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This one-year MSc in Advanced Financial Analysis is designed to give you the specialist knowledge and skills that you will need for a career in investment management or financial analysis and to help you acquire the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 2 qualification.
The programme consists of two elements. The first comprises eight taught modules, spread over the first and second terms. These modules, delivered jointly by Lancaster faculty and Fitch Learning’s professional instructors, are designed to cover the material you will need for the core CFA Level 2 syllabus relating to investments and financial analysis. Additionally, you will take the Personal Development for Careers in Finance module.
The second element of the programme is a specialist CFA dissertation stream which runs in the third term and through to September and includes:
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an intensive CFA training module preparing for the CFA Level 2 exam in June
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a dissertation project focusing on investment management
Term 1
In your first term from October to December, you will take four modules including the top three below, and a choice of either Regulation and Compliance or Quantitative Methods for Finance.
If you are accepted onto the course without CFA Level I, you will need to register for the CFA Level I exam in December before the start of the programme. You will study the "Topics in Professional Financial Analysis" module rather than Regulation and Compliance to prepare you for your CFA exam.
Running alongside these modules is a two-part module on Personal Development for Careers in Finance, looking at Communication and Client Management. You will also complete intensive non-assessed training on financial databases.
- Fund Management
- Financial Modelling and Analysis
- Programming and Databases for Financial Applications
- Regulation and Compliance
- Quantitative Methods for Finance
- Topics in Professional Financial Analysis
- Personal Development for Careers in Finance
Term 2
During your second term from January to March, you will take the below modules.
- Advanced Financial Markets and Investment Management
- Advanced Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Advanced Investment Risk Management
- Advanced Investment Research Methods
Term 3
The final module, Advanced Topics in Fund Management and Investment Analysis, includes both intensive training by Fitch Learning to prepare you for the CFA Level II exam in June, and a Capstone project that forms the basis of your Masters dissertation. This project enables you to look in depth at an area of investment management practice of your own choosing. The dissertation is linked to CFA Level II and you will have supervision from Lancaster faculty. Dissertations are submitted in September, and graduation takes place at Lancaster in early December.
If you do not pass the CFA Level I exam in December, you will not study for CFA Level II and will take an alternative dissertation module instead of Advanced Topics in Fund Management and Investment Analysis.
Undergraduate Degree: 2:1 (UK Hons) degree or equivalent in Finance or Accounting. If CFA level I qualified: Economics, Business Studies, Mathematics, or another business-related or quantitative subject such as Engineering and Computing.
Professionally qualified accountants with good examination results can also be considered.
- IELTS: Overall score of at least 7.0, with no individual element below 6.0.
- ToEFL iBT: Yes - 93 or 100** overall. Minimum of 20 or 22** in each skill
- Pearson PTE Academic: Yes - 62/70. Minimum scores in each component required. Please check with the Faculty Admissions Team
- Advanced CAE: Yes - Grade C
Funding for the MSc Advanced Financial Analysis programme at Lancaster University can be approached through a variety of sources. Students may explore scholarships offered directly by Lancaster University, such as the Lancaster University Management School Scholarships, which are awarded based on academic merit and professional achievement. Additionally, prospective students can apply for external scholarships and bursaries from government bodies, international organizations, or private foundations. Many students pursue student loans available through their home country or international loan schemes designed to support postgraduate education.
Part-time work opportunities within Lancaster University and the surrounding Lancaster area can provide supplementary income, helping students manage living expenses and tuition fees. The university also offers guidance and support on part-time work and internships in the financial sector, which align with students' academic progress and career development. International students should investigate visa regulations related to working hours during their studies to ensure compliance.
For those financing their studies through personal funds or family support, planning and budgeting are essential to cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Some students benefit from employer sponsorship, particularly those who are already employed in finance or related sectors and can secure tuition reimbursement, study leaves, or other financial assistance from their employers.
Lancaster University also provides advice on loans and financing options tailored for international students, including information on the financial requirements for visa applications. Overall, funding strategies for the MSc Advanced Financial Analysis encompass a combination of university scholarships, external funding, personal savings, and employment income, allowing students to customize their financial plans according to individual circumstances.
Advanced Financial Analysis at Lancaster University is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with comprehensive skills and knowledge in the field of finance. The programme offers an in-depth understanding of financial analysis techniques, valuation methods, financial modelling, and strategic decision-making processes essential for careers in finance, investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance. Students explore advanced concepts in financial accounting, managerial finance, and quantitative analysis, enabling them to interpret complex financial data and make informed decisions. The curriculum is designed to develop analytical skills and practical expertise, incorporating case studies, real-world projects, and the use of industry-standard software tools. The programme often includes modules on risk management, financial reporting, and ethical considerations in finance, preparing students for the dynamic challenges of the global financial markets. Lancaster University’s reputation for academic excellence and strong links with industry professionals provides students with networking opportunities, internships, and career support services. The course typically features a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual or group projects to foster collaborative learning and practical application. Graduates from the Advanced Financial Analysis program are well-positioned to secure roles in financial analysis, consultancy, banking, or to pursue further professional qualifications such as CFA or ACCA. The programme emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills, ensuring students are ready to contribute effectively in various financial environments.