Masters in Financial Risk Management
One of our flagship Masters programme with a leading global reputation for over 10 years and the first one in the UK to be accredited by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP).
At a glance
- Enhance your career prospects in one of the most sought after areas of finance
- Study one of the most recognised risk management Masters courses in the UK
- Develop your professional skills by studying for GARP FRM Part I as part of the course and benefit from the programme’s accreditation by GARP
- Focus on highly specialised topics such as market risk, financial instruments and credit risk
- Benefit from additional professional exam exemptions from PRMIA and CISI
- Level
- Masters
- Subject area(s)
- Finance (ICMA Centre)
- Award
- MSc
- Duration
- 9 months / 12 months
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Locations
- Whiteknights campus (Reading)
- Programme Director
-
Dr Konstantina Kappou
This Masters course is tailored to the needs of the rapidly evolving financial markets, providing you with an insight into new innovations in the area of risk management. The financial system has undergone major restructuring in preparation for the new regulatory frameworks, affecting existing roles and creating different skillset requirements within risk management divisions of financial institutions.
Through our long-term academic partnerships and accreditations by leading professional bodies, the MSc Financial Risk Management offers a relevant learning experience, combining a practice focused approach and current market intelligence. You will also benefit from exemptions to professional certifications from leading professional bodies worldwide.
The MSc Financial Risk Management is accredited by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). The degree syllabus is enhanced with the most up to date professional practices in the area of risk management. This course integrates applied academic knowledge to industry needs and provides you a competitive advantage. Integral to the academic course is the parallel study of the GARP FRM Part I certificate. Upon successful completion of this degree, you will be registered to take the FRM Part I examination.
COVID-19 update
Find out about how we'll be delivering our courses in 2020.
UK & EU students: £17,900
Please note there is a one-off £30 application fee (one charge regardless of how many courses you apply for). You can pay this by credit/debit card at this link (please contact us if you require details of alternative payment methods).
Living expenses are in addition to the above fees. Overseas full-time participants can expect to spend approximately £9,400 on additional living expenses during the course of their studies. Home/EU full-time participants can expect to spend approximately £8,000 on additional living expenses during the course of their studies.
Scholarships
We offer a number of scholarships for EU/UK and international applicants with excellent academic performance as well as for international applicants with work experience, covering up to £5,000 of the cost of the programme.
For a full list of scholarships, visit our scholarships webpage.
Current scholarships
Part 1 Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Financial Markets (ICM106)The module provides the economic framework for understanding the global financial system and financial markets, financial institutions, market players and the importance of liquidity and price efficiency. Participants will gain an understanding of the international stock and bond markets, ‘repo’ markets (for borrowing/ lending on a secured basis). The module also introduces foreign exchange, money markets and futures markets (which are developed in more detail in optional Part 2 modules) and also focuses on specific markets for commodity and energy. Academic authors
Emeritus Professor Brian Scott-Quinn
Dr Alfonso Dufour
|
20 |
Quantitative Methods for Finance (ICM103)The module covers the building blocks of econometrics and analytical techniques used in finance. Via case studies and computer modelling exercises, students learn how to apply these techniques to real data. Emphasis is placed on practical applications of the techniques in the global financial markets. |
20 |
Securities, Futures and Options (ICM107)This module provides an overview of the key building blocks in modern finance theory and introduces techniques for analysing and valuing different classes of risky assets such as equities and derivatives contracts. It also develops ways of optimally selecting portfolios of such assets and develops models of how these portfolios can be priced in financial markets. The techniques introduced in this module are widely applied in other elements of the programme. The module includes simulated trading sessions in our state of the art dealing rooms, where participants are introduced to real world pricing and trading strategies (INVEST sessions). Academic authors
Dr Konstantina Kappou
|
20 |
Fixed Income and Equity Investments (ICM108)Fixed Income and Equity Investments deals with the valuation of fixed income and equity securities. The module focuses on the basic characteristics of these securities and the strategies used for estimating their fundamental value and assessing their risk. Its primary aim is to discuss how certain characteristics and relationships can affect the value of fixed income and equity securities and how can they be exploited to form optimal investment strategies or for the purpose of conducting financial analysis. The analytical techniques introduced in this module are widely applied in other elements of the programme. Academic authors
Dr Miriam Marra
Christos Mavis
|
20 |
Part 2 Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Market Risk (ICM207)The purpose of the module is to provide an understanding of the latest developments in banking regulations that are the main driving force behind changes in our approaches to risk measurement. It focuses on the foundations of market risk analysis and the basic models for assessing market risk. Participants utilise market risk measurement techniques that are used daily in the front and middle offices of banks; particular emphasis is placed on the appraisal of the covariance matrices that are used to measure the market risk of portfolios. They also learn to build various Value-at-Risk (VaR) models for market risk for international portfolios of equities, FX, interest rate products, commodities, derivatives etc. The module has a significant practical component with computer-based workshops that are designed to support the lecture material. Academic authors
