University of Lancashire
9 Months
January/May/September
Online
The MSc in Finance and Management (Top-up) degree, awarded by the University of Lancashire, is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in financial management. This degree is suitable for those who have completed a relevant postgraduate diploma, and are looking to further their studies and enhance their career prospects in the finance industry.
The Master’s in Finance and Management is a 9-month top-Up programme, consisting of the dissertation module only. Students are required to undertake independent research and produce a dissertation that demonstrates their ability to apply advanced research techniques to a finance-related topic. The dissertation module carries 60 credits and is designed to enable students to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and research skills in financial management.
Throughout the programme, students will be supported by experienced academics and industry professionals, who will provide guidance and feedback on their research project. The programme is delivered through a combination of online webinars, and independent study, allowing students to fit their studies around their work and personal commitments.
Study the disciplines that matter most, from finance and marketing to leadership, operations, and sustainability, all connected directly to your working life.
Upon completing the degree, graduates will have the skills and knowledge required to pursue a range of career opportunities in finance, including roles in:
The programme also provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing further study or research in finance.
Note: This content reflects the full MSc Finance and Management programme outcomes. As an LIBT graduate entering at the dissertation stage, you will have already covered the taught elements through your Qualifi Level 7 Diploma.
The University of Lancashire’s distance learning courses are designed to provide students with the same high-quality education as on-campus courses.
You will have access to:
The programme allows you to study at your own pace and on your own schedule, while receiving the same level of support and education as on-campus students.
Assessment consists entirely of the dissertation module. There are no written examinations. Students are required to undertake independent research and produce a dissertation that demonstrates their ability to apply advanced research techniques to a finance-related topic.
Throughout the programme, students will be supported by experienced academics and industry professionals, who will provide guidance and feedback on their research project.
This programme is designed for motivated people who are ready to invest in their future. Here is what we look for.
If you have formal qualifications, you will need one of the following:
The University of Lancashire is an international, multi-campus university tracing its roots back to 1828 and based in Preston, Lancashire. It is one of the largest universities in the United Kingdom, with a student and staff community of nearly 38,000 from over 100 countries, making it a vibrant and genuinely international place to learn.
The University of Lancashire is ranked in the top 7% of universities worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings 2024.
Distance learning courses at the University of Lancashire are designed to provide students with the same high-quality education as on-campus courses, with access to video lectures, online discussion forums, interactive assessments, academic support, technical support, and the university’s library and online resources.
This stage is open to graduates of the Qualifi Level 7 Diploma in Accounting and Finance (120 credits). Your diploma provides direct entry to the dissertation module at the University of Lancashire. You must be at least 21 years of age and demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. Contact our admissions team to confirm your eligibility before applying.
You will undertake an independent research project in a finance-related topic of your choice, supported by a dedicated academic supervisor at the University of Lancashire. The dissertation totals approximately 15,000 words, comprising a research methods brief, a major project, and a professional development report. You will develop a research proposal, conduct a literature review, collect and analyse data, and present your findings.
On successful completion, you are awarded the MSc in Finance and Management by the University of Lancashire, a public university ranked in the top 7% of universities worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings 2024. The degree is identical to that received by full-programme students and opens direct eligibility for entry to a relevant Doctorate or PhD programme.

Submit your application online today through our secure student portal. It only takes a few minutes to complete your profile and upload your documents.