Delivered by the triple-accredited Aston Business School, the MSc Investment Analysis programme offers a comprehensive journey into finance and investment. Focused on practical application in trading and corporate settings, it integrates hands-on experience with Python programming and Bloomberg terminals. This course covers crucial areas such as security valuation, portfolio management and global market dynamics.
The curriculum balances practical skills with theoretical insights into investment valuation, trading techniques and corporate finance. Aligning with professional standards, the programme offers affiliations with the CFA Institute and CMT Association, and provides opportunities for masterclasses and scholarships for the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) Level I and Chartered Market Technician® (CMT) Level I and II exams.
“Aston Business School is highly valued in the UK and having identified the career path I wished to pursue, the MSc in Investment Analysis ticked all the boxes. The course was accredited by the CFA which meant that I would cover 75% of the content before completing my CFA level exam.”
Aston University is an Affiliated University of the CFA Institute and hold Academic Partner Status with the CMT Association
Clear academics
100% of students agreed that staff were good at explaining things (Finance programmes; PTES, 2023)
Recognised for quality
Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation
Safe in our hands
Ranked top 10 in the UK for ‘graduate prospects – on track’ (Accounting and Finance; Complete University Guide, 2024)
4th in the UK
We have been ranked 4th in the UK and 16th in Europe (Financial Markets; Eduniversal Best Masters Rankings, 2024)
66th in the world
We’ve been ranked as 66th in the world for business and management studies (QS World University Rankings By Subject 2024)
Le's story
Finance student Le shares her reasons for choosing Aston University, her favorite module, and advice she would give to future students.
We're serious about employability
As a postgraduate student, you will have access to dedicated careers guidance with specialist support from our experienced team of careers consultants
Gain a competitive edge
As well as opening doors, an Aston University postgraduate degree builds on your experience, develops your skills and gives you a competitive edge in a crowded job market.
Course description
MSc Investment Analysis
Our MSc Investment Analysis programme blends in-depth investment theory and trading techniques with practical application, equipping you for a dynamic career in investment, finance and related fields.
What we will provide Expert-led education at our triple-accredited business school, enriched with research-based content and interactive teaching. The Aston Global Advantage module is designed to enhance your employability through robust industry connections and key placement opportunities. Experience hands-on learning, including access to Bloomberg trading terminals, for practical insights into the field.
We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.
What you will provide It is important to learn how to adopt a growth mindset in your studies, understanding that intelligence and success stem from applying yourself, willingness to learn and having ambition and drive to excel.
What skills we teach The MSc Investment Analysis programme hones essential skills for navigating complex financial scenarios. It emphasises quantitative analysis, effective decision-making and hands-on experience with Bloomberg terminals. The programme will foster your ability to work in teams and enhance your practical understanding, equipping you for various financial environments after graduation.
Career prospects As an Aston University Investment Analysis graduate, you will have diverse career opportunities in finance, securing roles in investment and retail banks, wealth management, consultancies and beyond. Our alumni are employed by organisations such as PwC, HSBC and Deutsche Bank, excelling in positions like investment banking analyst and wealth management analyst.
How you will learn
Our MSc Investment Analysis programme has been carefully designed to align with the demanding standards and dynamic nature of the global financial industry. This programme is tailored to equip you with an extensive understanding of finance and investment, combined with practical skills and analytical prowess, setting you up for a successful and rewarding career in the financial sector.
This programme has a strong practical element. You’ll gain hands-on experience working with real-time financial, accounting and economic data, thanks to our dedicated trading room facility and industry leading software. This exposure will give you the confidence and technical capability to gain a competitive edge in the job market.
In the Aston Global Advantage module, you will enhance your employability and global citizenship through experiential learning and reflective practice. Dedicated employability support, skill-building workshops and diverse learning streams will prepare you for both academic and professional success.
At the start of your course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who can offer individual study advice and guidance. You will also benefit from access to the University Library's extensive collection of over 25,000 books and electronic journals.
Gain the advantage
Our flagship professional development module provides a range of opportunities to apply your learning and increase your employability.
Our MSc Investment Analysis programme explores the complexities of financial markets, investment valuation and risk management, emphasising practical financial analysis skills.
In the taught stage, you will develop a deep understanding of global financial market structures, investment decision-making models and risk mitigation techniques. You will gain proficiency in quantitative methods and learn to apply valuation techniques used in investment analysis, preparing you for strategic financial decision-making. This stage sets a solid foundation for your advanced research project and a successful career in finance.
In the dissertation phase, you will complete a research project on a investment analysis topic of your choice, showcasing your ability to conduct independent research with a clear consideration of ethics, theory and methods.
This course offers an Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway, meaning you can spend an additional year at one of our international partner institutions. If successful, you will graduate with two masters degrees.