Dr Emese Lazar
|
20 |
Financial Instruments (ICM231)Having established the theoretical basis for security valuation in Part I, this module extends students’ understanding to the valuation of financial instruments and their applications. The module has a significant practical component with seminars that are designed to support the lecture material. Students will be introduced to all types of risks that are embedded in listed and OTC derivatives across all asset classes. They will become familiar with exotic equity options, understand their pay-offs and some simple analytic pricing approximations. They will value some of the most popular swap varieties, and understand how they may be used for managing risk. They will value caps, floors and swaptions, convertible bonds and understand the interplay between market and credit risk factors. They will outline the basic credit derivatives, including total return swaps, default swaps and collateralized debt obligations. Academic authors
Dr Konstantina Kappou
|
20 |
Credit Risk (ICM239)This course introduces students to a set of newly developed techniques to measure and manage credit risk in bank portfolios. In recent years financial institutions have been looking at ways to quantify risk in their corporate loan and mortgage books. The lack of market prices for these types of illiquid assets implies that standard risk assessment procedures can not be employed. Read moreThe course focuses on (1) risk management lessons from past financial crises (2) alternative risk metrics (value-at-risk vs expected shortfall) (3) default, migration and recovery risk, (4) credit ratings, credit scoring models, spread implied ratings and default probability models, (5) how to measure portfolio credit risk using contingent claim and credit rating based approaches (6) credit risk management tools (7) credit risk capital regulation (Basel II and Basel III) and (8) stress testing. Academic authors
Dr Simone Varotto
|
20 |
Students on the 9-month (12-month) programme can select 40 (20) credits from the following modules:
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Portfolio Management (ICM201)The module aims to build on the techniques for portfolio selection that have been introduced in the Securities, Futures and Options module. The module examines the issues involved in understanding the investment market, constructing a competitive investment portfolio (of an active, passive or smart beta style), evaluating the performance of that portfolio, and adjusting its composition through time. It will also consider issues revolving around the management of risk. The compulsory, practical project of the course will provide students with hands-on experience in constructing and managing a realistic investment portfolio. |
20 |
Financial Econometrics (ICM204)Building on the material introduced in Quantitative Methods for Finance, this module covers a number of more advanced techniques that are relevant for financial applications, and in particular for modelling and forecasting financial time series. These include an introduction to maximum likelihood estimation and two-stage least squares, models of volatility, simulation techniques, and multivariate models. Case studies from the academic finance literature are employed to demonstrate potential uses of each approach. Extensive use is also made of financial econometrics software to demonstrate how the techniques are applied in practice. Academic authors
Professor Michael Clements
|
20 |
Research Project (ICM218)The aim of the research project is to allow students to define and execute a piece of research in finance on a topic of their choice, with direction from an academic supervisor and with assistance from a doctoral student support supervisor. Read moreThe self-directed nature of study for this model should encourage students to be resourceful in their search for relevant literature and data, and to manage the various stages involved effectively, leading to timely submission of the finished piece. Academic authors
Professor Charles Sutcliffe
|
20 |
Fixed Income Cash and Derivative Markets (ICM306)Fixed Income Cash and Derivative Markets applies more advanced valuation and risk assessment methods that build on the knowledge introduced in the fixed income component of the first term Fixed Income and Equity Investments module: It describes the basic characteristics of fixed income derivatives, structured products and credit sensitive securities and develops practical strategies for valuation and risk assessment. It also considers how the markets for these securities are related and begins the task of showing how these relationships can be exploited for trading or investment. The module is designed not only for students wanting a more advanced knowledge of the fixed income markets, but also for students wishing to take the exam for the ICMA Fixed Income Certificate (ICMA FIC) Academic authors
Gail Rolland
|
20 |
Commodity Derivatives (ICM265)This module aims to provide students with a detailed knowledge of the commodity derivatives markets. It examines the aspects of pricing and trading physical derivatives, with emphasis on the energy and shipping (freight) sectors. The course is designed using real-life trading examples, stimulating students, who wish to follow a sales and trading career, to approach derivatives pricing from first principles. Academic authors
Robert Wichmann
|
10 |
Topics in Financial Regulation (ICM295)This module provides an overview of the purpose and operation of financial regulation, and the consequences of financial sector reform for different markets, including those of the students’ home country. The module aims to deliver a broad insight into the key challenges for financial regulation particularly in the light of changes to the financial architecture in the aftermath of the global financial crisis of 2007. Academic authors
