Program Overview

Introduction to the MSc Finance Program

The University of Limerick's Master of Science in Finance is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge and skills in financial analysis, corporate finance, capital markets, risk management, and more. Led by expert faculty and industry practitioners, this program offers a unique blend of theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing graduates for successful careers in the global financial industry.

Program Structure and Content

The MSc Finance program is a one-year, full-time course that includes a range of modules designed to provide students with a broad understanding of finance and its applications. The program is divided into three semesters: Autumn, Spring, and Summer.

Autumn Semester

• Financial Analysis and Governance: This module provides in-depth detail on the analysis and quality of financial accounting, financial reporting, and firm performance.
• Global Finance: Outlines the dynamics and strategies that underpin money supply operations, capital market functions, international financial markets, and corporate finance decision-making.
• Risk Modelling and Derivative Markets: Delivers a thorough grounding in the qualitative principles and quantitative methodologies for modelling financial risk.
• Corporate Sustainability: Introduces the key concepts and tools of Corporate Sustainability, with a basic grounding in responsibility and business ethics.

Spring Semester

• Wealth and Portfolio Management: Explores the variety of strategies employed to manage and grow investor wealth using financial asset portfolios, starting from investment first principles.
• Data Science for Risk Management: Outlines the technical skills and theoretical knowledge required for risk management analytics in an organisation using AI and Data Science.
• Financing System Change: Focuses on early-stage, entrepreneurial finance and examines financing models and associated bottlenecks when changing energy, food, and transport systems.
• Financial Regulation: Explains the structure of financial regulation in Europe, the role of supervisory bodies in the financial services industry, and challenges in responding to emerging innovations, risks, and technologies.
• Contemporary Global Issues in Finance, Insurance, and Risk: A one-week module taught by a Visiting International Professor with assessment taking place in the same week.

Summer Semester

• Research Methods in Business: Develops the skills and knowledge for students to complete a post-graduate level research project.
• Research Dissertation in Business: Enables students to develop and demonstrate independent research and critical thinking skills and apply them to an emerging or existing issue in the business domain.
• Alternatively, students can opt for:
  • Digital Futures Lab: Deploys a design approach to address complex organisational and societal problems through mapping, analysis, and creative thinking.
  • Business Analytics Simulation: A simulated exercise that allows students to take control of a business, test assumptions, develop management skills, and learn from mistakes.
  • Completing year 2 in a French partner university as part of a dual degree program.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant discipline. Relevant professional qualifications and experience are also considered. International students must meet specific country-specific qualifications and English language competency requirements.

Fees

The fees for the MSc Finance program are as follows:

• EU students: €10,200
• Non-EU students: €18,400 Annual fees are billed by semester, with options for monthly payment plans.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the MSc Finance program can pursue careers in various sectors, including:

• Investment Banking
• Corporate Banking
• Private Banking
• Fund Management
• Debt and Equity Capital Markets
• Treasury and Foreign Exchange
• Investment Consulting
• Risk Management
• Compliance
• Quantitative Financial Analysis
• Sales
• Trading
• Research

This program, recognized by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), offers a pathway to professional qualifications in Financial Risk Management (FRM) and Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR), enhancing career prospects in the financial services industry.