Course overview
You develop an in-depth knowledge of global economics, financial markets, reporting and modelling, investment valuation, portfolio management, financial services and the impact of emerging technologies.
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.
Top reasons to study this course:
- Future-ready: learn skills that help you become a future-ready leader such as portfolio management and strategic planning.
- Globally connected: focus on varying circumstances in developing and developed countries.
- Industry-informed by our national, local and international contacts.
- Digitally empowered: learn to use different portfolio management software including Power BI and risk management in Excel.
- Flexible learning: your course materials are all online and can be accessed at any time, so you choose when and where you study.
- Supportive environment: you become a member of our online community, with professional and personal support available from our tutors, who provide feedback and guidance.
- Expert teaching: this course is taught by research-active staff with a wealth of experience in the field.
* Subject to University approval
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
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.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.
