Finance and Management
Are you interested in finance and do you hold leadership qualities?
![Accounting and Finance and Economics](https://static.kent.ac.uk/nexus/ems/57.jpg)
Are you interested in finance and do you hold leadership qualities?
Financial managers cover everything from strategic analysis to the collection and preparation of accounts and financial reporting. A good financial manager must be extremely proficient in the complex systems and processes of the industry whilst also being able to delegate effectively and lead a team.
MSc Finance and Management is delivered by published academics and co-developed by industry leaders. It equips students with a comprehensive framework of financial theory and the practical processes required for the sector, fused with an overview of management studies. Our graduates are ready-made robust managers who can spot errors, make decisions, analyse risk and lead a team effectively. Further, our Bloomberg Finance Lab allows students to apply their learnings to real business data. Also available with an optional Industrial Placement.
You’ll learn a broad overview of finance and management including corporate finance, and international financial markets and instruments, global strategy, international accounting for decision-making. You will finish your master's with a detailed report with the support of a dedicated expert supervisor.
I have developed skills such as problem solving, numeracy and excel expertise which I believe will be very valuable for a career in the finance sector.
~ Paolo Pellegrinelli, MSc Finance and Management
A minimum of a second-class UK degree, or an equivalent internationally recognised qualification in a variety of subject areas is accepted for entry into this course.
All applicants are considered on an individual basis and those without an honours degree may also be considered on the basis of work experience, professional qualifications and the relevance of the programme to their current professional role.
All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.
Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.
This course requires a Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR.
Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.
Examples:
IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
PTE Academic 63 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test
A degree from a UK university
A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
In Stage 1 you will take all eight compulsory modules and choose two of the available optional modules to give your course a specific focus based on your ambitions and goals.
Corporate finance is about growing companies and driving profits. Through mastering the core areas of corporate finance, you'll be able to understand what corporations value when making decisions with a direct impact on wealth creation. You’ll develop skills in maximising company wealth alongside building your knowledge base, so by the time you graduate, you’ll have exactly the skills you need for an exciting, successful and profitable career in corporate finance.
Finance plays an important role in everyone's decisions. It allows individuals and companies to take informed decisions on how to use money and plan for the future. You'll learn the role of various participants in the financial markets and study the theoretical framework guiding companies' long-term financial decisions - from investing in real assets to raising capital - and explore financial investors' decisions using a risk-return trade-off approach.
You’ll also learn how to use various financial databases to extract real financial data and apply all the techniques and models to assist companies and investors when investing in new long-term projects to ensure their success.
Explore ethical business practices and responsible corporate governance through academic and real world case studies. You'll cover critical topics such as shareholder vs. stakeholder perspectives, board dynamics, and the evolving landscape of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG).
You'll gain a nuanced understanding and analytical skills to dissect corporate governance mechanisms and assess sustainable decision-making processes. We prepare you to excel in diverse business settings with the business acumen needed to navigate corporate responsibility intricacies and spearhead positive change within organisations and beyond.
What is the role of major financial institutions? You'll understand the nature and activities of the main groups of financial markets and institutions within the US and UK as well as emerging markets (BRICs). Looking at the inter-relationships between those institutions and marketing, you'll identify the forces driving change within the international markets and systems. Various theoretical institutional and policy level issues are examined, assisting you in your analysis.
'Do your research' is a phrase we are all familiar with. But how can we trust the sources we draw on? In an information-rich environment, how can you ensure that the research you do stands out from other sources of knowledge and is seen as trustworthy and valuable?
You'll build understanding of who you are as a researcher and the type of research that is valued in both academic and professional settings. You'll gain the knowledge you need to build a research project from an idea into a mature investigation that can make a novel contribution to broader research debates. Study how to craft research questions, build a sample of respondents, work with databases, design data collection tools, perform quantitative and qualitative analyses of data and communicate your results to the wider world.
Learn how to use an array of research tools to create world-leading research and become known as an innovative and dynamic researcher driving growth and positive change.
Traditional narratives on strategy no longer fulfil the needs of today's student and global marketplace. You'll move beyond the goal of profit maximisation and focus upon value, learning how to use an array of basic strategy tools and techniques that will make you market ready for a graduate managerial position and an exciting and successful career.
