Financial Risk Management

The MSc in Financial Risk Management offers a comprehensive education in how organisations and investors identify, evaluate, and manage risks to maximise the likelihood of achieving their strategic objectives.



This programme equips students with the latest financial risk management tools and strategies used by leading financial institutions. The academic team combines cutting-edge research expertise with valuable industry experience to deliver a rigorous and practical learning experience.



Graduates are well-prepared for careers in corporate risk, compliance, consultancy, and academia, and benefit from exemptions from the Professional Risk Manager (PRM) exams.

Core Modules

Derivatives (15 credits)

Corporate Finance (15 credits)

Financial Data Analytics (15 credits)

Foundations of Risk Management (15 credits)

Credit and Enterprise Risk Management (15 credits)

Dissertation (MSc Financial Risk Management) (60 credits)

Asset Pricing (15 credits)

Advanced Financial Data Analytics (15 credits)

Financial Modelling in Python (15 credits)

Applied Research Project (60 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a strong 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Mathematics, Accountancy, Finance, Economics or other relevant quantitative subject. Science and Engineering disciplines will be considered where there is a significant mathematical component. Performance in relevant modules must be at UK 2:2 Honours standard (or acceptable equivalent).



We welcome applications from a diverse range of applicants so will also consider previous work experience alongside academic qualifications. Prior experiential learning in quantitative analysis, Mathematics or Finance based subjects in lieu of academic qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 14th August 2026 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: international applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure a place on this course.

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

Assessment is by a variety of methods, including individual coursework, group work, oral presentations, simulations, case studies, class tests, examinations and dissertation or work-based research project.

1 year (Full Time).

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

As many financial firms continue to expand their risk management functions, this programme opens a wide range of exciting career opportunities. These include applying cutting-edge quantitative modelling techniques, collaborating with traders to develop bespoke financial products, and managing and monitoring portfolio and product risks.



For further opportunities to enhance your studies and career prospects please see the school website.

https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/



Employment after the Course

Graduate prospects from the MSc Financial Risk Management are excellent; culminating in Queen’s being ranked third in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Accounting and Finance (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025). Graduates from this programme have secured roles with employers such as Royal Bank of Scotland, BNY Mellon, Citi, PwC, EY, Intel, and many others. Typical roles include financial and data analysts, risk managers, management consultants, and project managers.

https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/