MSc Financial Markets & Investments - Master of Science Finance

•    The One-Year MSc is a full-time programme completed in one academic year, available on the Paris, Sophia Antipolis and Raleigh campuses. 
•    The Two-Year MSc spans two academic years, with the first year focused on foundational courses and the second year on advanced specialisation and professional preparation. The first year is available on seven campuses: Paris, Sophia Antipolis, Lille, Belo Horizonte, Raleigh, Suzhou and Dubai, and the second year on the Paris, Sophia Antipolis and Raleigh campuses
 

Each campus offers a specific track. You may choose your campus based on the specialisation that aligns with your career goals. Regardless of location, all tracks prepare students for a wide range of finance roles.

The MSc Financial Markets & Investments (FMI) at SKEMA is distinctly international in its outlook, as evidenced by the fact that a big majority of graduates work outside their country of origin. The programme opens doors to a wide range of sectors, including finance, banking, insurance, consulting, and engineering, and prepares students for diverse careers such as trader, broker, financial analyst, asset or portfolio manager, investment banker, risk manager, private equity specialist, or wealth manager. Career opportunities are further enhanced by specialisations tailored to each campus, enabling every student to target the sector or role that best matches their ambitions. MSc FMI graduates are recruited by globally renowned companies, reflecting the programme’s international recognition and strong employability.

The programme welcomes students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Core modules build foundational knowledge before diving into advanced topics. For admission and to thrive in the programme, however, it is advisable not to be a complete novice in one or more related areas: financial economics, financial analysis, VBA or Python programming, fundamentals of financial instruments and asset classes, and basic mathematics.

Students have access to:

• Bloomberg terminals for live financial data and analysis
• Simulation tools for real-time trading experience
• Guest lectures from top finance professionals
• Career services and networking opportunities with alumni and recruiters

Teaching combines academic rigor with real-world application. Faculty members include PhD-holders and industry experts. The curriculum is constantly updated to reflect market trends and employer needs.

Yes. The MSc FMI is ranked 2nd worldwide in the 2025 FT Finance ranking. It is highly respected by employers globally and supported by partnerships with major industry bodies such as the CFA® Institute.

By joining an MSc, students obtain a master of science degree and the "Diploma of Specialised Studies in International Management" (DESMI), a degree approved by France's Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research (master's level. More info - text in French).

The MSc Financial Markets & Investments (FMI) is designed for students aiming to work in financial markets, with a focus on trading, structuring, portfolio management, investment banking, and asset management. It includes specialisations that cover both the buy-side and sell-side of finance and offers a dedicated track for CFA® preparation in Raleigh. The programme is highly market-oriented, with practical training on Bloomberg terminals, simulation games, and quantitative tools used in front-office roles.

In contrast, the MSc Corporate Financial Management (CFM) prepares students for corporate finance and advisory roles within companies, consulting firms, or private equity. It focuses on financial strategy, fundraising, M&A, risk management, and fintech innovations, with five specialisation tracks including Financial Advisory, Private Equity, Fintech, and Risk Management. The CFM programme emphasises in-company projects, financial modelling, and blended learning methods for applying finance to real business challenges.
 

•    Objectives and positioning
SKEMA’s MSc FMI is distinctly positioned with a strong emphasis on financial markets and front-office careers. It is designed to prepare students for roles in areas such as trading, asset management, quantitative finance, and investment research.
In contrast, many traditional finance Master’s programmes tend to offer a more general overview of finance, combining corporate finance, accounting, and market finance without a strong specialisation. As such, the FMI programme is ideal for students specifically aiming to pursue careers in capital markets rather than broader financial roles.

•    Programme content and specialisations
The FMI curriculum is highly technical and professionally oriented. It includes in-depth modules on derivatives, portfolio management, financial engineering, risk modelling, and programming (e.g., Python, VBA). It also offers preparation for globally recognised certifications such as the CFA, FRM, or CAIA.
Other finance Master’s programmes may offer fewer technical components and typically provide a more generalist approach, with specialisation tracks that are often optional or less market-focused. FMI, by contrast, delivers a coherent and specialised learning path from the outset, rooted in real-world market scenarios and practical applications.

•    Career opportunities
Graduates of the MSc FMI often secure roles in top-tier investment banks, hedge funds, asset management companies, and financial institutions, particularly in front-office or quantitative roles such as financial analyst, trader, quant analyst, or portfolio assistant.
In comparison, general finance Master’s graduates tend to enter a wider variety of roles, including positions in corporate finance, internal audit, or financial control, which are less directly connected to capital markets.
SKEMA’s strong connections with key financial hubs (such as London, Paris, and Geneva), along with its alignment with industry expectations and certifications, significantly enhance graduate employability in global financial markets.
 

Yes, SKEMA offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options for both international and domestic students. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based support, and country- or campus-specific awards. For detailed information on eligibility and application procedures, please visit SKEMA’s financial support page.