Triangle

Course overview

Our MSc Finance and Investment programme focuses on how financial markets and capital markets function and the role of different players, such as investors, firms and institutions, in the markets. Our programme is research-led, up-to-date, and quite rigorous in nature.

Our programme will enhance your global career opportunities. Our hands-on approach is data-driven. We have access to a number of databases on various topics. For instance, through real-time access to our Bloomberg Terminals, you will learn to utilise data to analyse financial instruments that will underpin your investment decisions. You will also gain a broad understanding of the sector through modules that cover topics including corporate finance, capital market analysis, and security valuation.

This course is recognised by the Chartered Financial Analysts Institute's university recognition programme. This status is granted to select institutions that have incorporated at least 70% of the CFA Programme Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) into their degree programmes.

Furthermore, as an affiliated university, we are closely connected to professional practice. You will have the option to take industry-recognised digital qualifications by Microsoft and SAP alongside your course, which will develop your digital skills.

An advanced finance and investment degree from Nottingham University Business School will help to bring your potential to the attention of top local as well as global employers.

Why choose this course?

Recognised

by the global association of investment professionals

Top 100

in the world and top 20 in the UK

Gain digital skills

We offer the opportunity to take industry-recognised Microsoft and SAP certifications at significant discounts from the open market rate

Triple accredited

Part of an elite group of business schools worldwide to gain ‘triple crown’ accreditation

EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB accredited

More than 27,000

Business School alumni connect you to a powerful global network of business contacts

Course content

The course is made up of 120 credits of core and optional taught modules, plus a 60-credit dissertation on a subject of your choice.

Semester one

In semester one, you will take modules in capital market analysis, corporate finance and quantitative research methods for finance and investment.

Semester two

In semester two, you will take two further required modules on derivative investment and fixed interest investment. In addition, you will also choose two optional modules from a range of topics including international finance, behavioural finance and venture capital.

Dissertation

After completing your semester two modules, you will undertake a 12,000-word dissertation, with one-to-one support from an expert academic supervisor. This will demonstrate your ability to undertake independent research in the area of finance and investment.

Modules

Core modules

Semester one

Capital Market Analysis

The module examines the equity asset class as an example of a long term, generally risky, financial security. Since semester two specialist modules in fixed interest securities and derivatives are available, this module provides only a basic introduction to these other classes of financial instruments.

The module looks at the way performance of an investment in equities is characterised, and how such investments have performed in the past. The processes of equity portfolio construction, management and performance measurement are then examined. The perspective adopted is that of the purchaser, not the issuer, of equity.

Corporate Finance

The module covers the traditional content of a corporate finance course:

  • Investment, capital structure, and dividend decisions from a shareholder value perspective
  • Capital market behaviour (background)
  • Mergers
  • Real options
Quantitative Research Methods for Finance and Investment

The module provides you with a good understanding of econometrics tools covering topics such as statistical distribution theory, multiple regression analysis for cross-sectional data, time series analysis, panel data and qualitative response models with finance related applications.

Semester two

Derivative Investment

The module covers :

  • introduction to derivatives
  • forward and futures contracts, how they are traded and used for hedging
  • static hedging
  • stock indices and stock index futures
  • derivatives - European and American styles
  • derivative valuation - Binomial trees, Black-Scholes
  • financial engineering
  • the Greeks and dynamic hedging
Fixed Interest Investment

The module covers:

  • institutional framework of international and UK bond markets
  • bond yield and pricing models
  • spot and forward interest rate determination
  • measuring interest rate risk of bonds
  • pricing of Interest rate derivatives
  • role of credit rating agencies and the determination of credit ratings
  • measuring credit risk
  • bond market strategies

Summer

Dissertation

The module aims to allow you to synthesise, apply and extend the knowledge you have gained in the taught component of the programme. The investigation of a current research topic will help to develop your theoretical and practical understanding of current problems in your area, as well as your research and communication skills.

Business Project

The Business Project requires students, working as groups, to undertake research in a topic which is relevant to business, management, marketing, finance, accounting, or information system. You must choose their research topic that is relevant to your named degree programme. The specific topic is subject to a formal approval process.

The module is intended for you to apply knowledge, concepts, skills, and techniques, acquired during the taught stage of your programme to real-world, business scenarios. You will be presented with real-word business problems for which you are required to review relevant literature, conduct research, analyse data, and formulate viable solutions.

Optional modules

Two from:

Behavioural Finance

The module will provide an introduction to the field of behavioural finance. In recent decades, the standard finance theory which is based on the Efficient Market Hypothesis and the rational choice model has been heavily criticised. Behavioural finance challenges these traditional theories and presents an alternative.

The behavioural finance approach is based on the ideas and findings from psychology and neuroeconomics and is applicable to a wide range of contexts such as investing, retirement saving behaviour and corporate finance

Computational Finance

The module provides you with a knowledge and understanding of key practical applications of finance using standard computer software. Students taking the module are assumed to have prior background knowledge of financial markets and financial econometrics.

It equips you with computational and programming skills, allowing you to analyse financial data, build financial models and solve complex financial problems. The module will also integrate application areas in finance which have already been introduced, or which are being introduced concurrently. Topics include:

  • Basic R commands
  • analysing and visualising financial data
  • modelling and forecasting financial time-series
  • applications relevant to asset pricing and portfolio analysis
Contemporary Issues in Finance

The module starts with early phase of a typical firm’s life cycle with discussion of the role of venture capital in mentoring and leading them to possible exits including Initial public offerings. These will be followed by an in-depth analysis of financial markets with diversity of financial claims issued by both young and matured companies.

