Global Investment Management MSc

Program Overview

The Global Investment Management MSc at Ulster University is a fast-track qualification for non-finance graduates seeking employment in the financial services sector. It provides a comprehensive understanding of global investment management principles and practices, equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the industry. The program offers an optional work-based project or dissertation, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios or research projects. Graduates may pursue careers as investment analysts, portfolio managers, financial advisors, and other roles within the financial services sector.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Global Investment Management MSc at Ulster University

This program is designed as a fast-track qualification for non-finance graduates seeking employment in the rapidly growing financial services sector. It specifically caters to graduates with a business or cognate discipline (e.g., law, economics, computing, etc.). A unique aspect of the program is the option to undertake a placement with a wholesale financial firm.

Objectives:

• Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the financial services sector.
• Provide a comprehensive understanding of global investment management principles and practices.
• Develop critical thinking and analytical skills relevant to financial decision-making.
• Offer opportunities for practical application of learned concepts through placements and/or projects.

Program Description:

• The program is offered full-time and typically spans one calendar year, comprising three semesters.
• The program is modular in design, with students completing 8 modules for the Postgraduate Diploma and an additional dissertation or work-based project for the MSc award.
• The program focuses on key areas within the financial services sector, including:
• Financial reporting and analysis
• Financial markets, institutions, and operations
• Risk management practices
• Financial regulation
• Derivatives and alternative investments
• Fund management
• Insurance and risk management
• Sustainable finance
• International finance
• Contemporary issues in finance
• The program offers an optional work-based project or dissertation, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios and research projects.

Outline:

Program Content:

• Financial reporting and analysis
• Financial markets, institutions, and operations
• Research methods in finance
• Financial regulation
• Derivatives and alternative investments
• Fund management
• Insurance and risk management
• Sustainable finance
• International finance
• Contemporary issues in finance
• Work-based project (optional)
• Dissertation (optional)

Structure:

• Full-time program lasting one calendar year.
• Three semesters, with each semester covering several modules.
• Modules typically involve a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and independent study.
• Assessment methods vary depending on the module but may include coursework, examinations, presentations, and projects.

Course Schedule:

The specific course schedule, including individual module timings and assignments, is typically provided closer to the program start date.

Modules:

• Financial Reporting & Analysis: Provides an understanding of financial reporting and analysis relevant to the financial services industry.
• Financial Markets, Institutions and Operations: Develops knowledge of the global financial services industry, financial assets, investment products, and trading and investing styles.
• Research Methods in Finance: Enhances quantitative and qualitative research skills, including statistics and research methodologies.
• Financial Regulation: Provides an understanding of the regulatory and compliance issues regarding financial institutions, instruments, and employees, with a focus on the UK.
• Derivatives and Alternative Investments: Covers the main aspects of financial derivatives, including options, futures, and swaps markets.
• Fund Management: Provides a deeper understanding of fund management, the role of the fund manager, and the dynamics of the fund management environment.
• Insurance and Risk Management: Provides an overview of the insurance sector, risk management approaches, and the impact of FinTech disruption.
• Sustainable Finance: Introduces the concept of sustainable finance and its role in meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.
• International Finance: Covers the international financial system, balance of payments, open-economy macroeconomics, exchange rates, and current issues within international finance.
• Contemporary Issues in Finance: Explores contemporary issues confronting finance and financial services.
• Work Based Project: Allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a project relevant to the finance/financial services sector.
• Dissertation: Provides an opportunity for students to conduct research on a topic relevant to the financial services sector.

Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods, which may include:

• Coursework (e.g., essays, reports, presentations)
• Examinations
• Case studies
• Projects (e.g., work-based project, dissertation)
The specific assessment methods and criteria vary depending on the individual module.

Teaching:

The program utilizes diverse teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Case studies
• Guest lectures
• Workshops
• Directed and independent study
• Computer-assisted learning
• Interactive learning technology
The program boasts a highly qualified faculty with a significant proportion holding Fellowship of Advance HE.

Careers:

The program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in the financial services sector. Potential career paths include:

• Investment analyst
• Portfolio manager
• Financial advisor
• Risk analyst
• Compliance officer
• Trader
• Financial consultant
Graduates may also choose to pursue further research at the PhD level.

Other:

• The program offers potential work placement opportunities with various financial institutions, including CitiGroup, PwC Augment, EY, Pearson, and MTS Wealth.
• The program welcomes graduates from various disciplines, including business, law, economics, computing, and engineering.
• The program is designed to be intensive and allow highly motivated graduates to quickly gain entry into the financial services sector.