Overview
Who is it for?
Our finance courses are for students who want to progress with the knowledge and skills required for a successful career in the increasingly competitive world of global finance and banking.
The BSc Investment and Financial Risk Management is for students who want to work in a wide variety of finance and investment fields. Maybe portfolio management or investment analysis. Maybe corporate treasury or financial trading. You want to understand the role risk plays in investment decision-making and how to manage it.
Objectives
Our three degrees in finance (Finance, Banking and International Finance, and Investment and Financial Risk Management) provide detailed knowledge of how financial markets work, how companies make investment, financing and acquisition decisions and how modern banks operate.
If your goal is a career in the international investment and risk management world, consider this course your jumping off point. You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of how modern investment analysts and risk managers operate. As you move through the degree you’ll prepare for your career in investment management, trading or analysis in any area of finance.
You’ll study every aspect of the discipline, from managing global investment portfolios to asset trading. All within a broad sweep of rigorous academic learning encompassing equity markets, bond trading, risk management, derivatives, hedging, investment banking and many other broad areas of risk and investments. As a result, you will gain a good understanding of financial markets, its activities and its products.
The jobs in this field are both exciting and well paid. They demand intellectual rigour and commercial acumen, and by selecting this course, you too can prepare yourself with the skills and competencies these jobs require.
Course Director
Structure
What will I learn?
On the Investment and Financial Risk Management programme you will:
- Appreciate the usefulness of quantitative finance in today’s financial markets
- Formulate, examine and test hypotheses using all scientific risk management/investment tool
- Learn how to apply academic and vocational skills to investment and risk management problems.
- Comprehend the role and functions of modern financial intermediaries and investment markets.
- Understand the practice of applied investment and risk analysis.
- Fully grasp the risk management process and the associated tools.
- Appreciate the importance of hedging and the role of derivatives/spot trading.
Year 1
The first year is common across all three of our finance courses, with students from the various disciplines studying together. This provides our students with strong foundation to financial markets, banking, economics and quantitative methods. You will also gain an understanding of the tools used in applied investment analysis and enhance your mathematical, statistical and computing skills.
Core modules:
Banking and financial institutions
This module looks at key functions of banking firm. The emphasis is on what differentiates banks from other financial institutions, as well as the information problems inherent in the banking industry. Participants will understand why financial intermediaries exist and their role/impact on the global economy.
Business skills
This module covers communication skills, cognitive skills, IT skills, and social skills. The module aims to provide with an underpinning and understanding of a portfolio of key skills required in the business world to assist participants in their academic study and prepare them for their ensuing professional career.
Finance and investment
This module is an introductory course providing participants with a basic understanding of the financial analysis role in decision-making. More specifically, this module provides a basic level of the core principles of corporate finance, financial markets and investments.
Introductory financial accounting
This module focuses on the interpretation and use of financial accounting information as part of the effective operation of a business. Moreover it looks at the principles that underlie financial accounting, the application of these principles in recording transactions and the preparation of financial statements.
Macroeconomics
This module looks at the macro aspects of economics such as market growth/cycles, measurement of aggregate activity, basic demand side models of GDP determination, aggregate demand/supply, money in the economy, the transmission mechanism of monetary policy, fiscal policy and the public sector, balance of payments, FOREX and international trade.
Mathematics for finance
This module provides an introduction to the basic mathematical techniques used in finance to aid decision making, with illustrations to the relevant problems in finance. It gives you the mathematical foundations that are necessary in your second year Finance and Financial Econometrics courses.
Microeconomics
This module looks at the micro aspects of economics such as resource allocation, demand-supply and price, consumer demand, production and costs, oligopoly versus monopoly, as well as the roots of market failure/success.
Statistics for finance
This module provides an underpinning and understanding of the basic statistical techniques used in finance to aid decision making. It delivers the statistical foundations necessary for the more advanced finance modules.
Year 2
The first half of your second year continues to be consistent across all three finance courses. As the year progresses you will develop the theoretical knowledge that enables you to interpret financial data through the use of advanced statistical tools and formulate and solve complex problems in finance. You will gain a thorough understanding of the framework for the measurement of risk and return.
The course also introduces econometrics and its application to modelling and testing in finance. Hence, you will gain a good understanding of the relationship between financial theory and empirical testing, and application of this knowledge to the appraisal of the empirical evidence in corporate finance and capital markets.
Elective modules enable you to deepen your knowledge of subjects such as investment, finance and risk, insurance and real estate. The second half of your second year gives you the opportunity to begin to specialise with an array of elective modules.