This module provides an insight into the key concepts and theories of human resource management and organisational behaviour in an international context. You'll gain the skills and knowledge needed for an in-depth understanding of the links between HRM practices and organisational performance and the factors at play when managing employees globally.
Accounting is often perceived as complex and obscure. But good accounting is exactly the opposite, it offers informative power that non-accountants can use to guide decision-making. Through a hands-on approach, you'll explore how accounting information is used by managers, investors and financial analysts in business. You’ll learn how real world businesses make decisions and will understand how these decisions affect their performance and sustainability. When you understand accounting as a tool for decision-making you will be able to interact meaningfully with stakeholders and critically evaluate the impact that decisions will have on the future of a company, which is crucial to kick-start your career in accounting.
As the world adapts to social and environmental change, sustainability has become more important than ever, both to business and society. To be a future business leader, you need to provide better leadership, and redefine the role of the business in the fight for a sustainable tomorrow. Through exploring sustainable thinking, environmental awareness and ethical behaviour you will gain crucial context, and by developing your problem-solving skills in this context, you'll be equipped to tackle the biggest challenges we face in business, and beyond. So, you won't just be ready to be a leader in business, you’ll be prepared to lead society towards a sustainable future.
Is Excel really powerful enough to integrate into business processes as a tool for financial analysis? You'll find out in this module, through a foundation in financial modelling, exploring key financial concepts with hands-on Excel applications, including data analysis, risk management and portfolio analysis. The practical emphasis ensures that theoretical knowledge is directly applicable to real world scenarios. You'll gain practical skills in putting Excel to use as a strategic tool for financial analysis and management, enhancing your professional toolkit for the demands of the finance industry.
In the current financial environment of uncertainty and volatility, effective credit risk management is crucial. You'll study a range of approaches from credit ratings to structural and reduced approaches to access credit risk.
You'll also explore techniques and tools used by companies and financial institutions to manage this risk. Using real case data, you’ll learn how to use credit risk models in assessing companies' credit risk and evaluate their risk management techniques, which is vital for a successful career in finance.
How do managers use data? How are data-driven decisions made? Analytics has never been more important or critical in business. You'll use software to address managerial problems via modelling, as well quantitative techniques including optimisation, decision analysis, simulations and statistical models. You’ll know how to drive management value and organisational change to a business through innovation and analytical problem solving, essential in today’s management careers.
In Stage 2 you will complete your Finance Project. This is a fantastic example of your skills, knowledge and insight to show employers after you graduate.
You will have developed expert skills and knowledge needed as a finance professional, now is the time to make it count and demonstrate what you can do. In your finance project you'll learn how to practically apply concepts and techniques you have learned throughout your degree. Organising your findings in a professional report, you'll examine a contemporary finance topic in-depth within a specialised area. Show employers your knowledge and understanding of finance and launch a successful and exciting career in finance with confidence.
We use a variety of teaching methods, including:
Classroom-based learning is supported by the latest online technologies and learning platforms.
Your progress on this course is assessed through a variety of means, including:
This course embeds employability into our teaching, learning, and assessment practices. We work with employers and industry partners in order provide all of our students with exceptional career development support and opportunities to develop skills, knowledge, and experiences to thrive in their future careers.
From the moment you start with us, our efforts are focused on helping you gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need to thrive in an increasingly competitive workplace. As part of the course, you may wish to undertake an Industrial Placement or opt for an In-Company Scheme to work on a real business case study as part of your capstone Research project. Go on our Business Start-up Journey and transform your idea into a business through ASPIRE. Our qualified careers practitioners provide support for up to three years after graduation.
Our lively and active postgraduate community is brought about in part by our strong research culture and by the close community between our staff and students. Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books and embed their research in their teaching.
Students have regular contact with their course and module conveners with staff on hand to answer any questions and to provide helpful and constructive feedback on submitted work. Also, all students on our postgraduate courses take part in our ‘Ambition in Motion’ programme – a set of supportive workshops which ensure that students are progressing through their learning journeys smoothly.
You can also get involved with extra-curricular academic and social activities with guest lectures, talks and workshops organised by our academic staff, research centres and the ASPIRE team.
Our Canterbury campus provides a welcoming environment and a close-knit student community. Kent Business School is based within the Sibson Building which opened in 2017 and its impressive design won the RIBA Regional and National Award. It houses well-equipped lecture and seminar spaces, as well as breakout spaces for group work, Bloomberg suite, computer labs, a dedicated MBA suite, and our ASPIRE Lab Space. There is also a cafe on site.
