Risk is at the heart of every significant financial decision. This programme prepares you to understand it, measure it, and manage it – across firms, markets, and institutions.
The curriculum covers the core dimensions of modern risk management: from quantification of financial risk, to the regulatory frameworks that govern it, to the instruments and strategies used to transfer or hedge it. You'll engage with questions that matter in practice:
A distinguishing feature of this programme is its partnership with Deutsche Bank. Through a series of practitioner seminars, you'll engage directly with senior professionals on live risk management topics, present your own work for expert feedback, and build connections through informal networking at each session. These seminars aren't a supplement to the academic content — they're integral to how the programme works.
By choosing from a selection of optional courses, you can tailor aspects of the programme to your academic interests and desired area of specialisation.
The combination of analytical rigour and practitioner exposure prepares graduates for careers across the financial sector and beyond.
Choosing where to study is an important decision. Take time to explore what makes the MSc Finance and Risk distinctive, from our teaching and research expertise to the experience of studying within the Department of Finance.
Hear directly from our Student Ambassadors , meet our faculty , and read our alumni profiles to gain a clearer sense of the programme and our community.
The Department of Finance is one of the largest and most highly respected finance groups in the UK and Europe.
With a longstanding reputation for excellence in both teaching and research, we offer various undergraduate, postgraduate and executive programmes.
Our research and teaching span the full range of financial sub-fields, including:
Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or international equivalent in any discipline and good quantitative skills.
Successful applicants usually have a solid undergraduate background in one or more of the following areas: Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Statistics and Accounting. However, we also welcome applications from candidates with other backgrounds. If you don't have sufficient background in these areas, we may require you to take one or more LSE Summer School courses.
GMAT or GRE is required for all applicants without a UK undergraduate degree (GMAT strongly preferred). See more information below under "Additional tests".
Work experience (either through internships or full employment) is not a pre-requisite; however, applicants who have some professional experience should include this in their application, as it may strengthen their application.
You may also have to provide evidence of your English proficiency, although you do not need to provide this at the time of your application to LSE.
See our English language requirements .
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
Search for a country Additional tests GMAT/GRE GMAT or GRE is required for all applicants without a UK undergraduate degree (GMAT strongly preferred).
GMAT is recommended for applicants with UK undergraduate degrees, especially those whose quantitative skills are not demonstrated by their undergraduate studies.
English language requirements
The English language requirement for this programme is Standard . Read more about our English language requirements .
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this doesn't guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out.