and effectively communicate the outcomes with innovation and rigour.

Where our graduates work

Successful graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies including:

McGraw Hill
Tesco
NatWest Bank
Munoth Hedge Fund
TaxGuru
China Construction Bank
Canara Bank
Citibank India
RBC
Boutique.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University London, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

How to apply

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

(+44) 024 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

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

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

(+44) 024 7765 2152

ioadmissions@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, partnerships and memberships

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. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

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.