The online MSc Finance from University of SurreyThe online MSc Finance from University of SurreyThe online MSc Finance from University of Surrey

Acquire in-demand finance skills that you can apply immediately in your career. Our online MSc Finance course seamlessly integrates the past, present and future of the finance world, equipping you with a comprehensive set of accounting and financial skills that are applicable across a variety of roles.   

The curriculum transitions from traditional finance fundamentals to emerging technologies. You will become proficient in financial analysis, corporate finance, risk management and portfolio analysis while exploring 21st century topics including AI applications, blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, algorithmic trading and decentralised finance. 

With an emphasis on career-essential applications, you’ll build financial models, use modern programming techniques like Python and R, identify various types of financial risks, design effective hedging strategies, and solve multi-faceted, real-world financial problems. From interpreting financial statements and forecasting performance to applying advanced risk management techniques, you’ll graduate with a robust skill set that today’s employers are looking for. 

You’ll also complete a final strategic financial project instead of a traditional, research-driven dissertation. This experience lets you explore a topic that aligns with your academic and professional interests. Apply theoretical principles and research methods to a practical business challenge, demonstrating your ability to uncover, understand and act on the data that deliver ROI and turn revenue goals into reality. 

The curriculum is delivered through a combination of asynchronous teaching, learning activities and regular live sessions. The online MSc Finance consists of 180 credits, and is divided into 10 fully autonomous credit-bearing modules. Each module is worth 15 credits, except the final strategic financial project, which is worth 30 credits.

• Principles of Finance

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  This module provides the theoretical underpinnings of the MSc Finance course. It introduces the pivotal concepts which form the basis of corporate finance under three broad headings: Core concepts, including the time value of money, the discounted cash flow valuation and the relationship between risk and return; the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM); and the Weighted Average Cost of Capital.

• Global Strategy

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  In an increasingly globalised business environment, it is necessary for management students to learn how to develop internationally viable global strategies. This module covers a variety of topics such as global strategic analysis, global strategy formulation and global strategy execution. Strategy-related subjects shape at least half of the contents in this module.

• Financial Statement Analysis

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  This module provides a grounding in the principles of accounting for students at masters level, most of whom are intending to pursue a specialist career in accounting or finance.

• Quantitative Methods in Finance

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  This module lays the statistical and econometric foundations for data analysis and modelling, covering fundamental topics of estimation and inferences of linear and non-linear econometric models using Excel/Stata/R software. The quantitative, analytical and software skills acquired from this module will directly enable students to conduct independent quantitative analysis of data using estimation as well as hypothesis testing. As such, the module aims to help students to learn research methods, an integral part of any research project at postgraduate level, market analysis or policy analysis in government and non-government organisations.

• Ethics in Finance

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  As a result of a range of recent corporate scandals, an increased emphasis has been put on corporate social responsibility and the need for the board of directors to conform to an ethical code of conduct while managing the affairs of an entity. This module explores how corporate governance examines the system of rules, principles and procedures through which a company is run to promote the best interest of its shareholders, other stakeholders and the wider society.

• Algorithmic Trading and Investment Management

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  The module studies the various stages of the investment management process, from the award of an investment sponsor’s mandate through investment manager selection to the portfolio and performance outcome of that selection. This includes asset allocation, benchmarking, active versus passive investment, investment style and investment performance. This module is tailored for professionals in the financial services sector – including investors, system traders, quantitative analysts, and technologists focused on developing automated trading architectures and infrastructures. It offers an in-depth look at the principles behind effective algorithmic trading strategies and hedge funds, while also providing a solid foundation in financial theory and behavioural finance.

• Python Programming in Finance

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  This module introduces modern programming concepts and practice for students with little or no background in computing using the computer language Python. The module will start with a presentation of basic programming concepts, including data types and structures as they exist in Python. Loops and conditional statements will then be introduced, as well as custom functions, along with a wider discussion of structured programming and ways to reuse code. Students will then consider practical applications of programming. They will learn to work with data input and output in different formats, use suitable libraries for scientific computing and data analysis, and create plots and visualisations to display results. Throughout the course, students will engage with professional programming practices and tools (test-driven development, version control, code reviewing, debugging), and will have the opportunity to collaborate with peers to develop their skills.

• Risk Management

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  Risk management focuses on the following types of financial risk that arise for a business: market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. A brief introduction to non-financial risks is also given, but is not the main focus. This module considers financial risk management strategies; how risk is evaluated; the methods that are available to hedge against risk and the strategies that are employed to mitigate risk. This is complemented by consideration of key risk management issues for financial institutions including bank capital adequacy. The lessons to be learned from the Financial Crisis of 2007-08 are also investigated. Understanding risk and how to identify and deal with it provides a key input for students of finance, accounting or banking.

• FinTech

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  FinTech is revolutionising and rapidly changing the global financial services industries. Business models that can facilitate disintermediation, revolutionise how existing firms create and deliver products and services, address privacy, regulatory and law-enforcement challenges, provide new gateways for entrepreneurship and seed opportunities for inclusive growth. This module provides an introduction to the FinTech sector. Topics may include, but are not limited to: blockchain, cryptocurrencies, decentralised applications, smart contracts, payments services, alternative and P2P lending and crowdfunding, AI, machine learning (including applications such as robo-advising) and InsurTech. Students are expected to develop a broad understanding of recent FinTech development, valuation, risk and its impact in the financial industries.

• Financial Management

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  This module is designed to provide a substantial course in a synthetic form of corporate finance, financial resources management, risk management, and financial markets at a level appropriate to MSc level and also to serve as a springboard to advanced specialist finance studies. The module provides a comprehensive insight into the fundamental philosophies that underpin financial management decisions, including aspects like capital structure, dividend policies and the latest developments in modern financial theories. The module equips students with the skills to critically assess research, integrate information on corporate financial issues, tackle quantitative problems, effectively present their ideas and actively engage in debates.

• Strategic Financial Project

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  This compulsory module is designed to immerse students in a real-world business context through independent study and research. It encourages students to identify and explore a business topic that aligns with their academic and professional aspirations, ensuring relevance to their overall programme of study. The module’s structure supports self-directed study. It employs a strategic learning approach aimed at enhancing students’ competencies in undertaking and reporting independent research. This module offers students the opportunity to apply theoretical principles and research methods in a practical setting.

Turn financial data into strategic business value

Develop the technical proficiency, analytical acumen, and strategic expertise to confidently navigate and lead projects and teams through the fast-paced, dynamic landscape of corporate finance. 

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The financial industry is changing at an unprecedented pace, driven by rapid-fire technological innovations that require employees to continually refine their skill set. Stay ahead of the pack with a course that focuses on industry-relevant skills and prepares you to analyse, translate and apply complex financial information to businesses’ most pressing challenges. 

Tap into new career opportunities in a competitive market with hiring momentum. The 2024 UK finance labour market experienced growth across various sectors, with job vacancies in FinTech surging by 44% year-over-year, and accounting vacancies experiencing a healthy 29% increase year-over-year.³

Some job titles you may want to pursue with your online masters in finance could include:

Build a career that’s meant to last with a modern-day MSc Finance.