Program Overview

Introduction to the MSc Investment Analysis and Risk Programme

The MSc Investment Analysis and Risk programme at Aston University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of finance and investment, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Delivered by the triple-accredited Aston Business School, this programme focuses on practical application in trading and corporate settings, integrating hands-on experience with Python programming and Bloomberg terminals.

Course Overview

The programme covers crucial areas such as security valuation, portfolio management, and global market dynamics. It balances practical skills with theoretical insights into investment valuation, trading techniques, and corporate finance. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to excel in a dynamic career in investment, finance, and related fields.

Key Features of the Programme

• Location: Aston University, Birmingham
• Course Type: Full-time
• Entry Requirements: UK 2:2 honours degree or international equivalent
• Duration: One year
• Start Date: January 2026, September 2026, April 2026
• Guaranteed Internships: Available with every Master's degree

Course Objectives

The programme aims to:

1. Provide advanced theoretical knowledge and applied analytical skills necessary to excel as a financial professional.
2. Offer a rigorous study programme aligned with modern investment analysis theories and industry practices for decision-making.
3. Enable students to understand and apply the main valuation techniques used in the investment analysis industry.
4. Develop critical understanding of financial markets and instruments to implement sophisticated investment decisions in complex and dynamic global environments.
5. Enhance skills to communicate investment and financial quantitative analysis and their conclusions in a clear and precise manner to a specialist and non-specialist audience.
6. Provide the opportunity to enhance employability skills by equipping students with key professional skills and competencies required for success in a global business context.

Modules

The programme includes a variety of modules designed to provide a comprehensive education in investment analysis and risk. These modules are divided into taught stages and a dissertation stage.

Taught Stage Modules

• Fixed Income Securities: Explore the dynamic field of fixed income securities, developing a robust understanding of fixed income instruments and applying analytical techniques to value bonds and manage interest rate risks.
• Security Analysis: Dive into the dynamic world of equity valuation, learning to critically evaluate publicly traded equity securities and identify sources of market mispricing.
• Introduction to Financial Econometrics: Immerse yourself in the practical application of econometric techniques, using statistical software to analyse financial data and address real-world challenges in finance.
• Derivatives: Gain a comprehensive understanding of derivative markets and the valuation of financial instruments, acquiring employability skills by learning to apply no-arbitrage pricing techniques and implement trading and hedging strategies using derivatives.
• The Aston Global Advantage: This professional development programme runs throughout all MSc programmes at Aston Business School, focusing on professional development and employability, and giving you the opportunity to identify, develop, and apply key transferable skills.
• Corporate Treasury and Financial Analysis: Introduction to financial analysis and treasury management, helping you make smart financial decisions and offer strategic advice.
• Python for Finance: Introduction to Python, a powerful tool for data analysis and financial problem-solving, developing Python programming skills tailored to finance.

Dissertation Stage Modules

• Independent Project: Offers a unique opportunity to take the initiative and dive deep into a specific topic, fostering personal and academic growth, and sharpening essential analytical and academic skills for lifelong learning.

Programme Outcomes

Upon successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stages, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of capital markets and an in-depth knowledge of the various securities traded in these markets.
• Design, implement, and critically assess investments using technical skills to help managers make informed decisions.
• Explain and appraise various investment proposals using stocks, bonds, derivatives, and alternative assets, demonstrating an advanced knowledge of portfolio management techniques.
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of risk in the investment context and critically apply relevant techniques at an investor's disposal to appraise and mitigate risk exposures.
• Apply regulatory, ethical, and sustainability considerations to assess investments and risk management decisions.
• Develop communication (oral and written) and presentation skills, and communicate technical analysis and its results to different audiences.
• Critically evaluate and apply a diverse set of transferable skills essential for a successful career in investment analysis.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Background: 2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent, with a background in economics, engineering, finance, mathematics, statistics, or related disciplines.
• Additional Requirements: A professional reference, an official academic transcript of university grades to date, and a completed application form.
• International Students: Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University, with English language requirements met.

Fees and Scholarships

• UK Students (2025/26): Annual tuition fees of ｣12,000.
• International Students (2025/26): Annual tuition fees of ｣23,500.
• Scholarships: Available for both UK and international students, with opportunities to lower tuition and living costs.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the MSc Investment Analysis and Risk programme have diverse career opportunities in finance, securing roles in investment and retail banks, wealth management, consultancies, and beyond. The programme's focus on practical skills, industry connections, and professional development enhances employability, preparing students for successful and rewarding careers in the financial sector.