Risk Management (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a subject with quantitative study such as: 

• accounting 
• finance 
• business 
• maths 
• engineering 
• science 
• economics  

You’ll need evidence your maths, statistics, calculus and algebra knowledge. 

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

We do not accept the following subjects:

• Language Studies – degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as 'Business English', 'Applied English', or 'Translation', are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
• Art/Design/Vocational Studies – degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning. 

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview. 

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

You'll study this full-time master’s course over 12 months.  

In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course   

This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.  

Your optional modules give you the opportunity to personalise your degree and study topics of interest and to work towards your career goals. The optional modules cover topics such as: 

• financial and credit risk 
• managing corporate security 
• quantitative risk analysis  

During semester 2 you’ll begin preparing for your dissertation. For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation.

You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress. 

Part-time study

The part-time version of this course usually involves taught study over two 9 month periods followed by 6 months work on a dissertation 

Semester 1 overview

You’ll study compulsory modules covering key risk management principles and processes and quantitative methods. These will give you a base knowledge to explore the topics further in semester two. 

Semester 2 overview

As well as building on your knowledge from your first semester, you’ll study specialist compulsory modules in subjects like: 

• risk taking and decision making 
• project risk management 
• insurance  

You’ll also study quantitative and qualitative research methods in preparation for your dissertation. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You’ll learn through lectures, seminars and independent study. Our academics make your learning interactive, using case studies and real examples from their research to bring theory to life. You’ll also take part in group exercises exploring theories and their real-world application. 

Some modules include guest talks by industry speakers, and you’ll have the opportunity to attend industry seminars by the Centre for Risk Research. 

You’ll hear from guest speakers, who bring their insight into current sector issues and advice on career options to talks. You’ll also be taught by leading risk management consultants and the chief risk officer of a major insurance firm as part of your module selection. 

Assessment

Assessment methods vary depending on your chosen modules, typical methods include: 

• exams 
• coursework 
• group projects 
• computer-based assignments  
• dissertation project 

Dissertation

As part of this course, you’ll complete a 15,000 word dissertation project on a topic of your choice. This will enable you to specialise in an area of interest and put research skills into practice with the support of an academic.  

Academic Support

We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor. 

You’ll graduate with a wide range of career options. Popular organisations to continue a career in include:  

• financial or insurance companies 
• the pharmaceutical or medical industry 
• environmental risk management 
• consultancy service firms 
• government organisations 
• private sector companies 

Our graduates have gone on to work for companies such as: 

• PwC 
• Deloitte 
• Ernst and Young 
• Old Mutual Wealth 
• Formula 1 

The reputation of our risk management courses means we are regularly approached by companies seeking students for placement, internship or job opportunities. 

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £15,800.
• EU and international students pay £31,500.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship

A scholarship is available to home fee paying students studying an eligible postgraduate master's at Southampton Business School. 

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship

A scholarship of £9,000 is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at the Southampton Business School.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. . 
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000