Course overview
Why study business in the Tees Valley?
Explore the world of business in our unique, dynamic region. With landmark developments, ongoing regeneration, and opportunities for students and graduates, the Tees Valley is your gateway to a thriving career.
MSc Finance and Investment has been designed in partnership with industry to empower you with the experience you need to work in the finance industry. You gain skills and knowledge to make investment decisions in the wake of disruptive new financial technologies, globalisation and sustainability. Work with real-time financial data and conduct an extended data analysis project using industry leading data sets.
This course ensures you are:
- Future-ready: learn skills that help you become a future-ready leader such as portfolio management, strategic planning and emotional management.
- Globally connected: focus on varying circumstances in developing and developed countries.
- Socially and ethically engaged: network with SMEs at local, national and international level.
- Digitally empowered: learn to use different portfolio management software including Power BI and risk management in Excel.
Gain access to the London Stock Exchange Group Workspace, where you can use fast, lightweight and user-friendly technology to enhance your learning experience. Stay ahead of your peers with high-quality data, news and content. Please note: to access this software, you need to undertake training with your tutor.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Behavioural Finance and Economics
Broaden your understanding of financial decision making, applying concepts and theories in psychology and behavioural science. Use insights from behavioural economics and neuroeconomics to analyse anomalies within the conventional financial market.
Financial Data Analysis Project
Apply your theoretical understanding of portfolio theory, risk management techniques and methods, behavioural biases, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations to form an extended portfolio in a multinational or global context. Gain a practical understanding of the investment process in preparation to work as an investment professional.
Financial Services and Emerging Technologies
Understand the critical role of financial technology (FinTech) in facilitating financial and investing services. Focus on the evolution of financial services technology, customer needs and user experience. Learn about how artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data and gaming technologies can aid financial and investment decision making.
International Finance and Financial Markets
Understand the global financial landscape and market mechanism needed to undertake finance and investment analysis. Markets include trade and capital flows, exchange rate regimes, currency, equity, fixed income, commodity, and cryptocurrency markets. You also develop an understanding of international economics implications for financial markets.
Investment and Portfolio Management
Learn about how portfolio theory, risk management techniques and methods, behavioural biases, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations play a role in creating a portfolio using real-time data and analysis software. You also consider practical factors when allocating capital across financial assets, to achieve best risk and return trade-off from investment decisions.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You work independently and with peers and tutors in tutorials, seminars, directed exercises and IT-based activities. You are given access to industry-standard data sets and software to help you conduct data analysis projects. Extra-curricular opportunities are also provided to expand your knowledge and confidence.
How you are assessed
Assessments are innovative and engaging, allowing you to develop sought-after skills and qualities to work in this dynamic industry. Aligned with the needs of professional bodies, you are assessed through exams, business reports, case study analysis and data analysis projects.
Entry requirements
The normal entry requirement is one of the following:
- a good honours degree (at least a 2:2) in a relevant discipline
- a post-experience or professional qualification
- equivalent qualifications (including international qualifications).
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country
Employability
Career opportunities
Career prospects
MSc Finance and Investment graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of professional roles across the financial sector and beyond. You gain a strong foundation in both theory and practical application, opening doors to careers such as:
Portfolio manager – designing and managing investment portfolios for individuals, institutions or funds.
Financial analyst – interpreting financial data to guide strategic decisions in corporations, banks or consultancy firms.
Valuation specialist – assessing the value of assets, companies or investment opportunities for mergers, acquisitions or financial reporting.
Investment appraisal consultant – evaluating the viability and potential returns of investment projects across industries.
Insurance analyst – working within insurance firms to assess risk, develop financial models and support underwriting decisions.
Pension and hedge fund analyst – managing and analysing complex investment vehicles to optimise returns and manage risk.
Banking professional – engaging in roles across retail, commercial or investment banking, including credit analysis, risk management and financial planning.
The interdisciplinary and digitally empowered nature of the course also prepares you for emerging roles in:
- sustainable finance and ESG investing
- fintech and data-driven investment
- analysis public sector and policy advisory roles
- corporate finance and strategic planning.
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
Select your country:
Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.
