Overview

Suitable for graduates with an educational track record in business, economics, finance or any degree with a significant quantitative element, this programme is a top 50 ranked programme by the Financial Times (FT).

This programme is designed to give you advanced specialist knowledge and a practical understanding of finance theory and practice relevant to the financial services industry.

You will acquire the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as the skills required for a career in the financial services industry - in investment banks, commercial banks, fund management, insurance companies, securitisation and trading houses, stock brokers, and in finance divisions of firms in other industries.

The focus on empirical and theoretical finance research nurtures the desire to conduct independent research beyond completion of the programme, enabling graduates to remain up-to-date with changes in international financial markets.

The MSc in Finance receives special recognition from the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA). As our programme contains at least 70 percent of the CFA body of knowledge, you will benefit from a head start towards the internationally recognised CFA qualification.

The programme can be undertaken on a part-time basis, thus enabling current professionals with the relevant background to combine working life with study, however this is dependent on students’ employment commitments. Note that this is not a dedicated part-time programme and that students will be required to attend lectures, tutorials and complete group assignments in conjunction with the full-time cohort, for whom the schedule is primarily during working hours for a block of hours on several days a week. Modules in autumn trimester will be delivered in a compressed format meaning that modules are taught intensively over two 6 week periods, requiring additional attendance at lectures and tutorials. Employer support is therefore essential.

What will I learn?

Acquisition of applied theoretical research and the essential practical skills for a future career in financial services. Particular emphasis is placed upon the study of corporate finance and investment markets.

• A wide-ranging curriculum develops and tests graduates comprehension of management principles, market operations and functions, and the risks inherent in investment management, enabling them to comprehend the entire management and strategic contexts in which financial decision-making is taken.
• A firm grasp of financial processes and procedures as well as the knowledge and skills (both professional and personal) necessary for a career in financial services, from investment and commercial banks through to insurance companies and trading houses and stock brokerage.
• In the summer term, a choice from a range of summer term modules, or a dedicated research project.
• A limited Summer Internship Programme is also offered.

Career opportunities

The MSc in Finance from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School gives you the specialised skills and knowledge you need for a career in the financial services sector. 88% of our graduates from this programme were employed after 6 months across a range of industry sectors. (Source: Latest Graduate Outcomes Survey)

Potential careers for our graduates include:

• Stock Brokerage
• Portfolio Management
• Corporate Finance Consulting
• Investment Banking
• Venture Capita
• Trading
• Regulation
• Senior Treasury Analyst