MSc
Finance MSc
Finance

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Postgraduate EventsApply Now

Key Information

Duration

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Start Date

September 2023

Typical Offer

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

Duration

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Start Date

September 2024

Typical Offer

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

Academic Years

Course Overview

Deregulation, globalisation, and the effect of the worldwide economic crisis across international stock markets have led to a growing interest in the subject of finance. Professionals in today's market need to be adept at managing investments of both a financial and economic nature, and use sound and informed judgement in order to make crucial decisions.

Lincoln's MSc Finance degree is designed to provide a framework for consolidating and enhancing students' finance and economics skills. It offers students the ability to explore practice in the context of relevant contemporary theory and research. Students can go beyond the fundamental theories to study advanced techniques, with a focus on quantitative methods and developing critical-thinking skills. The programme is both quantitative and research-orientated in nature and makes use of industry-level databases such as Bloomberg. The degree is open to students who have not studied finance before but who have a background in quantitative methods.

Course Overview

Deregulation, globalisation, and the effect of the worldwide economic crisis across international stock markets have led to a growing interest in the subject of finance. Professionals in today's market need to be adept at managing investments of both a financial and economic nature, and use sound and informed judgement in order to make crucial decisions. Ethical and professional conduct is required to navigate the industry which has come under close scrutiny.

Lincoln's MSc Finance is designed to provide a framework for consolidating and enhancing students' finance and economics skills. It offers students the ability to explore practice in the context of relevant contemporary theory and research. Students can go beyond the fundamental theories to study advanced techniques, with a focus on quantitative methods and developing critical-thinking skills. The programme is both quantitative and research-orientated in nature and makes use of industry-level databases such as Bloomberg. The degree is open to students who have not studied finance before but who have a background in quantitative methods.

Why Choose Lincoln

Access to industry-standard Bloomberg Terminal

Explore contemporary theory and research

Hear from expert industry speakers

Real-world experience of the Stock Exchange

Complete a dissertation in a specialist area

A student writing in a seminar room

How You Study

The taught element of the programme consists of eight compulsory modules, split over two terms. Following the taught element, students are expected to complete the final master's stage of the programme through a dissertation supported by a research methods module.

Learning and teaching methods can include lectures, seminars, computer-based lab-classes, experiment, and independent study. These will vary according to the subject matter and module.

Each module typically consists of two weekly teaching hours over a teaching term of 12 weeks, plus assessment. Hours of study may vary from term to term for both full and part-time students and can be spread throughout the week.

Part-time students will complete the programme within two years, and the programme structure will be at the discretion of the programme leader. Part-time students will generally study two modules per term, equating to four hours of contact time per week.

Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend four to six hours in independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.

How You Study

The taught element of the programme consists of eight compulsory modules, split over two terms. Following the taught element, students are expected to complete the final master's stage of the programme through a dissertation supported by a research methods module.

Learning and teaching methods can include lectures, seminars, computer-based lab-classes, experiment, and independent study. These will vary according to the subject matter and module.

Each module typically consists of two weekly teaching hours over a teaching term of 12 weeks, plus assessment. Hours of study may vary from term to term for both full and part-time students and can be spread throughout the week.

Part-time students will complete the programme within two years, and the programme structure will be at the discretion of the programme leader. Part-time students will generally study two modules per term, equating to four hours of contact time per week.

Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend four to six hours in independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Bond Markets and Investment Analysis 2023-24FIN9097MLevel 72023-24This module provides students with a chance to develop an understanding of the concepts and theory of portfolio analysis with a focus on straight bonds. It explores the analytical framework of bond management techniques and also seeks to introduce and evaluate the measures of investment funds performance. The module is designed to complement the Portfolio Analysis module by providing opportunities to explore how bond pricing works in conjunction with the term structure and credit risk. The module unit is also designed to enable students to develop a conceptual understanding of how investment funds performance can be evaluated.CoreCorporate Finance 1 2023-24FIN9006MLevel 72023-24Corporate Finance introduces the constructs of financial management decision making in modern firms and focuses on investment appraisal and the financing of the firm, dividend policy, capital structure and risk. It will familiarise students with the major theoretical developments and practices in the areas of corporate finance, and aims to encourage students to develop critical thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of diverse practices in areas of capital budgeting, dividend policy, capital structure and risk analysis. Throughout the module students will be expected to draw upon their own experiences and relate these to the theories, concepts and methods being presented.CoreCorporate Finance 2 2023-24FIN9007MLevel 72023-24Following from Corporate Finance 1, this module looks further into the topic of Corporate Finance and advances the perspective that modern organisations can use the ideas of Modern Financial Theory (MFT) to enhance shareholder wealth through the use of derivatives, for example, to manage cash flow volatility. The module then moves to present a detailed analysis of the assumptions of the classical approach to Corporate Finance, by analysing the standard assumptions and presenting other approaches to the understanding of MFT. These are mainly the implications of alternative modus operandi of financial logic, mainly from the perspective of behavioural finance.CoreDissertation and Research Design for Finance 2023-24FIN9105MLevel 72023-24The dissertation provides the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to reflect critically on the aspects relating to their Master's programme. The vehicle will be the researching and writing of a dissertation, based on the methods delivered in the pre-requisite QM modules. The dissertation is the capstone of the Master's learning process and allows the student to demonstrate mastery in scholarship of a programme related topic that they have selected in amalgamation with supervisory tutors.CoreFinancial Reporting 2023-24FIN9066Level 72023-24Concerned with the preparation and analysis of published financial statements, this module looks at the framework within which accounts are created and considers the role of those statements. There will be the opportunity to explore relevant professional practice, theory and research in respect of the accounting framework and how these relate to finance in contemporary organisations, as well as the development of a critical perspective in respect of the information contained in, and omitted from, published financial statements.CoreInternational Macroeconomics and Finance 2023-24FIN9026MLevel 72023-24This module equips students with an in-depth and applied-oriented understanding of theoretical and empirical problems addressed in the field known as International Finance (also known as International Macroeconomics / Open Macroeconomics) and to bring students up to the research frontier in International Finance. It draws heavily on financial modelling and financial econometrics.CorePortfolio Analysis 2023-24FIN9010MLevel 72023-24This module aims to provide concepts and theory of portfolio analysis with a focus on equities. It explores the analytical framework of asset pricing models and introduces the concepts associated with efficient market hypothesis. The module makes use of data driven information platforms and integrated analytics software, e.g. Bloomberg, which draws upon statistical concepts of mean, variance, covariance and correlation and uses basic rules pertaining to these.CoreQuantitative Methods for Economics and Finance I 2023-24FIN9027MLevel 72023-24This module provides students with an opportunity to develop their understanding relating to the background of statistical methods for primary research. Students will engage with statistical software, such as Eviews, to apply quantitative analytical techniques to sets of data.CoreQuantitative Methods for Economics and Finance II 2023-24FIN9028MLevel 72023-24The aim of this module is to build on the work in Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance I while focusing on specific quantitative analytical techniques. The models examined are: Dynamic, ARIMA, GARCH, VAR and ECM, among others. The EViews statistical software and the BLOOMBERG data provider are essential to the learning objectives and assessment of the module.CoreLincoln Student Managed Investment Fund - Masters 2023-24FIN9106MLevel 72023-24Initiated from 2015 and officially founded in 2018, the LSMIF is set up with a structure similar to any other professionally run fund management company with students running every aspect of the fund, from CEO to analyst. It is one of only few of this kind in the United Kingdom. The fund uses money raised from donors to invest in shares of companies listed on London Stock Exchange. It is organized, run and managed the same way as an investment company in the real world. The fund has got sponsorship and advisory support from UK leading wealth management companies such as Brewin Dolphin and Mattioli Woods with senior officers from them joining the Board of Advisors. This fund gives students the opportunity to work as analysts, investment managers, CFO, CIO, CEO etc. Students also have the chances to meet, discuss and learn from experts in the field in Quarterly Investment Committee Meetings series. Students are given additional training relating to their works.Optional