Reflecting on her time at Aston University, Lan Xu described her course as “well balanced in terms of theory and practice” with lecturers who were “very helpful”.
Provides a programme of study that meets the needs of local, national and international candidates, enabling them to learn by the exchange of experience as well as formal academic study.
Meets the needs of recent graduates and those already in employment who wish to acquire specialist skills and knowledge in investment analysis in order that they may embark or progress successfully in their chosen careers.
Provides you with an excellent learning experience that draws on the research and consultancy of Aston University academic staff, utilising the University’s links with business, professional and public sector organisations.
Provides you with opportunities to enhance your employability by developing lifelong learning and personal and professional development skills.
Enables you to reflect upon and develop your own positions in relation to established views in corporate responsibility, sustainability and ethics.
Provides you with the skills and knowledge to operate in the field of finance.
Develops your understanding of the international dimensions of finance and financial analysis.
Develops your understanding of how to apply the main valuation techniques used in the investment analysis industry.
Develops your understanding of financial market structures and how they operate.
Develops quantitative skills appropriate for the financial sector which will facilitate the decision-making process in a finance context.
Develops your understanding of the main trading strategies used in financial markets.
Develops your understanding of financial decision-making at firm level and how it is influenced by financial management.
In the taught stage you will study the following core modules:
Module Title
Credits
Investment Management This module addresses key concerns for individual and institutional investors, offering fundamentals and techniques in investment management. It covers capital markets, portfolio theory and applied portfolio management as practiced by industry professionals.
15
Fixed Income Securities In this module, you will learn about products and analytical techniques for valuing bonds, understanding their interest rate risks and portfolio strategies for meeting client or investor objectives. It includes a cell-based and multi-factor approach to identify portfolio risk sources.
15
Business Finance In this module, you will grasp key principles and challenges in financial management, understanding factors influencing various financing forms and their pros and cons. You will also use mathematical techniques for business decisions, like share valuation and investment opportunity evaluation.
15
Trading Techniques You will gain detailed insight into financial market operations and factors influencing market prices. You will also learn to interpret real-time news and macroeconomic data, assessing their impact on foreign exchange rates, stock indices and commodities, and use critical reasoning to evaluate financial asset performance.
15
Python for Finance Designed for finance students, this module provides practical data analysis skills to solve financial problems using Python, preparing you for advanced Python programming in the workplace.
15
International Finance In this module, you will explore the challenges faced by organisations in the global marketplace. You will focus on how the international financial environment impacts firm strategies and risk management practices, such as hedging against currency fluctuations.
15
Derivatives This module introduces financial derivatives, including futures, forwards and options. You will learn how derivatives’ markets work, how to price derivatives using discrete and continuous time models and how to use them to hedge financial risks in a corporate environment. The course combines theory with practical experience to help you fully understand these instruments.
15
The Aston Global Advantage The Aston Global Advantage is our professional development programme that runs throughout all MSc programmes at Aston Business School. Focusing on professional development and employability, this integrated module gives you the opportunity to identify, develop and apply the key transferrable skills you will gain throughout the year.
15
Ethics in Academic Practice This module provides an introduction to the Academic Offence framework. By completing the resources you will understand the key principles underpinning the submission of academic assignments.
0
Total
120
Dissertation stage modules
In the dissertation stage you will study the following core modules:
Module Title
Credits
Research Methods This module will bring you up to speed with the key statistical analysis techniques used for analysing data. The skills set you will develop will not only be relevant to draw inferences from various types of data for making policy recommendations or investment decisions but will also lay the foundations for studying advanced econometric techniques.
15
MSc Investment Analysis Research Project You will carry out an original piece of work applying material that you have learnt in the taught element of your degree. Specific requirements will be explained relating to different degree programmes but in summary you must demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge of your chosen area of specialism.
45
Total
60
Programme outcomes
On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the various instruments that are traded in financial markets and show thorough understanding of capital markets.
Showcase understanding of a wide range of methods used to appraise investments and demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.
Identify the main models used to evaluate investment decisions, and by using financial reports and statements, demonstrate the ability to independently evaluate whether investments are worthwhile pursuing.
Demonstrate superior knowledge and understanding of risk, its measures and the various techniques at an investors disposal to mitigate risk.
Showcase strategic decision making and have the intellect to challenge decisions using valid reasoning by identifying key pieces of information from the numerous sources available.
Understand the dynamic nature of financial markets and their international dimensions.
Identify and understand the needs of corporate social responsibility, promote good ethics and sustainability.
Showcase a number of transferable skills including: a high level of literacy and numeracy, problem solving, presentation, research and analytics. In addition, demonstrate working knowledge of industry recognised software packages with the attainment of a professional qualification showing competency in such software.