Dr. Deepa Govindarajan Driver
|
20 |
Liquidity Risk and Algorithmic Trading (ICM297)The evolution of algorithmic trading, the proliferation of alternative trading platforms for trading the same security and the development of new products and assets with limited liquidity have contributed to raising the awareness of academics and traders on the importance of understanding and properly managing liquidity and execution risks. The objective of this course is to give students an introduction to the concepts of market and asset liquidity, trade execution risk and an overview of the methods for managing these types of liquidity risk. This module will not discuss about funding liquidity and managing liquidity in a bank. The issues discussed in this course are important when developing trading strategies, valuing portfolios, liquidating large positions and transitioning assets to new investments. Academic authors
Dr Alfonso Dufour
|
20 |
Behavioural Finance (ICM302)Financial theories have traditionally assumed that rational, risk-averse investors trade in efficient and free-flowing asset markets. Academic research and practitioner experience have cast doubt on this paradigm, instead proposing that investors may not be utility maximisers, and that there may be impediments to the functioning of markets. This module will describe recent developments in the application of principles drawn from psychology to financial issues. Read moreThis course is positioned in the cross-section of Finance and Psychology. It provides an alternative framework to that of traditional neo-classical finance principles in explaining market behaviour and interpreting stylised characteristics. A variety of psychological principles and well-established cognitive biases are examined and connections are made with the influence they have on the investment (and corporate) decision making process. Market anomalies and puzzles are interpreted based on these connections. Academic authors
Dr Ioannis Oikonomou
|
20 |
Programming for Finance (ICM142)The objective is to introduce the students to programming and its usage for data processing and finance. It deals with how to write programming code, process files, receive input and provide output. Students who complete this course will be able to write programming code in Python, process files, input, output and manage data. Furthermore, students will be able to read and write to Excel and CSV files, connect to databases, obtain and process data from the Web, as well as use Python for Finance and Econometrics applications. |
10 |
Part 3 Modules (12-month only)
Students on the 12-months programme should take 20 credits from the following:
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Energy Finance (ICM301)This course aims to provide students with an understanding of financial decision making in the context of the energy industry. The course will combine theoretical models with practical applications. It focuses on energy markets (products, companies, production and consumption), capital budgeting in energy companies, financing of energy companies, energy derivatives and trading in energy markets. A number of case studies in energy finances are utilised. Academic authors
Professor Marcel Prokopczuk
|
20 |
Advanced Finance Theory with Empirical Applications (ICM289)This module is designed for advanced Master’s students and doctoral students. It has a very high technical content. It aims to equip the students with the foundations of theoretical asset pricing and with the relevant skills for performing empirical tests. Additionally, a few important corporate finance topics will be covered in the format of student presentations. The objective of the module is to prepare students to become independent and quality researchers. Academic authors
Professor Marcel Prokopczuk
|
20 |
Stock Index Futures (ICM308)The module is less quantitative option open to all MSc students that builds on the coverage of futures contracts from term 1. By the end of the module it is expected that students will be aware of the different ways of constructing stock market indices and the implications of these differences, how futures contracts are traded and the identity of some of the close substitutes for trading index futures, how futures can be priced using an arbitrage relationship, how futures can be used for hedging the price risk of the underlying, and the various uses that fund managers make of these instruments. Academic authors
Professor Charles Sutcliffe
|
20 |
Work Placement and Project (ICM309)This module gives students the opportunity to pursue a work placement with an external organisation broadly related to the general sphere of their degree studies. The aim of the module is to allow participants to gain work experience in a career path of interest, develop a wide range of employability skills, build their network and enhance market awareness. The maximum duration of the placement is 3 months and it takes place during the summer vacation period (June-August). Placements should be secured by students independently. The Centre’s career development office can support students in their search and application process. Placements secured by students are subject to the approval of the module convenor. The module is assessed by a 3,000-word project based on the work experience gained. Academic authors
Dr Michael Smith
|
20 |
How can Henley Careers work with you?
Here at Henley we have an award-winning careers team here to support you through your time here and four years after graduating from us.
Here is how Henley Careers can help you:
- Careers Consultant appointments - Our Careers Consultant are here to help and support you with any careers related concern that you might have. Whether it’s advice on your CV, practicing for an interview, looking at possible reasons why applications aren't being successful or support planning your career goals, we’re here to help empower you to progress in your career.
- Events - Henley Careers organise numerous events aimed to help you build your confidence, develop the skills employers are looking for, network with employers and expand your industry knowledge.
