MSc Finance and Investment Banking with Advanced Research

Why choose Herts?

Industry connections: We have strong connections with employers such as Canada Life and Santander with many companies attending our careers fairs.
Employment prospects: Graduates work as financial analysts, senior investment managers, bond analysts, and portfolio managers for organisations including HSBC, Standard Chartered, Nomura, and Gallagher & Mohan.

An honours degree (at least 2:2 or equivalent) in the field of economics, finance, banking, accounting, business studies, science, engineering, or mathematics.
A suitable professional qualification (including ACCA, CIMA CIPFA, CFA, ICAEW, ICS), or 
Other appropriate qualifications/experience to be assessed by the Programme Leader and Admissions Tutor.

English Language entry requirements 

In addition, all students for whom English is not their first language must produce evidence of their English Language proficiency.  The standard required is an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each band), or an equivalent score on a test recognised by the University of Hertfordshire.  

[Pre-sessional English language courses are available at the University of Hertfordshire for students who have an IELTS score of 6.0] 

This requirement will be waived if the student has completed an undergraduate degree at a university in the United Kingdom, or another country acceptable to the University of Hertfordshire, where the study was in English and the student was based in that university’s home country during study.

The programme is subject to the University's Principles, Policies and Regulations for the Admission of Students to Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes (in UPR SA03), along with associated procedures.  These will take account of university policy and guidelines for assessing accredited prior certificated learning (APCL) and accredited prior experiential learning (APEL). 


Institution code	H36
School of study	Hertfordshire Business School
Course length	Full Time, 2 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability

Careers

Every aspect of this Master’s is designed to give you the necessary skills for a successful career in a wide range of finance and investment banking roles. You’ll benefit from our academic team’s expertise and experience, as well as the School’s excellent business links and student employability record.

Specific careers that may be appropriate include a range of investment banking roles (e.g. financial analyst, investment manager, securities analyst, and portfolio manager) as well as roles within financial departments of corporations/organisations (e.g. treasury, financial control, risk analysis etc.). Furthermore, the programme offers a sound platform and preparation for doctoral research in the areas of finance, accounting, and economics.

You’ll also study alongside postgraduate students from around the world, gaining direct experience of other cultures and creating a worldwide network of friends and contacts. The University of Hertfordshire also regularly hosts visiting professors from international universities and speakers from leading companies, who each bring their perspectives on the challenges facing the business world today. 

Work placement

Our two-year full-time MSc Finance and Investment Banking with Extended Professional Practice program allows you to take on a 30-week work placement in your second year.

About the course

The course offers a coherent and intellectual learning experience, providing you with a critical understanding of the subject and enabling you to employ the tools of analysis used by a wide range of finance and investment banking professionals.

The MSc Finance and Investment Banking with Advanced Research programme provides a second taught year in which students study applied financial concepts and professional and consultancy skills.

The programme echoes the esteemed Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA®) level 1 and 2 curriculum.

Specific careers that may be appropriate include a range of investment banking roles (e.g. financial analyst, investment manager, securities analyst, and portfolio manager) as well as roles within financial departments of corporations/organisations (e.g. treasury, financial control, risk analysis etc.). Furthermore, the programme offers a sound platform and preparation for doctoral research in the areas of finance, accounting, and economics. 

Why choose this course?

Our Postgraduate studies are sector-leading amongst over 100 Higher Education Institutions in the UK as evidenced by our extraordinary achievement: 

1st for Skills Development, 2nd for Support, Resources, Community and Assessment (Advance HE, 2023) 
Provide students with an intellectually challenging programme of study leading to an awareness of issues, themes and applications within the field of finance and investment banking and associated subject fields 
Provide students with the knowledge and practical skills to identify suitable tools for the investigation of issues in areas such as investment analysis, fund/asset management, economics analysis and financial reporting
Provide students with the necessary IT analytical skills which reinforce the theoretical and empirical underpinning of the programme. The students will learn quantitative methodology, to carry out quantitative analyses of relevant financial and economic problems

What will I study?

We offer a varied programme of teaching and learning that includes small group seminars, statistical software packages, lectures, and access to specialist web-based resources. The teaching material of the programme is based on the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA®) curriculum level 1 and 2. 

You will be assessed through a variety of coursework and exams including written reports of various lengths, presentations, and practical assignments. You will also be able to complete a research dissertation, in conjunction with your supervisor, for the research component of your programme. 

