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Unlike traditional master’s programmes 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 programme commences with an intensive goals-based financial planning module, delivered over three business days. 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 subsequent project work.
Following this, learners engage in a tailored, in-person research methods workshop, held over three business days. This workshop provides critical insight 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 programme is highly regarded by key industry stakeholders, including professional bodies, regulators, leading employers, and independent practitioners. It’s taught by seasoned professionals with decades of combined industry and academic expertise. Given its distinctive focus, the programme attracts experienced practitioners from diverse specialisations, geographic locations, and professional backgrounds — whether employed or independent — enriching the peer interactions and overall learning experience.
The programme 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 the Business School on 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 organisation representatives to discuss pressing issues and emerging trends in the finance sector.
A standout feature of the conference is the opportunity for programme graduates to return and present on how their projects and research activities are driving meaningful impact within industry.
Here's an example of the types of modules you'll study (the contents and structure of the course are reviewed occasionally, but it is unlikely that there will be significant change).
Module information is not available for this programme.
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| Start date | Location | Course code |
Fee (UK) Total fee |
Fee (international) Total fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | Oxstalls, Gloucester | — | £3,980 | £6,230 |
| May 2027 | Oxstalls, Gloucester | — | TBC | TBC |
|
International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. |
Find out more | |||
Gain new skills and develop innovative projects using cutting-edge facilities, labs and suites. Work with expert lecturers and professionals from across the industry.
If you’ve ever wondered what opportunities lie beyond achieving your chartered status, this programme provides the answer. Imagine gaining deep insights into goals-based financial planning and exploring trends that reveal how clients’ lifestyle choices influence the advisory process.
Through this programme, you’ll develop the ability to create new knowledge, empowering you to critically evaluate and transform aspects of professional practice to achieve superior financial outcomes. This is your opportunity to elevate your expertise, drive innovation, and make a lasting impact in the field of financial planning.
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