2024/25 entry
MSc (2 years Full-time) Investment and Finance (with Advanced Practice)
About this course
This Advanced Practice course combines both the theoretical learning of Investment and Finance and the practical application of it through a real consultancy project.
- Prepare for a range of careers in finance
- Learn to think strategically about finance with an emphasis on research and critical analysis
- Benefit from academic expertise in a variety of financial management disciplines
- One Year Study Option
- Part Time Study Option
The field of investment and finance forms part of the structure of all organisations and the general health of the economy. In every arena, the effective financial investment and management of funds enables businesses to operate successfully, achieving and exceeding their set goals. Engaging in this course of study will provide you with a perennial skillset, and a valuable piece of professional development if you are looking to take your career to the next level of responsibility, and salary bracket.
The overall aim of the MSc Investment and Finance programme is to produce postgraduates who are able to make a valid and meaningful contribution within the field of finance. This will be achieved by exposing you to the current theories, concepts and developments within this discipline and, by doing so, you will become competent and thoughtful practitioners.
You will develop an understanding of the interpretation, uses, and analysis of financial and investment information in a practical domestic and international context. Your reflective, critical and evaluative thinking will be improved through exposure to contemporary and current issues in finance and via teaching and learning that is strongly supported by research and professional practice.
This intellectually challenging programme of study will focus on current issues, themes, and applications within the field of finance and financial management. Your analytical, critical and problem-solving skills will be extended through the academic evaluation of literature and current financial practices.
During the second year of the course, you and your fellow students will undertake a semester-long group consultancy project, working on a project brief provided by a business. This project enables you to apply the theoretical knowledge you have learned and gain workplace experience at the same time.
Liverpool Business School at Liverpool John Moores University is a member of AACSB International The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide. Through membership, accreditation, research, thought leadership, professional development, and advocacy, AACSB partners with over 1,500 organizations, from more than 90 countries globally. Membership or participation in the Global Education Alliance does not imply accreditation.
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Charlie shares his experience of studying Investment & Finance
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
Employability
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
On graduation from this course you will be able to apply for a number of positions within the finance industry. You may work in retail and investment banks, insurance/pension companies, financial management/financial consultancy, investment consultancy and analysis or accountancy. Potential roles may include: Finance Manager; Financial Controller; Business Strategist and Financial Consultant.
Financial Managers advise clients on the decisions that will direct all kinds of businesses in the most desirable directions. On graduation you will be able to occupy this kind of advisory position in a wide range of interesting sectors.
You may, for example, find yourself working in the charity sector, retail, the healthcare sector, universities, or multinational corporations to name but a few.
The student experience
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Core modules
Research and Quantitative Methods for Finance
20 credits
Students will gain a practical understanding of the quantitative methods in the financial and economic sciences and develop their understanding of research methods.
Corporate Finance
20 credits
This module aims to develop student understanding of corporate financing and investing decision issues in a domestic and international context. Students will engage in the use corporate financial risk management tools to limit the impact of Forex, debt and equity volatility and financial distress.
Financial Markets and Institutions
20 credits
The aim of this module is to examine and understand the key characterisations of financial markets and institutions.
Financial Economics
20 credits
This module provides students with a critical appreciation of economic concepts, theories and models relating to financial markets, instruments, risks and decisions.
Portfolio Management
20 credits
To develop students' understanding of theories and practices in investment and portfolio management at an advanced level.
Contemporary Financial Issues
10 credits
This module aims to introduce students to the contemporary issues facing the financial industry particularly related to green finance, behaviour finance and fintech impacts. Specifically, the module supports students in understanding how contemporary issues create potential financial benefits and risks and analyses how financial actors are then affected.
Forensic Financial Analysis
10 credits
To introduce students to the role of forensic accountant in a range of organisational contexts and assist them to acquire real world practical experience in order to identify, investigate and understand forensic financial analysis.
Dissertation
60 credits
To undertake an independent dissertation relevant to the student's field of practice or area of professional interest in investment and/or finance. Students will undertake a reflective rigorous piece of work that will synthesise practical and academic issues addressed during the programme. They will have the opportunity to show evidence of independent investigation, combining theories, suggesting alternatives, the ability to plan and manage deadlines whilst acting as a reflective practitioner.
Advanced Practice (Investment and Finance)
60 credits
The aim of this module is to provide opportunities for students to develop themselves as part of a team working as consultants on a business finance project, applying theoretical knowledge in a practical environment. Addressing the brief, you will be guided by academics and given regular feedback through a maintained series of weekly presentations demonstrating progress. Tutorials are also provided to review progress and support students through this consultancy project
Teaching
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
Full-time students undertake three modules for each of the two semesters (which are generally offered over two days a week). Part-time students undertake at least one module per semester over the two semesters of the first year and the remaining modules over the two semesters of the second year. The dissertation is produced between June and August in the final year.
Teaching methods
Your tutors will take a proactive role in continually reviewing the financial sector and the relevance of the programme on a regular basis. This constant process of review and revision adds value and currency to the modules tutors deliver through the academic research they produce.
Tutors also work with a range of financial/accounting professional bodies to ensure that teaching reflects current practice within the industry. This approach means you will gain in-depth knowledge and skills that will optimise your learning potential.
Applied learning
You will have the opportunity to develop your practical skills through case studies and worldwide events, by applying investment and financial management knowledge to improve organisational effectiveness and efficiency. You will cover topics including quantitative methods for finance, financial markets and institutions, strategic management, corporate finance and the globalisation of finance to name but a few.
Furthermore, you will undertake in-depth research in various industries, through completion of a range of assessments and a dissertation. This real-world focus will provide immediate value to your present and future employers.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Michael Franco
Programme Leader
Mike has been lecturing in Economics at LJMU for 10 years. During this time he has been responsible for a number of programmes and teams at professional, undergraduate and postgraduate level.
I'm really keen to see the progress students make on the Advanced Practice programme and how they embrace the team consultancy project.
School facilities
What you can expect from your School
The School is based in the Redmonds Building, in the heart of the bustling Mount Pleasant Campus and Liverpool 's growing Knowledge Quarter. The building is home to high quality lecture theatres and seminar rooms, social spaces, and a café. It is only a short walk from LJMU's Aldham Robarts Library, which contains all the resources you will require for your studies, and is open seven days a week.
Liverpool Business School also has a dedicated Management Development Suite, based in a listed building in the historic Georgian Quarter of Liverpool and a short walk from the Redmonds Building. The building has recently undergone £1.2 million investment to provide a professional learning space.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- a relevant minimum second class honours degree from a recognised University or equivalent institution
or
- an equivalent professional qualification
or
- an award accepted by the University as equivalent to the above
or
- at least three years' relevant work experience at managerial or equivalent level
International requirements
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IELTS
- IELTS 6.5 (Min 5.5 in each component)
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Other international requirements
- International students applying to study a full-time taught Masters, MRes, MPhil or PhD at LJMU should check if they require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate. Contact International Admissions Team for more details
- International students entering on a Student visa cannot study part-time
Further information
- Extra Requirements
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RPL
- RPL is accepted on this programme
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.