Master of Science - Finance and Private Equity

Modern finance is complex, demanding, integrated and dynamic – playing a fundamental role in every organisation, from global brands to new start-ups.

Within this important sector, the private equity and venture capital industry has grown significantly and – over the past 50 years – has become a major contributor to economic growth. This course will equip students with the advanced knowledge and strategic skills to embark on a rewarding career in the competitive financial sector, specialising in private equity investment. Students will gain a solid understanding of how financial markets operate and how investment decisions are taken in complex, fast-paced environments.

Students will discover different types of financial markets, instruments and institutions; explore current financial issues and formulate creative strategies; examine valuation methods and analysis techniques; discuss contrasting perspectives and ways of interpreting data; and learn how to manage international portfolios and investments.

Working with industry experts, they will discover how private equity funds are structured, the nature of structures, the frameworks used in determining investment schedules and the relevance of private equity as an alternative allocation in investors’ portfolios. Students will also be guided through the private equity lifecycle and traverse the entire deal pipeline – from origin to evaluation, negotiation, finalising contracts, post-investment involvement and harvesting, where capital returns are realised.

Students will also have the chance to explore alternative approaches to finance, other than the current Western standards, and consider the influence and impact of emerging financial technologies – developing their ability to innovate and manage change, globally.

With specialist facilities on campus, students will have the chance to work with live data using the Refinitiv Eikon platform (among others) – developing advanced consultancy, analytic and research skills that are highly prized by employers and investors around the world. They will also develop their rational, emotional and social intelligence, enabling them to think strategically when taking key financial decisions by estimating risk and uncertainty, maximising return and utility, and acting ethically.