We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.
Entry requirements
One of the following:
2:2 (lower second-class honours) degree or equivalent
Equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University (see international students tab below for more information)
We encourage applications from those with a background in economics, engineering, finance, mathematics, statistics or related disciplines. However, if you do not hold a degree in one of these subjects, you may still be eligible for the programme if you can evidence prior studies in mathematics or statistics within your degree or at A Level for home students. Prior studies in mathematics/statistics/quantitative modules should be at a minimum grade of 50%.
You will also need to provide:
A professional reference
If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2-3 years), we will ask for an academic reference
If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference
An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
A completed application form.
Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study but also a great place to live.
Qualifications in your country
For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:
Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.
Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.
Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.
We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.
The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications.
Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.
Speak to our Admissions Team
If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:
The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.
Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.
At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.
You will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations and practical assessments.
Career prospects
The transferable skills that our finance programmes provide mean that our graduates are successful in finding employment in a wide range of roles such as:
Fund manager
Banker
Operations executive
Commercial accountant
Investment banking analyst
Financial analyst
Financial consultant
Foreign investment specialist
Auditor
Our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as J.P.Morgan Chase, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, Ernst and Young, GE Healthcare, Industrial Commerical Bank of China, JDX Consulting, Morgan Stanley, Infosys and Amazon.
Persistence pays
Paras Khistriya proves that hard work pays off, advising others to “keep going until you hit the jackpot and always have positive people around you”.
Our graduates achieve amazing things all over the world – whether it’s setting up their own businesses, landing jobs with high profile organisations, or making real differences within their communities.
Why study Investment Analysis at Aston University?
Studying Investment Analysis at Aston University offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, essential for a successful career in finance. Delivered by the triple-accredited Aston Business School, the programme emphasises hands-on experience with Python programming and Bloomberg terminals, ensuring you're well-versed in key industry tools.
You'll delve into global market dynamics, security valuation and portfolio management, gaining insights immediately applicable in professional settings. With affiliations to the CFA Institute and CMT Association, the course not only aligns with international financial standards but also provides opportunities for masterclasses and scholarships for CFA and CMT exams.
This approach, combined with opportunities for internships or study abroad, not only enriches your learning experience but also significantly enhances your career prospects. It connects you to roles in top organisations, preparing you for a dynamic and successful career in the financial sector.
What is the ‘Aston Global Advantage’?
Embedded in all our masters degrees, this assessed, year-long credit-bearing module aims to develop professional and personal transferrable skills relevant to any workplace and create a bridge between the degree and the world of work.
Why should I study my postgraduate degree at Aston University?
There are lots of benefits of studying a postgraduate degree at Aston University.
Watch this video from MBA student, Monique, who talks about just a few of them:
Is Birmingham a good place to study?
Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.
Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.
We understand how important it is to know your timetable in advance for planning around work, childcare, or other responsibilities. Here's some basic guidance on what to expect regarding your student timetable.
Full-time programmes
As a rough estimate, full-time postgraduate students in the College of Business and Social Sciences should expect to spend about 12-15 hours per week in lectures and on-campus seminars. This is in addition to independent study, and there may be additional guided learning activities during certain weeks. The exact distribution of these hours will vary depending on your course and module choices.
Part-time programmes
Part-time students will have fewer weekly on-campus hours compared to full-time students. This reduction is proportional to the number of modules you're enrolled in.
Timetable availability
Complete timetables are usually released shortly before the start of your programme. This timing is necessary to ensure that we accommodate all course requirements and that rooms are allocated based on the number of students likely to enrol on each programme. We aim to provide these timetables as early as possible, to assist you in your planning.
As your induction week approaches, you will be sent more information about your timetable via email, and you will be able to access your timetable by logging into MyAstonPortal. For any further queries or information regarding your timetable, you can reach out to your programme director or the Student Support team.
Online/distance learning programmes
The above information also applies to students enrolled in online/distance learning programmes. Please note that both full-time and part-time distance learning students are still required to attend scheduled synchronous learning sessions.
What can I get involved in at Aston Business School?
At Aston Business School, you will dive into a dynamic blend of innovative learning and hands-on experiences. With our acclaimed triple-crown accreditation, we offer you academic excellence and a track record of producing successful graduates.
Located in Birmingham, the UK's vibrant second city, Aston Business School provides you with a culturally rich environment and superb connectivity. You will benefit from real-world business engagements, international study opportunities and entrepreneur support programmes like BSEEN and Pitchfest.
You can also engage in practical consultancy at the Aston Business Clinic and collaborate with global peers in events such as the Maastricht Case Competition or the Universities Business Challenge. Our partnership with The Prince’s Trust, alongside a range of student clubs including TEDx and Enactus further enriches your learning experience.
