MSc Finance and Strategy

Overview The Essential information

Further your career with our online masters in finance

Whether you are already building your career or you’re just starting out, we want to make sure you’re ready to take on the future of an ever-evolving sector. Our online masters in Finance and Strategy is led by academics from Manchester Metropolitan University’s triple accredited business school (EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA) to give you the confidence and skills you need to manage the complexities of the global business, finance and accounting landscape.

Plus, MSc Finance and Strategy graduates have access to the CIMA Masters Gateway – an accelerated route allowing you to qualify as a Chartered Global Management Accountant sooner.

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Type
MSc online
Start dates
January, March, May, July, September and November
Length
2 years part-time
Cost per unit
£930* (Total £11,160)
Typical entry requirements
A UK honours degree (2:2 or above) in a Business, Finance or Economics related subject or an international equivalent OR an equivalent qualification such as ACCA F1-F9 OR a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience

Units Your curriculem topics

Units may typically include:

Critical Reading, Writing and Literature Research (15 credits)
Corporate Finance (15 credits)
Strategy and Leadership (15 credits)
Financial Technologies (15 credits)
Performance Management and Control (15 credits)

International Strategic Management (15 credits)
Governance, Risk and Control (15 credits)
Corporate Reporting (15 credits)
International Human Resource Management (15 credits)
Methodological Approaches to Research (15 credits)

Professional Project (30 credits)

This unit requires students to conduct an in-depth research project on a chosen area of study. This is a chance for you to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you have developed during the online finance masters, as well as engage with real-world study relating to your field of interest.

Full details of the content within each unit can be found on the MSc Finance and Strategy unit page.

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Entry requirements

To enrol on the online masters in Finance and Strategy, you will need the following:

A UK honours degree (2:2 or above) in a Business, Finance or Economics related subject or an international equivalent
OR an equivalent qualification such as ACCA F1-F9
OR a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience

These typical entry requirements apply to the 2022/23 academic year (1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023) of entry and may be subject to change for the 2023/24 academic year (1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024). Please check back on the website for further details or contact an enrolment advisor on +44 (0)161 880 4721.

English language requirements:

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to produce evidence of English language proficiency.

Overseas applicants will require IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent accepted English qualification. Accepted English qualifications can be viewed here.

We provide a FREE Pearson English test to all applicants, if required, which can be requested from your enrolment advisor during the application process.

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Fees and funding Fees and funding

Fees

With our flexible payment options, we have made paying for your online finance masters and your professional development as easy as possible.

We offer you the option to pay unit by unit, pay the full fees upfront or pay via a sponsor. No matter what payment option you choose, we accept all usual online payment methods in any currency via our highly secure Flywire payment portal.

Fees for 2022/23 academic year of entry (1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023):

Unit fee: £930*

Course fee: £11,160

Fees for 2023/24 academic year of entry:

Tuition fees for the 2023/24 academic year of entry (1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024) are still being finalised, please check back on the website for further details or contact an enrolment advisor on +44 (0)161 880 4721.

For more information on our payment structures and financing your degree, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).

*Fee based on 15 credits per unit

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MSc Finance and Strategy

Delivered 100% online from the City of Manchester, the UK’s second largest financial centre*, you will explore the key topics and technologies that are changing the way we do business – from governance, risk and control to FinTech and more. Throughout, you’ll use real-world case studies that will harness your strategic thinking skills and put theory directly into relevant practice.

Plus, if you already have a professional finance qualification from a recognised institution, such as ACCA, ICEAW, ICAS and CIMA, you could be exempt from up to four of the course’s eleven units (additional costs apply).

And with the option to speed up your CIMA Professional Qualification by entering CIMA’s Masters Gateway route after you graduate, you’ll have everything you need to help your CV stand out.

Learn more about how the course can help you fast-track your way to CIMA success.

Finally, with flexibility at its heart, this part-time, online finance masters will give you the freedom to balance study with your busy work or family life while you grow your global network.

*Invest in Manchester (2020)

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Who this online Masters in Finance for:

Career developers

The world of finance is constantly evolving to reflect advances in technology and user behaviour and those that work in the sector must evolve with it. Through this online masters in Finance and Strategy, you will explore the key topics and technologies changing how we do business so you can advance your career.

Knowledge seekers

If you want to expand your knowledge in finance and strategy, our academics will guide you through topics such as Financial Technologies, International Strategic Management, Governance, Risk and Control and International Human Resource Management. You will have the flexibility to carry out project work relating to your current role, allowing you to put theory into real-world practice.

Ambitious leaders

Whether you want to spearhead a start-up, lead a global organisation or guide a small business, this course will provide you with the finance leadership skills you need to thrive. Discover specialist units covering topics such as new technologies, regulations and requirements as you study alongside your career.