              Modules

                          † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

                          Bond Markets and Investment Analysis 2024-25FIN9097MLevel 72024-25This module provides students with a chance to develop an understanding of the concepts and theory of portfolio analysis with a focus on straight bonds. It explores the analytical framework of bond management techniques and also seeks to introduce and evaluate the measures of investment funds performance. The module is designed to complement the Portfolio Analysis module by providing opportunities to explore how bond pricing works in conjunction with the term structure and credit risk. The module unit is also designed to enable students to develop a conceptual understanding of how investment funds performance can be evaluated.CoreCorporate Finance 1 2024-25FIN9006MLevel 72024-25Corporate Finance introduces the constructs of financial management decision making in modern firms and focuses on investment appraisal and the financing of the firm, dividend policy, capital structure and risk. It will familiarise students with the major theoretical developments and practices in the areas of corporate finance, and aims to encourage students to develop critical thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of diverse practices in areas of capital budgeting, dividend policy, capital structure and risk analysis. Throughout the module students will be expected to draw upon their own experiences and relate these to the theories, concepts and methods being presented.CoreCorporate Finance 2 2024-25FIN9007MLevel 72024-25Following from Corporate Finance 1, this module looks further into the topic of Corporate Finance and advances the perspective that modern organisations can use the ideas of Modern Financial Theory (MFT) to enhance shareholder wealth through the use of derivatives, for example, to manage cash flow volatility. The module then moves to present a detailed analysis of the assumptions of the classical approach to Corporate Finance, by analysing the standard assumptions and presenting other approaches to the understanding of MFT. These are mainly the implications of alternative modus operandi of financial logic, mainly from the perspective of behavioural finance.CoreDissertation and Research Design for Finance 2024-25FIN9105MLevel 72024-25The dissertation provides the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to reflect critically on the aspects relating to their Master's programme. The vehicle will be the researching and writing of a dissertation, based on the methods delivered in the pre-requisite QM modules. The dissertation is the capstone of the Master's learning process and allows the student to demonstrate mastery in scholarship of a programme related topic that they have selected in amalgamation with supervisory tutors.CoreFinancial Reporting 2024-25FIN9066Level 72024-25Concerned with the preparation and analysis of published financial statements, this module looks at the framework within which accounts are created and considers the role of those statements. There will be the opportunity to explore relevant professional practice, theory and research in respect of the accounting framework and how these relate to finance in contemporary organisations, as well as the development of a critical perspective in respect of the information contained in, and omitted from, published financial statements.CoreInternational Macroeconomics and Finance 2024-25FIN9026MLevel 72024-25This module equips students with an in-depth and applied-oriented understanding of theoretical and empirical problems addressed in the field known as International Finance (also known as International Macroeconomics / Open Macroeconomics) and to bring students up to the research frontier in International Finance. It draws heavily on financial modelling and financial econometrics.CorePortfolio Analysis 2024-25FIN9010MLevel 72024-25This module aims to provide concepts and theory of portfolio analysis with a focus on equities. It explores the analytical framework of asset pricing models and introduces the concepts associated with efficient market hypothesis. The module makes use of data driven information platforms and integrated analytics software, e.g. Bloomberg, which draws upon statistical concepts of mean, variance, covariance and correlation and uses basic rules pertaining to these.CoreQuantitative Methods for Economics and Finance I 2024-25FIN9027MLevel 72024-25This module provides students with an opportunity to develop their understanding relating to the background of statistical methods for primary research. Students will engage with statistical software, such as Eviews, to apply quantitative analytical techniques to sets of data.CoreQuantitative Methods for Economics and Finance II 2024-25FIN9028MLevel 72024-25The aim of this module is to build on the work in Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance I while focusing on specific quantitative analytical techniques. The models examined are: Dynamic, ARIMA, GARCH, VAR and ECM, among others. The EViews statistical software and the BLOOMBERG data provider are essential to the learning objectives and assessment of the module.CoreLincoln Student Managed Investment Fund - Masters 2024-25FIN9106MLevel 72024-25Initiated from 2015 and officially founded in 2018, the LSMIF is set up with a structure similar to any other professionally run fund management company with students running every aspect of the fund, from CEO to analyst. It is one of only few of this kind in the United Kingdom. The fund uses money raised from donors to invest in shares of companies listed on London Stock Exchange. It is organized, run and managed the same way as an investment company in the real world. The fund has got sponsorship and advisory support from UK leading wealth management companies such as Brewin Dolphin and Mattioli Woods with senior officers from them joining the Board of Advisors. This fund gives students the opportunity to work as analysts, investment managers, CFO, CIO, CEO etc. Students also have the chances to meet, discuss and learn from experts in the field in Quarterly Investment Committee Meetings series. Students are given additional training relating to their works.Optional

                          What You Need to Know

                          We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

                          What You Need to Know

                          We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

                          How you are assessed

                          Assessment methods reflect the differing theoretical and practical approaches and learning outcomes of each individual module. They include unseen written examinations and individual coursework.

                          Formative assessments, such as problem-solving in seminars or class tests, are integrated into the programme. Whether assessment is formative or summative, students will be offered feedback with the aim of ensuring that it contributes to the learning process. Some coursework and module projects will be marked and returned during the teaching period, providing written feedback and allowing students to make any necessary improvements before the final assessment.

                          The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

                          How you are assessed

                          Assessment methods reflect the differing theoretical and practical approaches and learning outcomes of each individual module. They include unseen written examinations and individual coursework.

