Those keen to pursue the Master of Science Investments (MSc Investments) programme awarded by the University of Birmingham's Birmingham Business School in the United Kingdom can now do it locally.
The first intake for the course is October this year, via the Singapore Institute of Management Global Education (SIM GE), the only school offering it here.
The Singapore programme has the same modules as the one taught in the UK.
The MSc Investments was introduced here to meet demand from students residing in Asian countries who share a similar living environment, food and culture to Singapore, explains the dean of Birmingham Business School, Professor Glyn Watson.
He says: "This may make the master's study easier for Asian students. More importantly, our programme can fill a business need as Singapore is one of the world's most important financial hubs."
With risk assessment of investments becoming more complicated, coupled with the development of financial instruments, growing competition and the speed at which information travels, financial training is now more essential for future fund managers, brokers, investment specialists and financial managers, says Prof Watson.
He adds: "As a consequence, our programme may have positive impact on the development of capital markets in both Singapore and the region."
First-rate education
"The MSc Investments programme in Singapore is designed to teach not only financial theories but also practical investment techniques such as the indication of stock liquidity or identification of specific trading behaviour," says Prof Watson.
Students can gain knowledge of trading and investment applications in both the domestic and international financial markets, covering stock, bond and financial derivatives markets.
He says: "The aim is to support students who plan to pursue a career in banking, work in trading companies and other financial institutions, as well as those who intend to become investment specialists and financial managers in other corporations."
Academic staff from the University of Birmingham plus trading specialists from the UK will teach various modules.
Notes Prof Watson: "The Department of Finance at Birmingham Business School has also been recognised as a Centre of Excellence in the provision of financial teaching by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.
"In addition, our MSc Investments programme in Birmingham has been recognised by the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute University Recognition Programme."
For the trading techniques module, local students will enjoy the use of SIM GE's Financial Training Centre.
They will be able to analyse, trade and manage positions in a simulation of real-time market movement under the guidance of experienced, professional traders who have first-hand knowledge of current market regulations, trading techniques, customs and practices.
The University of Birmingham also offers MSc programmes, via SIM GE, in Economics, International Business, International Economics, and Management.
