If students hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet the entry requirements for a master’s, a Pre-Master’s can help them gain a place on a postgraduate degree. For progression to the 1st year of a postgraduate degree at the University of Essex. Course length is determined mainly by English language level (UKVI IELTS score).

Students on all course lengths take a set of common or similar modules to gain a solid base of skills for university. If the course is longer than 2 terms, students will take additional modules designed to improve one or more of their English language level, academic skills, and basic knowledge of particular subjects.

Master of Science - Financial Engineering and Risk Management

The global finance sector requires financial engineers and risk managers to work alongside its traders in order to develop robust security measures to maximise financial stability. The after-effects of the 2008 financial meltdown are still being felt across the globe. The University of Essex MSc Financial Engineering and Risk Management aims to develop finance sector workers who are able to evaluate risk, act rationally and understand the economic impact of their actions in order to find solutions. While the trader is trying to make money, the risk manager is trying not to lose it and the financial engineer is building the tools to reduce associated risks.

If students feel comfortable in pressurised environments and can rise to the challenge of making ethical and robust financial decisions, this could be the finance specialism for them.

MSc Financial Engineering and Risk Management will enable students to follow advanced, contemporary study in financial engineering and risk management and develop a deeper understanding of the risks within modern financial securities. Students will also become skilled in the design of powerful management systems to measure risk. Upon graduation, students should possess the skills and knowledge for a successful career in commercial, investment and central banks, hedge funds, regulatory authorities and rating agencies.

MSc Financial Engineering and Risk Management is taught at Essex Business School, ranked 25th in the UK for research quality. The students and staff join Essex from all over the world and their teaching is grounded in contemporary issues and professional practice, supported by industry-standard facilities, such as Essex's Bloomberg virtual trading floor.

Essex Business School is helping to create the business leaders of the future, those who are creative, innovative and ethically aware. 93% of the Essex Business School students are in employment or further study.

Many of the graduates enjoy careers in financial analysis, management, public administration and accountancy at some of the world’s most well-known organisations and exciting SMEs, including: Groupon, KPMG Group, Right Freight Pvt Ltc, Copal Partners, Capital Markets Intelligence, and Credit Data Research.