Introduction
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 DATASTREAM, an industry-level database.
The programme is available for either a September or February start.
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 enroll in February due to student numbers, timetabling, and staffing constraints. Please note that February admission is only available for full-time study.
Contact hours
Each module typically consists of three weekly teaching hours over a teaching term of 12 weeks, plus assessment. Four modules are usually studied per semester, equating to 12 hours per week. Part-time students will generally study two modules per term, equating to six hours of contact time per week. Hours of study may vary from term to term for both full and part-time students and can be spread throughout the week.
Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend four to five hours in independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.
Methods of Assessment
The way you will be assessed on your course will vary depending on the subject and the type of postgraduate programme you select. A taught programme could include a written dissertation, exams, presentations, and projects. A research programme could include a thesis, oral examination, and presentation to a group of research academics. You may be expected to demonstrate how your research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding. Please see the individual course pages to find out more.
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)
Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance I (Core)
Quantitative Methods for Economics and Finance II (Core)
Lincoln Student Managed Investment Fund - Masters (Option)†
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.
Scholarships
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, you 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.
Studying MSc Finance has enabled me to secure a job as a business analyst with a multinational company. The course allowed me to work on exciting projects alongside senior management and directors, adding value to my existing skill set."
James Boyle, MSc Finance graduate
Course-Specific Additional Costs
For each course you may find that there are additional costs. With regards to text books, 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 2021-22
First or second class honors 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.
Teaching and Learning During Covid-19
At Lincoln, Covid-19 has encouraged us to review our practices and, as a result, to take the opportunity to find new ways to enhance the student experience. We have made changes to our teaching and learning approach and to our campus, to ensure that students and staff can enjoy a safe and positive learning experience. We will continue to follow Government guidance and work closely with the local Public Health experts as the situation progresses, and adapt our teaching and learning accordingly to keep our campus as safe as possible.
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.
For more information, please visit the LEAF research pages.
Industry Expertise
Students on 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 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 organizations such as Deloitte, Santander, HSBC, Innocent, The Institute of Internal Auditors, and Sir David Tweedie (ex-Chairman of the IASB).
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 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 teaching in multiple countries, Hao will use his experience to ensure the stability of the fund and provide guidance. Read more about the Student Managed Investment Fund.
100 Funded Field Trip Places
As part of your global education at the Lincoln International Business School, we are offering students the opportunity to undertake funded international trips to exciting overseas destinations. Postgraduate students have the opportunity to travel to destinations in the UK, Europe, the USA, and the United Arab Emirates.
These field trips combine academic study with first-hand experiences of language, culture, and industry, allowing you to put theory into practice. We've designed themes specifically for postgraduate students that align with learning areas such as Industry (4.0), Financial Services, and Visitor Economy.
"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; Ph.D. student (awarded scholarship).
