Duration | 18 Months
Master in Governance, Risk and Compliance
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The Masters in Governance, Risk and Compliance prepares students to respond to the new and complex regulatory challenges in the financial sector. The programme is designed to help students develop a sophisticated understanding of the international financial regulatory framework, corporate governance, risk management and compliance strategies that are aligned with global and EU challenges and requirements.
From building a new international strategy and implementing a new compliance culture, to enabling organisations to protect themselves against corruption, money laundering, regulatory violations cybercrime, personal data breach, market abuse and financial crime in general, students will undertake a unique journey with a practical case-study approach and build the essential knowledge and skills that will enable them to assure the good governance, effective risk management, reputation, operational capability, financial health and sustainability of business entities.
The programme prepares students to manage the new and complex regulatory demands and to implement a compliance-based ethics program. Additionally, it will equip graduates with the analytical, theoretical and methodological skills required to explore central issues and challenges in governing corporations and business entities.
The Master in Governance Risk and Compliance is Accredited by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CYQAA – ΔΙΠΑΕ) and the Chartered Governance Institute of the UK and Ireland (CGIUKI).
MGRC is the only postgraduate programme in Cyprus that offers a dual award that combines an academic masters qualification and the professional accreditation by the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland. Upon successful completion of the MGRC, graduates will be awarded GradCG status.
The programme learning objectives are structured around three pillars.
Theoretical Component | Following completion of the course students are expected to:
– Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of fundamental theories in the study of governance and risk management.
– Critically analyse and engage with key theoretical concepts related to governance and risk management.
– Identify and address core challenges that professionals encounter in the rapidly evolving landscape of regulatory compliance requirements.
– Explain and evaluate central questions pertaining to financial crises and the necessity of regulatory measures to mitigate risks.
Applied Component | Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be able to:
– By utilising the multidimensional professional backgrounds of participants group activities will be pursued thus strengthening the ability of students to collaborate on group work effectively and in a complementary way.
– Share their professional experiences and insights, contributing to a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
– Benefit from guest lectures delivered by industry professionals with hands-on experience in addressing contemporary challenges within the financial industry.
– Apply practical knowledge and skills gained through the programme to real-world scenarios in the field of governance and risk management.
Research Component | The programme will enable students to:
– Develop a strong foundation in research techniques relevant to the field of governance, risk, and compliance through the compulsory module in Research Methods.
– Utilise acquired research skills to conduct independent research-based assignments for other courses within the programme.
– Stay up-to-date with the most recent publications and ongoing research findings in the field.
– Engage in in-depth analysis of a central topic in governance, risk, and compliance by successfully completing a dissertation, demonstrating their ability to conduct advanced research and contribute to the academic discourse in the field.
On successful completion of this programme key learning outcomes will be achieved that can be grouped in the following categories:
Knowledge & Understanding | Students are expected to:
– Describe the main theoretical concepts and models in the study of governance, risk and compliance that can prove to be the basis for original thinking and/or research
– Develop advanced knowledge of alternative approaches to governance, risk and compliance stemming from the rigorous examination of international case studies.
– Outline advanced understanding of the utility of various qualitative and quantitative research methods that will enable a better and in-depth understanding of governance, risk and compliance.
– Develop the critical and intellectual abilities required to think critically about governance, risk and compliance through a multi-disciplinary approach and within different contexts (including the national, European and global settings but also through a comparative analysis).
– Develop a sophisticated understanding of the regulatory framework of the financial sector
– Introduce the principles and theories that underlie the field and the role of financial regulation and legal mechanisms in averting and/or managing financial crises
Skills | Students are expected to:
– Gather, retrieve, synthesise, and critically evaluate information from a number of different primary and secondary data sources in order to support a position on how corporations should be governed, risk properly managed and compliance secured.
– Demonstrate critical awareness of governance, risk and compliance issues that are at the interface of different disciplines and fields
– Communicate and explain ideas clearly and effectively, both in writing and orally.
– Demonstrate in a critical manner how abstract concepts in the area of governance, risk and compliance can be used with rigor and consistency when studying specific cases.
