Investment and Finance MSc

The ability to invest wisely is a highly sought-after skill. This module provides participants with a sound grounding in the theory and practical implementation of investment analysis and portfolio management. Specific aims include equity analysis, asset allocation, generating investment ideas and estimating investment risks & returns.

This module aims to provide a rigorous grounding in the theory of corporate financial management and equip students with knowledge and techniques that are required for arriving at investment and financing decisions. The module enables students to identify the sources of agency problems and their effect on firm value and apply various techniques used in capital budgeting as well as evaluate financial assets and understand the theories on which asset pricing models are built with reference to arbitrage opportunities. Students will critically discuss the validity of modern theories that assess the impact of financing decision on the firm value and cost of capital. The module enables students to evaluate the benefits and costs from both cash or share funded mergers and acquisitions.

This module deals with basic statistical methods and explores the application of these methods to analytical models in finance. You will gain the analytical and programming skills necessary to pursue empirical studies in finance. You will also be encouraged to use previous knowledge in statistics and computer programming.

This module introduces essential econometric techniques and their application in financial modelling, utilising big data approaches. It covers a diverse range of topics, including cross-sectional and time series econometrics, basic panel data analysis, and the integration of big data methods to complement traditional financial models. Students will develop skills in managing and analysing large datasets, performing robust statistical analyses, and building predictive financial models. The module emphasises practical implementation, using tools like Python, STATA, and R to apply econometric models and data analysis techniques effectively to financial datasets.

This module will provide an overview of the nature and operation of international financial markets and their traded instruments. You are introduced to the organisation of the international financial system, the markets for foreign exchanges, stocks, bonds, commodities, and the risks and opportunities offered in these markets and systems. You will also gain essential knowledge for your future career in business, especially in the financial sector.

The module provides you with the opportunity to select your own specialised research topic in the area of financial management. You will be expected to apply relevant theoretical frameworks, the existing seminal and the most up-to-date scholarly literature together with the relevant research methodologies and methods whilst conducting your research. You will be required to independently plan, organise, and coherently produce a limited but a well-researched work.

The module aims to empower you to apply the comprehensive knowledge and skills acquired in your programme to undertake a significant practice-based project that aligns with your professional interests and career aspirations. Through this project you will demonstrate your 

ability to identify, analyse, and solve a business challenge, issue, or opportunity while applying theoretical knowledge to practical business contexts. Additionally, you will showcase your proficiency in conducting research relevant to your project, which includes engaging with appropriate literature, collecting and analysing data, and effectively communicating your findings and recommendations. The project represents the culmination of your learning experience.

You will be studying at our leafy north London campus in Hendon.

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Teaching and independent learning

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on the taught aspects of the course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.

Typical weekly breakdown

A typical week looks like this:

Learning terms

On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.

Part-time study

You can also study this course part-time over two years.

You have a strong support network available to you to make sure you develop all the necessary academic skills you need to do well on your course.

Our support services will be delivered online and on campus and you have access to a range of different resources so you can get the help you need, whether you’re studying at home or have the opportunity to come to campus.

You have access to one to one and group sessions for personal learning and academic support from our library and IT teams, and our network of learning experts. Our teams will also be here to offer financial advice, and personal wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

There are no exams but your coursework including presentations, written assignments and the writing and research for your dissertation will be assessed.

Your degree will require your active participation in learning activities and engagement with your fellow students both individually and collaboratively, working and learning with other students as part of a small group. You will also work on individual and group presentations.

Assessments take place during term time or at the end of a term.

You will receive feedback on your drafted work from your tutor as well as feedback after submitting your work, each term.

You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.