- Alumni support - You can continue to book one-to-one appointments with your Careers Consultant and use our online resources for up to four years after you graduate to get help and support in your career.
- Career Smart - Get a head start in securing a graduate job by taking part in our online course, Career Smart. You can expect to learn about the graduate recruitment cycle in the UK, where to look and how to start applying to jobs, and the different types of roles available to you.
For more information please see our Careers page.
Continuing your career
After completion of this programme, you will be well-prepared to follow a career in the challenging fields of risk management, or risk analysis with banks, regulators, portfolio managers, corporate treasuries, risk management software houses, specialist financial boutiques and hedge funds. Regulators, governments, advisors and commentators are unanimously endorsing the call for more and better qualified risk managers and analysts to join the financial industry.
Professional accreditations
- Undergraduate Degree – Minimum 2:1 or the equivalent from an overseas institution*
- Degree Discipline – Any degree discipline, but must have a satisfactory level of numeracy
- GMAT – We may ask you to submit a GMAT score if we think it appropriate in your individual case. For example, if you have been out of education for more than a few years or have little evidence of any numerical ability. For information on the GMAT and the location of test centres worldwide, please visit www.mba.com
* Please note that due to increasing competition for places on our Masters programmes our entry requirements may change.
We operate a rolling admissions system and you are therefore advised to apply early in order to be sure of your place on our programmes. We experience high levels of demand, and it is possible we might have to close applications to some programmes once places are filled.
English requirements
Not quite at the required level of English language proficiency for your chosen programme?
- Applicants whose first language is not English, are required to attain the International English Language Test Scores (IELTS) defined below. An equivalent acceptable qualification accepted by the University will also be taken into consideration, to enter a programme.
- We now accept Duolingo scores for 2020 entry. Students are required to have a score of 120 with no subscore less than 95 (with recommendation to take 2 week pre-enrolment support course). With a Pre-sessional English Course we offer: 115 plus 6 week Course, or 110 plus 9 week Course.
Following a review, and in response to English language testing disruption caused by Covid-19 in a number of countries, we have made some changes to our English language criteria for September 2020 entry for Henley Business School master’s applicants.
For master's programmes that previously required an IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with scores of no less than 6.0 in each of the four sub-skills (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening), we have with immediate effect, set a revised requirement of 6.5 overall with scores of no less than 6.0 in each of the four sub-skills.
To confirm, for 2020 entry, Henley Business School requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (with no element below 6.0). Our International Study and Language Institute (ISLI) offers a comprehensive range of Pre-sessional English (PSE) courses. We encourage all students who have not lived or studied in an English-speaking country before to register for one. Students completing the above mentioned pre-sessional courses would be allowed entry onto their chosen programme after achieving an overall score of 6.5 with scores of no less than 5.5 in each of the four sub-skills.
This is a change to the previous half-band discount, which will not apply for 2020 entry.
Equivalent English Language Qualifications will also be accepted. If you require specific advice on your qualification please contact our admissions office directly either by e-mail at pgadmissions@reading.ac.uk or by telephone on +44 118 378 5289.
Tier 4 visa pilot scheme
Our master's in finance courses are available only on a full-time basis with the option of studying for 9 or 12 months.
Learning options
Full-time: 9 months
Full-time: 12 months
Students will be resident and undertake full-time study in the UK. Under both, the 9 and 12-month programmes students take compulsory and/or elective modules in Part 2.
The 12 month option involves taking an elective 20 credit module between July and August, which would also mean a 20 credit reduction in the number of taught modules taken in the spring term.
Course structure
October – December:Part 1 Autumn Term
January:Part 1 Exams. Please note that the January Exams will start 1 week before the official start of the Spring Term.
January-April:Part 2 Spring Term
May – June:Part 2 Exams
June – August (12 month programme only):Part 3
August/Sep (12 month programme only):Part 3 Coursework deadlines
Speak to a current student
Contact us
For any questions of academic nature about this programme you are welcome to contact directly the Programme Director, Dr Nadia Kappou at k.kappou@icmacentre.ac.uk
Admissions
If you have any questions about admissions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Email: admissions@icmacentre.ac.ukTelephone: +44 (0)118 378 6497
Besides the career support provided by both the ICMA Centre and Henley Business School, I also enjoyed the networking events that provided opportunities to meet interesting people and connect with people from the other side of the world.
The opportunity to learn from experts along with meeting and networking with a diverse group of students from all over the world has been an amazing experience!
The global reputation and trading facilities allow students to use their academic knowledge in practical settings (e.g. trading simulations). Also, many lecturers have many years of financial industry experience meaning classes include a good balance of academic knowledge and industry…