Core modules:
Asset management
Corporate finance and valuation
This module presents core corporate finance material, including topics such as company valuation and investment appraisal and examining questions including how should a firm set its dividend policy, from which sources should a company raise capital and how should companies decide on their acquisition strategy.
Derivatives
Financial econometrics
Intermediate financial accounting 1
Elective modules:
Bank risk management
International banking
Company valuation
Corporate law
Corporate risk management
Economies of FOREX
Intermediate financial accounting 2
Introduction to real estate investment
Management accounting
Risk analysis and modelling
Year 3
In the final year, the core modules will enable you to gain in-depth knowledge of investment and financial risk management. You will also select five or six electives which will allow you to extend your knowledge of finance and the applications of mathematical models, enhance your understanding of the role of financial markets or focus on areas such as investment or accounting. As a result, you will be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of the major theoretical tools and theories of finance, and their relevance and application to theoretical and practical problems, their assumptions and weaknesses, and ability to propose alternatives.
As one of the electives, you may also undertake a dissertation in a financial subject relevant to your interests and career aspirations.
Core modules:
Fixed income portfolio management
The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of fixed income securities and their use in portfolio management. The focus is on valuation, return and volatility of fixed income securities and their portfolios, the role of fixed income securities in risk management and bond portfolio management strategies.
Asset liability management
Elective modules:
Final year project
Banking regulation
Financial services regulation
Monetary economics
International finance
Advanced financial accounting: theory and practice
Mergers and acquisitions
This course aims to provide a thorough understanding of the blend of strategic and financial concepts applied to M&A, but more importantly a recognition of the impact of corporate restructurings on organisations and people. At the end of the course, students will be able to form their own views about M&A and be prepared to make their own creatively strategic and analytically supportable recommendations regarding potential M&A transactions.
Bank strategy and management
Corporate strategy
Corporate social responsibility
Emerging markets
Financial engineering
Real estate finance and funding
Technical analysis
Business forecasting
General insurance
Assessment methods
Our teaching style is based on encouraging you to think independently, to form your own opinions and critique relevant theory. We underpin your learning with the pertinent theories in your field embed with real life practices so you understand the way modern markets and businesses operate. Our courses offer numerous practical applications (or have a strong vocational element) without compromising their academic rigour. We use case studies, thought provoking scenarios and group work to give you a head start in the real world.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
Each module will be a mix of lectures, seminars and group work. Most modules are assessed by a combination of exams and coursework. The first year of your programme contributes 10% to your final degree classification, the second year 30% and the final year 60%.
The approximate percentage of the course assessment, based on 2017/18 entry is as follows:
Year 1
70% written, 30% coursework
Year 2
70% written, 30% coursework
Year 3
53% written, 47% coursework.
Overall workload
Most contact hours take the form of lectures. A number of tutorials, exercise classes and surgery hours are scheduled during the first year, the number decreasing as you progress and you become more able to direct your own learning.
Approximate study time based on 2017/18 entry is as follows:
Year 1
20% scheduled learning, 80% independent learning
Year 2
17% scheduled learning, 83% independent learning
Year 3
12% scheduled learning, 88% independent learning.
Term dates
Academic year
For a full breakdown of the current and forthcoming academic year view our term dates page.
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available from July and can be accessed from our timetabling pages. These pages also provide timetables for the current academic year, though this information should be viewed as indicative and details may vary from year to year.
Please note that all academic timetables are subject to change.
Application
How to apply
All applications should be made through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Applications are made via Apply, UCAS's online application system.
UCAS Institution code: C60 (Cass Business School and City, University of London)
UCAS Course code: N390 / N319 with professional placement
You can find more information at UCAS and in the UCAS Handbook.
Find out more information about applying to Cass.
Terms and conditions
Students applying to study at Cass Business School are subject to City, University of London's terms and conditions.
Entry requirements
A-Level: AAA
If you are studying General Studies, Critical Thinking or a native language A-Level, these subjects will not be included in any offer condition.
For A-Level applicants we also require a minimum of grade 5 (C) in GCSE English and grade 6 (B) in GCSE Maths.
BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD
For BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical applicants we also require a minimum of grade 5 (C) in GCSE English and grade 7 (A) in GCSE Maths.
For candidates taking a combination of A Level/BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications we accept the following:
- BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 National Diploma (grades DD) with one A-Level (grade A)
- BTEC/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (grade D) with two A-levels (grades AA)
For combination BTEC/OCR/A-Level applicants we also require a minimum of grade 5 (C) in GCSE English and grade 7 (A) in GCSE Maths.
IB: 35 points overall (can include up to three bonus points) with 5 minimum in each subject.
