Master of Science in Risk Management

Study location	100% Online
Type	Postgraduate, Online
Nominal duration	2 years (180 Credits)
Study language	English
Awards	(Master of Science in Risk Management)

Tuition fee	£7,950 per programme

Entry qualification

2:2 honours degree (or higher) To be considered for the MSc Risk Management (online) programme, you will need an honours degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent. If you do not meet these requirements but have a minimum of 12 months’ relevant professional experience and/or equivalent qualifications, we recommend that you apply. All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Required for your application: We normally require a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or equivalent. Personal identification documents, e.g., passport or other I.D. A personal statement (300-500 words) and/or video presentation (4-5 minutes) about why you want to study this programme. Proof of English (POE) language proficiency where applicable. A CV/Resume or LinkedIn profile are required for applicants who do not meet the Academic requirements above. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

Language requirements

English International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no component below 5.5 (or approved equivalent*). *The university accepts a large number of UK and International qualifications in place of IELTS. To find details of acceptable tests and the required grades, please visit our English Language Requirements pages. Read more on the English Language Requirements pages. A Proof of English Language Proficiency (POE) exemption may be offered to you if you meet one of the following criteria: Completed at least 3 years of high school in an English-speaking country. Completed an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in English. Completed an IB diploma in a different language if they obtained a grade of 5 or higher for one of the English courses. Completed a higher educational or professional qualification in English. Working in an English-speaking environment and demonstrably working in English.

Other requirements

A motivation letter must be added to your application. We want to ensure that the course will suit your needs, so we pay especially close attention to the Personal Statement which forms part of your application to the University. Please take particular care over this statement. In a 300–500 word statement or a 4–5 minute video, you should explain: Why you’re interested in a career in risk management What personal attributes and experience you have which make you suited to a career in risk management An overview of your intended career path in risk management Wherever possible, your statement should draw on relevant personal experience. When describing the personal attributes and qualities which you believe equip you for a career in risk management, try to give actual, brief examples from your experience where you displayed those attributes and qualities.

Overview

The importance of risk management

In an increasingly uncertain world, this programme equips you with the tools and strategic insights to manage risk, drive resilience, and shape stronger organisations.

What this programme offers you

Our MSc Risk Management, delivered fully online and part time, is designed to be accessible to both recent graduates and experienced professionals from any discipline. You’ll build a comprehensive understanding of risk from strategic, operational, financial, and corporate governance perspectives.

Core modules include enterprise risk, project complexity, crisis resilience, corporate governance and sustainability. The programme culminates in an applied industry-facing project where you’ll put your learning into practice, solving real-world problems in the risk sector.

With a strong emphasis on ethical decision-making, technological change and sustainability, this course ensures you’re not just responding to today’s risks but are fully prepared to lead in the challenges of tomorrow.

Educational Aims

• Develop strategic risk expertise: Understand enterprise risk, crisis response, operational resilience, and project complexity across global industries.
• Think critically and act ethically: Apply informed, sustainable, and responsible approaches to solving risk-related challenges.
• Lead with confidence: Gain the leadership skills needed to guide organisations through uncertainty and transformation.
• Grow professionally: This conversion programme welcomes applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds and supports your continuous growth in a high-demand field.

Teaching and learning methods

• Learn through real-world cases: Apply your knowledge to current and emerging industry scenarios using practical case studies.
• Interactive, flexible delivery: Engage with recorded lectures, digital activities, quizzes and discussion forums designed for online learners.
• Industry-driven curriculum: The content is shaped by current academic research and developed in consultation with industry leaders.
• Inclusive and supportive: You’ll benefit from formative feedback, academic guidance, and pastoral support from a dedicated online student support team.

Programme structure

Gain in-demand expertise in enterprise risk, crisis and resilience, operational risk, leadership, and corporate governance.

The programme has a total of 180 credits. You take eight core modules; each is worth 15 credits and is an average of eight weeks in duration. Your journey culminates with your 60 credit Applied Project in Risk Management.

Core modules

Project Complexity and Risk Management (15 credits)

Explore how complexity impacts large-scale projects and develop strategies to mitigate associated risks. You will assess sources of uncertainty, analyse dynamic environments, and apply practical risk management techniques to enhance project delivery, governance, and performance using real-world case studies.

Crisis Management and Resilience (15 credits)

Learn how organisations prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises in a world of increasing uncertainty. Explore the full crisis lifecycle—from early preparedness and emergency response to post-crisis recovery—and gain insights into building organisational resilience. Through real-world case studies, you will develop the critical skills needed to manage extreme events and safeguard long-term stability and reputation.

Enterprise Risk Management (15 credits)

Understand how organisations identify, analyse, and manage risks that affect strategic, financial, operational, and reputational outcomes. This module explores essential risk theories and models, showing you how to apply them in real business scenarios to enhance decision-making. Through real-world case studies, you will examine complex risk challenges and develop the critical thinking skills needed to assess and implement effective risk strategies in the business environment.

Strategic Leadership (15 credits)

Critically examine leadership theory and strategic decision-making in complex environments. Analyse the role of leaders in managing risk, shaping organisational culture, and setting strategic direction. You’ll assess leadership styles and their effectiveness in influencing risk appetite and organisational resilience.

Corporate Governance and Sustainability (15 credits)

Examine the principles of corporate governance and the growing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Learn how effective governance frameworks support sustainable decision-making, ethical practices, and long-term value creation. This module emphasises the role of governance in building resilient and responsible organisations.

Business Decision Making (15 credits)

Sharpen your ability to make smart, strategic decisions using financial and business data. This module equips you with essential tools to evaluate performance, assess investment opportunities, and manage corporate risk. Explore how to use evidence-based methods and data analysis to support high-impact business strategies. You will gain hands-on experience applying financial frameworks, interpreting numerical insights, and aligning decisions with organisational goals in a competitive business landscape.

Financial Risk Management (15 credits)

Gain a solid foundation in how organisations manage exposure to financial risks. This module equips you with the knowledge and tools to identify, measure, and mitigate key risks such as market and credit risk across corporate and financial institutions. You will explore core theoretical models and apply them to practical scenarios, evaluating how risk strategies work in real-world settings. Through case studies and operational examples, you will develop critical insights into effective decision-making in financial risk environments.

Operational Risk Management (15 credits)

Develop the expertise to manage the operational risks that challenge today’s organisations. This module provides a comprehensive understanding of key principles and practices in operational risk management. You will gain the skills to identify, assess, and mitigate risks across diverse corporate settings, while sharpening your critical thinking and analytical abilities to support effective, risk-informed decision-making.

Applied Project in Risk Management (60 credits)

Put your learning into practice by conducting an independent applied research project on a risk-related topic of your choice. Demonstrate your ability to assess real-world risks, design practical solutions, and critically reflect on strategic implications through rigorous research and analysis.