This demanding programme teaches theories and techniques of investments, as well as their real-life application. It is designed for graduates who want to develop a career in investment institutions, or who wish to become investments specialists or managers in other corporate bodies.

Based mainly, but not exclusively, on practices in the UK, continental Europe, the USA and some emerging markets, this programme equips you with the skills and knowledge that you need to function as an investments specialist in domestic and international markets.

Internationally renowned academic staff teach theory and technique, whilst their application is taught by professional traders with years of experience in the industry and first-hand knowledge of current market regulations, trading techniques, customs and practices. You also have access to a simulated dealing room, where a range of trading techniques can be practised.

Programme content

This degree is intellectually demanding and requires considerable effort; it is structured to prepare you for the challenging working environment that you will encounter in the industry after graduation.

The compulsory modules are:

• Financial Modelling & Forecasting Techniques
• Financial Statement Analysis for Investors
• Foreign Exchange and International Money Markets
• Investment Mathematics, concepts and markets
• Portfolio Theory and Investment Analysis
• Risk management
• Security Analysis and valuation
• Trading techniques

You also have a range of optional modules to allow you to develop your future career interests.

Typically, we expect that applicants will have a background in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, mathematics, statistics, science, or engineering. Evidence of mathematical skills, such as grade C in A level Mathematics or an equivalent grade obtained in an undergraduate mathematics module, is required for admission.

The home of Birmingham Business School is University House, conveniently situated on the edge of the main campus opposite the main gate of the University. To the elegant old house of 1908, that houses staff rooms and social space, a new multi-million pound state of-the-art teaching and learning complex has been added giving a unique combination of historic elegance and cutting-edge facilities.

Our students benefit from advanced teaching technology. All fifteen lecture theatres and  seminar rooms contain comprehensive audio-visual equipment and sound systems, as well as wireless connectivity and data
projection. Three large PC clusters add to computing facilities already available to students across the campus. The main lecture theatre, seating 200, is often utilised outside term-time as a conference facility for local industry.

Careers in Business is a dedicated service for postgraduate Business School students. We support you in planning your career, deciding upon your job seeking strategies, making applications, preparing for interviews and assessment centres and developing your skills.

At the start of your programme you will receive an email from the Careers in Business team giving details of how you can access Careers in Business Online. If you require any further information or support with accessing Careers in Business Online, please contact us.

Career Development Advice

Consultants provide an individual advice service to help you realise your career objectives. These appointments commonly focus on:

Career Review and Objective-setting

• Job seeking strategies
• CV Review or Application Advice
• Interview and Selection Advice
• Working in the UK
• International Work Enquiries 

Liaison with employers

The Employer Liaison Team undertakes initiatives to attract employment/project opportunities into the Business School.  Information about vacancies and other openings will be made available on Careers in Business Online and on Business School noticeboards as well as through the Careers and Employability Centre vacancy database at www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers.

There is also an opportunity to meet with the members of the Employer Liaison team, via referral from one of the Careers Consultants. Upon referral, the team will be happy to discuss and explore careers openings with you and summer project opportunities if your course allows for this. 

Students keen to meet with a member from the Employer Liaison Team should first book an appointment with a Careers Consultant through Careers in Business Online

Careers Events and Workshops

A range of career management, personal development and employer events are run each year to help students make the most of the opportunities open to them after graduation.  They are advertised via Careers in Business Online, leaflets, noticeboards, email and on WebCT.  Sign up to events to find out about employment opportunities, develop your skills and network with professionals in various fields.

Using the Careers and Employability Centre

Postgraduate students in the Business School are very welcome to use the services provided by the Careers and Employability Centre such as online vacancy listings, employer presentations and fairs and accessing online careers information. You should use the Careers in Business team for individual appointments, CV checking, mock interviews and other job search related activities.  Full details of the services available through the Careers and Employability Centre can be obtained from www.as.bham.ac.uk/careers.

Careers in Business Office

You are welcome to call in to the Careers in Business Office in Room 208, University House if you have any questions about the service or need support with using Careers in Business Online.