– To integrate their knowledge from different fields when reviewing practical cases or when faced with problem-solving challenges
– To foster students’ analytical capacity through a multidisciplinary approach
– Stimulate broader strategic thinking about the goals of corporate and financial regulation and how it affects business strategy and overarching public policy, with an analysis of the economic and legal principles applied to practical case studies
– Address the public policy aspects of financial regulation and corporate governance
– Critically describe the governance, regulation and compliance of privately held companies versus larger public companies operating across jurisdictions
Competence | Students are expected to:
– Apply systemic reflection and independent research/study
– Reflect on and manage their acquired knowledge and make use of constructive feedback
– Manage and transform work or study contexts that are complex, unpredictable, and require new strategic approaches
– Communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these conclusions, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously
– To foster corporate cultural values and design solutions posed by the challenges of the new global economy
– To become the driver of change towards a more ethical compliance culture in companies
Duration | 18 Months
Qualification Awarded | MSc in Governance, Risk and Compliance
Language | English
Mode of Study | Full-time or Part-time
Minimum entry requirement | University degree awarded by an accredited institution in the country where it operates, or a degree evaluated as equivalent to a University degree by the Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications (KY.S.A.T.S) (For example, UK degrees: Second Class Honours, Greek Universities: Minimum Grade 6.5)
Fees | €10.500 / year
English language requirements | Proficiency in English (graduation from an English-speaking institution/university, TOEFL, IELTS or similar standardised test)
Location | Nicosia
Mode of study | Conventional classroom based
Please fill the information below and one of our Academic Advisors will contact you shortly!
All modules are compulsory.
ECTS Composition | To graduate, you are required to earn 90 ECTS credits that breaks down to 60 ECTS credits from the modules attended and 30 ECTS credits from the dissertation.
Admissions – Entry Point | You can join the program at the beginning of either of the two semesters
Academic requirements
To be admitted to the programme, all candidates must have a University degree awarded by an accredited institution in the country where it operates, or a degree evaluated as equivalent to a University degree by the Cyprus Council for the Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications (KY.S.A.T.S). Documentation of the candidates’ education will be required as part of the application for admission.
The programme will consider applicants with the following qualifications:
– Graduates of Greek universities, the University of Cyprus and the Cyprus University of Technology should normally hold a final grade of at least 6.5 and above
– International graduates should normally have the equivalent grade (e.g. UK universities should normally have a second-class honors degree or US universities 3.0 and above)
– Candidates with a lower grade than the above, may be interviewed for admission if they have compensatory strengths in terms of work experience and professional qualifications.
Certain professional qualifications (such as ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)) may be considered as an equivalent to an academic undergraduate degree.
English Language Requirements
Master students must satisfy specific English requirements if their first degree was not taught in English.
Where applicants’ previous studies have not been conducted in English, they are expected to show an adequate level of proficiency in English. The minimum English language requirements are:
– GCSE English Language ‘O’ Level or IGCSE: C
– IELTS: minimum average score 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking). The test should have been taken within the previous two years
– TOEFL iBT (DI Code = 0815): Overall score of 92, with not less than 22 in each test
– Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): C/200
– Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): C/180
Supporting documents
– Personal statement not more than 750 words. The statement should include a brief introduction of the candidate; what is the motivation behind the choice for the specific programme; why he/she should be admitted; relevant skills, strengths and experience; research interests (where applicable) and future professional goals and aspirations.
– 2 letters of references (at least one must be from an instructor familiar with the student’s academic work)
– Brief CV (not more than 2 pages)
Our dedicated Admissions Team will guide you every step of the way by answering all of your questions and helping you choose your modules based on their prerequisites. Please contact us at [email protected] or +35722274470.
Semesters |
Course Code |
Course Title |
ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester A
|
GRC700
|
Research Methods
|
5
|
|
Semester A
|
GRC705
|
Introduction to Business Ethics
|
5
|
|
Semester A
|
GRC710
|
Principles and Practice of Finance
|
10
|
|
Semester A
|
GRC715
|
International and EU Financial Regulation
|
10
|
|
Semester B
|
GRC720
|
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting
|
10
|
|
Semester B
|
GRC725
|
Financial Risk Management
|
10
|
|
Semester B
|
GRC730
|
Corporate Governance
|
10
|
|
Semester C
|
GRC750
|
Master Thesis
|
30
|
The module aims to develop an understanding of research techniques applicable to master students as they undertake assignments but especially as they design, plan and implement the capstone research investigation as part of their dissertation.