Access to Higher Education: Pass the course with 45 level 3 credits including minimum 30 distinction credits and the remaining 15 credits at merit or above.
For Access applicants we also require a minimum of grade 5 (C) in GCSE English and grade 6 (B) in GCSE Maths.
Foundation course for UK/EU students
If you do not meet the qualification criteria for this course, you may still meet the criteria for our Finance Foundation course. The Foundation course is a one-year full-time programme that provides an entry route to any of the following finance-related courses: BSc Banking and International Finance, BSc Finance and BSc Investment and Financial Risk Management.
International students
We accept a wide range of international and other UK qualifications at Cass.
If you do not qualify for direct entry, there are several partners that offer preparatory international foundation courses for students seeking entry to undergraduate degrees. These include:
INTO City, University of London
Don’t meet the entry requirements? INTO City, University of London offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare you for study at City, University of London. You’ll learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre.
These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry. To prepare for this degree course, learn more about the International Foundation in Business and Economics with Accounting.
Kaplan International College (KIC) London
Additionally, City works in partnership with KIC London to provide a range of preparatory courses for international students. KIC London courses offer comprehensive support to students - including regular one-to-one tuition. Students who successfully complete the KIC London Foundation course at the required level are guaranteed progression to City, University of London degree courses.
English language requirements
Information for international applicants
For international applicants requiring a Tier 4 student visa we accept any of the below English language proficiency qualifications at the grades listed:
- IELTS (Academic or UKVI): 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any sub test
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: 58 overall with minimum 50 in each component
- TOEFL: 93 overall with 18 in Reading, 19 in both Listening and Speaking and 23 in Writing
- IGCSE: English as a First Language (Syllabus 0500 & 0522) or English as Second Language (Syllabus 0510 & 0511) at Grade B or above
- International Baccalaureate: Grade 5 at Higher or Standard level
- Trinity College (Integrated Skills): ISE III – pass in each area
- INTO City Pre-sessional English: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any sub test (NB. Must be the 6 or 8 week Cass-specific course)
- Cambridge English Advanced (also known as Certificate in Advanced English): Grade C (180-192) at CEFR Level C1
- Cambridge English Proficiency (also known as Certificate of Proficiency in English): Grade C (200-212) at CEFR Level C2
- Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE): English Language Examination grade 4 or above
An exception to the above criteria applies to Tier 4 applicants from the below majority English-speaking countries for whom we can accept a wider range of English qualifications:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
Don’t meet the English language requirements? INTO City, University of London offers English language programmes to help prepare you for study at university. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to degree courses.
Information for home and EU applicants
In addition to the above English language proficiency qualifications accepted for International applicants, as a Home or EU applicant we can also accept any of the below English qualifications:
- GCSE: Grade C or 5
- O-Level: Grade C
- A-Level: Grade C
- Cambridge English First (also known as Certificate of First in English): Grade A (180-190) at CEFR Level C1
Study abroad
Cass Business School gives you the opportunity to spend a term or a year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions, which are located around the world in Australia, Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Argentina
Universidad Argentina de la Empresa
Located in the heart of Buenos Aires, UADE has exchange agreements with 40 partner universities around the world. You will take modules from the undergraduate Global Management degree.
Australia
Queensland University of Technology
Located in the bustling city of Brisbane, QUT was the first Australian university to gain 'triple crown' accreditation (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB).
RMIT University
Giving you the chance to study in Melbourne, Australia's 2nd largest city, RMIT is one of Australia's original educational institutions. Their well-established business school allows students to choose from a wide-range of subjects.
University of Queensland
Located in the popular Australian city of Brisbane, the University of Queensland features in the top 100 of 3 of the major rankings (QS, THE and ARWU).
University of Sydney
As Australia’s first university, the University of Sydney has an excellent long-standing reputation and is also ranked best student experience in Australia.
Austria
Vienna University of Economics and Business
WU has triple accreditation, one of only two German-speaking universities belonging to this group. They have a well-established exchange programme, with around 240 partner universities around the world.
Canada
HEC Montreal
Like Cass, HEC Montreal is triple accredited (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB) and was the first school in North America to achieve this. There are opportunities to study in French or English.
Smith School of Business - Queen's University
Queen's Smith School of Business has a rich history dating back to 1841 and is consistently ranked as one of Canada's leading universities. It welcomes over 300 exchange students every year from more than 40 countries.
Ivey Business School, Western University
Ranked in the top 100 for Financial Times MBA Rankings, Ivey School of Business provides a competitive combination of world-class teaching and modern facilities.
Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia
UBC is one of Canada's leading research universities and is consistently ranked in the top 40 of the world. Located 30 minutes from the heart of down-town Vancouver it attracts students from more than 140 countries world-wide.
