Finance (Asset Management) (MSc) at University College Cork

The MSc Finance (Asset Management) is a one-year programme developed to prepare students for careers in the international investment, asset management, finance and banking industries.  Students focus on developing the analytical and professional skills necessary for a career in finance.  The course aims to produce graduates who can contribute to the industry from their first day in employment.

The course has been designed in conjunction with industry to ensure its graduates have the skills to match the needs of employers. On completion of the MSc Finance (Asset Management), you can expect to have excellent career prospects within investment management, banking, insurance, proprietary trading, wealth management and alternative investments.

The MSc Finance (Asset Management) programme is a member of the CFA® Institute University Affiliated programme and is a CAIA® Association Academic Partner.  These partnerships ensure the programme content remains up to date and relevant to the requirements of employers.

The programme is structured as follows:

Induction Week: The course begins with an induction week.  After introducing the incoming class to UCC, the students begin their professional development with classes on communication and presentation skills.

Core Modules: These modules provide you with the in-depth knowledge to understand and analyse the core topics in finance, such as equity and bond valuation, asset allocation and project finance.  These modules focus on:

• analysis and application
• have a quantitative element
• include regular student presentations

Specialised Modules: These modules cover areas of specific relevance to your future career, such as venture capital, private equity and risk management.  The modules here:

• focus on understanding and application
• are case study and lecture-driven

These are supported by two modules based on continuous assessment.  

Professional Development is an innovative module operating across the year, where students work on developing their communication, presentation and IT skills.  In addition, students get the opportunity to interact with senior executives and industry leaders.  This module provides the perfect opportunity to hone your networking, communication and presentation skills.  This is complemented by the Research Skills module which allows students develop the skills needed to meet the research and analysis challenges they will encounter in employment along with familiarity with professional IT systems.

Professional Examination:  In this element of the programme you pursue a course of independent study, under the supervision of an academic mentor, towards the CFA®, CAIA®, QFA or equivalent relevant professional examination. Guidance is provided by our CFA® and CAIA® faculty representatives on the best approach to select and prepare for these examinations.  As a member of the CFA® Institute University Affiliated programme and as a CAIA® Association Academic Partner, faculty award a number of scholarships for these exams each year.