FAQs

Frequently asked questions

1. Is the program still “subject to validation”?

No – it has been fully approved by BPP’s Academic Council.

2. What is meant by a “relevant quantitative background”?

The programme is designed for students willing to engage with quantitative aspects of finance. In light of the quantitative nature of the programme, candidates must demonstrate relevant mathematical experience and ability.

Mathematical aptitude may be demonstrated by:

a business or economics-related first degree or
a first degree in a subject with significant quantitative content or
equivalent professional experience or
equivalent professional or other qualifications

3. What kind of “leading City practitioners” do you employ?

In addition to experienced academics with long careers teaching finance in top research universities, the MSc in Finance and Investment employs the skills and practical experience of investment bankers with extensive careers in the City of London, including institutions such as Deutsche Bank, Lazard and Lehman Brothers.

4. Is the “CFA route” mandatory?

No, it is not – it is only one of the possible pathways to graduate and accumulate your credits.

5. Is the “CFA route” worth doing?

The CFA designation is becoming increasingly accepted and widespread, and is now often required by potential employers in certain industries, such as asset management. For this reason, the programme has been designed to permit full integration of your academic master’s study with preparation for the CFA exam (as an option).

You can also think about it in different terms: you may graduate from our programme having both a master’s degree AND being ready to take CFA exam immediately after you finish the programme.

6. What does the “CFA Project” entail?

You will be asked to produce an independent piece of work that meets the professional standards of the financial investment community. You will apply the financial analysis techniques learned during the entire programme to produce work in the style of an analysts report on a company or industry of your choice. The word limit is 4,000 words. One of the Faculty members will become your tutor and will support you in:

clarifying the scope of the project;
suggesting areas of reading;
reviewing the proposed methodology;
establishing a timetable for the research;
advising the student about appropriate standards and conventions concerning the assessment; and
providing means of contact in addition to tutorials

7. What does the business research project entail?

This project is one of the pathways open to you during the final stage of the programme. You would have an opportunity to research a topic both relevant to your personal and professional development. We will ask you to produce a substantial piece of independent work that is carried out over an extended period of time. This will give you the chance to apply what you have learned during the entire course to an issue which is of interest either to you or to your organisation (existing or prospective). The word limit is 8,000 words.

The Research Project might be particularly tempting for students who are already employed and their companies sponsor their participation in the programme either through fee participation or time allowance. The topic may then be an issue which is particularly important for your organisation and you may help to address it while earning your degree at the same time!

One of the Faculty members will become your tutor and will support you in giving;

general guidance as to topics and sources which may be useful to research
general guidance on research methodology and assisting you in choice of methodology
general direction or advice on difficulties or uncertainties encountered by students in the course of Negotiated Study and raised at a supervision
general guidance to your progress
providing comments and feedback on project drafts

8. What happens if I cannot complete the entire programme?

If you successfully complete Stage 1 (the first 4 modules), you will be entitled to a Postgraduate Certificate in Finance and Investment. Similarly, after Stage 2 (2 more core modules plus 2 electives), you are entitled to a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Investment.

9. How long does it take to complete the degree program in full-time and part-time modes?

On a full-time basis, the programme takes one year to complete. If you prefer a part-time mode, you can take as little as 1 module per term. It is also possible to take a study break from the programme at the end of any term and then re-enter onto the programme at one of the three entry points each year.

10. How late can I apply?

Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

11. Will I have access to real trading tools?

The programme offers a dedicated IT lab equipped with Excel, E-views and Datastream. We want you to become fully proficient, practically-oriented users of software – you will need it to complete your assignments. BPP Business School also has a dedicated Bloomberg terminal, where you will practice your growing analytical and trading skills.

12. Do I have to be sponsored by my employer?

Some participants on the finance programmes will be sponsored by their employers, either through direct financial support or through time allowance. However, a number of students may opt to pay for the programme directly, without any financial assistance from their employers.

13. Can I use Career Services during the programme?

Yes, from the very beginning you will have access to a dedicated Business School Career Services Office, which;

provides detailed on-line careers information;
offers topical seminars ranging from sessions on career choices and CV writing to work authorisation seminars;
organises a targeted skills development programme (networking, interviewing, telling and selling your story, etc.);
arranges for companies to give presentations and receptions, and conduct on campus interviews;
maintains an extensive job board posted by prospective employers

14. I am already working in the financial sector – is this programme for me?

Our programme helps you to enhance your financial skills, obtain a master’s degree and prepare you for the CFA exam. We are offering you a possibility to move into investment-related finance, portfolio-management and analytical finance, so even if you are currently in a sector such as corporate finance or retail banking, you can fine-tune your financial career by acquiring new skills.

15. I have never worked in a financial sector – can I apply?

Yes you can. We invite students with various backgrounds. We will prepare you for an investment-related job in the finance sector, so you do not need to have existing work experience.

16. What kind of careers does the MSc Finance and Investment prepare you for?

This programme is designed to provide students with the skills, abilities and knowledge to facilitate full-time employment in two main areas:

work as a financial analyst researching and analysing individual firms and financial securities;
work in portfolio-management roles, including asset allocation, investment management, asset-liability management, alternative investments, international investments

The programme provides you with the tools and experience needed to pursue real financial analysis in real business contexts.

17. Will there be contact with finance practitioners and/or other academics?

Yes, you will be invited to participate in our evening sessions where we discuss the financial “hot topics” with invited academics and City professionals. Our programme has a Consultative Panel which helps us to maintain and expand our existing connections with the City.

18. How much maths will I have during the course?

“Doing finance” involves a fair amount of maths. However, we designed the programme with the following principles in mind:

You must feel comfortable with numbers, therefore proficient but not necessarily an expert

We will help you to improve your maths skills, if needed.

19. Do I need work experience, or will BPP admit graduates straight from university?

You can join straight after graduating from your university, but we especially welcome people with professional work experience.

20. Do I need to take IELTS?

Students whose first language is not English, or whose degree is not through the medium of English, must demonstrate a sufficient command of English by holding a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 (or equivalent). A minimum of 6.5 (or equivalent) must be achieved in both written and spoken English.

21. What undergraduate degree subject should I have?

We have no particular preference. We welcome applications from arts, languages and philosophy graduates as well as those from the pure sciences, engineering, maths and the social sciences, including business and economics.

22. Do you count military service as work experience?

Yes. As many countries require you to undertake military service, we recognise the benefits of experience gained.

23. Are there any exemptions from individual modules?

No, you will need to attend and pass all required modules.

24. Does the teaching have a practical orientation?

Our programme is vocational and career oriented. We want to “do finance”, not just “talk finance”, hence we designed the programme for people who want a practically-orientated master’s programme.

25. What form does the teaching take?

The majority of the teaching is in the form of structured lectures, numerical simulations and case studies. We value your participation and all classes include open discussions, case studies and group activities. You will also spend a lot of time in computer lab, improving your Datastream and Bloomberg skills.

26. How many hours a week will I need to study?

You may take up tofour modules per term. Typically each of these will involve a three hour class weekly, evenly split between Whole Group Sessions (WGS) and Small Group Sessions (SGS). In addition, you can expect to spend approximately seven hours in private study with group meetings and group work per module.

FAQs

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