Course overview
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.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Real-world experience is essential for standing out in today’s competitive job market. Our Advanced Practice module offers you the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge in a practical setting, enhancing both your employability and professional skill set.
This module, typically undertaken over one semester, prepares you for practice-based opportunities that align with your career aspirations. You’ll receive tailored support and guidance to apply for a range of advanced practice experiences, including:
• research or project-based opportunities on campus or virtually
• employer-led, work-based opportunities on campus or virtually
• internships with external organisations to gain offsite industry experience.
You’ll engage in an advanced practice opportunity that complements your skill set and future goals. Assessment is through a reflective evaluation, equivalent to 3,000 words, marked on a pass/fail basis. Although this module does not contribute to your overall degree classification, it provides invaluable hands-on experience that prepares you to excel in your career.
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
This course provides you with the knowledge and skills for a career in:
- banking
- financial advice
- financial analysis
- insurance
- pensions
- private wealth
- research
- valuation.
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.
