This course is designed to provide you with the skills necessary to pursue a career in the financial sector. It prepares you for roles in financial institutions, stock broking, investment and portfolio management, and in the business sector within the treasury and corporate finance departments of companies.

Studying on the Masters in Financial Management course will develop your analytical skills and teach you to evaluate theory and implement procedures within the corporate sector and financial institutions. The course focus is to prepare graduates with a formal qualification which demonstrates their specialised expertise and knowledge of the financial management sector. Overall, this course teaches you to:

• Analyse financial information and financial markets.
• Develop quantitative skills for financial analysis.
• Consolidate analytical, financial and quantitative skills.
• Understand underlying theories.
• Analyse financial management practices.
• Evaluate and manage financial opportunities and risks.
• Synthesise and apply analytical, financial and quantitative data and techniques.
• Undertake a critical investigation and to present findings as a piece of independent research.

The course is available full-time or part-time and by online distance learning. Distance learning is through the university virtual learning environment Campus Moodle, offering flexibility and freedom to study while in employment.

The MSc Financial Management is accredited by The Association of International Accountants (AIA).

You will learn to use various models and techniques for analysing the complex issues which arise during the business decision-making process. Communication, presentation, numeracy, IT and group interaction skills will also be enhanced.

Stage 1

• Financial Information and Decision Making
• Finance Theory
• Financial Institutions and Markets
• Quantitative Methods for Finance

Exit Award: PgCert Financial Management

Stage 2

• Research Methods
• Choose three modules from the followings:
  • International Banking
  • Applied Financial Modelling
  • Corporate Financial Management
  • Investment Management
  • Treasury Management

Exit Award: PgDip Financial Management

Stage 3

• Dissertation

Award: MSc Financial Management

The teaching staff are drawn from a range of pure research and commercial business backgrounds. For example, several are members of UK Accounting Institutes and nationally recognised for their participation at senior level in bodies such as the Expert Review Group of CIMA. Research plays a vital role in underpinning all levels of teaching and the curriculum. Our students are made aware of the research being undertaken through access to published output and invitation to research seminars. Students have the opportunity to have their dissertation supervised by an active researcher.

Expertise Resources
The Aberdeen Business School has excellent industry links (e.g. with Exxon Mobil and Aberdeen Asset Management). External specialist presenters in areas such Fund Management, Investment Banking and Treasury are regularly invited to speak to our students.

A good honours degree is required in a relevant subject. Applicants having a degree or degree equivalent qualification and relevant work experience at a suitable level within an organisation for an appropriate length of time may be considered, as may qualifications from an approved professional body.

All international students, for whom English is not their first language, must provide evidence of linguistic ability, by gaining either IELTS 6.5 or its equivalent in TOEFL prior to receiving an unconditional offer of a place on the course.

English Language Requirements

The MSc Financial Management is accredited by The Association of International Accountants (AIA).

Merit Scholarship
The Merit Scholarship is solely for those who plan to study for the full course (i.e. through to completion of MSc) and is not available for those wishing to only complete the Certificate or Diploma stages. The Scholarship award is deducted from fees pro-rata each year and instalment plans can be negotiated with Student Finance team for the payment of the remaining portion of the fees. Full information can be found on Merit Scholarships.

More information on funding for postgraduate students can be seen under Postgraduate Student Finance and also on the SAAS website.

All course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

Applications for admission to taught postgraduate courses should be directly made to the University's Admissions Office online at www.rgu.ac.uk/applyonline. 

If you have any queries then please contact our Admissions Office on +44 (0) 1224 262132 or email PGOffice@rgu.ac.uk.

A degree from Robert Gordon University is confirmation to a future employer that a graduate will possess the blend of learning, skills and experience that they are looking for. The practical and financial management focus of the course will benefit management executives seeking career enhancement through a change of discipline or specialism in particular areas of finance. It is suitable for qualified accountants or brokers seeking a career change or those in the financial sector who require new expertise in certain areas of finance. Recent graduates seeking fast entry into the field of treasury, corporate and international finance and fund management would also find this course beneficial.

Benefits to you
On completion of this course you will be able to apply for exemption from the professional examinations of the Association of Corporate Treasurers; the Institutes of Bankers; the Securities and Investment Institute; the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

In addition to specific subject knowledge, you will acquire additional skills allowing you to integrate fully in to a commercial work environment. These will include abilities in written and verbal communication, time management, team working and critical analysis.

Opportunities
For practising 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, accounting, 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. Employment opportunities exist within commercial companies, wholesale and retail domestic and international banks, accountancy and consultancy firms and fund managers and investment institutions as brokers, dealers, analysts and compliance staff.

Benefits to organisations
By completing this course you will have developed knowledge and skills that would make an immediate, valuable and effective contribution within your organisation. You will bring a wide range of technical knowledge and expertise plus analytical, presentation and resource management skills to an employer. The sophisticated analytical, financial and quantitative skills which you will gain are relevant to a diverse range of employment scenarios.