To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits with:
60 credits from the following:
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules B858, B859.
plus 30 credits from the following:
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued module B860.
plus 30 credits from either of the following:
| Optional modules |
Credits |
Next start |
- Investment and portfolio management (B818)
This module explores the main participants and their objectives in the major investment markets. Topics include bonds, equities, derivatives, portfolio optimisation, performance measurement, ethical investment, taxation, and behavioural biases.
See full description Register
|
30 |
02 May 2026 |
- Derivatives and risk management (B819)
This module explores financial risks, including interest rate and foreign exchange risk, and how they are managed by using derivatives like futures, swaps and options.
See full description Register
|
30 |
02 May 2026 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules B861, B862.
You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.
Credit transfer
If you’ve successfully completed some relevant postgraduate study or elsewhere, you might be able to count it towards this qualification, reducing the number of modules you need to study. You should apply for credit transfer as soon as possible, before you register for your first module. For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
On completion
On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our Postgraduate Diploma in Finance. You'll be entitled to use the letters PG Dip Fin (Open) after your name.
You can progress from this Postgraduate Diploma in Finance to our MSc in Finance (F67).
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 18 March 2025.
Career relevance
This postgraduate qualification offers knowledge in a wide range of finance areas that include the corporate finance function, investments, banking and financial institutions and risk management. You will gain both theoretical and practical insights into the working of financial markets, valuation of securities, understanding financial statements, risk management and portfolio management. You will develop the skills and capabilities required by investment analysts, finance managers, finance directors and chief financial officers. You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to support decision making at the higher levels of organisations by exploring issues related to ethics and corporate governance, reporting and disclosure, financing and investment in uncertain and global business environments. Prudent practice of finance is relevant across all sectors – public, private and voluntary. This qualification will therefore prepare you to work in the corporate sector, financial services, the banking industry, multinational organisations and other sectors where analytical and decision tools in treasury, investment and financing decisions are required.
Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.