Chile
Universidad de Chile
Based in the cultural city of Santiago, the Universidad de Chile is one of only 10 Latin American universities ranked among the world’s top 500. It is ranked 6th in the QS Latin American Ranking 2016.
China
Renmin University of China
Located in Beijing, Renmin Business School is both EQUIS and AACSB accredited. Their MBA programme is ranked in the top 50 in the world by the Financial Times.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
You will take classes from the Antai College of Economics and Management, which was the first business school in mainland China to have been triply accredited by AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. They have Bachelor programmes in Economics and Finance.
France
ESCP Europe, Paris campus
Like Cass, ESCP is triple accredited (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB). The Paris campus is located in the centre of the city. The Masters in Management, from which you will take classes, is currently ranked 4th in the Financial Times rankings (2016).
ESSEC Business School
Established in 1907, ESSEC is one of the leading institutions in Europe for business education. Their BBA was the first programme in France to receive the prestigious AACSB and EQUIS accreditations.
Germany
University of Mannheim
The University of Mannheim Business School is highly ranked and has an excellent reputation. You will be studying modules from their Bachelor degrees in Business Administration and Business Education in either German or English.
Technische Universität München
TU Munich was named as the number one university in Germany in the QS World University Ranking 2016.
Hong Kong
University of Hong Kong
HKU is consistently ranked in the top 50 world universities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings). You will be studying at their Faculty of Business and Economics.
Hong Kong University of Science & Technology
HKUST is ranked 4th in the QS Asian University Rankings 2016. HKUST Business School was the first school in Asia to be awarded dual accreditation by AACSB and EQUIS. It offers 11 undergraduate business programmes.
Chinese University of Hong Kong
CUHK was ranked the most innovative university in Hong Kong in 2016 (Reuters). The 137 hectare campus overlooking Tolo Harbour houses a range of facilities such as world-class libraries, art museums, music halls, a swimming pool, sports fields, tennis courts, squash courts, a water sports centre and gymnasiums.
Italy
LUISS Guido Carli
LUISS Guido Carli is a private Italian university located in the heart of Rome. You are able to study in either Italian or English and there is an intensive Italian language course available before the start of term.
Bocconi University
Based in Milan, Bocconi is a triple accredited school (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB) and is ranked 6th in the Financial Times European Business Schools Ranking 2016.
Norway
BI Norwegian School of Management
BI is the only Norwegian university with triple accreditation and has student exchange agreements with more than 200 institutions in 45 different countries.
Singapore
National University of Singapore
NUS is ranked 1st in the QS Asian University Rankings 2016 and is one of the top 25 world ranked universities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings). More than 1,000 exchange students visit NUS each year.
Singapore Management University
SMU was founded in 2000 by the government of Singapore, modelling itself on an American style university structure. SMU has over 180 exchange partner universities around the world.
Nanyang Technological University
Nanyang is ranked 54th in the Times Higher Education's World University Rankings. You will have the chance to study at one of Asia's most prestigious universities in the heart of Singapore.
South Korea
Seoul National University
SNU was founded in 1946 as the first national university of Korea. SNU Business School was also the first business school in Korea to be certified by the Associate to Advanced Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Spain
IE Business School
Situated in the heart of Madrid's financial district, IE Business School is ranked 1st in Spain and 5th in Europe (FT European Business School rankings 2015).
ESADE Business School
The school is located in Europe’s most international city and Spain’s second largest city, Barcelona. Like Cass, ESADE is triple accredited (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB).
The Netherlands
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
RSM is consistently ranked in the top 10 business schools in Europe and has 'triple crown' accreditation (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS). You will study all modules in English.
USA
Emory University, Atlanta
Located near downtown Atlanta, Emory University Goizueta Business School's BBA programme is currently ranked No. 15 by both Bloomberg BusinessWeek and U.S. News & World Report.
Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland
Located in College Park, eight miles from The White House and downtown Washington, D.C. you will be studying at the Robert H. Smith School of Business whose undergraduate programme was ranked number 19 in the USA (2016 U.S. News & World Report).
Ross School of Business, University of Michigan
The Ross School of Business has one of the top undergraduate business programmes in the USA, ranked #4 (US News & World Report, 2016). You will take modules from their Bachelor in Business Administration.
McIntire School of Commerce, University of Virginia
The McIntire School of Commerce is regarded as one of the best business schools in America. Their UG programme is #5 in the USA (Bloomberg Business Week, 2016). They are partnered with a select number of business schools around the world, with Cass being one of them.
McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin
One of the largest business schools in the US, McCombs is ranked the 6th undergraduate business programme in the 2017 US News and World Reporting Ranking.
Vietnam
RMIT Vietnam Campus
Living and studying at RMIT Saigon South campus in Ho Chi Minh City will give you great opportunities to get immersed into a dynamic, multicultural and intriguing city.
Replacement Term Abroad
Spend the first term of your 2nd year studying abroad in English at one of our partner universities. You would take modules to the value of 60 credits abroad and return to Cass in the 2nd term to complete your 2nd year.
Sandwich year
You can spend a year of your degree course studying at one of our partner institutions, between your second and final year of study. This would add a year to your degree so you would complete your degree in four years.
Please be aware that the options available to you from the full list of partner institutions will depend on the study abroad programme you select. For more detailed information on this, please contact the Student Exchange Team.
Student Exchange Team
Our dedicated Student Exchange Team are available to offer advice to students who wish to explore their study abroad options. They will also support students throughout the application process and during their study abroad year or term. To contact them, email: cass-ug-outgoing@city.ac.uk.
Placements
A key part of a Cass degree is the opportunity to gain professional work experience. BSc Investment and Financial Risk Management students are eligible to undertake a one-year paid work placement during the third year of a four-year sandwich degree programme.
The experience of working for a leading institution is not only exciting, but can be invaluable in terms of your future career. It will enable you to increase your confidence and maturity, expand your network of contacts, earn a competitive salary, and acquire the skills and competencies sought by graduate employers, giving you a competitive edge in the graduate market.
BSc Investment and Financial Risk Management students enjoy a wide range of professional placement opportunities in business areas such as corporate finance, operations, sales and trading, prime brokerage and hedge funds.
Recent Placements
- AXA IM
- Goldman Sachs
- UBS
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Morgan Stanley
Work placements are not guaranteed, however, our reputation, achievements and successful graduates have helped us to develop close relationships with a diverse range of companies, who recognise that Cass students can add significant value to their workforce. Our dedicated Placement team are in regular contact with these and many more companies, and will support you to find placements and ensure you are work ready.
Although this additional year is not credited and will not count towards your degree classification, it is a recognised part of the degree programme and will be endorsed on your final degree certificate.
Fees
UK/EU students
* The fee for this course in 2019/20 is £9,250 for each year of study.
Non-EU international students
** In 2019/20 the fee was £18,000 for the first year of study. The institution reserves the right to increase your tuition fees annually to take account of the institution's increased costs of delivering educational services. The increase will normally be 2% but this is kept under review with reference to the RPI. If the institution intends to increase your tuition fees you will be advised of this alongside the published entry fee.
Funding
- Each year, Cass Business School, City, University of London and generous donors create opportunities for students to fully fund or part fund their studies. Find out more about scholarships and loans
- Fee waivers may be available for this course
- Means tested support may be available for 2019/20 entry. Find out more about undergraduate funding.
Career pathways
The majority of graduates from the Investment and Financial Risk Management course enter challenging and rewarding careers in the investment and risk management field as well as in the fund management industry.
Graduates keen to transfer their specialist quantitative modelling techniques take up front-office roles such as trading, bonds and stocks, while others are employed in market risk management and fund management or with regulators such as the Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority.
Recent employers
Course information and statistics from 2016-17 Destinations of Leavers from HE
Accreditation
The BSc Investment and Financial Risk Management provides exemption from some of the professional examinations of the following professional bodies:
See accreditation details
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
Knowledge
- F1 Accountant in Business (AB)
- F2 Management Accounting (MA)
- F3 Financial Accounting (FA)
Skills
- F4 Corporate and Business Law (CL)
- F7 Financial Reporting (FR)
CII (Chartered Insurance Institute)
- CII Insurance students: 530 Business and Economics (worth 30 credits at Advanced Diploma level), 25 non-unit specific credits at Diploma level; P67 Fundamentals in risk management (25 credits at Diploma level) based on FR2105 Corporate Risk Management.
- CII Financial Planning students: 30 non unit specific credits at Advanced Diploma level, 25 non unit-specific credits at Diploma level.
CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
Certificate Level
- C02 Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
- C03 Fundamentals of Business Mathematics
- C04 Fundamentals of Business Economics
- C05 Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law
CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy)
Professional Certificate
- Financial Accounting
- Financial Reporting
Professional Diploma
- Financial Management
ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)
- Accounting
- Business and Finance
- Financial Management
ICAS (The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland)
Test of Competence
- Financial Accounting
- Finance
The London Institute of Banking & Finance
- Direct entry into Stage 2 (second year; FHEQ level 5) of the BSc Banking Practice & Management degree.