                          Formative assessments, such as problem-solving in seminars or class tests, are integrated into the programme. Whether assessment is formative or summative, students will be offered feedback with the aim of ensuring that it contributes to the learning process. Some coursework and module projects will be marked and returned during the teaching period, providing written feedback and allowing students to make any necessary improvements before the final assessment.

                          The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

                          Bloomberg Terminal

                          Students can use our Bloomberg Terminal, which is designed to help industry professionals make better-informed investment decisions by offering the latest market news along with historical data and an international network to communicate securely and reliably. Bloomberg offers a practical resource for students to reinforce the theories they learn in lectures, and enable them to become familiar with the tools used by today’s financial services professionals.

                          An academic working with a student in the Bloomberg lab

                          Student Managed Investment Fund

                          Lincoln International Business School offers the Student Managed Investment Fund (LSMIF), which is an investment fund created, operated, and maintained by students within the school, with everything running within the real-world environment of finance.

                          Students will be managing real money with the with objective of making positive returns while managing risk. Industry veteran and long-time lecturer Hao Quach can help support the students throughout, utilising his years of experience in all aspects of investment banking and 20 years teaching in many countries.

                          Lincoln Economics and Finance Research

                          Our academics are involved in the Lincoln Economics and Finance Research Group (LEAF), which brings together economics and finance academics from Lincoln’s International Business School and School of Social and Political Sciences, graduate students, and a diverse network of collaborators, with the aim of facilitating the creation and diffusion of rigorous and policy relevant research as well as research skills within the University, the local community, and society at large.

                          Explore Our Research
                          A group of students working together in a seminar room

                          Industry Expertise

                          Lincoln International Business School has an experienced team of staff, which is made up of academically and professionally qualified lecturers with relevant industrial experience and finance experts with wide research interests. The School hosts a series of visiting speakers each year. As part of the School, students will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts. Previous speakers have included representatives from organisations such as Deloitte, Santander, HSBC, Innocent, The Institute of Internal Auditors and Sir David Tweedie (ex-Chairman of the IASB).

                          How to Apply

                          Postgraduate Application Support

                          Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.

                          How to Apply
                          A student listening in a seminar

                          Entry Requirements 2023-24

                          Entry Requirements

                          First or second class honours degree and grade B in GCSE Mathematics and evidence of quantitative methods or mathematics during an undergraduate degree (or A Level grade C or above in Mathematics).

                          Students from quantitative social sciences, engineering and IT backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Students are expected to demonstrate a sound working knowledge of mathematics and statistics.

                          Alternatively, prior work experience in a related field will be considered in place of a degree at the discretion of the teaching team.

                          If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

                          Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          Entry Requirements 2024-25

                          Entry Requirements

                          First or second class honours degree and grade B in GCSE Mathematics and evidence of quantitative methods or mathematics during an undergraduate degree (or A Level grade C or above in Mathematics).

                          Students from quantitative social sciences, engineering and IT backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Students are expected to demonstrate a sound working knowledge of mathematics and statistics.

                          Alternatively, prior work experience in a related field will be considered in place of a degree at the discretion of the teaching team.

                          If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

                          Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          Course Fees

                          You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

                          Course Fees

                          Course Fees

                          You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

                          Course Fees

                          Funding Your Study

                          Postgraduate Funding Options

                          Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

                          Explore Funding Options
                          Two students working on a laptop in a study space

                          Career Development

                          MSc Finance graduates may find opportunities across the financial sector in areas including banking, foreign exchange, sales, and financial risk assessment and management, while some students go on to pursue careers in research or academia.

                          Graduates from the Department of Accountancy, Finance, and Economics have gone on to secure roles as Finance Officer at The Woodland Trust; Graduate Career at Hang Seng Bank (a subsidiary of HSBC group), Hong Kong; Operations Analyst at Cantab Capital Partners LLP; Evaluation Analyst at Humankind Charity; Trainee Accountant at Dexter and Sharpe; and Accountant at Central Bank of Oman.

                          Academic Contact

                          For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.

                          Dr Geeta Lakshmi
                          glakshmi@lincoln.ac.uk

                          Working in Partnership

                          Lincoln International Business School works with students and organisations to enhance the contribution of business to society. For students, that means developing their business skills and knowledge to improve their career readiness.The University of Lincoln is a member of AACSB, a global nonprofit association connecting educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders.

                          About the AACSB
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                          Postgraduate Events

                          To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.

                          Upcoming Postgraduate Events
                          A group of students working together on a project
                          The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.