MSc Financial Management

Program Overview

Heriot-Watt University's online MSc Financial Management program empowers working professionals with advanced knowledge and practical skills in finance. Its flexible structure, comprehensive curriculum, and emphasis on real-world applications prepare graduates for diverse roles within the finance profession, including financial analysts, investment bankers, and risk managers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objectives:
• Equip students with specialist knowledge of the financial landscape.
• Empower graduates to make impactful contributions to their organizations' financial well-being.
• Provide a comprehensive understanding of financial techniques and their practical applications.
• Cultivate in-depth understanding of key finance areas: corporate finance, mergers, investments, derivatives, credit risk, and risk management.
• Prepare students for diverse and fulfilling careers within the finance profession.
• Description:
• Delivered online, offering flexibility and accessibility for working professionals.
• Emphasizes the practical application of financial knowledge.
• Designed to meet the needs of diverse employers who demand a firm grasp of the dynamic nature of finance and investment behavior.

Outline:

• Program Structure:
• Five mandatory courses.
• Four optional courses.
• Assessment via online assessments.
• Course Schedule:
• Courses offered throughout the year.
• Open enrollment allows students to begin anytime.
• Students choose their pace of study.
• Individual Modules:
• Mandatory Courses:
• Financial Decision Making:
Covers fundamental financial concepts and tools for making informed investment decisions.
• Advanced Financial Decision Making: Delves deeper into advanced valuation models, risk management techniques, and financial analysis for strategic decision making.
• Lending & Credit Risk Analysis: Explores credit risk assessment, lending practices, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Financial Derivatives: Examines different types of derivatives, their functions, pricing, and risk management applications.
• Managing Financial Risk: Provides a framework for identifying, measuring, and managing financial risks across various contexts.

Optional Courses:

• Developing and Executing Strategy:
Analyzes strategic management frameworks, implementation plans, and performance measurement techniques.
• Economics for Business: Explores economic principles, market structures, and their impact on business decision making.
• Mergers, Acquisitions, and Restructuring: Investigates M&A processes, valuation techniques, and post-merger integration strategies.
• Quantitative Methods: Explores advanced quantitative and statistical methods for finance and business analysis.
• Research Methods for Business: Equips students with research design, data analysis, and interpretation skills relevant for business studies.
• Course Materials and Delivery:
• Comprehensive online learning environment (VLE) providing:
• Videos
• Webinars
• Articles
• Journals
• Assessments
• Discussion boards
• Flexible exam scheduling.

Assessment:

• All courses, except the project, are assessed through written exams.
• Assessment methods include objective questions, case studies, and essays.
• Exams are offered three times per year, aligning with the university's semesters and summer period.
• Passing mark is 50%.
All mandatory course units must be passed to receive the award.
• Single resit opportunity is offered for failed courses.

Teaching:

• Designed as an applied program for working professionals.
• Encourages reflection on own practice using contemporary management theory.
• Intersection of theory and practice with emphasis on real-life examples and case studies.
• Self-study oriented, modular program with flexible delivery.
• Comprehensive online learning materials with guidance for successful completion.
• Global, multicultural learning community fosters peer engagement.
• Live tuition opportunities available as additional options.

Careers:

• Prepares graduates for diverse roles within the finance profession:
• Financial analysts
• Investment bankers
• Portfolio managers
• Risk managers
• Credit analysts
• Financial consultants
• Focus on developing analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills relevant to various financial positions.
• Around 95% of students are employed or continue studies within six months of graduation.

Other:

• Scholarships and bursaries offered to assist students with program fees.
• Online events allow interaction with teaching staff, students, and exploration of the program.
• Lifelong connection to the university alumni association upon graduation.

Conclusion:

Heriot-Watt University's online MSc Financial Management provides a robust and flexible path to professional development in the field of finance. The program caters to working professionals seeking advanced understanding and application of essential financial principles in diverse career settings. Its comprehensive structure, engaging content, and emphasis on real-world scenarios offer a valuable learning experience for aspiring finance professionals seeking to make a significant impact in their future careers.

Standard fee Per course: £1,248 Full programme: £11,232 Emerging Economies fee Per course: £848 Full programme: £7,632 All course fees include one assessment attempt. Each attempt after this point will be charged at £160.