Investment Management MSc/Diploma

  • Delivery: Full Time
  • Programme type: Taught Programme
  • Study location:
  • Edinburgh
  • Entry date:
  • September

Overview

Our MSc Investment Management programme is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career in financial analysis and investment management, a major industry in Edinburgh with a long and proud history.

Discussion of academic theories and their limitations is combined with an emphasis on practical application. A distinctive characteristic of the programme is the large number of senior investment practitioners who act as guest speakers and who can advise students on future career choices.

Staff teaching on the programme are at the forefront of research and practice in finance and investment management and most are also members of the Centre for Finance & Investment (CFI) which brings Heriot-Watt academics with an interest in finance and investment together with senior practitioners from the local financial community,

 

Professional recognition

Member of CFA® Institute University Recognition Program

The MSc in Investment Management has been accepted into the CFA Institute University Recognition programme. This status is granted to institutions whose degree program incorporate at least 70% of the CFA Programme Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK), which provide students with a solid grounding in the CBOK and positions them well to sit for the CFA exams.  

About the CFA Program

The CFA Program sets a standard for developing the skills, standards, competence, and integrity of financial analysts, portfolio managers, investment advisers, and other investment professionals worldwide. It is considered the investment professions' most rigorous credentialling program. Administered in English, the CFA curriculum and examinations are identical worldwide.

Industry links

We also have close links with the Chartered Financial Analyst Society of the UK, the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment as well as the the Actuarial profession.

The Centre for Finance and Investment (CFI) also has close links with the programme and the Centre’s Industry Advisory Board works closely with the academic staff to help advise students on future career choices.

Graduate opportunities

The demand for postgraduate-level credentials in the investment industry reflects the growing complexity of the field. Graduates from the programme can go on to a variety of professional careers within financial services including: financial analyst; fund manager; investment banker; stockbroker; foreign exchange dealer; and financial adviser.

Some graduates will go on to PhD study at universities both in the UK and abroad.

Programme content

Semester 1 (Sept - Dec)Semester 2 (Jan - April)
Financial Markets * Current Topics in Investment Management
Portfolio Management Research Methods

One from:

  • Corporate Finance **
  • Corporate Governance

Two from:

  • Comparative Financial Reporting **
  • Derivatives **
  • Emerging Financial Markets
  • Modern Portfolio Theory
  • Research in Finance

One from:

  • Financial Analysis
  • International Accounting Standards **

 

 Over the summer months students undertake a dissertation.

* Students who successfully complete the Financial Markets course and the MSc Investment Management will be entitled to apply for an exemption from the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investments (CISI) Financial Markets module. Exemption from the CISI Financial Markets module would mean students need only pass an exam in two further modules to gain the CISI Masters in Wealth Management qualification.

** Students who intend to sit the CFA examinations are advised to study Corporate Finance, International Accounting Standards, Comparative Financial Reporting, and Derivatives as their optional courses.

Financial Markets *

Semester 1 (mandatory)

Examines the way financial markets and institutions function in practice, with particular emphasis on equities and bonds.

Portfolio Management

Semester 1 (mandatory)

Introduces portfolio management as a logical process, providing organisation and structure to what is a complex set of procedures.

Current Topics in Investment Management

Semester 2 (mandatory)

This is specialised course that sees senior investment practitioners come in each week to give guest lectures, which not only provide insights into the investment industry but also allow you to gain a real world understanding of the knowledge and theories you are studying.

Research Methods

Semester 2 (mandatory)

Looking at both qualitative and quantitative techniques this course will equip students with the means to develop and carry out their own research projects and to evaluate the contributions of others.

 

Entry requirements

A good Honours degree (first or second class), or its non-UK equivalent, in a relevant subject from a recognised British or overseas university. 

No investment management experience is required but some prior knowledge of finance and/or accounting would be an advantage.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we’ll need to see evidence of your English language ability.

The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

We offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme:

  • 2 semesters English (for IELTS of 4.5 with minimum of 4.0 in all skills)
  • 12 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with minimum of 5.0 in all skills)
  • 6 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with minimum 5.5 reading & writing and 5.0 listening & speaking)

Tuition fees

Fees for this programme can be found on our Tuition fees page.

Scholarships & bursaries