Aerial view of container shipping port operations with bar chart illuminations superimposed

MSc Financial Management

Skip to section

    Key information

    Mode of delivery
    Online
    Start date
    Open enrolment
    Duration
    Varies
    Qualification
    MSc

    Contact

    Contact our enquiries team

    Contact us

    Overview

    Designed to impart specialist knowledge of the foundations and dynamic nature of finance, the MSc degree helps students make a vital contribution to the financial strength of their business.

    Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University's online MSc Financial Management degree has been designed to give financial professionals the ability to make a crucial contribution where it matters most in business, at the bottom line. It provides a wide-ranging understanding of financial techniques and their application – but does not require a high-level mathematical  understanding of finance theories.

    You will engage in a specialist study of the key areas of: corporate finance, mergers, investments, derivatives, credit risk and risk management. The knowledge you gain can be applied in practical ways. Careers in the sector depend upon a strong understanding of the foundations and dynamic nature of finance and investment behaviour. The MSc will give you that, preparing the way for a career in a wide variety of positions within the finance profession.

    Degree duration

    It takes approximately 200 study hours per course. On average, it takes four years to complete a full MSc, but it can be completed faster or over a longer period. You can choose your own pace by picking up or setting aside your studies whenever it suits you best. Your schedule always takes priority.

    Online learning delivery

    Our progressive course materials are made available online through our virtual learning environment (VLE). The VLE links you with our expert academics and course materials through videos, webinars, articles, journals, assessments and discussion boards. With us, it's completely up to you when and where you sit your exams and you need only pay for one at a time. You can choose when to sit your exams and if you need to rearrange, that's no problem either. To find out more about the degree structure, resources and support please visit our Online learning delivery and support pages.

    Student support

    Even the most gifted and most confident of students need a little help from time to time. Whether you study online at home or with a learning partner you're never far from the support of our faculty and your fellow learners. Additional support is available through optional online tuition and revision sessions and other online resources such as tests, practice essays, collaborative discussion forums where you can engage with your fellow students around the world and tools to help you track your progress through the course materials.

    Course content

    Year 1

    The MSc Financial Management covers a wide ranging understanding of financial techniques, which will give you the skills and knowledge you need to progress in your career.

    The degree comprises of five mandatory courses, and four optional. Courses are assessed by a Final Online Assessment. Pass this and join our global network of Edinburgh Business School graduates and business professionals.

    Degree structure

    Any semester
    Core
    • Financial Decision Making
    • Advanced Financial Decision Making
    • Lending & Credit Risk Analysis
    • Financial Derivatives
    • Managing Financial Risk
    Optional
    • Developing and Executing Strategy
    • Economics for Business
    • Mergers, Acquisitions and Restructuring
    • Quantitative Methods
    • Research Methods for Business

    Detailed degree guide

    Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills

    • An understanding of the basic mathematical foundations of finance, which will give the ability to value different financial assets;
    • The ability to identify and isolate the key factors that are fundamental to the valuation of companies and their investments;
    • Being able to develop an understanding of finance and the related subjects that permits an integrated view of the different subjects when confronted with complex financial issues or problems;
    • By the end of the course the student should have the ability and skills developed from the different subjects to analyse key corporate decisions and contribute effectively to a company.

    Approaches to Teaching and Learning

    The MSc Financial Management is an applied programme aimed at working professionals, providing them the opportunity to reflect on their own practice using contemporary theory in the management field. The programme is designed at the intersection of theory and practice and courses are oriented towards exploration of real-life examples and case studies.

    The programme is entirely modular and delivery is flexible, operating a learning rather than a teaching model and each course is designed for self-study. All courses are designed around a comprehensive online offering that contains all necessary learning materials and guidance for students to successfully complete their studies. A key part of this is the opportunity for students to engage with each other as part of a global multicultural learning community.

    In addition to the online offering the programme is available via Approved Learning Partners.

    Assessment Policies

    With the exception of the project, all courses are examined by written examination. Assessment includes objective questions (where appropriate), case studies and essays.  All courses are examined three times per year aligned to Heriot-Watt University's two semesters and the summer period.

    The pass mark for all courses is 50%. A candidate must pass all required course units to be eligible for an award. Failing candidates are allowed a single resit in each course.

    Assessment for H11PJ is by 100% coursework. One re-assessment opportunity is permitted (coursework re-submission).

    Fees and funding

    Tuition fees

    Additional fee information

    Standard fee

    Per course: £1,248
    Full programme: £11,232

    Emerging Economies fee

    Per course: £848
    Full programme: £7,632

    All course fees include one assessment attempt. Each attempt after this point will be charged at £160.

    If you want to enrol in live tuition for any or all of course courses, you can opt to at an additional charge. For more information, download the programme prospectus.

    Scholarships and bursaries

    Each year Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University makes available a number of scholarships and discounts to help students to achieve one of our awards.

    Entry requirements

    Typically you will hold a recognised first or second class honours degree, or equivalent professional qualification. Students whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language must provide evidence of their English language proficiency.

    Rewarding previous study

    Edinburgh Business School recognises that some students entering our online MBA or MSc programmes will have completed prior academic study in subjects that align closely to certain EBS courses.

    The qualification being presented for exemption consideration should have been gained within the last five years. Qualifications gained over five years ago may be considered if additional supporting evidence shows that you have kept abreast of the current developments in the subject area.

    Exemptions are considered only on the basis of qualifications which have been gained through formal assessment. No consideration will be given for life/work experience. 

    Exemption from mandatory and optional courses may be granted on the basis of master's/postgraduate level qualifications and professional qualifications only. Undergraduate level qualifications cannot be considered.

    Exemptions will not be awarded on the basis of courses which have been used towards the award of another degree (of the same discipline) at Master's level, whether this was awarded by Heriot-Watt University or any other institution. For example, a student who has gained an MSc in Accounting will not be given an exemption in Accounting from Edinburgh Business School's MBA or MSc degree programmes.

    Exemption eligibility

    If you would like to enquire about your eligibility, please complete an Exemption Application Form.  

    Why Heriot-Watt?

    Flexibility and affordability

    Study at a time and pace that suits you, and even while you work. HW Online offers pay-as-you-study courses and fees inclusive of exams and study materials, meaning you can focus on success, not extra costs.

    Online events

    We host online events throughout the year, giving you the opportunity to speak to our academic teaching staff, meet students, find out what it is like to study using our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and discover how to enrol.

    Your career

    Employers around the world actively seek out our graduates because they are work-ready. All our degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of industry. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.

    Online tutoring and revision

    We offer live tutoring and revision sessions with highly experienced tutors from our global network of teaching partners. You can choose the session which best suits your needs, such as time of day, duration and structure.

    Lifelong connections

    Upon completing your studies you will automatically join the UK's oldest alumni association The Watt Club, with 147k members worldwide.

    Get degree news and updates

    Subscribe now

    Related programmes