Download our brochure

Online finance masters career prospects

The rapidly evolving finance sector offers exciting and diverse career prospects for keen businesspeople. Whether you want to lead an organisation, join the finance industry or top up your knowledge, this MSc Finance and Strategy will provide you with the tools and skills you need to succeed.

Read our blog on the top 5 skills needed in finance.

This online masters in finance is delivered online from Manchester, the UK’s second-largest financial centre (Invest in Manchester, 2020). Covering topics including governance, risk control, corporate finance and FinTech, you will explore the technologies changing how we do business.

Throughout the online finance masters, you will use real-world case studies to harness your thinking and prepare you for roles such as Financial Analyst, Accountant and Financial Controller. You will grow your global network as you study alongside career and family commitments.

Our specialist course is led by academics from Man Mets triple accredited Business School (EQUIS, AACDB and AMBA). It will enhance your confidence and skills to take on the challenging landscape of global business, finance and accounting.

Companies where our students have worked:

ABSA Bank

Addidas

Amey Plc

Bank of New York Mellom

Barclays

Coca Cola

Deloitte LLP

Deutsche Bank

EDF Energy

Hilton Hotels Worldwide

IBM Hungary Ltd.

Interpol

Johnson & Johnson

KPMG

Nestle

Sainsbury’s Bank

Scottish Widows

Wescoal Mining

Study your finance masters online

Our online masters in Finance and Strategy is designed to work around your work and life commitments. With a recommended study week of around 20 hours (depending on the unit), it can be completed in just two years.

Best of all, this flexible course offers the chance to earn your MSc Finance by distance learning – all you need is a laptop and internet connection.

Using our Virtual Learning Environment you will enjoy a programme of highly interactive live online seminars and presentations and have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of group tasks with your fellow students across the globe.

Continued support will be provided by our Student Success Team who’ll be there to answer any queries you have and help you to get the most from your time with us – from the moment you enrol to the time you graduate.

The MSc Finance and Strategy comprises 180 credits. Students are normally expected to study 90 credits per year.

The programme is delivered on a continuous basis and units are scheduled sequentially. The order that units are delivered varies depending on the intake start date, although students will normally start with the Critical Reading, Writing and Literature Research unit. Methodological Approaches to Research and Professional Project will normally be the final units studied. All units are 15-credits with the exception of the 30-credit Professional Project.

Each 15-credit unit will normally be delivered over a 7-week teaching period. Weeks 1 to 6 comprise taught input. Week 7 provides students with an opportunity to consolidate learning before undertaking assessment towards the end of the week. The Professional Project unit is normally 14 weeks. There is normally a one-week Study Break between every unit.

Applications

Applying for the course:

All applications are taken through our online applications portal. To get access to the portal please fill in the form on the applications page and we shall send you an email with login details. Once you have access you will be able to upload the following documents and submit your application:

Certificate and/or transcripts evidencing your academic and/or professional qualifications eg degree certificate
Evidence of English language proficiency for non-native English speakers eg IELTS or free Pearson English test results
Your CV
A passport photo of yourself
A personal statement detailing your motivations for studying your chosen course with Manchester Metropolitan University Global Online.

Once submitted we will assess your application and make a decision on whether we can offer you a place on the course. This is usually within five working days of all required documents being uploaded.

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Overall methods of assessment

You will be assessed by coursework.
Each unit is assessed by an assignment (typically 3,000 words, or equivalent). The nature of the assignment varies by unit. Examples may include an essay, case study, report, literature review, research brief, extended project, business analysis, and presentation.
The Professional Project will normally take the form of a 10,000-word project-style essay.

Study and assessment breakdown

10 credits equate to 100 hours of study, which is a combination of live seminars, discussion boards and independent study. A Masters qualification typically comprises of 180 credits, a PgDip 120 credits, and a PgCert 60 credits. The exact composition of your study time and assessments for the programme will vary according to your style of learning, but it could be:

Study 100% independent study; 0% placement

Assessment 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination

Talk to an advisor

This course is delivered by a triple accredited business school

Our business school is triple accredited by EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA. By choosing to complete your online masters in finance with us, you are choosing to study at one of the best business schools in the world, internationally recognised for excellence in teaching and research.

Meet Dan

An entrepreneur who is experiencing the constantly evolving finance industry is Dan, a student on our Online Masters in Finance and Strategy. We caught up with him to find out what his experience has been like on the course so far.

Academic expertise

Emma Holt

Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader, Global Online MSc Finance and Strategy programme 

Prior to joining Manchester Met in 2019, Emma worked for almost 25 years in legal practice, including 10 years in senior leadership and management roles within the legal services sector. Emma has also developed significant experience in risk management.   

An experienced non-executive board director, Emma lectures on Strategy and Leadership, Business Law and Professional Development and has experience in teaching Governance, Risk and Control. She is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. 