The module will then also explore corporate restructuring and financial decisions leading to analysis of corporate breakup transactions (divestitures, spinoffs, equity carve outs, tracking stocks), leveraged recapitalizations, and leveraged buyouts (LBOs) and study the value-drivers behind them with both theoretical framework and empirical analysis linking current events. It will also discuss factors that determine cross-border takeover, and the influence of cross-border M&As on corporate shareholders' wealth and corporate governance.

Finally topics dealing with corporate social responsibility and its value-enhancing capabilities and the link between corporate political connections (managers, board members, shareholders) and corporate financing activities will be discussed in detail from both theoretical and empirical perspectives.

The Economics of Strategy and Market Structure

The module uses a game-theoretic approach to analyse strategic firm-behaviour. It intends to cover topics from industrial economics such as competition, market entry, product differentiation, leader-follower, and merger and acquisition.

International Finance

This module examines:

  • exchange rates and FX markets
  • FX market efficiency
  • real exchange rate and purchasing power parity
  • exchange rate determination
  • exchange rate forecasting
  • FX predictability: Statistical significance and economic value
  • FX volatility strategies
  • global equity analysis
  • global performance evaluation
Sustainable Finance

This module covers:

  • Fundamentals of sustainable finance 
  • Sustainable corporate finance
  • Sustainable financial investors and investments
  • Sustainable financial intermediaries
  • Green banks
Venture Capital and Private Equity

Venture capital and private equity provide risk capital to firms at various stages of their life-cycle. This involves selecting early-stage and late-stage investment opportunities, due diligence, structuring deals, valuation, managing portfolio firms, and exit.

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Thursday 28 March 2024.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Computer labs

Core modules are taught by lectures, seminars, and workshops. Optional modules include lectures, seminars, and computer labs.

Digital professional skills certifications

We offer the opportunity for you to take industry-recognised Microsoft and SAP certifications alongside your degree programme at significant discounts from the open market rate. This will enhance your digital capability, differentiate your CV and help you stand out to future employers. Find out more on our digital professional skills website.

How you will be assessed

  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Examinations
  • Project work
  • Coursework

The methods of assessment for all the core modules include group coursework and exams. Most optional modules in the programme are assessed by exams only.

Contact time and study hours

The number of contact hours for each of the core modules is 44 hours. These include lectures, seminars, and workshops. Each optional module has 22 contact hours, including lectures, seminars, and computer labs.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Undergraduate degree2.1 (upper 2nd class hons degree from British University or international equivalent) in finance, economics, business studies, accounting or financial engineering/mathematics. Outstanding degrees in any quantitative discipline (for example natural sciences, computer science) are also considered on a case by case basis

Personal statement and a list of modules being studied in the final year (for applicants who have not yet completed their bachelor degree).  Applicants must have a strong quantitative / mathematics background and have achieved a 2.1 (60%) in a minimum of two modules covering at least two of the following subjects; mathematics, statistics, quantitative methods, quantitative finance specialisms and econometrics 

Applying

If you have not yet completed your undergraduate degree, please provide a list of modules to be studied in your final year.

Spaces on this course are limited and, as such, applications will open in the following windows:

  • 1 September to 30 November 2023
  • 16 February to 26 April 2024

Please note: this is a highly competitive course and there are a limited number of places available. The School reserves the right to close applications when capacity is reached – this may be ahead of the advertised application windows. Early applications are encouraged to avoid disappointment.

If you have not yet completed your undergraduate degree, please provide a list of modules to be studied in your final year.

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply

Fees

Qualification MSc
Home / UK £14,700
International £30,200

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles.

Funding

Business School MSc scholarships

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

Our in-house Postgraduate Careers Team provides expert advice and guidance so that you can make an informed decision about the right career path for you.

Prior to commencing your course you can take part in pre-entry careers discussions and once on programme our MSc Accelerated Career Leader Programme is complemented by one to one career coaching.

Increasingly, graduates are required to be cloud and data-ready for the workplace with 66% of employers wanting to see graduates achieve professional qualifications as well as their main degree (CMI 21st Century leaders report). The school works with some of the world’s leading business software providers including SAP and Microsoft, offering the option to take their globally recognised professional digital qualifications alongside your course. Our Digital Centre of Excellence will support you so that you can develop the digital skills necessary to pursue your chosen career and stand out to future employers.

Our support continues throughout your time at Nottingham and after you graduate. Business School postgraduates also have access to events and resources provided by the Careers and Employability Service.

Career destinations for our postgraduates include:

  • accountants
  • finance and investment analysts
  • higher education teaching professionals
  • investment bankers
  • IT business analysts
  • management consultants
  • marketing professionals
  • public relations professionals
  • university researchers

Some MSc graduates have gone on to doctoral studies, others have become entrepreneurs. Our Ingenuity Lab has supported a number of our MSc graduates in starting their own company.

Career progression

86.2% of all postgraduates from Nottingham University Business School secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £31,419.*

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Chartered Financial Analysts Institute

This course is recognised by the Chartered Financial Analysts Institute's university recognition programme.

The CFA Institute grants this status to select institutions that have incorporated at least 70% of the CFA Programme Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) into their degree programmes. An affiliated university signals to employers that the course is closely connected to professional practice and helps students preparing to take CFA exams.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates
" The course provides you with more than just the knowledge required to get started in the financial industry. It certainly met my expectations in terms of depth and application to real scenarios. "
Laith Al-Khayat, MSc Finance and Investment

This content was last updated on Thursday 28 March 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.