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Quantitative Analysis	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to elementary statistics as applied to the theory and practice of financial investment. The module covers a wide range of topics such as estimating the time value of money and other discount cash flow applications, market returns, probability, sampling and estimation, correlation, regression and hypothesis testing.
Financial Data Analysis	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module builds on the content of the earlier Quantitative Methods module, applying statistical methodology to investment decisions, often under conditions of uncertainty. The Quantitative Methods module emphasised the characteristics of different asset classes, often focussing on key differences among those characteristics. In this module, the emphasis shifts to the analysis and valuation of the various assets and classes of asset. Additionally, students skills in the earlier Financial Statement Analysis module are further developed to enable them to apply fundamental analysis to investment and valuation issues. Finally, students are introduced to standard asset and equity valuation models.
Financial Markets and Institutions	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students introduces students to the main financial markets, the instruments traded on them and financial institutions participating in global financial markets . The module will cover topics such as Organisation and functioning of securities markets, markets participants and institutions, valuation of securities etc.
Economics, Finance and Banking	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides students with a sound understanding of key Economics, Banking and Finance concepts. The module attempts to provide students with an integrated understanding of finance, economics and banking by helping them to develop and consolidate their knowledge of the subject. Students are introduced to fundamental concepts and then explore more complex concepts such us portfolio investment, financial economics and contemporary issues in banking.
Professional and Consultancy Skills	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to develop professional and consultancy skills. The curriculum was prepared in consultation with employers, to reflect what they seek from today's professional entry-level graduate. It includes a critical examination of leadership styles and management techniques, negotiation and change management skills, the ability to design projects from inception to completion, and liaising with internal and external clients to identify requirements, and achieve outputs within the optimum timescale. The commitment to reflexive practice encourages students to reflect on their knowledge and experience as they look at different aspects of professional performance, and to identify areas for change and enhancement to achieve career goals.
Research Methods MSc FIB	15 Credits	Compulsory
The purpose of this module is to provide a comprehensive introduction to analytical techniques used in accounting, finance and economics. It contains a treatment of classical empirical techniques such as data sources, data managements and fundamental statistical and econometric analysis and techniques. There will be an emphasis on how to carry out applied work based on previous theoretical developments and the formulation of new testable hypotheses within the boundaries of feasibility and scientific accuracy. These elements will form the basis of the individual research project in the field of accounting, finance and economics and will contribute the students' know ledge and understanding of the requirements of carrying out an independent project and how the latter can enhance their overall student experience, know ledge, understanding as w ell as the students' employment prospects.
Financial Statement Analysis	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module introduces students to the processes of the preparation of publicly available corporate financial information, by way of international accounting standards requirements (International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and US accounting standard requirements (United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP). The module continues by considering the analysis of financial statements and the rules governing disclosure.
Research based Project MSc FIB	60 Credits	Compulsory
The research based project consists of original pieces of work incorporating research and evaluation. It is the culmination of a successful Masters programme demonstrating the student's ability to work independently. In addition to the 'Research Methods' module that provides essential underpinnings for conducting the research project, students will receive guidance in timetabled sessions throughout their research project journey.
Asset Valuation	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module builds on the earlier Financial Markets and Institutions Module, applying appropriate methods to a wider range of financial decisions. In this module, the focus is on the evaluation, assessment and use of financial instruments and the use of these classes of security in the formulation of practical investment/financial strategies. The module considers the application of these techniques to a wide range of financial instruments with differing characteristics.
Applied Financial Concepts and Research	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module contains different yet complementary themes. They are, firstly, the introduction to contemporary themes in finance and, secondly, the evaluation of financial themes using analytical tools. The module focuses on current topics that require analytical or research skills for analysis and evaluation. It also incorporates financial and statistical analysis for, e.g., capital market movements, industry performance, corporate failures, takeovers, etc. The themes are complementary as they apply publicly available data and publications to scrutiny.

Key staff

Dr Jiayi Balasuriya

Find out more about Dr Jiayi Balasuriya

Further course information

Course fact sheets
MSc Finance and Investment Banking with Advanced Research	Download

Programme specifications
MSc Finance and Investment Banking with Advanced Research	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.

Funding and fees
Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £16450 for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
EU Students
Full time
- £18950 for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
International Students
Full time
- £18950 for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
Fees 2025
UK Students
Full time
- £15720 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
EU Students
Full time
- £19800 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
International Students
Full time
- £19800 for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet
How to apply

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2025
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
23/09/2025 31/05/2026 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time)
2026
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
23/09/2026 31/05/2027 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time)
2027
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
23/09/2027 31/05/2028 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Full Time)

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MSc Finance and Investment Banking with Advanced Research

Why choose Herts?

English Language entry requirements

Careers

Work placement

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Key staff

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Fees 2025

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2025

2026

2027

English Language entry requirements 