Investment and Finance MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

The MSc Investment and Finance at Queen Mary University of London is designed for students who want to take their passion for financial markets to the next level. You’ll gain both the theory and practical skills needed to succeed in careers like investment banking, asset management, and financial risk analysis, while learning how to make smart, data-driven decisions in real-world markets.

Curriculum Structure

Full-Time, One Year

The year kicks off with core modules such as Asset Pricing, Trading and Portfolio Construction, Applied Corporate Finance, Valuation, Financial Derivatives, and Applied Econometrics with R. These give you a solid foundation in understanding how markets value assets, manage risk, and evaluate companies.

Next, you’ll pick from electives like Risk Management for Banking, Behavioural Finance, Fintech, or Private Equity and Venture Capital, so you can focus on the areas that match your career goals. The program wraps up with a dissertation or independent research project, where you’ll tackle a real financial question and showcase the skills you’ve developed throughout the year.

Focus Areas:

Asset pricing, portfolio management, corporate finance, derivatives and risk, applied econometrics, electives like ESG finance and fintech

Learning Outcomes:

Develop strong investment valuation and portfolio management skills, perform advanced financial analysis, understand market behavior, and apply econometric techniques to real-world data

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The program prepares you for industry-standard careers in finance and investment, with access to tools like Bloomberg and practical trading simulations to give you a real-world edge

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Queen Mary is part of the Russell Group of top UK research universities, and its School of Economics and Finance is highly regarded globally, consistently ranking among the top 100 worldwide in economics and finance

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen Mary, the MSc Investment and Finance isn’t just about lectures — it’s about getting your hands dirty in the world of finance. You’ll use professional tools like Bloomberg terminals, dive into real investment simulations, and work on projects that mirror the decisions you’ll make in your future career. Based right in London, with strong links to the City and Canary Wharf, you’ll have access to facilities, expert guidance, and opportunities that let you practice finance in a real-world setting. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Student‑Managed Investment Fund (QUMMIF): Manage a real portfolio of over £40,000 with a team, making investment decisions and analyzing markets under guidance from academics and industry experts.
AmplifyME Interactive Simulations: Take part in live market and banking simulations that give you hands-on experience in realistic financial scenarios — and a chance to sharpen skills that employers value.
Professional Software & Tools: Gain experience with Bloomberg Market Concepts, Bloomberg terminals, and other financial software in modern computer labs, so you leave with market-ready technical skills.
Industry-Linked Projects & Mentoring: Work on your dissertation with a real company, getting mentoring and access to data, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and workplace experience.
AI Mentoring Programme: Learn how AI is shaping modern finance with guidance from professionals at global banks, adding cutting-edge skills to your toolkit.
qNomics Finance Advice: Collaborate in interdisciplinary teams to provide financial advice to local start-ups, giving you practical teamwork and consulting experience.

With state-of-the-art labs, access to financial software, and London’s financial hubs just a short commute away, you’ll graduate ready to step confidently into your career.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the MSc Investment and Finance often move straight into exciting careers in the financial sector, stepping into roles like Investment Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Financial Risk Analyst, or Corporate Finance Specialist. The programme equips you with practical skills, technical know-how, and real-world experience, so you can confidently make an impact in the workplace:

Support from the Careers Team: Queen Mary offers one-to-one appointments, CV and interview workshops, and guidance on applications, and you can access these services during your studies and for up to three years after graduation — helping you transition smoothly into your career.
Strong employment outcomes: Around 90% of MSc alumni from the School of Economics and Finance are in employment or further study within 15 months, with many starting in highly skilled finance roles. Average starting salaries in the UK are around £35,843.
Professional recognition and long-term value: As a Russell Group university, your qualification carries lasting professional weight, and the programme can also prepare you for industry certifications like the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst).
Industry connections and networking: Being in London gives you access to employability events, guest speakers, and networking opportunities, helping you connect with finance professionals and potential employers.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to keep studying, this degree gives you a solid foundation for a PhD in Finance or Economics or specialised postgraduate certificates, such as risk management or financial analytics. With the research and quantitative skills you’ll develop, you could move into academic research, teaching, or advanced professional qualifications that boost your career even further.