Full-time studies

Description

The second-cycle Risk Management programme aims to educate graduates with in-depth knowledge of risk management and finance, covering the discipline of economics and finance as well as complementary fields such as management sciences and legal studies.

The objective of the programme is to develop graduates who understand the principles of creating and developing various forms of entrepreneurship and are ready to act in an entrepreneurial manner both nationally and globally. The programme also aims to prepare graduates with the skills and competencies necessary to identify, diagnose, and solve complex and non-standard problems related to managerial decision-making within organisations.

The programme is designed to enhance the ability to independently and collaboratively prepare analyses and studies related to, among others, risk management, investment in financial markets, financial market modelling, and financial management in both financial and non-financial entities, as well as to communicate these effectively in both Polish and English. Another key goal of the programme is to prepare graduates for lifelong learning and continuous knowledge updating, supporting others in this process, and ensuring they are committed to upholding and developing professional ethical standards.

Employment Opportunities

A graduate of this programme will be able to work in, among others:

financial sector enterprises, such as banks, insurance companies, brokerage houses, and investment fund companies,
private non-financial sector enterprises of various scales, including production, trade, and service companies,
public sector institutions, such as government administration bodies and public institutions,
specialised service entities, such as consulting firms or financial market regulatory institutions (e.g. the Polish Financial Supervision Authority – KNF),
running their own business.

Potential job titles include: Treasury Department Director/Manager, Risk Department Director/Manager, Finance Director/Manager, Stockbroker, Investment Advisor, Bank Analyst, Insurance Analyst, Reporting Analyst, Financial Analyst, Credit Analyst, etc.

Graduates of second-cycle studies are prepared for work requiring specialised qualifications (e.g. investment advisor, stockbroker, financial analyst, etc.). After passing the relevant national or international exams and completing the required professional practice, graduates of the Risk Management programme may pursue licensed professions such as:

investment advisor;
stockbroker;
statutory auditor;
tax advisor;
insurance agent or broker;
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA);
Financial Risk Manager (FRM);
Professional Risk Manager (PRM);
Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA);
Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA).

These studies also provide the knowledge and skills that may be used in preparation for certification and qualification exams, including:

investment advisor;
stockbroker;
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA);
Financial Risk Manager (FRM);
Professional Risk Manager (PRM);
Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA).

Internships are not compulsory in the Risk Management programme, but students interested in gaining professional experience can receive support from the Career and Alumni Office of the Faculty of Management at the University of Warsaw in finding internships, placements, or job opportunities.

During their studies, students also have the opportunity to complete one or more semesters at a partner university under the ERASMUS+ programme.

Key Advantages of the Program

Students have the opportunity to choose elective courses offered in both Polish and English. These courses provide an in-depth exploration of specific topics related to capital markets and finance, serving as an extension and deepening of the core compulsory courses. Examples of such courses include: Sustainable Finance, Risk Management in the ESG Area, Commodity and Energy Markets, Operational Risk Management, Alternative Investment Forms, Asset and Liability Management, Systemic Risk Management, and Fraud Risk Management. Courses offered in English include: Behavioral Finance, Corporate and Investment Banking, International Banking, and International Finance. Within this module, students can select courses aligned with their individual interests.

Programme

Risk Management Programme 2025/26

Graduate

A graduate of the “Risk Management” program will possess extensive knowledge of key issues in the areas of risk management, financial management, and investment decision-making (in line with national and international legal regulations). They will also be equipped with knowledge in areas such as market risk management, credit risk management, liquidity risk management, actuarial mathematics, market data management, and financial markets modeling. The student will also acquire essential knowledge in accounting and financial management, including financial investment management and topics related to the financial market—such as financial institutions, valuation of debt and equity instruments, analysis of derivatives, and construction of investment portfolios. The graduate will understand the need to monitor legislative changes in these areas and to continuously improve practical skills, including the use of IT tools relevant to investment decision-making.

In terms of knowledge, the graduate knows and understands:

In-depth research methodology and terminology in the field of economics and finance as well as in complementary disciplines (management sciences and law).
Advanced principles, procedures, and practices in risk management.
Economic theories and models related to the functioning of organizations and the economy as a whole, particularly in the context of risk management.
Legal regulations concerning the functioning of organizations and the overall economy, especially in the area of risk management.
Complex technological, social, political, legal, economic, and environmental processes and phenomena, including the fundamental dilemmas of modern civilization and their impact on financial decisions in organizations, the functioning of the entire economy, and the development of information systems.
The principles of intellectual property and copyright protection.
The principles of creating and developing various forms of entrepreneurship on both national and global levels.

In terms of skills, the graduate is able to:

Apply theories from the fields of economics and finance, as well as complementary disciplines (management sciences, legal sciences), to identify, diagnose, and solve problems related to financial decision-making and risk management.
Correctly interpret complex technological, social, political, legal, economic, and environmental processes and assess their impact on financial decisions in organizations and on the functioning of organizations and the economy.
Select appropriate sources and adapt existing or develop new methods and tools—including advanced ICT techniques—to identify, diagnose, and solve problems related to financial decision-making in the area of risk management.
Formulate and test hypotheses related to presented research problems.
Propose solutions to tasks under unpredictable conditions.
Independently and collaboratively prepare analyses, diagnoses, and reports on complex and atypical issues related to risk management in organizations, effectively communicate them to diverse audiences, and conduct discussions, including in English, using advanced ICT tools.
Use a foreign language at the B2+ level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and apply specialized terminology in economics and finance, particularly in financial and risk management.
Plan, organize, and lead teamwork, as well as collaborate within teams and take on leadership roles.
Develop the ability for self-directed learning, upgrading qualifications, and supporting others in this regard.

In terms of social competences, the graduate is prepared to:

Critically assess complex situations and phenomena related to risk management in an organization.
Recognize the significance and value of scientific knowledge in solving complex problems in the area of risk management in organizations, and to seek expert opinions in the process.
Initiate activities that benefit the community, society, or the environment, and take action for the common good.
Think and act entrepreneurially on both national and global levels.
Adhere to, enforce, and develop professional ethical standards, and contribute to the advancement of the profession.