Study

MBA FINANCIAL PLANNING

The MBA in Financial Planning is a prestigious and advanced program tailored to enhance the knowledge and skills of chartered financial planners. Through this program, participants acquire
essential expertise that not only strengthens their professional credibility but also empowers them to drive meaningful impact within the financial planning industry.

Course Overview

Unlike traditional master’s programs in finance, this MBA is uniquely centred on goals-based financial planning, which serves as the cornerstone of both the curriculum and its practical
applications.

The program commences with an intensive goals-based financial planning module, delivered over three business days in May. During this module, participants explore in depth the theories, legislation, policies, practices, and trends that enhance the value of financial advice to clients.

Employing a Socratic approach, learners are encouraged to develop their own perspectives on specific aspects of the value provision cycle, which will inform and shape their subsequent project
work.

Following this, learners engage in a tailored, in-person research methods workshop, held over three business days in September. This workshop provides critical insights as participants conduct
rigorous reviews of literature and industry practices, design high-impact projects, and plan dissemination strategies. By the conclusion of the workshop, each learner will have refined their
project proposal, paving the way for the appointment of a research supervisor to guide their major research project.

Each learner is assigned a dedicated research supervisor who provides ongoing support throughout the development, execution, and documentation of their major research project. The final deliverable is a 15,000-word (or equivalent) report, which demonstrates how the learner proposes to influence policies or practices within the industry to enhance client outcomes.

The program is highly regarded by key industry stakeholders, including professional bodies, regulators, leading employers, and independent practitioners. It is taught by seasoned professionals with decades of combined industry and academic expertise. Given its distinctive focus, the program attracts experienced practitioners from diverse specializations, geographic locations, and professional backgrounds—whether employed or independent—enriching the peer interactions and overall learning experience.

Study Style

The program is thoughtfully designed to accommodate the demanding schedules of professionals, with each of its two course segments structured to begin with a three-day, face-to-face block
release, followed by flexible, interactive sessions. The goals-based financial planning module is delivered over three consecutive days at our Oxstalls campus in Gloucester, providing an immersive and focused learning experience. This is complemented by a single interactive online session during the summer months, ensuring continued engagement and progress.

The three-day research methods seminar is strategically aligned with our annual International Finance in Society Research Conference, held each September. This prestigious event convenes
seasoned academics, professional bodies, regulators, independent practitioners, and trade organization representatives to discuss pressing issues and emerging trends in the finance sector. A
standout feature of the conference is the opportunity for program graduates to return and present how their projects and research activities are driving meaningful impact within the industry.

Entry Requirements: Chartered or fellow status with accredited finance professional bodies (e.g. CII, CISI, and LIBF, etc).

Fee: £4500

Duration: 1Y

Campus: Oxstalls, Gloucester

MSc Finance (top-up)

The MSc Finance Top-Award is an executive-level program specifically designed for chartered finance professionals who are pursuing advanced opportunities for learning and professional
development. For those contemplating the next steps after achieving their charter or fellowship, this program offers a structured pathway to transition from the application of existing knowledge to the creation of new insights. Developed in partnership with industry leaders, the program delivers a comprehensive Level 7 academic qualification. Participants are provided with the necessary support to conduct, implement, and disseminate research that generates meaningful impact on policies and practices within the finance sector.

Course Overview

The finance profession is in a state of constant evolution, and maintaining a leading position within the field necessitates the continuous adaptation of knowledge and skill sets. As an experienced practitioner, this program is designed to enhance your technical expertise by equipping you with value-adding skills that refine your ability to critically evaluate existing knowledge, practices, and policies, while also enabling you to develop well-founded alternatives and improvements. This is achieved through a “learning by doing” approach, which incorporates learning activities and projects grounded in real-world contexts.

The program introduces key threshold concepts and competencies in knowledge creation, with a particular emphasis on the finance profession. During the three-day intensive research methods
seminar, you will engage with seasoned researchers and practitioners, honing your critical thinking skills in areas such as literature review, research design, implementation, and academic writing. To provide real-world relevance, the seminar is strategically scheduled to coincide with our annual Finance in Society Research Conference, held each September. This offers you the opportunity to interact with active researchers, representatives from professional bodies, regulators, and practitioners from across the industry.

The practical “doing” component of the program commences with the assignment of a dedicated research supervisor, who will guide you through the design, implementation, and writing of your dissertation. The focus is on creating tangible impact—empowering you to expand your influence within the industry by contributing to advancements in knowledge, policy, and practice.

Study Style

The program offers a blend of face-to-face and online learning sessions to accommodate diverse learning preferences and schedules. The research methods training is delivered in an intensive three-day block format, providing a focused and immersive learning experience. Following this, research supervisory sessions are arranged with assigned supervisors, offering flexibility in delivery. These sessions may be conducted either face-to-face or online, with most students and learners opting for online sessions for convenience. These online sessions are thoughtfully
designed to align with participants’ individual availabilities, ensuring a seamless and accessible learning experience.

