Finance

This qualification is designed to support professional development and practice in a wide range of roles in finance, whether you are advancing in your career or aspiring to enter the sector, such as investment banking, portfolio management, corporate finance, treasury, and consultancy. It provides a thorough grounding in areas such as the financing of companies and other organisations, instruments and structures of financial markets, financial decision-making, valuation, mergers and acquisitions, and financial reporting. It develops competencies in applying statistical and econometric techniques and equips you with knowledge of the fundamentals of Islamic finance, business ethics, as well as corporate financial strategy and governance. You can choose to specialise either in derivatives and financial risk management or in investment and portfolio management.

To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits.



For module details please see "Course Web Page" above.

You must hold a bachelors degree awarded by a recognised UK university or equivalent. Please contact us if you hold a qualification that you believe is an equivalent level to a UK degree to ensure that it meets the requirements for admission.



Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend a minimum score of 6.5 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see their website for details (https://www.ielts.org/).



This diploma requires an aptitude for analytical and quantitative methods to engage with theories of finance and their applications. You should possess a good working knowledge of maths and be confident with spreadsheets. It would be advisable to self-assess your level of maths before registering for this qualification. To help you decide whether you are ready, you may want to try this diagnostic quiz.

2 years part-time study



How long it takes

Most students study the Postgraduate Diploma in Finance part-time, completing 60 credits a year over two years. Typically, this means 12–14 study hours each week. The minimum time to complete this qualification is 12 months.



You must complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Finance within five years.

See Course Web Page link for next start date.

Career relevance

This postgraduate qualification offers knowledge in a wide range of finance areas, including the corporate finance function, investments, banking and financial institutions, and risk management. You will gain both theoretical and practical insights into the workings of financial markets, securities valuation, understanding financial statements, risk management, and portfolio management. You will develop the skills and capabilities required by investment analysts, finance managers, finance directors, and chief financial officers. You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to support decision-making at higher levels of organisations by exploring issues related to ethics and corporate governance, reporting and disclosure, financing, and investment in uncertain and global business environments.



Prudent practice in finance is relevant across all sectors – public, private and voluntary. This qualification will therefore prepare you to work in the corporate sector, financial services, the banking industry, multinational organisations, and other sectors where analytical and decision-making tools for treasury, investment, and financing decisions are required.