Course Curriculum

The MSc Financial Engineering and Risk Management at Essex Business School equips students with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of modern financial markets, combining rigorous quantitative training with applied financial practice. The programme covers core areas including financial derivatives, asset pricing, financial time series, and risk management, enabling students to understand and manage the risks associated with modern financial securities. Students develop expertise in data analysis, applying methods to cross-sectional, panel, and qualitative datasets to inform decision-making and enhance financial modelling capabilities. Research methods in finance are integral to the course, providing a solid foundation for empirical investigation and supporting the development of a dissertation project that synthesizes theory and practice. The programme also prepares students for the quantitative demands of the sector through dedicated postgraduate mathematics preparation and professional and academic development modules, fostering both technical proficiency and professional skills. Optional modules allow for further specialisation and the tailoring of the curriculum to individual career goals. Graduates of this course are equipped to pursue careers in commercial and investment banking, hedge funds, regulatory authorities, rating agencies, and other financial institutions, combining analytical expertise, practical understanding, and ethical decision-making to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving global financial landscape.