MSc Finance and Investment
Wales accounts for 49,000 employees in the financial and professional services sector, and is predicted to see further growth in the next 10 years. As the sector grows, there will be an increase in demand for a skilled workforce.
The MSc Finance and Investment will develop the knowledge and skills needed for an understanding of the theories, techniques and regulatory environment of financial market investment. You will study a range of finance and investment modules and learn simulation software and powerful financial databases.
A study of research methods in a finance and investment context will prepare you to undertake your own research project in an area of finance and investment with supervision from expert academic staff.
Please note, due to the high volumes of applications received, we are no longer accepting new applications from international students who wish to start this course in January or February 2023. Applications from students in the UK or EU are still being accepted. For more information, please visit our International website. Any new international applications received for the January/February 2023 intakes will be withdrawn.
However, International students can apply to study this course from September 2023. Whilst there is no set deadline to apply, we would recommend making an application as soon as possible.
Learn more about Accounting and Finance courses at USW:
The Finance and Investment masters establishes a firm foundation in the theory and practice of financial decision making. You will gain the management and analytical skills needed to take you to the forefront of the financial world.
- Contemporary Issues in Finance
This will enable students to investigate specific contemporary issues in finance. Student will cover four contemporary issues, given the nature of the module the following list is indicative only: Islamic Finance, SME sources of finance, including micro finance, in emerging economies, Inclusive Finance, Environmental Finance. - Investment and Portfolio Analysis
To develop the critical knowledge and skills needed to be able to invest successfully in products traded on financial markets. Topics include: equity and commodity trading using a simulation package, behavioural finance and the psychology of trading, options and options trading, portfolio theory and pricing models, including portfolio hedging. - Research Methods in Accounting and Finance
This module aims to introduce students to method and methodology issues relating to academic research in the disciplines of finance and accounting, enabling them to develop the knowledge and skills required to undertake a dissertation at Level 7. - Corporate Finance
This module aims to provide an understanding of the strategic issues of finance in a business setting. Topics will include: investment appraisal methods, project appraisal applications, capital investment process and post-completion audit, risk and treasury management, working capital and short-term asset management, capital structure, sources of finance and dividend decisions. - Quantitative Methods for Finance and Risk Management
To equip students with knowledge in mathematics, statistics and data analysis skills in finance. To develop the critical knowledge and skills needed to apply quantitative models and forecasting techniques to be able to price financial assets and manage financial risks. - Global Financial Services Regulation and Compliance
This module aims to equip students with a knowledge and understanding of the legal, regulatory and ethical frameworks applicable to financial services on a global basis and also enables students to evaluate regulatory frameworks in different countries. - Dissertation – Accounting and Finance
Teaching
The Finance and Investment masters is delivered full-time or part-time through a combination of lectures, tutorials, computer workshops, case-study analysis and discussion groups.
A hands-on, student led approach is employed whereby students are exposed to real-world situations and given the skills and opportunities to find practical solutions.
Assessment
Assessment is by a range of methods, predominantly coursework based assignments.
Placements
Students will be given the opportunity to volunteer in the USW Exchange to build employability skills and gain practical experience.
The Exchange is a Faculty of Business and Society initiative that connects businesses, academics and students.
Organisations who approach the Exchange seeking advice will be directed to relevant academics and students. Students will have the opportunity to work on client projects with the support of academics.
Facilities
A fully equipped learning resource centre and a state-of-the-art trading room powered by leading industry software such as Finance Lab (equities and commodities) and Volcube (options) from Thomson Reuters and interactive teaching spaces.
Lecturers
We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement
At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.
If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.
A minimum 2:2 Honours degree or an equivalent international qualification may also be acceptable.
The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.
Please note that whilst this course does not require a DBS Check for entry, some professions will not consider candidates who have certain types of criminal convictions. Therefore, if you have a criminal conviction and you are considering a particular career path we would recommend that you check with the relevant professional body or refer to their recruitment policy to make sure that your conviction will not disadvantage you.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
August 2022 - July 2023 Fees
Full-time UK: £9250
Full-time International: £14500
August 2023 - July 2024 Fees
Full-time UK: £9500
Full-time International: £14950
Part-time UK: TBC
August 2024 - July 2025 Fees
Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: TBC
Part-time UK: TBC
Student Perks
At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.
Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.
Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.
Additional Costs
As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.
* Obligatory
| Item | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Other : Text Books | £183 - £252 | Copies of all core texts are available in the library but students may wish to purchase their own copies. |
Funding
Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs
Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).
To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.
USW Postgraduate 20% Alumni Discount 2023/24
The University of South Wales is offering a 20% reduction in tuition fees for all University of South Wales* graduates starting a taught/online*** MA,MSc, LLM,MBA or DBA course from September 2023 (this includes students starting a course in January/February 2024). T's and Cs apply. Click here for more details and eligibility criteria: USW Postgraduate Alumni Discount 2023/24
This MSc Finance and Investment will enhance your critical, analytical and appraisal skills when handling business data from a financial and investment perspective. These skills, coupled with your previous qualifications in business studies, accounting or audit, will make you a highly desirable candidate.
As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.
The Pontypridd Campus is made up of two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. Our students love the community atmosphere, as well as living and studying in the same place. It’s quieter than the cities, with green open spaces and views across the valley.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.