Investments - MSc

Trading and investing offers an exciting career path, but also demands a high level of theoretical knowledge and technical skill. This course offers you a springboard into employment with an investment institution, or as an investment specialist or manager. Suitable for graduates with strong mathematics skills, you will need a background of accounting, finance, economics, business administration, mathematics, science, statistics or engineering.

The Accounting and Finance departments hold the gold standard of recognition as a Centre of Excellence in the provision of finance teaching by The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI). Finance students will be given student membership of the CISI when they enrol on a programme, allowing them access to a range of professional networking and career development opportunities.

Our MSc Investments programme has been acknowledged as incorporating at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) and placing emphasis on the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice within the program. This programme positions students well to obtain the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation, which has become the most respected and recognized investment credential in the world. Entry into the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program signals to potential students, employers, and the marketplace that the MSc Investments curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and is well-suited to preparing students to sit for the CFA examinations.

Course details

This demanding programme teaches theories and techniques of investments, as well as their real-life application. It is designed for graduates who want to develop a career in investment institutions, or who wish to become investments specialists or managers in other corporate bodies. 

Based mainly, but not exclusively, on practices in the UK, continental Europe, the USA and some emerging markets, this programme equips you with the skills and knowledge that you need to function as an investments specialist in domestic and international markets. 

Internationally renowned academic staff teach theory and technique, whilst their application is taught by professional traders with years of experience in the industry and first-hand knowledge of current market regulations, trading techniques, customs and practices. You also have access to a simulated dealing room, where a range of trading techniques can be practised.

Programme content

This degree is intellectually demanding and requires considerable effort; it is structured to prepare you for the challenging working environment that you will encounter in the industry after graduation.

Typically, we expect that applicants will have a background in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, mathematics, statistics, science, or engineering. Evidence of mathematical skills, such as grade C in A level Mathematics or an equivalent grade obtained in an undergraduate mathematics module, is required for admission.

For those without a strong mathematics background but who have achieved a pass mark in a quantitative module or at GCE A-Level, please see our MSc Financial Management programme.

Learning and teaching

The home of Birmingham Business School is University House, conveniently situated on the edge of the main campus opposite the main gate of the University. To the elegant old house of 1908, that houses staff rooms and social space, a new multi-million pound state of-the-art teaching and learning complex has been added giving a unique combination of historic elegance and cutting-edge facilities. Our students benefit from advanced teaching technology. All fifteen lecture theatres and seminar rooms contain comprehensive audio-visual equipment and sound systems, as well as wireless connectivity and data projection. Three large PC clusters add to computing facilities already available to students across the campus. The main lecture theatre, seating 200, is often utilised outside term-time as a conference facility for local industry.

Birmingham Business School’s brand new Postgraduate Teaching Centre opened its doors to students in autumn 2016. The building is called the Alan Walters Building after the noted economist of the same name. The high quality facilities provide a dedicated space for the Business School’s postgraduate students, and includes communal areas for studying and group work, which will look out over the Green Heart when completed in 2019.

Employability

Careers in Business

Careers in Business is a dedicated service for postgraduate Business School students. We’ll help you in all aspects of your career management, from planning your job-seeking strategies, applying for jobs, preparing for interviews and assessment centres and developing your essential employability skills. At the start of your programme you will receive an email from our team, giving details of how you can access Careers in Business Online. Please get in touch to find out how our Careers in Business team can support you.

Visit the Investments - MSc page on the University of Birmingham website for more details!