Deregulation, globalisation, and the effect of the worldwide economic crisis across international stock markets have led to a growing interest in the subject of finance. Professionals in today's market need to be adept at managing investments of both a financial and economic nature and use sound and informed judgement in order to make crucial decisions.
Lincoln's MSc Finance degree is designed to provide a framework for consolidating and enhancing students' finance and economics skills. It offers students the ability to explore practice in the context of relevant contemporary theory and research. Students can go beyond the fundamental theories to study advanced techniques, with a focus on quantitative methods and developing critical thinking skills. The programme is both quantitative and research-orientated in nature and makes use of industry-level databases such as Bloomberg.
How You Study
The taught element of the programme consists of eight compulsory modules, split over two terms:
Financial Reporting
Corporate Finance 1
Portfolio Analysis
Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance 1
Bond Markets and Investment Analysis
Corporate Finance 2
International Macroeconomics and Finance
Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance 2
Following the taught element, students are expected to complete the final master's stage of the programme through a dissertation supported by a research methods module.
Learning and teaching methods can include lectures, seminars, computer-based lab classes, experiments, and independent study. These will vary according to the subject matter and module.
Part-time students will complete the programme within two years. The programme structure for part-time study will be at the discretion of the programme leader.
This programme is available for both a September and February start. Optional modules may be restricted for those choosing to enrol in February due to student numbers, timetabling, and staffing constraints. Please note that February admission is only available for full-time study.
Modules
Bond Markets and Investment Analysis (Core)
Corporate Finance 1 (Core)
Corporate Finance 2 (Core)
Dissertation and Research Design for Finance (Core)
Financial Reporting (Core)
International Macroeconomics and Finance (Core)
Portfolio Analysis (Core)
Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance I (Core)
Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance II (Core)
Lincoln Student Managed Investment Fund - Masters (Option)†
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
How You Are Assessed
Assessment methods reflect the different theoretical and practical approaches and learning outcomes of each individual module. They include unseen written examinations and individual coursework.
Formative assessments, such as problem-solving in seminars or class tests, are integrated into the programme. Whether the assessment is formative or summative, students will be offered feedback with the aim of ensuring that it contributes to the learning process. Some coursework and module projects will be marked and returned during the teaching period, providing written feedback and allowing students to make any necessary improvements before the final assessment.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly – usually within 15 working days of the submission date.
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study.
Programme-Specific Additional Costs
For each course, you may find that there are additional costs. With regards to textbooks, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.
Entry Requirements 2022-23
First or second class honours degree and grade C in A Level Mathematics.
Students from quantitative social sciences, engineering and IT backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Students are expected to demonstrate a sound working knowledge of mathematics and statistics.
Alternatively, prior work experience in a related field will be considered in place of a degree at the discretion of the teaching team.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. This qualification must have been obtained prior to submitting your application.
For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Research at Lincoln International Business School
Academics on the MSc Finance are involved in the Lincoln Economics and Finance Research Group (LEAF). LEAF brings together economics and finance academics from the University of Lincoln’s International Business School and School of Social and Political Sciences, graduate students, and a diverse network of collaborators, with the aim of facilitating the creation and diffusion of rigorous and policy-relevant research as well as research skills within the University, the local community, and society at large.
Their research is based on microeconomic models encompassing heterogeneous individual and firm behaviours and extends to the functioning of particular industries. Furthermore, the macroeconomic perspective that brings into the picture the interplay of institutions, markets, and policies in the diverse contexts of developing, emerging, and developed economies are also explored.
Industry Expertise
Students in this programme can benefit from working alongside an experienced team of staff consisting of academically and professionally qualified lecturers with relevant industrial experience and wide-ranging research interests. They can engage with Datastream, a global financial and macroeconomic data platform, and have the opportunity to apply for exemptions from elements of examination for a number of professional bodies, including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, and the Association of International Accountants.
The School hosts a series of visiting speakers each year, enabling students to hear and learn from industry experts. Previous speakers have included representatives from organisations such as Deloitte, Santander, HSBC, Innocent, The Institute of Internal Auditors, and Sir David Tweedie (ex-Chairman of the IASB).
Student Managed Investment Fund
Lincoln International Business School offers the Student Managed Investment Fund (LSMIF), which is an investment fund created, operated, and maintained by students within the school, with everything running within the real-world environment of finance.
Students will be managing real money with the objective of positive returns whilst managing risk. Industry veteran and long-time lecturer Hao Quach will help support the students throughout, with many years of experience in all aspects of investment banking and 20 years of teaching in multiple countries, Hao will use his experience to ensure the stability of the fund and provide guidance.
Bloomberg Terminal
Students can take advantage of the Bloomberg Terminal, which is designed to help industry professionals make better-informed investment decisions by offering the latest market news along with historical data and an international network for secure and reliable communication.
Bloomberg Terminal offers a practical resource for students to reinforce the theories they learn in lectures, as well as enable them to become familiar with the tools being used by today’s financial services professionals.
"Studying MSc Finance at Lincoln has been among the most wonderful experiences for me, on a professional and personal level. It not only equipped me with a technical skill set but also offered guest lectures and practitioner talks which helped me to crystallise my career goals and get a deeper insight into financial sectors."
Thi T L Nguyen, MSc Finance graduate
Career and Personal Development
MSc Finance graduates may find opportunities across the financial sector in areas including banking, foreign exchange, sales, and financial risk assessment and management, while some students go on to pursue careers in research or academia.
Graduates from the Department of Accountancy, Finance, and Economics have gone on to secure the following roles: Finance Officer at The Woodland Trust; Graduate Career at Hang Seng Bank (a subsidiary of HSBC group), Hong Kong; Operations Analyst at Cantab Capital Partners LLP; Evaluation Analyst at Humankind Charity; Trainee Accountant at Dexter and Sharpe; Accountant at Central Bank of Oman; PhD student (awarded scholarship).
100 Funded Field Trip Places
Lincoln International Business School students can expand their horizons and see international business in action by joining funded international trips to exciting overseas destinations.
LIBS 100 gives students the opportunity to enhance their global mindset, connect with our global community and partners, and learn from international experts through 100 funded field trip places each academic year.
Places are open to all students enrolled on a programme within Lincoln International Business School.
Working in Partnership
Lincoln International Business School works with students and organisations to enhance the contribution of business to society. For students, that means developing their business skills and knowledge to improve their career readiness.
The University of Lincoln is a member of AACSB, a global nonprofit association connecting educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders.
