Master's Degree in Financial Markets - MSc Financial Markets & Investments
A master's degree in financial markets is one of the most sought-after postgraduate qualifications for students aiming to build careers in trading, asset management, investment banking, wealth management, or financial analysis. As financial institutions increasingly rely on data, quantitative modelling and global market expertise, employers are looking for graduates who can understand market dynamics, manage risk and develop sophisticated investment strategies.
SKEMA Business School's MSc Financial Markets & Investments is designed to equip students with the technical knowledge, practical skills and international exposure required to succeed in today's financial industry. Combining academic excellence with real-world applications, this programme prepares graduates for a wide range of opportunities across global financial markets.
What is a master's degree in financial markets?
A master's degree in financial markets focuses on the functioning of capital markets and the institutions that support them. It explores how securities are traded, how investment decisions are made, and how organisations raise capital through financial instruments.
Students learn about trading, asset management, investment banking, portfolio construction, derivatives, risk management and financial regulation. The objective of a master in financial markets is to prepare graduates for front-office, middle-office and quantitative finance roles within banks, asset managers, hedge funds and other financial institutions.
Unlike a master's degree in corporate finance, which focuses on business financing and financial decision-making within companies, a financial markets master's program concentrates on market activities, investment products and portfolio management. It also differs from financial engineering programmes, which place a stronger emphasis on advanced mathematical modelling.
The MSc Financial Markets & Investments at SKEMA offers a comprehensive approach to financial education, combining expertise in trading, asset management, investment banking, wealth management and financial analysis. Students can also choose specialised tracks aligned with CFA® knowledge areas and global market practices.
Why choose SKEMA's Master's Degree in Financial Markets (MSc)?
Choosing the right master's degree in financial markets means selecting a programme with strong academic recognition, industry relevance and international opportunities.
SKEMA's MSc Financial Markets & Investments is ranked among the world's leading finance programmes. The programme is ranked 2nd worldwide in the Financial Times Masters in Finance ranking and is recognised for delivering exceptional international exposure and career outcomes.
SKEMA also benefits from internationally recognised accreditations, including AACSB, EQUIS, EFMD and EESPIG, reflecting the quality of its business education and academic standards.
One of the programme's major strengths is its five specialised tracks:
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Designed for students interested in portfolio management, investment analysis, asset allocation and fund management.
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Focused on mergers and acquisitions, corporate transactions, capital markets and advisory activities.
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A specialised track dedicated to trading, derivatives, quantitative finance and front-office careers.
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Developed in partnership with the CFA® Institute, this track helps students prepare for CFA® Level I and Level II examinations while developing advanced analytical expertise.
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Focused on private banking, wealth planning, investment advisory services and high-net-worth client management.
Who is the Master's Degree in Financial Markets for?
What skills does a master's degree in financial markets develop?
A master's degree in financial markets develops a broad set of technical, analytical and professional skills required in the financial sector.
Students gain expertise in:
• Equities, fixed income securities and derivatives
• Structured products and alternative investments
• Quantitative finance techniques
• Financial econometrics and stochastic calculus
• Programming for finance using Python, VBA and other tools
• Bloomberg market analysis
• Portfolio construction and investment strategies
• Equity research and company valuation
• Financial modelling and transaction structuring
• Market risk management
• Regulatory compliance
• Sustainable finance and ESG investing
These skills prepare graduates to analyse market conditions, evaluate investment opportunities and support strategic financial decision-making across global institutions.
What subjects are taught in the Master's Degree in Financial Markets?
The MSc Financial Markets & Investments combines core finance knowledge with advanced market-focused coursework.
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Key subjects include:
- Fundamentals of Finance
- Advanced Mathematics for Finance
- Financial Markets & Banking Regulation
- Programming for Finance (Python and VBA)
- Bloomberg Data Analysis
- Financial Econometrics
- Stochastic Calculus
- Fixed Income I & II
- Equity Research
- Financial Modelling
- Behavioural Finance
- Corporate Equity Derivatives
- Private Debt
- Private Equity & Venture Capital
- Portfolio Management & Asset Allocation
- Structured Products
- Sustainable Finance
- AI for Finance
- M&A and Strategic Transactions
- Wealth Management
- Master's thesis or professional dissertation
Depending on the chosen track, students can further specialise in investment banking, trading, wealth management, asset management or financial analysis.
Format, duration and organisation of the MSc in Financial Markets
Career opportunities after a master's degree in financial markets
A master's degree in financial markets opens the door to a wide range of finance careers across international organisations.
What to study after a master's degree in financial markets?
Graduates wishing to continue their education can pursue:
• Financial Technology (FinTech)
• Sustainable Finance and ESG
• Artificial Intelligence for Finance
• Advanced Quantitative Finance
Professional certifications can also enhance career prospects:
• CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst)
• CAIA
• FRM
• CQF
These qualifications are highly valued by employers across global financial markets.
How to apply for the Master's Degree in Financial Markets?
Frequently asked questions about the master's degree in financial markets
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A quantitative background is not mandatory, but strong analytical abilities and an interest in mathematics, modelling and finance are advantageous.
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Corporate finance focuses on financing decisions within organisations, while financial markets programmes focus on investment products, trading, portfolio management and market analysis.
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An MSc is a specialised postgraduate degree focused on a specific discipline such as finance. An MBA provides broader management training and is generally designed for experienced professionals.
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Yes. The Raleigh specialisation includes coursework aligned with CFA® Level I and Level II content and is delivered in partnership with the CFA® Institute.
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No. GMAT and GRE scores are optional, although they may strengthen an application.
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Graduates pursue careers across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia in investment banking, asset management, hedge funds, consulting, wealth management and fintech. The programme's international structure and global alumni network support worldwide career development.