Program Overview

Investment and Financial Risk Management MSc

Overview

The Investment and Financial Risk Management MSc course responds to the increased global demand for talent in both investment and financial risk management. You'll develop a strong sense of market awareness from weekly updates on current market conditions drawn from the same commercial research used by several investment banks and hedge funds.

Course Structure

The course provides a thorough theoretical and practical grounding in the key aspects of investment and financial risk management, developing sound analytical, numerical, and technological skills. Suitable for experienced financial management practitioners who wish to advance their knowledge and those seeking front or middle office careers, the highly practical nature of the course, together with the unique access to professional insight and input, are key strengths.

Core Modules

• Advanced Financial Statements Analysis: The module focuses on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and their application in preparing financial statements. Students will learn to interpret accounting policies, evaluate financial reporting quality, and assess company performance for investment decisions.
• Capstone Project: This Capstone Project module within the School of Finance and Accounting PG programme offers you the opportunity to gain research methods knowledge and development skills as well as knowledge of how to undertake a work-based project.
• Financial Derivatives: This module provides both theoretical and practical foundations for learning about financial derivatives markets. The characteristics, valuations, and applications of derivatives are explored in risk and investment management contexts.
• Financial Modelling: This module provides an overview of econometric modelling and statistical inference, focusing on the development of applications derived from this financial framework.
• Fixed Income Analysis and Trading: This module provides an in-depth understanding of fixed income securities, their valuation, and the strategies employed in fixed income trading.
• International Risk Management: In this module, students will explore the financial risks that financial institutions face, including interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk, credit risk, and operational risk.
• Modern Portfolio Management: This module provides a comprehensive understanding of portfolio theory, fund management principles, as well as ethical practices in portfolio management.

Option Modules

• Alternative Investments: This module explores options beyond traditional investments like stocks and bonds, delving into areas such as hedge funds, private equities, commodities, real estate, and digital investments.
• Banking Technology: This module provides students with a rigorous introduction to the key aspects of FinTech and to understand the transformational impact of this on the global banking sector.
• Forecasting Markets and Risk Modelling: This module provides advanced knowledge of key concepts and methods underlying financial forecasting and risk modelling.
• Sustainability in Finance with ESG: This module provides an in-depth exploration of sustainability in finance, with a strong focus on the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into financial decision-making processes.

Professional Recognition

The MSc Investment and Financial Risk Management programme has applied for accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI). Additionally, under its previous title, the course’s excellence has been globally acknowledged through its designation as a CISI Centre of Excellence in Financial Markets.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2).
• Relevant degree disciplines include business studies, economics, geography, management, and operations research.
• Alternative professional qualifications with at least three years of relevant professional experience will also be considered.
• If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.

Fees and Funding

• UK tuition fee: £14,900 (Price per academic year)
• International tuition fee: £18,000 (Price per academic year)
• Alumni discount available.
• Funding options include Student Finance England (SFE) and scholarships.

Careers

This course is designed to prepare you for a variety of roles and careers including security and financial analysis, trading and fund management, capital market sales and administration. Our graduates go on to develop careers in treasury and front office positions in global financial institutions, investment banks, and securities companies.