Master of Science (MSc) in Trading and Investing

Program Overview

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Master of Science (MSc) in Trading and Investing

Overview

This programme welcomes a wide audience of learners from cognate backgrounds whose specific learning requirements lie in trading and investing. The MSc. in Trading and Investing (Level 9, 90 ECTS) programme aims to produce individuals with the specialised skills and attributes necessary to meet the demands of the modern-day trading and investing environment. Learners will understand the core principles of trading and investing, as well as the regulatory requirements needed to operate both nationally and internationally; they will be equipped with important technical analysis skills including financial modelling and data visualisation and possess an integrated understanding of the wide range of financial assets used for trading and investing on a daily basis, including non-standard investment types. Moreover, learners will develop advanced critical thinking, teamwork and team leadership, writing and research skills through the completion of the research module along with the completion of a practical artefact that will allow them to apply all of their learning to produce a thorough trading and investing strategy.

The specific programme objectives are as follows:

• Imbue a critical analysis of the up-to-date research on best practices in trading and investing.
• Accrue a thorough understanding of risk and risk management across trading and investing strategies.
• Critically evaluate alternative assets and perform objective and thorough tests to determine an alternative asset’s predicted worth.
• Gain an in-depth knowledge of the national and international regulations related to trading and investing.
• Develop the competencies to present and justify investment strategies in a professional and highly competent way.
• Create critical awareness of ethical processes including disclosing and managing risk.
• Identify and develop autonomous learning skills for the graduates of tomorrow who can work both independently and collaboratively within innovative and disruptive environments.
• Provide the learner with a comprehensive platform for career development, innovation, and further study.

Delivery

This programme is delivered through both online and face-to-face modes of delivery, including classroom sessions (in-person and Zoom lectures), asynchronous content, and practical computer lab sessions.

Minimum Entry Requirements

This programme is primarily aimed at learners with a Level 8 primary undergraduate honours bachelor degree in a cognate area (e.g. computer science, IT, science, mathematics, statistics, accounting, finance, economics, engineering, maths and management, information systems) with a minimum Second Class Second Division classification (2.2) from a recognised third-level institution (or equivalent).

Applicants with a Level 8 primary undergraduate honours bachelor degree in a non-cognate area, with a minimum Second Class Second Division classification (2.2) from a recognised third-level institution (or equivalent), may be considered on a case-by-case basis, where they can demonstrate three to five years’ experience in an area closely related to trading and investing or financial analysis.

For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE or DBS English Assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.

Teaching and Assessment

The MSc. in Trading and Investing provides students with a flexible, multimodal, active, peer-led, experiential and reflective learning environment. Asynchronous content, with built in knowledge checks for reflection, is consistently used throughout the programme to explain theory and concepts and to contextualise the practical aspects of trading and investing. In-class and online workshops will be used to discuss the theoretical underpinnings behind trading and investing decisions.

Assessments for this programme are 100% continuous assessment and take various forms including, but not limited to, group and individual practical projects, portfolios, reports, technical demonstrations and presentations.

Module Information

Module No.	Module Name	ECTS
0	Python Introductory training*	0
1	Securities Markets Structure and History	5
2	Financial Econometrics	10
3	Technical Analysis and Financial Visualisation	10
4	Financial Reporting and Fundamental Analysis	5
5	Portfolio Planning, Risk Management and Valuation	10
6	ESG, Ethics and Regulation in Trading and Investing	5
7	Applied Financial Marketing Analytics	10
8	Investment Portfolio Research and Preparation	5
9	Applied Trading and Investing Capstone	30

*Learners must complete the DBS OnDemand Python introduction lessons before commencing the programme. Further details will be available during the application process.

An Exit award is available for learners who are unsuccessful in completing the Capstone module.

Structure

The MSc. in Trading and Investing is a 1 year full-time/2-year part-time programme consisting of eight taught modules, four 10 ECTS modules, four 5 ECTS modules, and a 30 ECTS Applied Trading and Investing Capstone. For learners who cannot continue, for personal or professional reasons, to the research component of this programme, there is an embedded exit award titled, Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Trading and Investing (Level 9, 60 ECTS).

For Full Time learners, semester one provides the learner with a critical understanding of Trading and Investing and the national and international landscape. Semester two covers advanced modules in which the knowledge, understanding and skills acquired in the first semester can be employed. Part-time learners progress through this programme through an additional semester, delivered by evening classes.

Learners will then complete a capstone (30 ECTS) of an Applied Trading and Investing Capstone which will synthesise learning from other modules, combining research and technical skills to investigate, design, produce and critically evaluate an area of research interest.

Career Opportunities

Trading and Investing is a complex field containing technical, data-driven, IT skills as well as general business acumen and understanding of best practices in a variety of decision making scenarios.

Specifically, learners must:

• Develop advanced analytical skills.
• Think critically and develop well rationalised strategies.
• Communicate effectively regarding decisions and recommendations.
• Communicate technical information to a non-technical audience.
• Develop a strong understanding of national and international regulatory requirements.

The MSc in Trading and Investing programme will prepare learners for a career in the investment and trading sector or as a part of back-office operations on both supply and demand sides. Classes are designed to simulate a real-life experience of the financial industry.

Fees

The course fees for the next academic year are €9,195 for one year, and €5,600 for two years for EU students.