Entry Requirements: Chartered, certified or fellow status with accredited finance, insurance, banking and accounting professional bodies (e.g. CII, CISI, LIBF, CFA, FRM, ACT, PRM, ACCA, CIMA, CTA, CIPFA etc)

Fee: £4500

Duration: 1Y

Campus: Oxstalls, Gloucester

Paul Richardson

MBA Financial Planning, Concept Financial Planning

“The course has been challenging and time-consuming, yet immensely rewarding. The steep learning curve is matched by incredible support, especially from my tutor, who pushes my thinking to new depths at every turn.”

Zoe Taylor

MSc Finance, FPFS, LLAA 

“I am delighted to share my experience with the MSc in Finance program at the University of Gloucestershire. This course has been instrumental in broadening my academic horizons and enhancing my professional reputation. 

The opportunity to explore topics I am truly passionate about has not only deepened my understanding of finance but has also helped me establish myself as a specialist in working with vulnerable clients.  

I was apprehensive about the degree as I left school at 16 and other than the CII exams, had not completed any formal or academic work, so I did find it quite different at first in terms of language, style and referencing, however, soon started to embrace and enjoy the challenge. My tutor, Charles, offered excellent guidance throughout, helping to steer me to draw my own conclusions and refine my work. His support was invaluable, and I was thrilled to achieve a Distinction upon completion of the course – an accomplishment I truly treasure. 

The program has significantly impacted my professional outlook, allowing me to emerge as a recognised leader within my area of expertise. It has enabled me to influence best practices in the industry and has opened doors for me to participate on various boards and panels, aimed at improving outcomes for clients and financial professionals alike. 

I wholeheartedly recommend the MSc in Finance for anyone looking to advance their career and make a meaningful impact in the finance sector. This program not only equips you with essential knowledge but also fosters an environment that encourages personal and professional growth that you will be incredibly proud of.”

Lewis Prosser

MSc (Finance), FPFS, Chartered Financial Planner

“In the fast-paced world of financial services, I thoroughly enjoyed the research aspect, delving into various areas to deepen my knowledge and understanding. Taking the time to embrace this process was invaluable. Understanding bias was particularly crucial, especially when designing survey questions and presenting my research findings. 

Since completing my research, I’ve focused on key takeaways and introduced them via LinkedIn. I want to focus on the importance of appropriate and relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for both qualified and newly qualified individuals, with a particular focus on incorporating soft skills into CPD activities. 

I cannot recommend the MSc Finance program highly enough. Initially, I was overwhelmed as I hadn’t undertaken this type of academic work before, but my tutor provided exceptional support and challenges throughout the process. During my research, I gained a deep understanding of the importance of skills and retained a significant amount due to the unique learning style, which differs greatly from studying technical information for an exam. The MSc Finance program allowed me to explore an intriguing aspect of the Financial Services profession and consider multiple factors impacting the Advice Gap in the UK. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, which pushed me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to develop new skills and gain insights into the development of Financial Advisers. For those considering the MSc Finance or MBA Financial Planning programs, I recommend making a plan and allocating sufficient time throughout the process to fully understand and appreciate your research focus area.”

Louise Speirs

MSc (Finance), FPFS, Chartered Financial Planner, Chartered Associate (LIBF)

“The MSc in Finance course provided a great opportunity for me to continue with my professional development in ways outside of the standard professional qualification exams. It helped demonstrate my commitments in this area and at the same time a new challenge and different way of studying. 

It’s not often that you get the chance to choose the area you want to study. The course allowed me to undertake my own research on a topic in the financial advice that was of interest to me and could hopefully add to existing knowledge and understanding in this area. 

It had been some time since I’d last completed an academic style paper (over 15 since I was an undergraduate student) and it was a challenge to write in that format again. However, I overcame this with the materials provided for the course and with the amazing support of my supervisor.   

If you’re interested in expanding your study or researching an area of interest to potentially enhance your business or potentially contribute to future change in the financial advice profession, you should definitely consider the Masters programmes available. You have to be interested in your research and dedicated to studying but the end result and achievement of a Masters is something you can always be proud of.”  

Samantha Bradford

MSc FPFS 

“Studying for my MSc was an invaluable experience, particularly in deepening my understanding of how individuals transition into retirement. The course provided key insights into the psychology behind financial decision-making, which has significantly shaped how I support my clients in planning for a secure and fulfilling retirement. 

One of the most impactful lessons I took away was the clear correlation between early financial advice and better retirement outcomes. Clients who engage with financial planning sooner tend to retire more comfortably, with greater financial confidence. This reinforced the importance of proactive, long-term planning in my professional approach. 

I would highly recommend this programme to financial planners and advisers looking to enhance their knowledge and strategic thinking. The course offers not only technical expertise but also a broader perspective on financial behaviour, helping professionals deliver more meaningful and client-focused advice (something I am truly passionate about!)”