More specifically, it offers students the opportunity to develop knowledge and analytical skills in research methods in a more applied approach, covering an introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods, the types of skills necessary for the planning, data gathering, analysis and dissemination stages of research that could potentially have significant impact on real-world practice.
Adopting an applied approach, the module will teach how to formulate research questions and how to tackle them competently by drawing on principles of relevant research methodology and by practically employing methods of investigation like sampling, data collection, case methods and analysis using software such as SPSS , N-Vivo etc.
The module will essentially cover both qualitative and quantitative research strategies and related methods. Furthermore, the module will discuss crucial aspects of research ethics and practical aspects in planning, organising, executing and presenting a professional research report.
Assessment of Module
The module will be assessed on the following 2 components:
– Group Work Assignment (40%)
– Individual Written Assignment (60%)
Teaching Instructor | Dr Loucas Antoniou (Adjunct Lecturer)
The course offers an introduction to ‘Business Ethics’ – the moral principles or values that generally govern the conduct of an individual or group which determines an employee or company’s every day conduct. It assesses the business need for ethical practice and examines the strategies through which ethical practices can become embedded by corporations. In the modern world, there is an increasing number of views on how business should relate to society and how corporate decisions need to entail an ethical aspect. Such issues have become more pressing and complex as businesses operate in a globalised and highly competitive environment where the financial performance of a company (affecting the shareholders) must be considered along with interests of all stakeholders while at the same time incorporating critical issues such as sustainability.
By reviewing the key theoretical perspectives related to these issues and working on the problems experienced in actual case studies, students will learn how to think through the complex problems of business ethics and be able to assess how ethical principles could influence management decisions. The types of real-world problems cover topical issues such as globalisation, climate change, depletion of natural resources and the working conditions of employees, among other. In dealing with such problems that carry an ethical dimension, one needs to carry out a delicate balancing act between (1) the interests of shareholders against those of other stakeholders, and (2) between the short-term profits against long term interests.
Assessment of Module
– Written assignment and presentation (40%)
– End-of-Semester Exam (60%)
Teaching Instructor | Dr Adonis Pegasiou
This module introduces key elements of corporate finance and the capital markets, with an emphasis on practical financial management decisions. It covers the basic theories and principles of finance including the time value of money, the trade-off between risk and return, investment appraisal using capital budgeting methods, the basics of real and financial asset valuation, company valuation techniques, capital structures, corporate financing and dividend policy. It also examines key elements of entrepreneurial finance with a focus on private companies seeking capital solutions (debt and private equity) as they engineer growth, flotations / harvesting or succession strategies
Assessment of Module
– End-of-Semester Exam (60%)
– Group Project (40%)
Teaching Instructor | Dr Chrysi Memtsa
This module provides an understanding of the financial system, placing particular emphasis on its architecture and the relevant regulatory framework within which it operates. The knowledge acquired in this course is essential for participants wishing to understand and deepen their knowledge on the financial system, financial regulation and financial firms.
Participants will be able to gain an understanding on the functions of the financial system, the case for regulatory intervention in the financial system, the policy objectives and tools that can be utilised to achieve these objectives, the limits of regulation, micro- and macro-prudential supervision in response to systemic risk, and key supervision and enforcement mechanisms.
Thus, students will be equipped to answer how the financial regulatory framework and the current developments may affect the international and national business.
Additionally, through this course participants will gain a new perspective on the framework in which financial corporations are required to comply with before engaging in business or while developing their operations at the global level. Furthermore, from a practical perspective, they will be able to explore in greater depth developments at the international level but also within the EU. More specifically, emphasis will be placed on the creation and entry into operation (gradually, since November 2014) of the European Banking Union, which constitutes a major institutional development in the field of financial stability in the European Union (EU) as well as its three pillars (SSM, SRM, EDIS).
Assessment of Module
– Group Work: Policy Analysis and Research Report (40%)
– End-of-Semester Exam (60%) – Exam duration: 3hrs
Teaching Instructor | Dr Despina Christofi
This Course aims to provide students with the required knowledge on financial and banking compliance principles, procedures, international bodies’ guidelines and best practices from various jurisdictions.
On the practical side, the Course will enable students to assess the risk of non-compliance, find ways to mitigate it, design an internal compliance function and handle ethical crises in any organisation. In order to gain a more tangible and holistic understanding of the compliance function, the course will also examine its key responsibilities, with particular reference to the important subjects of: corporate responsibility, compliance programs, white-collar crime, ethics, data protection, whistleblowing, international economic sanctions, prevention of market abuse etc.
