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Full time | ICMA Centre (University of Reading) | 9 months | SEP

Study mode

Full time

Duration

9 months

Start date

SEP

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MSc - Master of Science

Subject areas

Finance / Accounting (General)

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

This Masters programme has a particular focus on Behavioural Finance, an interdisciplinary field which integrates psychology and financial economics.

Overview

The MSc Behavioural Finance at the ICMA Centre will give you a deep understanding of the world of finance, financial markets and the psychological factors that influence investment decisions and systematically affect market outcomes. Financial institutions are increasingly utilising behavioural finance to explain and predict investment patterns and customer behaviours. Hence behavioural finance graduates are in increasingly higher demand.

The MSc Behavioural Finance is affiliated with the CFA Institute. This is in recognition that this degree covers at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge, the CFA Institute Ethical and Professional Standards, and other requirements.

Parallel with your studies, you will also have the opportunity to prepare for the CFA level 1 exam.

Along with a comprehensive Finance focused careers development programme you will also have the option to undertake a summer work placement as part of your studies.

How can Henley Careers work with you?

We have an award-winning careers team that will support you through your postgraduate studies and four years after graduation.

Here is how Henley Careers can help you:

  • Careers Consultant appointments: Our Careers Consultant are here to help and support you with any careers related concern that you might have. Whether it’s CV advice, practicing for an interview, providing feedback if applications aren't successful or support planning your career goals. We are here to help empower you to progress in your career.
  • Events: Henley Careers organise numerous events aimed to help you build your confidence, develop the skills employers are looking for. Additionally, network with employers and expand your industry knowledge.
  • Alumni support: You can continue to book one-to-one appointments with your Careers Consultant and use our online resources. For up to four years after graduating we’re here to help and support in your career.
  • Career Smart: Get a head start in securing a graduate job by taking part in our online course, Career Smart. You can expect to learn about the graduate recruitment cycle in the UK. As well as where to look and how to start applying to jobs, and the different roles available to you.

Continuing your career

Despite the volatile nature of the financial markets, demand for well?qualified recruits remains high. Schooled in the field of behavioural finance, you will be in demand as investment banks, asset managers and associated industries attempt to understand investment patterns and pricing bubbles that cannot be explained by conventional finance theories. Thus, they have been showing increasing attention to behaviourally driven investment philosophies over the last few years. We expect many of our graduates to enter the industry at either the ‘Analyst’ level or as ‘Associates’, who tend to have several years of relevant professional experience.

You'll leave us equipped with knowledge and transferable skills that are also prized by employers outside of the traditional banking and finance sectors. Many of our Alumni are currently enjoying successful careers with multinational companies, consulting firms, government agencies and regulatory organisations throughout the world. You will also gain the knowledge and skills required to continue your studies at the doctoral level.

Modules

This module focuses on cash securities evaluation (fixed income, equity, and FX) and the use of these securities for investments (derivatives and portfolio theory). Part I of the module applies general valuation methods to specific financial instruments: fixed income, equity securities, and FX. It describes the characteristics of each security/market and develops practical strategies for finding its value and assessing its risk. Part II of the module provides an in-depth introduction to financial derivatives (futures and options) and their evaluation. Part III of the module analyses the main framework behind portfolio theory and optimum asset allocation, followed by the introduction of the main pricing models, their applications and limitation. Equity and FX trading simulations sessions (INVEST sessions) are paired with the modules. Exercises based on Eikon, and Bloomberg data will be used.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£14,600

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£25,900

Entry requirements

Students need to have a undergraduate Degree Minimum 2:1 or the equivalent from an overseas institution. Any degree discipline, but must have a satisfactory existing level of numeracy.