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MSc | Postgraduate Taught

Financial Risk Management

Entry year
Academic Year 2026/27
Entry requirements
2.2
Attendance
1 year (Full-time)
Places available
OPEN (Full Time)

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.

Queen’s University is ranked third in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Accounting and Finance (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025).

Financial Risk Management highlights

Professional Accreditations

This programme has an academic partnership with GARP (Global Association of Risk Professionals), supporting students in preparing for the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) examinations. Each year, several students are nominated to receive scholarships to take the FRM Exam 1 free of charge. Queen’s University Belfast is one of only 15 UK universities to hold academic partnership status with GARP through the MSc Financial Risk Management programme.
https://www.garp.org/academic-partners/list

This course is part of the PRMIA (Professional Risk Managers’ International Association) Risk Accreditation Programme, granting students exemptions from the Professional Risk Manager (PRM) Exam 1. The MSc Financial Risk Management at Queen’s University Belfast is one of only five MSc programmes in the UK included in the PRMIA Risk Accreditation Programme, and one of just 17 worldwide.
https://prmia.org/Public/Learning/University-Alliances/exemptions-university.aspx

Industry Links

Students are eligible for free membership of the Association of Insurance and Risk Managers in Industry and Commerce (AIRMIC), and each year, two students are nominated to receive bursaries to attend the AIRMIC conference.

Students also benefit from regular guest lectures and networking opportunities with industry professionals and academics.
https://www.airmic.com/

Career Development

Students may wish to join the Queen’s Student Managed Fund (QSMF) which provides students with the opportunity to manage and operate a real-money investment portfolio. Established in 2012, the fund transitioned to a real money fund in April 2016. Students currently manage funds of around £60,000 to £70,000 through one of our Gold Sponsors, Davy Group, Ireland’s leading provider of wealth management, asset management, capital markets and financial advisory services. QSMF is also generously supported by Citco, the world’s largest hedge fund administrator.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/qsmf/

World Class Facilities

The FinTrU Trading Room, which replicates New York and London trading environments, provides students with access to 26 Bloomberg terminals, trading simulations and other financial software.

The FinTrU Trading Room is embedded into taught programmes allowing students to relate real world news and market activity to economic and financial theory. The facility is also vital for supporting extra-curricular activities.

Queen’s Business School (QBS) has recently undergone an innovative expansion that establishes a benchmark of global excellence for one of the top business schools in the UK and Ireland. A stunning new 6,000 square metre building, adjacent to the listed red-brick Riddel Hall has been designed with the latest digital infrastructure for media lecture capture, TED Talk provision and collaborative breakout sessions.

Fostering an enhanced social and educational experience the new state-of-the-art QBS venue boasts a 250-seat tiered educational space; 120-seat Harvard style lecture theatre; 150-seat computer laboratory; breakout study spaces; FinTrU Trading Room; a café, and a Business Engagement and Employability Hub.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/fintru-trading-room/

Student Experience

Students will use and have access to software such as Bloomberg, CRSP, Compustat, DataStream and S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Read about student experiences at Queen's Business School, from local, national and international perspectives via the Student Experiences Blog.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/student-experiences-blog/

Student Testimonials

Course Structure

MSc Financial Risk Management is a year-long full-time programme delivered in-person. Students start with an intensive induction week before undertaking eight modules across the first and second semesters. In the final semester, students either study an Applied Research Project or Dissertation.

You’ll look at how organisations and investors evaluate and address risks to maximise the chances of achieving their objectives.

You’ll use the cutting-edge risk management tools and strategies used by leading financial firms and regulatory bodies. You have an interest in risk management and financial regulation and want a career in areas such as corporate risk, compliance, consultancy, or academia. You’ll gain exemptions from the Professional Risk Manager (PRM) exams.

Semester 1

Asset Pricing
Corporate Finance
Foundations of Risk Management
Financial Data Analytics

Semester 2

Derivatives
Financial Modelling in Python
Advanced Financial Data Analytics
Enterprise and Credit Risk Management

Semester 3

Choose 1 of these 2 options:
Applied Research Project
For those pursuing roles in the financial industry, the applied research project will be of significance. The module will review methods of company analysis, financial analysis, and various approaches to equity valuation. Students will have the opportunity to conduct independent research, undertake a valuation exercise, present their findings in a written report of industry standard and articulate their views in a presentation.

Or

Dissertation
For those intending to pursue an academic career or a research focused role the dissertation is an appropriate choice. For high performing students. The aim of the dissertation is to provide students with the skills needed for conducting theoretical and/or empirical research in finance. Meanwhile, students will be assigned an academic supervisor and will complete an independent piece of academic scholarship.

People teaching you

Programme Director

Corporate Finance
Email: y.tokbolat@qub.ac.uk

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:

Teaching Methods

The MSc Financial Risk Management programme equips you with advanced quantitative and analytical skills highly sought by leading financial institutions and regulatory bodies worldwide. It prepares you for diverse careers in risk management, corporate finance, consultancy, FinTech, and regulatory compliance.

Bridging theory and practice, many modules focus on applying risk management models through simulation and real-world case studies. This hands-on approach ensures you develop practical expertise, enabling you to effectively assess and manage financial risks in complex, dynamic environments.

Throughout the programme, you will engage with academic experts and industry practitioners through lectures, workshops, and networking opportunities. You will also benefit from access to cutting-edge technologies and resources that support your growth as an independent and lifelong learner, prepared to navigate the challenges of the global financial landscape.

At Queen’s Business School, we are committed to fostering an intellectually stimulating and supportive learning environment that encourages innovation, critical thinking, and best teaching practices. Our aim is to empower students to realise their full academic potential and to equip them with the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the business, economic, and civic sectors.

Teaching Times

Morning / Afternoon
Full-time option: modules are taught morning/afternoon/evening.

Assessment

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.

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Modules

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2025/26). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Derivatives (15 credits)
    Corporate Finance (15 credits)
    Asset Pricing (15 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.

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.

The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit the link below for more information.
http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicyQUB

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 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, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

  • Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
  • Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

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Careers

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/

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £8,950
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £8,950
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £10,400
EU Other 3 £26,500 (£6,000 discount, see T&Cs link below)
International £26,500 (£6,000 discount, see T&Cs link below)

£6,000 Scholarship available for 2026 entry. Click this link to view the Terms and Conditions.

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:

1.1  Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications. 

1.2  International applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure their place on the course. The current mandatory tuition fee deposit payment is £1000 International (Non- EU & EU except ROI). 

1.3  This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.

Read the full terms and conditions at the link below:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/postgraduate/tuition-fees/deposit-refunds-policy/

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.

A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus