Overview
The BSc Investment & Financial Risk Management degree is unique in the UK, in that the syllabus covers the internal aspects of financial institutions, as well as the external factors affecting the markets.
This degree is the route to become a trader, a fund manager, a broker or analyst in any area of finance. It will provide you with in-depth knowledge of modern investment and risk management practices, and their applications in equity markets, bond trading, derivatives hedging, investment banking, hedge funds and many other areas of global markets. You will acquire a sound knowledge of the theoretical foundations that underpin modern investment and risk management techniques. The use of case studies gives you the opportunity to apply these principles.
If you are interested in the BSc Investment and Financial Risk Management degree, it is likely that you have a very clear goal in mind about your future career. You should be confident, questioning, curious about the world of banking and the financial markets - and want to make your mark with some of the square mile's top employers.
The City loves Cass graduates - 83% of our students go straight into graduate jobs - employers like the fact that Cass grads hit the ground running, know the language of business and know how to knuckle down and get on with the job.
Course content
Placements and internships
A key part of a Cass degree is the opportunity to gain professional experience working for a leading organisation. All Cass students are eligible to take either a short-term internship or a one-year placement programme as part of your degree.
The experience of working for a leading institution can be invaluable in terms of your future career. It enables you to acquire skills and competencies sought by graduate employers and gives you an edge over the competition.
Cass Business School fully prepares you for these placements, with a dedicated Placements Office to help you with CVs, interview techniques and tips on how to make a winning application.
Demand for skilled risk management students is high and continues to grow. Many BSc IRFM students gain placements in global banks in London and abroad, as well as with financial regulators and hedge funds. Typically, placement students will be involved in all aspects of risk management, identifying and analysing areas of potential risk which can threaten a companies assets and success.
Current placement students are employed at UBS, HSBC, Goldman Sachs and GE Money, and other leading banking and finance institutions.
Study abroad
International study opportunities
In today's global business environment, international exposure gives you a vital edge in the employment market. A period of study abroad is an excellent opportunity to enhance your education with an international dimension.
Cass Business School gives you the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying at one of our partner institutions. This could be in Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, the US, South Korea or Europe.
Available study abroad programme structures and partner institutions
Replacement 2nd Year Abroad
You can spend the second- year of your three- year degree course studying abroad at one of our partner institutions.
During your time abroad you will cover all core material of your second year Cass programme, taking equivalent courses at the host institution. Teaching is in English, but subjects are taught from a different perspective. Elective modules will enable you to focus on the specialist areas of the partner institution, or the business practice of the country in which you are studying. You can study at one of our partner universities listed below:
Country |
Host institution (Replacement 2nd Year, Investment & Financial Risk Management) |
|
Canada |
Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario |
|
Hong Kong |
Chinese University of Hong Kong |
|
University of Hong Kong (HKU) |
|
|
Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST) |
|
|
Italy |
Bocconi University, Milan |
|
Singapore |
Singapore Management University |
|
United States |
Emory University, Atlanta |
Sandwich Year Abroad
You can spend a year of your degree course studying at one of our partner institutions, between your second and third year of study. This would add a year to your degree and you would complete your degree in four years.
Teaching here can be in the relevant native language which would require appropriate foreign language skills. However most host universities are now offering an increasing number of courses taught in English and in Singapore all teaching will be in English.
You can also choose to combine your study overseas with a work placement, which involves spending six months studying and the remaining six months working. You would be expected to organise your own placement, although some of our partner schools may be able to help you.
This additional year of study does not form a part of your degree, however you will need to spend the full year studying and pass all assessments. Your degree certificate will state 'with Study Abroad'. The partner university will also provide you with a transcript of the modules you have studied there.
Country |
Host institution (Sandwich Year, Investment & Financial Risk Management) |
|
Austria |
Universität Wien, Vienna |
|
Belgium |
Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management, Brussels |
|
Canada |
HEC, Montréal |
|
France |
ESCP Europe, Paris |
|
Germany |
Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin |
|
Technische Universität Münchcn, Munich |
|
|
Italy |
LUISS Guido Carli, Rome |
|
The Netherlands |
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University |
|
Norway |
BI Norwegian School of Management, Oslo |
|
Singapore |
National University of Singapore |
|
Spain |
Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona |
|
Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid |
|
|
Sweden |
Stockholm University, Stockholm |
Credit for prior learning
Specific modules provide you with exemptions from the professional examinations of the Institute of Financial Services (IFS).
