MSc Investment and Wealth Management

The MSc Investment and Wealth Management course at the University of Essex prepares individuals with backgrounds in finance, economics, or business for careers in portfolio management and corporate finance. Based at the Colchester Campus and commencing in October 2025, this one-year full-time programme provides students with access to the Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab, where they can utilise data and analytical tools employed by financial institutions globally.

The curriculum encompasses areas such as portfolio management, fixed-income securities, behavioural finance, and financial derivatives. The University of Essex is affiliated with the CFA® Institute University Affiliation Program, and the MSc programme covers over 70% of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program Candidate Body of Knowledge, preparing graduates for the CFA exams. 

Essex Business School offers a wide array of optional modules for course customisation, access to specialised banking and finance databases, quantitative analysis software, and a virtual trading floor.

The University of Essex is a leading UK institution committed to excellence in teaching and research. With campuses in Colchester, Southend, and Loughton, it offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, summer schools, and online courses. The university is recognised for its research strengths across various subjects and its international perspective.

The University of Essex prides itself on being a place "where change happens," fostering a diverse and inclusive community. It provides extensive support for student life, including accommodation, sports facilities, and career services. The University is ranked among the top 25 in the Guardian University Guide 2025 and offers programmes in fields such as Medicine, Law, Engineering, Business, and the Arts.

• Candidates should show a keen interest in human resources and the management of people.
• Applicants with other backgrounds will be considered if they have at least one year of relevant work experience in economics, finance, banking, investment, financial engineering, risk management, entrepreneurship, accounting, or quantitative analysis (a CV is required).

Grade Requirements

• Applicants need a 2:2 degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as Accounting, Actuarial Science, Business, Commerce, Computer Science, Data Analysis, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural Science, or Statistics.  
• Applicants who hold a CFA Institute Programme Level One, Two or Three (pass or above) will also be considered.

English Proficiency

For those whose primary language is not English, an IELTS score of 6.5 overall is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in each section.

The annual tuition fee for international students enrolled in the MSc Investment and Wealth Management programme is £23,500.

The University of Essex supports postgraduate students through a range of scholarships and bursaries, with country-specific funding, and provides sports scholarships for talented athletes to make education more accessible.

The MSc Investment and Wealth Management programme prepares graduates for successful careers in the global finance industry. Potential career paths include:"

• Portfolio Manager
• Wealth Manager
• Investment Analyst
• Financial Advisor
• Risk Manager
• Financial Planner

Prospective students for the MSc Investment and Wealth Management programme must apply directly to the University. We strongly suggest consulting with our experienced counsellors, who can offer comprehensive assistance during the application process, helping to showcase qualifications and ensure alignment with programme requirements.