Assessment of Module
– End-of-semester 3-hour written exam (60%)
– Assessed essay (40%)
Teaching Instructors | Dr Despina Christofi and Dr Anna Damaskou
Pre-Requisite| GRC 710 Principles and Practice of Finance
The goal of the module is to introduce students to the concept of financial risk and how this should be managed, as well as providing them with a framework to identify, assess, treat and respond to risks and opportunities at all levels in the financial industry. It covers accepted frameworks and techniques to manage risks and exploit opportunities. More specifically, the aim is to equip students with the following skills:
– Measure the risks involved in a business and avoid potential pitfalls
– Apply value-at-risk measurement techniques
– Identify and address credit risks within a business
– Analyse and manage the risks present within a Financial Institution
– Gain an in-depth understanding of risk management in the corporate environment
– Understand financial risk management
– Understand credit risk management
– Understand operational risk management
Assessment of Module
– Final end-of-semester exam (60%):
– Group Project – Report (40%)
Teaching Instructor | Dr Chrysi Memtsa
The concept/term Corporate Governance has featured regularly in discussions, both within the professional and academic community, since the 1990s and has become even more prominent following significant cases of corporate failure which had overarching adverse effects on the global interconnected economy. The link between poor corporate governance practices and excessive risk-taking that led to the downfall or bail-out of significant financial institutions, necessitated a discussion on how to strengthen corporate governance and protect against future similar cases.
The goal of this module is to provide both a theoretical and a practical perspective on corporate governance by examining:
– Leading contemporary theories of corporate governance and frameworks and how these apply to different corporate governance structures
– The reasons behind notorious corporate governance failures and the remedial actions they inspired
– The development of influential corporate governance codes and the various types of corporate governance models that have evolved in recent years
– The role and responsibilities of the board of directors in shaping the strategy of a company and protecting the interests of stakeholders
– How to identify, evaluate and manage corporate risk at the highest level
– To assess the importance of creating and implementing an efficient and effective internal controls mechanism
– The growing importance of corporate socially responsibility and how it relates to corporate strategy
– The impact of the financial crisis, how it has challenged long-standing perceptions about corporate governance and what are the key lessons learned from the crisis.
Assessment of Module
– Group Work: Case Study and Presentation (30%)
– End-of-Semester Exam (70%)
Teaching Instructor | Dr Adonis Pegasiou (Academic Director)
A Master Thesis is an empirically based research study that is an original piece of work by the students. An empirically based research study is based on data that are produced by experiment or observation. The thesis must be an original piece of work because it represents the student’s culminating research and writing skills Writing a master’s thesis is the capstone of a graduate student’s program, and is meant to give the student an opportunity to develop their expertise in a part of their field that they are most passionate about and interested in exploring further.
The purpose of a thesis is to allow students to showcase their knowledge and expertise within the subject matter they have been studying as part of the program.
Students will be assessed on 7 modules, 5 carrying 10 ECTS and 2 carrying 5 ECTS each, and an Master Thesis carrying an additional 30 ECTS.
Module assessment comprises of more than one assessment component, defined for each module independently. Letter grades are calculated based on the weight of each assessment component and the actual numerical marks obtained in these two assessment components.
Based on the module grades the student’s semester grade point average (GPA) and cumulative point average (CPA) are calculated.
Academic Director
Professor in Entrepreneurial Management
Lecturer
Adjunct Faculty
Adjunct Faculty
Adjunct Faculty
Adjunct Faculty
Programme Fees
€10,500
Registration Fee | €200
Application Fee | €50
Cypriot students are eligible to apply for a government subsidy. Learn more here
Financial Aid
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Our scholarships are awarded in recognition of academic excellence, leadership qualities, and exceptional talents. Our offerings include:
• Merit-based Scholarships: Rewarding academic achievements.
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Financial Aid
Acknowledging that each student’s financial situation is unique, we provide bespoke financial aid packages. These can encompass:
• Grants: Non-repayable financial assistance.
• Work-Study Programmes: Opportunities for earning while learning.
• Flexible Payment Plans: Customised to alleviate financial stress.
– The €50 application fee should accompany your application form
– The €200 registration fee should be paid before the program starts. This is not refundable
– The tuition feels are payable in 3 equal instalments
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