Ademola Oluwaranti

Lecturer in Financial Technologies, Global Online MSc Finance and Strategy programme

Having previously taught at Universities in South Africa, Botswana and Oxford Brookes University, Ademola joined Manchester Metropolitan University in 2021.

With over 23 years of industry and academic experience, Ademola holds a Fellowship with the Chartered Institute of Bankers (FCIB) and a Professional Banker South Africa (PBSA).

Their research interests include banking and corporate governance.

Michael Flanagan

Lecturer in Accounting and Financial Management, Global Online MSc Finance and Strategy programme

Michael joined Manchester Metropolitan Business School and academia in 2008 after a 30-year career working in director-level roles at multinational organisations including Shell, Philips and Russell Hobbs.

Michael holds an MBA from Manchester University Business School and completed his PhD in Finance in 2013. His theses focused on mortgage mitigation options in the US market.

He particularly enjoys teaching postgraduate students finance, advanced performance management and research methods.

Dr Ernest Ezeani

Senior Lecturer and Research Coordinator, Global Online MSc Finance and Strategy programme

Ernest started teaching at Manchester Metropolitan University in June 2021, joining from De Montfort University where he was a Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Finance. Prior to that, he lectured at the University of Central Lancashire.

He is a tutor on the Professional Project unit of the Global Online programme.

Ernest’s research interests include corporate governance, corporate finance, and earnings management.

Lee Rowlandson

Lecturer in Corporate Finance, Global Online MSc Finance and Strategy programme

Lee joined Manchester Metropolitan University in 2018.

Prior to this, he spent 11 years at Kaplan, teaching professional accountancy qualifications such as ICAEW, ACCA and CIMA.

He is the lecturer on the Corporate Finance unit of the Global Online programme and attributes his passion for the subject to the fact that it is all about helping businesses make more money by considering investment decisions and the most appropriate ways to finance those investments.

Freya Ernsting

Research Associate and Lecturer (various units), Global Online MSc Finance and Strategy programme

Freya Ernsting is a Research Associate at Manchester Met, starting the role in 2020. Previously, she worked for 3 years as part of the University’s Student Engagement Team.

Freya teaches on the Critical Reading, Writing, and Literature Research, and Methodological Approaches to Research units of the Global Online programme.

Her research interests cover the inequalities and barriers within higher education, and how they can be improved. Freya’s PhD investigates young adults and how they interact and identify with their smartphones.

Dr B M Hasanul Banna

Lecturer Banking and Finance, Global Online MSc Finance and Strategy programme

Banna started teaching at Manchester Met in October 2021, joining from the University of Malaya in Malaysia.

He teaches on the Critical Reading, Writing and Literature Research, and Financial Technologies units of the Global Online programme.

Banna’s research interests include banking and finance, financial technology, financial inclusion, digital finance, ESG, managerial ability, and micro-finance.

Duncan McVey

Lecturer (various units), Global Online MSc Finance and Strategy programme

Before joining Manchester Metropolitan University in 2021, Duncan was a Strategic FinTech Consultant and masters student.

He teaches on both the Digital Skills and Financial Technologies units of the Global Online programme.

Duncan enjoys continually learning about new FinTech developments from around the world and gaining new perspectives from working with students.

Haris Chaudhri

Lecturer in Corporate Reporting, Global Online MSc Finance and Strategy programme

Haris has taught at Manchester Metropolitan University since 2010. Prior to his career as a lecturer, he worked as a chartered accountant.

Haris is a tutor on the Corporate Reporting unit of the Global Online programme and explains that while this unit is challenging, it’s wonderful to have insightful discussions with a diverse group of people on what impacts organisations the most with regards to accounting and finance.

His research interests are financial and corporate reporting, accounting standards, and financial econometrics.

Geofry Areneke

Lecturer (various units), Global Online MSc Finance and Strategy programme

Geofry joined Manchester Metropolitan University in July 2019 as a Senior Lecturer and PGR Lead.

He currently teaches at post graduate level including unit leadership in Corporate Finance, Financial Risk Management and masters level learning.

Before joining the University, Geofry has conducted research and taught accounting and finance across many UK universities, namely University of Buckingham, Staffordshire University, Open University, Liverpool Hope University, Coventry University and University of Northampton.

Our students' feedback

What our students think

Having never studied at this level before, I felt like I was being supported in gaining the skills I needed to succeed.

Richard

MBA

What our students think

Working with students from different industries aids my understanding of the modules and gives me more insight into other organisations.

Michael

MSc Sport Business, Management and Policy

What our students think

The world of finance is a huge industry, yet Manchester Metropolitan University seem to be able to narrow it significantly so anyone can understand.

Dan

MSc Finance and Strategy

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