MSc Finance and Investment
Acquire in-depth understanding, skills and experience of finance and investment for a successful career in the finance sector, private institutions and central banks.
Key facts
- Award Masters / MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
- Start date January 2022
- Duration MSc full-time: 12 months
- Mode of study Full-time
Changes at Stirling
Find out about important changes including how you'll be taught, start dates and how we're making campus safer.
Overview
This course will enable students to acquire a broad knowledge of finance and investment, including a discussion and analysis of current theoretical developments as well as equipping students with the technical skills to analyse current and future issues. As we emerge into a post-COVID 19 world including disruptions to traditional trading and economic activity, the need for a strong understanding of the role finance plays in generating growth and wealth has never been greater.
The University of Stirling Management School
At the University of Stirling Management School, the principle of responsible business, policy and practice is central to everything we do. This vision helps us to equip our students effectively with the skills to act as global citizens, capable of addressing the needs of society.
As a member of the Chartered Association for Business Schools, we have strong links with industry and were recently awarded the Small Business Charter for engagement with local and regional enterprise.
Course objectives
Providing both an understanding and critical appraisal of core financial theories and models, together with the analytical skills to examine and question their validity for the world moving forward, this degree offers ideal preparation for students looking to work across the finance sector. This includes roles in investment and risk management, hedge funds and portfolio construction, commercial and central banks, local and national governments and supranational bodies around the world.
Students will access and engage with computer labs, practical workshops, the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), and live markets via the Amplify Trading Boot Camp, and will acquire contemporary financial analysis skills.
Students undertaking this course will:
- Acquire knowledge, skills and experience for a successful career in the finance sector, private institutions and central banks, and different roles across governments
- Enhance capabilities to understand how financial markets work using financial market data
- Critically evaluate how policy affects financial markets and the role of financial markets in the global economy
- Enhance and develop critical, analytical, interpersonal and other transferable skills
Professional accreditation
The course covers much of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) programme, helping you progress towards obtaining CFA Charterholder status.
Work placements
Amplify Trading Boot Camp
The course also includes an innovative week-long global financial trading and training Boot Camp run by our partner Amplify. The Boot Camp won the CFA Institute Innovative Delivery of Education (IDEA) global award and gives you the chance to trade futures contracts on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. By letting you trade in real time, but with virtual money, the Boot Camp bridges the gap between an academic understanding of financial markets and how they function in practice.
Student Managed Investment Fund
The University has established a Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) that is run by students with the support of academic staff within the Accounting and Finance Division. The SMIF allows you to gain practical experience of managing a portfolio of stock market investments with real money. A student-led project, it will enhance your employability before you graduate – giving you exceptional practical understanding of investment valuation. Particular emphasis is placed on the principles of responsible investment, including the use of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria when selecting stocks. Find out more about the SMIF, the regular guest speakers and how you can get involved at the SMIF website.
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Research overview
The University of Stirling Management School is rated among the top 25 in the UK, according to REF 2014. In Scotland, the School was ranked in the top five for research impact, with 64% of our research outputs classified as world-leading and internationally excellent in terms of their originality, significance and rigour. We were ranked 14th in the UK in terms of research impact with over 60% of our research impact judged to have outstanding reach and wide-ranging impact on the policies of public, private and governmental organisations.
Entry requirements
Course details
Fees and funding
After you graduate
What our students said
England
MSc Investment Analysis
Read George's storyMy time at Stirling was challenging, rewarding, and informative – and I’m looking forward to taking my first steps into the investment sector now.
China
Read Huifeng's storyThe courses involved a lot of practical experience which allowed me to build in the theory I learnt, for example, the Trading and Financial Market Analysis training week that we participated in.
Ghana
MSc Finance
Read Frank's storyI gained skills and experience in the finance course and particularly enjoyed the practical offerings during the Amplify Trading Boot Camp and the Student Managed Investment Fund pitch events.