MSc Finance & Investment

Entry Requirements
A first degree with an "excellent" or "very good" classification from a respected university in either a business-related subject (such as finance, accountancy, economics or business administration) or in a numerical subject (such as engineering, physics or mathematics).

Alternatively, students with a first degree with an "excellent" or "very good" classification in a non-related subject, but who also have relevant work experience, may also apply. For students from non-English-speaking countries there will be an English-language requirement. A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 600 (250+ computer-based) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7 is required.

Programme
The programme aims to provide students with specialist education in finance and investment. It will give a global perspective on investment markets and asset classes, provide practical and theoretical knowledge on the processes and mechanics underlying investment, and build on students' existing numerical skills so that they are able to understand and practice investment-related mathematics.

This programme is global, practical and numerical in nature, and these themes differentiate ours from rival programmes. Our unique selling point is the University of Edinburgh's strong relationships with finance and investment businesses. We have been able to create a number of internships for students and provide dissertation and project ideas from industry.

Learning Outcomes
Students will gain knowledge of global financial markets and the finance and investment industry - how different organisations interact, their roles, and factors behind success or failure. Students will learn how to estimate the fair value for an investment, to test assumptions and sensitivities, and to compare different investments. Students will gain an understanding of the role of different asset classes, their behaviour in isolation and in relation to other asset classes, and an understanding of how portfolios of investments can be constructed and analysed.

Intellectual skills developed will include: critical analysis; research skills; discipline in decision making; and analytical and numerical skills. Subject-specific skills developed will include: an understanding of investment and risk management tools and databases; an understanding of industry practice in risk management; an ability to understand, speak and write the language of finance and investment; and an ability to analyse financial statements of multinational firms. Transferable skills developed will include enhanced numerical skills and fluency in spreadsheet use, developed through problem-setting in quantitative courses within the programme.

Successful completion of this programme will prepare students for a range of finance-related professions, including investment analysis, portfolio management, financial-statement analysis and evaluation, corporate finance, product development, client servicing and risk management.

How You Will Be Taught
Learning will primarily be through reading, class discussions, solving problems in tutorials and attending the lectures. The group-work assignments are practical projects which require teamwork. The assignments simulate the approach in investment banking where teamwork and individual skill sets need to be directed and managed to achieve deadlines.