Finance and Investment, MSc, University of Leeds

Course content

Throughout the course we support you to develop the professional skills that will be critical for a successful career in the financial services.

You'll build knowledge of key topics in finance and investment such as financial modelling, corporate finance, security investment analysis and international business finance. You'll apply this knowledge of financial theory to solve real problems and explore international investment in depth.

Your choice of optional modules will allow you to gain specialist knowledge in areas that suit your career plans.

The programme will improve your understanding of research methods in finance, during a dedicated module led by experts currently involved in cutting-edge research. You'll apply this knowledge to design and carry out your own research dissertation on a related topic of your choice, developing your ability to tackle the most pressing challenges currently facing the industry.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

You'll take seven compulsory modules including your dissertation.

• Security Investment Analysis 15 credits
• Corporate Finance 15 credits
• Applied Finance 15 credits
• Financial Modelling and Analysis 15 credits
• International Investment 15 credits
• Accounting and Finance Dissertation 60 credits
• Critical Skills for the Finance Professional 15 credits

Optional modules

You'll also take two optional modules, one of which must be either Behavioural Finance or International Business Finance.

• International Business Finance 15 credits
• Behavioural Finance 15 credits
• Portfolio Risk Management 15 credits
• Forensic Accounting and Finance 15 credits
• Financial Derivatives 15 credits
• Corporate Governance 15 credits
• Discrete Time Finance 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Finance and Investment MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These will include lectures, seminars, workshops, online learning and tutorials. Independent study is also vital for this course allowing you to prepare for taught classes and sharpen your own research and critical skills.

In addition to the assessed modules and research dissertation, you benefit from professional training activities and employability workshops. Thanks to our links with major companies across the business world, you can also gain a practical understanding of key issues.

For example, students have developed their knowledge of financial markets through a one-week trading simulation delivered in partnership with Amplify Trading. Read more about professional development activities for finance students.

Assessment

Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. They include formal exams, group projects, reports, computer simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations and reflective logs.

This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life.

Applying, fees and funding

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a related subject such as accounting, finance, economics or mathematics.

You should have a strong grounding in quantitative subjects with high scores in these subjects.

International qualifications

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:

• don't meet the English language requirements for your course or
• want to improve your understanding of academic language and practices in your area of study.

Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Economics and Finance (6 weeks) and Language for Business: Economics and Finance (10 weeks).

How to apply

Application deadlines

UK/EU: 30 June 2018

International: 31 March 2018

• Apply

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
 
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you'll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you're still studying
• Two academic references
• A personal statement
• An up-to-date CV
• Evidence of your English language qualifications, if English is not your first language
• A letter of sponsorship, if you need one.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

Leeds University Business School Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy

Fees

UK/EU: £13,750 (total)

International: £25,500 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances.

We award a range of scholarships to UK, EU and international students. Scholarships are available to candidates who can demonstrate an excellent academic record and show excellent professional and personal skills.

There are several scholarships available for this course that you may be eligible to apply for, including:

• Masters in Accounting and Finance International Excellence Scholarship
• Masters in Accounting and Finance UK/EU Excellence Scholarship
• Dean's Excellence Scholarship (UK/EU and International)
• Leeds Alumni Bursary and Excellence Scholarship

Read more about Business School scholarships.

Career opportunities

As a graduate of this course you will be able to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of core finance and investment principles, and the numerical and analytical skills to succeed in this rapidly changing complex environment.

Graduates have a broad appeal to employers in the worldwide finance sector. Many have gone on to careers such as traders, risk managers, portfolio managers and security analysts.

Our unique combination of business and mathematics modules enables you to perform successfully in a business environment by making the best use of your analytical and programming skills.

Careers support

We help you to achieve your career ambitions by providing professional development support and training as part of the course. You benefit from the support of a Professional Development Tutor, who will work with you to develop the important professional skills that employers value.

We're committed to offering a wide range of development and training opportunities. Recent activities have included field trips, CV building and interview sessions, professional risk management workshops and commercial awareness networking events.

Read more about our careers and professional development support.

The University of Leeds Careers Centre also provides a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate.

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