The School is conveniently located at the University of Kent’s campus, close to continental Europe and with easy access to London. World-famous Canterbury Cathedral is situated in the heart of the historic city centre, just a 25-minute walk or a short bus ride.
Kent Business School has close links with: Universität Innsbruck; Beijing Normal University - Bay Area International Business School; ESSEC Business School; Neoma Business School; Rennes Business School; EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht; Freie Universität Berlin; City University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Baptist University; University of Hong Kong; Institut Teknologi Bandung (The Bandung Institute of Technology); Università Carlo Cattaneo in Castellanza; Università degli Studi di Bologna; Università degli Studi di Firenze (University of Florence); IE Madrid; Stockholm University.
All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.
Our world-class academics influence management strategies and practices world-wide through our outstanding research projects and direct involvements with industry. We address some of the biggest challenges of our time such as sustainability and responsible leadership to drive progress and create better business globally.
At its core, our research strategy is about delivering a sustainable tomorrow - a theme that Kent Business School embodies in all areas. We want to answer the big questions - How can innovation that enables sustainable long-term economic growth be created and supported? How can sustainable business practices improve environmental and social conditions? These are the problems we are here to solve.
We are global leaders advancing knowledge through constant collaboration and promotion of innovative research. We collaborate with local, national and international business, but we don't stop there. We have forged partnerships with other academic institutions and organisations such as the NHS. This wider focus allows us to advance towards our goal of a sustainable tomorrow.
Research Departments
Department of Accounting and Finance – The Department enjoys a significant international presence and reputation in several fields, including critical accounting, accounting history, sustainability accounting, corporate finance, banking and options pricing and performance.
Department for Analytics, Operations and Systems – The Department offers world class education and conducts internationally leading research in operational research, data analytics, operations management, information systems and sustainability.
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and International Business – The Department brings together experts in the areas of three key management disciplines promoting interdisciplinary teaching and research as well as cross interdisciplinary knowledge exchange.
Department of Leadership and Management – The Department is a cross-disciplinary community dedicated to tackling complex business and societal challenges. Our teaching and innovative research encompasses the economic, psychological, social, political, and technological contexts in which organisations operate worldwide.
Research centres
The Centre for Logistics and Sustainability Analytics – The Centre helps companies to address a wide range of transport, logistics, and supply chain problems with sustainability considerations.
The Centre for Productivity and Workplace Performance – The Centre contributes to the evidence base for competitiveness, environmental growth, regional productivity, technology and innovation.
The Centre for Quantitative Finance – Providing quantitative analysis of issues in the financial markets for businesses and policymakers.
Dynamic Publishing
Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Journal of Corporate Finance, British Journal of Management, Organizations and Society, European Journal of Operational Research, Journal of Environmental Management, Financial Accountability & Management, Journal of Banking and Finance, Management Science, Transportation Science, International Journal of Operations and Production Management, British Journal of Management, Journal of Business Venturing, Entrepreneurship, Theory and Practice, British Journal of Management, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of World Business, Research Policy, European Journal of Operational Research, European Journal of Marketing, International Journal of Research in Marketing, International Marketing Review.
From the moment you start with us, our efforts are focused on helping you gain the knowledge, skills and experience you need to thrive in an increasingly competitive workplace. As part of the course, you may wish to undertake an Industrial Placement or opt for an In-Company Scheme to work on a real business case study as part of your capstone Research project. Go on our Business Start-up Journey and transform your idea into a business through ASPIRE. Our qualified careers practitioners provide support for up to three years after graduation.
Our careers and employability support at Kent Business School is designed to make sure you are ready to hit the ground running when you graduate, when you study with us you can expect:
Additionally, the Postgraduate Employability Edge programme, available to postgraduate students at Kent Business School takes place from Welcome Week until the end of your studies and is designed to enhance your career prospects further.
Our Finance and Management graduates find work in both financial institutions and general management in public and private sector management and consultancy both overseas and in the UK in a wide range of companies and organisations, including:
Many of our students also stay local and find job opportunities regionally in small and medium firms or even set-up their own businesses as well-equipped entrepreneurs.
The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
Find out more about general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Supporting your success
Kent ranked top 50 in The Complete University Guide 2024.
Fees and funding
Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.
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