University of Bradford

MSc Finance and Investment

What you will study

All module information is for 2023 entry and is subject to change.

First-year

Core

• Quantitative Methods in Finance
• Asset Pricing and Financial Markets
• Business Economics
• Contemporary Issues in Accounting and Finance*
• Derivatives Pricing and Valuation
• International Finance*
• Dissertation

Option

• Developing Skills for Business Leadership
• Digital Marketing Metrics
• International Marketing
• Corporate Finance*
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• International Master’s Summer School
• International Master's Summer School (Attendance only)
• Financial Risk Management in European Banking**

* These modules contribute towards exemptions from the professional qualification of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

** As part of the School of Management's exchange agreement with Toulouse Business School (France), students, if they wish to, have the opportunity to study one module in ‘Financial Risk Management in European Banking’ in Toulouse each year. Travel and maintenance costs are additional for students. The School usually contributes to the overall budget but the level of contribution can vary.

Learning and assessment

The program is summatively assessed by a mixture of written examinations, assessed coursework, and applied coursework requiring the use of specialist computer software used on this program as well as case studies, group projects, and multimedia presentations.

Assessment is integrated with learning and teaching to support and demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes for individual modules and the program as a whole. Emphasis is placed on the feedback function of formative assessment as part of the learning, teaching, and assessment strategy as a whole.

Career prospects

Our graduates regularly find careers in finance and investment, and the finance industry in general. The program focuses on the key elements of corporate finance, investment management, and applied quantitative finance. The aim is to produce specialists with a strong financial perspective on corporate activity, pension fund behavior, the economy, and international financial markets.

The sectors and jobs that our MSc students are employed in after graduation vary depending on their previous experience and pathway taken. In terms of career progression, it is useful to consider where alumni are three years after graduation. Looking at the data derived from the School’s ranking in the Financial Times Master’s in Management Rankings, on average 25% of them are in senior management roles and 20% in junior management positions three years after graduation.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programs. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work, and graduate vacancies.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programs, there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Career Booster

During your time studying at the Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences you will have the opportunity to take part in our distinctive career booster programme throughout your course. The program is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and graduate attributes to be job-ready when seeking employment with leading innovative organizations. The Career Booster Programme offers you the opportunity to gain certificates in:

• The European Computer Driving License (ECDL) - the benchmark for digital literacy
• Sage 50 Accounting and Sage 50 Payroll - training that will allow you to develop leading accounting and payroll software skills
• Project Manager Professional certificates - giving you the edge when seeking to become a Certified Project Manager
• Big Data analysis and reporting skills - using Software and Services (SAS) that will lead to certification.

In addition, the program will also include activities to promote teamwork, confidence, communication, and many other skills sought by employers.

Developing a portfolio of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certificates will demonstrate to employers that you are not only ambitious but also take responsibility for your professional development.

Full-time

• 14 months January start
• 12 months September start

Part-time

• 27 months January start
• 24 months September start