Financial Management

Stage 1

You will develop your knowledge and skills in financial analysis and understand the relevant theories for critically evaluating financial information and financial markets. You will learn to use various models and techniques for analysing the complex issues which arise during the business decision-making process.

Stage 2

You will analyse financial management practices and learn to apply a range of analytical and financial skills. You will learn to evaluate and manage financial opportunities and risks. Communication, presentation, numeracy, IT and group interaction skills will also be enhanced.

Stage 3

The Capstone module is designed to provide you with an opportunity to integrate master's level knowledge and skills by independently working on a research focused project from a degree related discipline. Personal and professional skills such as research, communication and presentation skills will be developed.

Extended Master's

We offer an extended Master’s route, starting in September, on our traditional 1-year route which incorporates a 12 month placement. This route has a duration of 24 months, and will follow the same teaching programme as the 1 year course. You will receive training, guidance and support to support you through the recruitment and selection stages for the jobs on offer from our dedicated Employability and Enrichment Hub team.

Student stories

Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:

On Campus Study

You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshop sessions. These provide a mix of group study, discussion, simulation and presentations of findings by teams and individuals. Access to our virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle, is also provided giving you access from home to learning materials (including videos, e-books and journals).

You will also have access to Datastream, FAME and Osiris, which offer company insights and fundamentals and a host of market data.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 20 students per group, 8 hours per week
• Seminars - 15 students per group, 2/3 masterclasses per session, typically of 2 hours
• Tutorial - 10 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Project Supervision - 1 student per group, 30 hours per term (Capstone)
• Practical class or workshop - 10 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Independent Study - 1 student per group,38 hours per week (Terms 1 & 2)
• Independent Study - 1 student per group, 570 hours Term 3 (Capstone)

How long is a Financial Management course?

This Financial Management course can be successfully completed within 1 - 3 years. This is to include independent study, coursework preparations, lectures and other activities.

Independent Study

The course encourages you to work autonomously and to take responsibility for your own learning and professional development. In addition to lectures and tutorials you will spend approximately 38 hours per week outside of class working on your own. This involves undertaking prescribed reading, preparing for tutorial assignments, team meetings and researching and writing course reports.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

• 1 written exams, typically for 2 hours
• 8 written assignments, including essays
• 1 Capstone project
• 1 class test
• 1 project report (if Business Consultancy option selected in Capstone)
• 2 oral assessments (Presentation)

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Staff Delivering on This Course

You will benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our teaching staff of which several are members of the UK Accounting Institutes and nationally recognised for their participation at senior level in several bodies.

Our staff have either achieved Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, or are working towards this. This is a professional recognition of lecturer practice, impact and leadership in teaching and learning.

Other staff members include industry professionals, guest lecturers who deliver presentations in areas such as Fund Management and Investment Banking and staff with research experience. Guest lectures are also organised to cover the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct of the CFA Institute as part of the University Affiliation Program.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Job Prospects

An understanding of finance is a must for managers of all companies whether local, national or international. Careers in finance are no longer limited to the traditional areas such as banking, and include a range of opportunities like credit analysis, risk management, investment analysis, fund management and corporate financial management.

For practicing accountants, this course will allow you to specialise within the industry, opening up a wide variety of career development opportunities within a number of different contexts, for example, accounting, finance, audit or economics. For those who are new to financial management, this course will allow you to develop the practical skills, knowledge and understanding required to enter into, and develop your career within, the profession.

Is studying Financial Management a good career choice?

Employment opportunities exist within:

• commercial companies
• wholesale and retail domestic and international banks
• accountancy and consultancy firms
• fund managers and investment institutions as brokers, dealers, analysts and compliance staff

The qualification can also be a stepping stone for advanced research degrees (e.g., PhD) in finance.

12 Month Placement

For those on our Extended Master’s route (24 months Full Time On Campus) you will have the opportunity to embark on a 12 month placement on completion of the teaching programme.

Placement opportunities are real jobs in an extensive range of organisations from small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to global multinationals, and is an excellent way to test your academic knowledge, develop transferable skills and develop your business networks. The employing organisation is likely to be a source of rich data for the Capstone module and you will be encouraged to research an organisational issue of your choosing – likely identified through discussion with the placement employer.  You will also complete a reflective e-portfolio which captures the skills development through the placement period.  

Throughout the placement you will be assigned both a workplace mentor and an academic mentor and will receive ongoing support to enhance your career development.

N.B. You are responsible for finding the placement, with support from the placement team, and as such the University cannot guarantee that all students will be successful in securing a placement. If unsuccessful, your course fee attached to the work experience element will be refunded.

What is needed for an MSc in Financial Management?

• Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in any subject discipline.
• Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

International Students 

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.