International Fees

EU Fees

You can also contact our admissions team who would be happy to discuss the options available for you.

Please note also that there is tax relief for Irish income tax payers at the standard rate of 20% on all fees exceeding €1,000 and up to €7,000.

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration offered by Dublin Business School (DBS) are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby in the event that DBS ceases to provide the programme, for any reason, after learners have started on that programme, Kaplan Inc., as guarantor, will refund the moneys most recently paid by or for the learner. More details are included in the terms and conditions of learner admission to DBS (conditions) and on programme handbooks provided at induction.

Improve your employability

All of our postgraduate courses offer strong links with industry and the professional world and often carry accreditation from professional bodies. By choosing to study at postgraduate level, not only do you gain valuable skills and experience but you also demonstrate your determination to succeed in a chosen career. Far from being a postponement to employment, postgraduate study can help you progress further and faster in your chosen career. And, if you're not certain what direction you would like your future to take, further study can provide a secure and structured space to help you find out through exploring your strengths and interests.

Get your foot on the career ladder

A large number of our postgraduate programmes include a work placement option, giving you the opportunity to gain vocational experience, make valuable contacts and gain transferable skills. It is also worth considering that some postgraduate qualifications are essential requirements to getting on the career ladder.

Gain skills for success

During your undergraduate degree you will have developed a strong foundation of transferable skills. Postgraduate study will build on this base, giving you the opportunity to put these highly valuable skills in to practice. You will also gain invaluable practical working examples that you can go on to use at interview to set you apart from other candidates.

Next Steps

Course Overview

Awarding Body: Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Award: Masters Degree NFQ Level: Level 9 Award Title: Master of Science (MSc) in Trading and Investing Award Type: Major Duration: Full-time: 1 Year, Part-time: 2 Years Next Intake: September 2025

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Categories

• Accounting & Finance
• Postgraduate Programmes
• Part-Time
• International
• Information Technology
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Program Outline

Degree Overview

Outline

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Content:

The program covers topics such as securities markets structure, financial economics, technical analysis, financial reporting, portfolio planning, risk management, valuation, ESG, ethics, and regulation in trading and investing, applied financial marketing analytics, and research methods for team capstones.

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Structure:

The program consists of eight taught modules, four 10 ECTS modules, four 5 ECTS modules, and a 30 ECTS Applied Trading and Investing Team Capstone. There is also an embedded exit award titled Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Trading and Investing (Level 9, 60 ECTS) for those who cannot continue to the research component.

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Schedule:

• Semester 1: Covers critical understanding of Trading and Investing and the national and international landscape.
• Semester 2: Builds on the knowledge from semester 1 with advanced modules focusing on specific areas of Trading and Investing.
• Team Capstone: A 30 ECTS project that synthesizes learning from other modules, combining research and technical skills to investigate, design, produce, and critically evaluate an area of research interest.

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Modules:

• Securities Markets Structure and History (5 ECTS)
• Financial Economics (10 ECTS)
• Technical Analysis and Financial Visualisation (10 ECTS)
• Financial Reporting and Fundamental Analysis (5 ECTS)
• Portfolio Planning, Risk Management and Valuation (10 ECTS)
• ESG, Ethics and Regulation in Trading and Investing (5 ECTS)
• Applied Financial Marketing Analytics (10 ECTS)
• Research Methods for Team Capstones (5 ECTS)
• Applied Trading and Investing Team Capstone (30 ECTS)
## Assessment

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Assessment:

The program uses 100% continuous assessments in various forms, including:

• Group and individual practical projects
• Portfolios
• Reports
• Technical demonstrations
• Presentations
## Teaching

---

Teaching:

The program uses a flexible, multimodal, active, peer-led, experiential, and reflective learning environment.

---

Delivery:

• Asynchronous content with built-in knowledge checks for reflection
• Theory and concepts explained through content and contextualized
• In-class and online workshops for discussing theoretical underpinnings of trading and investing decisions
## Careers

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Careers:

The program prepares students for careers in the investment and trading sector or back-office operations on both supply and demand sides. Classes are designed to simulate the real-life experience of the financial industry.

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Career Opportunities:

• Investment Analyst
• Portfolio Manager
• Financial Trader
• Risk Analyst
• Financial Consultant
• Quantitative Analyst
## Other

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Other:

• The program is available full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years).
• The program fees are €8,995 for one year and €5,500 for two years for EU students.
• Click here for international fees and here for EU fees.
• Learners who complete the program will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to understand the core principles of trading and investing, perform technical analysis, utilize a wide range of financial assets, and adhere to national and international regulations.
• This program will help students become autonomous learners with the ability to work independently or collaborate in innovative and disruptive environments.
• Graduates will have a comprehensive platform for career development, innovation, and further study.
## Summary This extensive program offers a comprehensive exploration of the field of Trading and Investing, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen careers. The flexible learning environment combined with the focus on real-life experience makes this program a valuable option for those seeking to enter the world of finance.

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The course fees for the next academic year are €8,995 for one year, and €5,500 for two years for EU students. This covers the cost of tuition, registration and examinations. Click here to view international fees. Click here to view EU fees. You can also contact our admissions team who would be happy to discuss the options available for you. Please note also that there is tax relief for Irish income tax payers at the standard rate of 20% on all fees exceeding €1,000 and up to €7,000.