Finance and Investment Management (with CFA Level 1 Examination), MScEcon

12 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Aberdeen

Program Overview

The MSc Finance and Investment Management (with CFA Level 1 Examination) at the University of Aberdeen is designed to give you both the theory and hands-on skills to thrive in the fast-paced world of finance. Alongside your degree, you’ll be prepared for the globally recognised CFA Level 1 exam, giving you a head start in careers like investment analysis, portfolio management, and financial consulting. It’s perfect whether you’re coming from a finance background or looking to switch into the industry.

Curriculum Structure

Year/Stage 1:
Your first stage focuses on building a solid foundation. You’ll explore Quantitative Methods to handle financial data, and get a strong grip on Accounting and Finance for Managers. Economic Analysis and Issues in Corporate Finance help you understand how markets and companies operate, preparing you to make smart financial decisions.

Year/Stage 2:
Next, you’ll dive into investment strategy and analysis. Portfolio Analysis teaches you to balance risk and return across different assets, while Empirical Methods in Finance Research sharpens your data and research skills. Financial Markets and Regulation gives you an insider’s view of how global markets work — crucial knowledge if you want to succeed in investment roles.

Year/Stage 3:
In the final stage, it’s all about applying what you’ve learned. Professional Finance pairs your studies with focused CFA Level 1 preparation, so you’re exam-ready and career-ready. You’ll also undertake a Master’s Dissertation, giving you the chance to research a finance topic you’re passionate about and show off your analytical skills.

Focus Areas

Investment analysis, corporate finance, portfolio management, financial markets, quantitative methods, CFA Level 1 preparation.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, you’ll be confident in financial modelling, investment strategy, and interpreting complex market data. You’ll also be prepared to take the CFA Level 1 exam, giving you a real edge in the finance job market.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program follows the CFA Institute’s Candidate Body of Knowledge, with built-in preparation for the CFA Level 1 exam — recognised worldwide in investment management.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Aberdeen Business School is known for strong teaching and research in finance. Graduates go on to work in investment banking, asset management, consultancy, and financial analysis, often gaining hands-on experience through facilities like the Bloomberg trading room.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Aberdeen, you won’t just study finance — you’ll experience it. From day one, you’ll work with real-world tools, data, and scenarios that professionals face every day. The programme gives you hands-on practice with market analytics, trading simulations, and decision-making exercises, while connecting you with industry experts who share their insights and expectations. It’s designed to make sure that by the time you graduate, you’re not only confident in theory but also ready to hit the ground running in a finance career:

Here’s how you’ll gain practical experience:

Bloomberg Finance Lab: Learn to trade and analyse investments using the same Bloomberg terminals that professionals use worldwide.
Live Market Experience: Apply your classroom learning to real-time financial markets, observing how global events impact prices and strategies.
Industry Insight Sessions: Engage directly with finance practitioners, gaining advice, tips, and an understanding of what top employers look for.
CFA Level 1 Integration: Prepare for this globally recognised professional exam alongside your degree, blending academic and professional skills.
Workplace Skills Development: Build practical skills in financial modelling, portfolio analysis, and investment decision-making — all highly sought after by employers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the MSc Finance and Investment Management (with CFA Level 1 Examination) opens doors to exciting careers in finance and investment. Many of our alumni step into roles such as Investment Analyst, Portfolio Manager Trainee, Finance Associate, or Risk and Corporate Finance Consultant, ready to make an impact from day one — all supported by the professional knowledge and skills you gain through the programme, including preparation for the globally recognised CFA Level 1 exam:

Here’s how Aberdeen helps you turn your degree into a career:

Tailored careers support: The University’s Careers and Employability Service guides you with CV workshops, interview prep, one‑to‑one counselling, and access to employer events through platforms like MyCareerHub.
Work experience opportunities: You can gain internships, placements, and part‑time roles during your studies, building real-world experience and industry connections before you graduate.
Strong graduate outcomes: Around 95 % of graduates secure employment or further study within 15 months, many in top finance roles in the UK and internationally.
Employer connections: Aberdeen’s location and network give you direct links to multinational finance, consultancy, and energy firms, offering valuable opportunities to engage with industry.
Professional advantage: Integrating CFA Level 1 preparation with your degree adds a globally recognised credential, boosting your employability and long-term career prospects.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, you could pursue a PhD or MPhil in Finance, take other professional qualifications such as ACCA or CIMA, or explore specialised postgraduate diplomas in areas like risk management or financial technology — all of which can open doors to senior or niche roles in the finance sector.