Online pre-study modules
Before the programme begins you will be expected to complete some online pre-study modules which are delivered through The Hub, Imperial College Business School’s virtual learning environment.
These modules will be available to students who have accepted an offer of admission from July onwards and are designed to give you a basic knowledge of areas that will be covered by the programme throughout the academic year.
Foundation module
You will study one foundation module in September that introduces the tools of modern finance.
By the end of this module you will;
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Be confident with the basics of programming in R
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Have developed an understanding of the main financial instruments including debt, equity and financial derivatives and of the concepts of market efficiency, portfolio risk and diversification
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Be able to master the most important techniques of statistics and probability, tailored to applications in finance, risk management and financial engineering
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Have an understanding of corporate accounting processes and techniques used in valuation
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Appreciate and understand the various ways to adjust project financing
Core modules
Develop a solid financial knowledge base through core modules, which build rapidly on previous experience while introducing new and challenging disciplines. Each module comprises 27 hours of lectures.
This is an advanced elective in investments and portfolio management. You will discuss the key trading strategies used by hedge funds and demystify the secret world of active investing. The module combines the latest research with real-world examples and explores several different strategies in depth, including fundamental tools for investment management, dynamic portfolio choice, equity strategies, macro strategies, yield curve logic and arbitrage strategies.
In this module you’ll learn to develop and apply the techniques learnt in the Investments and Portfolio Management module to the pricing of a range of financial derivatives and to the determination of interest rates at different maturities. By the end of the module you’ll have an in-depth understanding of valuation techniques applicable in a variety of financial markets and sought after by prospective employers.
This online module aims to introduce students to corporate responsibility and professional standards for financial analysts. You will be taken through a review of the key factors and responsibilities for ethical practice in finance. At the end of the module, you will have a compulsory test, which must be passed before you can be awarded the MSc.
This module will acquaint you with a range of econometric techniques which are an essential part of modern advanced empirical research. The module will be taught through a series of formal lectures, classes and computer based exercises. You will learn to analyse data from any source using a wide variety of techniques.
This module provides you with a critical understanding of techniques used for investments and portfolio management. The module is accompanied by case studies and realistic practical examples that you will solve each week using R. By the end of the module you’ll be able to implement trading strategies and portfolio construction methods in a wide range of assets.
An introductory Macro-Finance module which will emphasise areas particularly relevant for investment decision making. By the end of the module you’ll have an understanding of fundamental economic concepts, and the effectiveness of both monetary and fiscal policies in stabilising the business cycle, particularly in the context of the recent financial crisis.
Success in modern finance requires a solid grasp of mathematics. This module introduces you to a range of essential mathematical tools and their financial applications. By the end of the module you’ll be ready to excel in any area of finance.
Imperial College Business School reserves the right to alter modules whenever they need to be amended or improved. Faculty may also change as and when required.
"My favourite module was Investment & Portfolio Management. In this module we learned about the theory behind portfolio construction across asset classes. I enjoyed it due to the large amount of case studies and real-life application throughout the lectures and coursework. "
