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, combined with practical skills and analytical prowess. This programme is tailored to equip students with an extensive understanding of finance and investment, setting them up for a successful and rewarding career in the financial sector.

Course Overview

Delivered by the triple-accredited Aston Business School, the MSc Investment Analysis and Risk programme offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, essential for a successful career in finance. The programme covers crucial areas such as security valuation, portfolio management, and global market dynamics. The curriculum balances practical skills with theoretical insights into investment valuation, trading techniques, and corporate finance.

Course Objectives

The programme aims to:

1. Provide advanced theoretical knowledge and applied analytical skills necessary to excel as a financial professional.
2. Provide 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. Develop 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 students with the opportunity to enhance their employability skills by equipping them with key professional skills and competencies required for success in a global business context.

Modules

The programme consists of the following modules:

• Investment Management: This module prepares students for a successful career in investment management by focusing on practical skills and knowledge essential for employability in the finance sector.
• Trading Techniques: The Trading Techniques module equips students with essential skills and knowledge to navigate financial markets effectively.
• Introduction to Financial Econometrics: This module immerses students in the practical application of econometric techniques, using statistical software to analyse financial data and address real-world challenges in finance.
• Fixed Income Securities: Explore the dynamic field of fixed income securities in this module designed for aspiring finance professionals.
• Security Analysis: Students will dive into the dynamic world of equity valuation with the Security Analysis module.
• The Aston Global Advantage: This professional development programme runs throughout all MSc programmes at Aston Business School, focusing on professional development and employability.
• Derivatives: This module offers a comprehensive understanding of derivative markets and the valuation of financial instruments.
• Applied Research Methods and Skills: This module equips students with key problem-solving and research skills, allowing them to follow their passion and creatively learn how to explore their interests.
• Corporate Treasury and Financial Analysis: This module introduces students to financial analysis and treasury management, helping them make smart financial decisions and offer strategic advice.
• Python for Finance: This module introduces students to Python, a powerful tool for data analysis and financial problem-solving.

Dissertation Stage

In the dissertation stage, students will complete a research project on an investment analysis and risk topic of their choice, showcasing their ability to conduct independent research with a clear consideration of ethics, theory, and methods.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the programme, students must have:

• A 2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
• Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University.
• A professional reference and an official academic transcript of university grades to date.
• English language requirements: Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

Fees and Scholarships

The annual tuition fees for the programme are:

• Ł14,000 for UK students (2026/27).
• Ł25,500 for international students (2026/27). Aston University offers a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Career Prospects

The transferable skills that the finance programmes provide mean that graduates are successful in finding employment in a wide range of roles, such as:

• Fund manager
• Banker
• Operations executive
• Commercial accountant
• Investment banking analyst
• Financial analyst
• Financial consultant
• Foreign investment specialist
• Auditor

Graduates have gone on to work at companies such as J.P.Morgan Chase, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, Ernst and Young, GE Healthcare, Industrial Commercial Bank of China, JDX Consulting, Morgan Stanley, Infosys, and Amazon.