Program Overview

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Global Investment Management - MSc

Overview

A fast-track qualification for non-finance graduates seeking employment in the rapidly growing financial services sector.

Summary

This programme is intensive and allows highly motivated graduates to ‘skill into’ the wholesale financial services sector and is designed for those with a business or cognate discipline (e.g. law, economics, computing etc.). A unique aspect of the programme is the option to undertake a placement with a wholesale financial firm. Such placements are subject to interview by the firm and cannot be guaranteed by the University.

About this course

About

The full-time duration of the programme is normally one calendar year comprising three semesters. The programme is modular in design, with students taking 8 modules to obtain the Postgraduate Diploma and an additional dissertation, or work-based project, to achieve the award of MSc.

The structure of the course is as follows:

Semester I

• Sustainable Finance
• Financial Markets, Institutions and Operations
• Insurance and Risk Management
• Financial Regulation

Semester II

• Derivatives and Alternative Investments
• International Finance
• Fund Management
• Financial Reporting

Semester III

• Research Methods in Finance
• Contemporary Issues in Finance

Either an academic dissertation or work placement report (the choice will be determined by whether the student undertakes placement).

Attendance

Normally Pg Certificate (four months); Pg Diploma (nine months); Dissertation (four months); Placement (six months).

Pg Diploma element (150 effort hours per module).

Start dates

• September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods may include: lectures, tutorials, seminars, case studies, experiential learning, guest speakers, workshops, directed and independent study, computer assisted learning including contemporary interactive learning technology to help enhance your learning.

Assessment Methods may include: each module adopting a unique assessment strategy and this may involve; computer-based exercises, class tests, essays, oral presentations (individual and group), case studies, live projects and dissertation/work placement report. This programme is assessed by 100% coursework.

Standard entry conditions

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have gained a second class honours degree in a business or cognate discipline, however graduates of any discipline will be considered. In recent years graduates of chemistry, physics, law, politics and software engineering have completed the program.

Candidates whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their English language competence (minimum IELTS score of 6.0, or equivalent).

English Language Requirements

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

The programme is primarily structured to aid graduates in gaining employment in the wholesale financial services sector, but would also provide a base for further research based study at PhD level. A wide range of placement opportunities are available including CitiGroup, PwC Augment, EY, Pearson and MTS Wealth in Belfast with other options being available in Dublin.

Fees and funding

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees

£7,610.00

International Fees

£17,810.00

Scholarships, awards and prizes

Fund-Axis Global Investment Management Award - Highest Performing Student

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.