Course overview

Risk management has grown into more than just a specialist subject in the education of managers, risk specialists and others. Risk management as a mainstream discipline is supported widely in academic, government and both public and private sectors.

Through this course, you will gain:

• a broader understanding of risk management, including current tools and techniques
• an understanding of the risk and crisis management implementation process
• an ability to contribute to managing risk and business effectiveness

Benefits to employers, risk professionals and organisations include:

• a thorough understanding of management techniques and concepts to successfully manage risk
• a proven ability to analyse risks, threats and opportunities, assess needs and devise and implement solutions
• the ability to implement business continuity planning and crisis management

Modules taught in three-day blocks

We have designed the programme so that each module is taught over six days, in three-day unit blocks (Tuesday–Thursday). This has proved helpful to students who consequently find it easier to balance study, with work and home life commitments. It means that our full-time students attend four modules during the academic year and part-time students attend four modules over two years. The modules provide an opportunity for the full-time and part-time students to interact and immerse themselves in the subject as well as hearing guest lectures from people in industry who bring real-life issues into the classroom.

Successful graduates of MSc Risk Management will be exempt from Level 2 of the Institute of Risk Management (IRM) International Diploma, providing one of the following modules has been successfully completed: Environmental Risk, Corporate Governance or Business Continuity. Completion of the IRM International Diploma (five Level 1 core modules and the Level 3 practical assignment) offers an entry route to full IRM membership which, in addition to providing extensive benefits, provides valuable networking opportunities.

 

Find out more

We are always happy to answer any queries that you have about the course or studying in Portsmouth. If you would like further information or to attend one of our regular postgraduate and part-time open evenings held throughout the year, please contact the department.

Course content

The MSc Risk Management comprises four core modules and a research dissertation.

Strategic Risk and Risk Behaviour

This module explores the theoretical frameworks and interdisciplinary nature of risk and effective risk management in organisations. The importance of human factors and people skills in risk perception and management are also considered, examining the roles of the individuals, teams and leaders in the context of developing and implementing risk management policies and strategies.

Organisational and Environmental Risk

This module will investigate theories of environmental and organisational risk management and the approaches that an organisation may employ to achieve these successfully. The role of environmental and organisational risk management within the context of legislation will also be explored.

Crisis Management and Governance

This module studies the development of effective, transparent continuity and crisis planning. The challenges facing organisations in ensuring robust governance, continuity and crisis management plans, highlighting the differences between this and generic risk management will be explored. Training and exercise preparedness will also be reviewed, enabling students to design appropriate scenarios for their organisations.

Project and Research Methods

This module focuses on project risk management processes, systems and technology. Central to the module is a consideration of the key challenges in the application of project risk identification and response frameworks. This will be linked to the research dissertation as a project to be managed, preparing students for the research element of the programme.

The Dissertation

This module comprises the final part of the course. You will undertake a 15,000-word management research project (dissertation) that combines a review of previous research undertaken in your chosen topic, with your own data collection and analysis. The research dissertation provides a unique opportunity for you to demonstrate the subject knowledge you have acquired, as well as your analytical abilities and problem-solving skills that are highly regarded by potential employers. During this phase, your research will be supervised by an experienced academic with expertise in your chosen topic area.

Teaching and assessment

A variety of teaching and learning approaches are used. Formal classes, such as lectures and seminars, enable you to gain the relevant knowledge, which is developed further through activity-based case studies. The aim is to enhance your risk management skills by analysing complex problems, exploring the uncertainties involved, evaluating possible solutions and planning risk management implementation.

The course modules are delivered as a series of three-day units, with all assessment by coursework assignments. Classes are challenging but informal and friendly, and you are encouraged to participate in discussion and debate. The course tutors are available to support your studies through face-to-face tutorials, email and telephone conferencing.

A personal tutor is assigned to each student and you will also have access to a specialist Academic Skills Unit (ASK) offering assistance on a wide range of issues, from essay writing to time management and referencing conventions. In addition, if English is not your first language, there are free courses available to help familiarise you with the use of English for academic purposes.

Career prospects

The MSc Risk Management is an ideal route into a wide range of risk management roles. Our Purple Door Careers and Recruitment teams will support you in developing the skills needed to pursue employment opportunities in your chosen career area.

Facilities and features

The purpose-built Business School is in the centre of Portsmouth and offers a state-of-the-art learning environment with a dedicated postgraduate area.

The University Library is at the centre of academic life and is only just a short walk away from the Business School. Open from 8am until midnight every day during term-time, it offers access to hundreds of thousands of books, journals and other resources to help with study and research. A recent multi-million pound expansion provides new IT areas and group study rooms.

No matter where you are, you will have easy access to the University's comprehensive online resources – as if you were on campus. Our online resources include several hundred ebooks (electronic versions of key textbooks) and access to over 10,000 academic and business journals.

Portsmouth Business School

Portsmouth Business School is renowned for its friendly and supportive atmosphere, which encourages you to develop your abilities and realise your full potential. All of our teaching staff are experts in their subject areas, with many being actively engaged in research that informs teaching and provides an up-to-date education in an active learning environment. We also have close links with employers and professional bodies to ensure that our courses are relevant to the needs of industry and provide the skills they require from our graduates.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for MSc Risk Management are shown above, for more detailed information please contact:

Department: Portsmouth Business School
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 8200
Email: pbs.postgradadmissions@port.ac.uk