London Business School has launched a new finance masters programme aimed at recent graduates.

The Masters in Financial Analysis (MFA) is an addition to the school’s finance portfolio, alongside the Masters in Finance (MiF), which has been ranked number one by the Financial Times, for the fifth consecutive year, said a statement.

This intensive 12-month programme is designed for top graduates (with at least a UK 2:1) from quantitative backgrounds (finance, accounting, economics, engineering physics, maths, computer science) at the early stage of their professional development, with less than one year of work experience, it said.

The first intake will start in September next year.

The programme will offer students a rigorous core academic curriculum taught by the school’s top finance faculty a selection of finance, accounting and economic content through cross-programme electives, combined with global immersion field trips, and training in the skills most-demanded by recruiters, which will enable them to fast-track into a successful career in the finance sector.

Leila Guerra, executive director, Early Career Programmes, London Business School, said: “London Business School’s new Masters in Financial Analysis is an exciting addition to our portfolio. We’re confident that the combination of a sophisticated curriculum, the development of the right skills and exposure to London, one of the finance capitals in the world, will ensure students are market-ready on graduation and infinitely employable.”

The curriculum is based on six fundamental pillars - corporate finance (including M&A and capital structure); asset management (incorporating topics such as credit markets, practical asset allocation, market efficiency and anomalies, liquidity, long-short investing or slow-moving capital); accounting (focusing on accounting and securities analysis and valuations); financial markets (financial institutions, personal finance); financial econometrics; and global markets and world economy.

A personal development programme will allow students to develop key skills such as commitment (engaging with students with significant work experience, networking skills); communication (presentation skills, critical thinking); and commercial awareness (why the aspect of business, understanding the world economy), considered by recruiters to be vital for prospective employees in this career stage.

The programme costs £31,000 ($49,150).

Gareth Howells, executive director, MBA and MiF, London Business School, said:  “Our Masters in Finance has been ranked number one for the fifth year running, and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

“We will continue to build on its strength, and are pleased that with the introduction of our new Masters in Financial Analysis, we will offer a finance programme at every career stage, increasing the global impact of our graduates.” - TradeArabia News Service