MBS in Investment Fund Administration

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

South East Technological University

Program Overview

The Master of Business in Investment Fund Administration at South East Technological University is a specialised Level 9 blended postgraduate degree designed in collaboration with industry leaders to build your expertise in the investment fund sector and prepare you for advanced roles in fund operations and administration. It’s ideal for professionals with a Level 8 honours degree and relevant work experience who want to future-proof their career by mastering technical, regulatory, and strategic skills that employers value in this dynamic industry.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 (Part-time, Semester 1 & 2)

In your first year, you’ll establish a strong foundation in how funds operate and are governed. You’ll engage with modules covering Contemporary Issues in the Funds Industry, Regulation of Investment Funds, and Governance of Investment Funds, equipping you with a solid understanding of industry frameworks and current trends that shape fund administration.

Year 2 (Part-time, Semester 3 & 4)

In the second year, you’ll deepen your technical knowledge and professional skills. You’ll study advanced topics such as Fund Reporting and Risk Management, Management Development and Leadership, and analytical modules like Data Analytics and Statistics, designed to sharpen your ability to interpret data and lead within complex operational environments.

Year 3 (Final Semester / Capstone)

In your final semester, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned through a substantial Work-Based Project or an Applied Investment Fund Project, letting you tackle a real-world challenge in the investment fund sector and demonstrate your readiness for senior professional practice.

Focus areas (in a string):

Investment fund industry frameworks, regulatory compliance, fund governance, reporting and risk management, leadership and professional development, data analysis and statistics, work-based applied project.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Gain specialist knowledge of investment fund structures and regulation, develop analytical and data-informed decision-making skills, lead operational and managerial practices, interpret complex industry challenges, and deliver applied solutions through professional projects.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The programme is developed in close collaboration with the investment fund administration sector — including partners such as State Street International and BNY Mellon — ensuring that what you learn aligns with current professional standards and employer needs in the industry.

Reputation (employability rankings):

SETU is a recognised public technological university in Ireland with strong regional and sector engagement; this specialised Master’s degree reflects the strategic needs of the Irish investment funds industry and enhances your employability in a field noted for its resilience and growth.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the MBS in Investment Fund Administration at South East Technological University (SETU), you’ll gain practical expertise that goes way beyond textbooks, learning to apply financial models, economic analysis and market tools in real situations. The programme blends interactive lectures, workshops by industry experts, business simulations, financial software training, and field experiences so you build confidence in the skills top employers value most. You’ll also explore real-world financial environments through collaborative projects, simulated trading, and an international study experience that brings global markets to life:

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Workshops and expert seminars: Practice-based sessions led by leading finance and economics professionals are built into the curriculum so you connect theory with real industry practice.
State-of-the-art Finance Lab: Access specialist facilities including the Finance Lab sponsored by AIB Plc, where you engage with tools like Thomson One Banker, StockTrak and Financial Times, and even develop a REFINITIV Eikon certification — a strong asset on your CV.
Business Simulation & Portfolio Building: Through modules like Business Simulation 1 & 2, you’ll construct securities portfolios and test strategies in simulated financial markets.
Study visit: The programme includes a week-long international study trip to Brussels to broaden your economic and policy perspectives and connect with European financial institutions.
Applied research or consultancy project: In your final semester, you’ll complete either a Dissertation, Applied Business Project, or Research Paper series, applying your skills to real problems and producing professional-level analysis.
Contemporary Issues in Business: Study modules offer hands-on engagement with current global business challenges, linking learning directly to real financial environments.
Collaborative learning and guest input: You’ll work alongside peers from diverse backgrounds and benefit from insights by visiting leaders and industry contributors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MBS in Investment Fund Administration at South East Technological University progress into analytically focused and well-paid roles across financial services, consulting, and policy-driven organisations. Typical career outcomes include Financial Analyst, Risk & Compliance Analyst, Investment Analyst, Economic Researcher, and roles in banking, treasury, and financial markets — supported by the programme’s strong applied and quantitative focus:

Career progression opportunities include:

University employability support: SETU’s Careers & Employability Service provides one-to-one career coaching, CV and interview preparation, employer engagement events, and access to graduate recruitment opportunities aligned with finance and economics roles.
Industry-ready skills & tools: Graduates leave with hands-on experience using industry-standard financial platforms through the AIB-sponsored Finance Lab (e.g., market data, portfolio simulation tools), strengthening job readiness from day one.
Employer engagement & partnerships: The programme is developed in collaboration with financial-sector organisations, with guest lectures, workshops, and applied projects ensuring close alignment with employer needs.
Strong labour-market relevance: Skills in financial risk, compliance, trading, econometrics, and corporate financial analysis are in sustained demand across Ireland’s financial services and multinational sectors.
Graduate outcomes: Alumni typically progress into roles in banking, asset management, consulting, corporate finance, and public-sector economics, reflecting the programme’s balance of theory and applied practice.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue to advanced study through a PhD in Economics, Finance, or Business, or pursue specialised postgraduate qualifications in areas such as Financial Analytics, Risk Management, or Applied Economics at SETU or other universities. The programme’s strong research and quantitative base also supports progression into academic or policy-focused careers.