Entry requirements
Entry requirements:
A-level: AAA maths preferred
BTEC NND: Distinction Distinction Distinction
IB: 35 points overall including 6 in all Higher Level subjects and 5 in all Standard Level subjects. Consideration will be given to 1 bonus point.
International Students: We accept a wide range of International and other UK qualifications at Cass.
If you do not qualify for direct entry, INTO City University London offers an International Foundation programme. Successful completion to the required standard of the International Foundation Programme in Business & Economics with Accounting at INTO City University London means guaranteed progression to this degree. Please note, there are limitations on the number of places available on undergraduate courses offered by Cass Business School at City University London
Additionally, the University works in partnership with Kaplan International College (KIC) London to provide preparatory courses for international students. Foundation and Pre Masters courses at KIC London offer comprehensive support to students including regular one-to-one tuition. Progression to the University is guaranteed if you complete the KIC London course at the required level. Please note: There are limitations on the number of places available on undergraduate courses offered by Cass Business School at City University London.
GCSE: Maths (grade A) and English language (grade C) or equivalent.
The course requires sound numerical skills. Students who do not have A-level mathematics or equivalent will be able to attend extra lectures.
English language requirements:
If your first language is not English, we will require evidence of English language proficiency. Minimum requirements are:
IELTS: 6.5 with a minimum of 6 in any unit.
TOEFL: 100 internet-based total with a minimum of 23 in all sub-tests.
GCSE: English language grade C
Application, fees, and term dates
All applications should be made through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Applications are made via Apply, UCAS's online application system.
Institution code: C60 (Cass Business School and City University)
Course code: N390
You can find more information at UCAS and in the UCAS Handbook.
More information about applying to Cass
Fees
The fees for 2012 entry are:
- UK/EU students: £9,000 per annum
- Non-EU international students: £12,500 per annum
- Placement and study abroad students:
If you are taking a professional placement or study abroad year, this forms an element of your degree and therefore you will be expected to pay a proportion of the standard year's tuition fees.
- Students who have already studied to degree level:
UK and EU nationals who have already obtained a degree (BSc/BA or higher qualification, or equivalent) are no longer entitled to public funding (HEFCE). The tuition fee for these students will be charged at the international students rate.
Scholarships
New for 2012 entrants: £2,000 each year for at least three years for students on this course. Read more here to see if you might qualify.
Term dates
Term dates for first year entry BSc students
Autumn Term: 19 September - 09 December 2011
Spring Term: 9 January - 6 April 2012
Summer Term: 30 April - 22 June 2012
Term dates for returning second & third year BSc students
Autumn Term: 26 September - 09 December 2011
Spring Term: 9 January - 6 April 2012
Summer Term: 30 April - 22 June 2012
Your career after Cass
Changes in the economic climate have opened up opportunities in risk management, and the majority of those that graduate from BSc IFRM usually enter challenging and rewarding careers in the area of risk management. Those who are keen to transfer their specialist quantitative modelling techniques can find themselves in front-office roles such as trading, bonds and stocks, with others employed in other areas of finance including market risk management, fund management and regulators such as the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
Demand for well qualified students in this area is high and the economic events of recent years have highlighted how lucrative a career in banking can be. Average starting salaries can start at £35,000 and recent employers include: Barclays Capital, BNP Paribas, Morgan Stanley and RBS.
The Careers Centre
All Cass students have the use of the Careers Service at City University. The Careers service offers a wide range of services to students such as professional advice with job applications, CVsVs, covering letters and any career questions. They also organise mock interviews and psychometric testing, allowing you to practise answering relevant interview questions and then receive feedback on your responses.
In addition, there is the opportunity to attend specialist career guidance interviews,that can enable you to make a well-informed and realistic decision about your future career with an experienced advisor on a confidential one-to-one basis.
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