Investment Banks are an integral part of the global financial ecosystem and investment banking has emerged as an exciting and lucrative career option for graduates in the field of finance, accounting, and business administration. According to a press release in June, Ernst & Young (EY) reported that In Europe, London is the top draw in financial services investment and foreign direct investment, no wonder therefore, that the city has emerged as a preferred destination for graduates and young professionals looking to kick start their career in investment banking and there is a great demand for comprehensive Investment Banking Courses in London. We will therefore list the top 8 investment banking courses in London.
Investment Banking- An introduction
First and foremost, let us understand what an Investment Bank is. An Investment Bank is a financial institution that delivers tailor-made strategic guidance and innovative financing options to companies, governments, and other entities.
In simple terms, their clients, who are looking for avenues to raise money, get in touch with Investment Banks and they in turn act as a go-between by connecting them with investors, usually institutional investors like insurance companies, mutual funds, hedge funds, etc.
The guidance, on the other hand, can be in the form of advice during mergers and acquisitions, and assistance with the wealth management of their client by making an informed and research-driven decision as to when to purchase or sell financial instruments like bonds, mutual funds, securities, etc. When privately owned companies decide to go public, Investment Banks give them guidance and support with the Initial Public Offering (IPO).
Types of Investment Banks
There are essentially 3 types of Investment Banks.
A.) Bulge Bracket Investment Banks
They are the largest Investment Banks in the world. They have the largest global footprint in terms of any given matrix. They are spread out across the globe and are present at all the important financial centers of the world, They have the most number of offices and employees, they have the most number of clients, and have the largest deal volumes and market capitalization.
They are literally a one-stop shop for all the corporate finance requirements of their clients who are usually large conglomerates, multinational companies, and governments. Some of the most renowned Banks in this category are JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Barclays, UBS, and Morgan Stanley.
B.) Middle Market Investment Bank
The only difference between Middle Market Investment Banks and Bulge Bracket Investment Banks is scale. Middle Market Investment Banks are smaller in size, geographical spread, number of clients, deal volumes, and market capitalization. Their deals are usually in the region of $50 million to $500 million. They typically cater to mid-sized companies and private firms and are focused on a particular geographic region. Some of the most important banks in this category are RBC Capital Markets, Robert W. Baird, Lazard, and Stifel Financial Corp.
C.) Boutique Investment Banks-
As is evident from the name, they are niche players in the investment banking ecosystem. They have highly specialized functions and can be further classified as 1. Elite Boutique 2. Industry-specific Boutique 3. Regional Boutique. They are typically focused on a particular geography or specialize in a particular industry. They have significantly leaner operations, they do not have consumer arms and they do not do any lending. They concentrate their efforts on delivering pure financial advisory such as mergers and acquisitions and strategic guidance on capital restructuring.
Functions of Investment Banks
Investment Banks perform a wide variety of functions that help their clients navigate the complex world of finance. The most important functions of investment banks are as follows: –
Underwriting
This is the process of raising capital from the market for their clients either by way of equity dilution or through loans. Organizations require an injection of capital to fulfill various different needs, it can be for expansion or diversification and they take the help of Investment Banks to raise capital by selling stocks or bonds to investors. Privately owned companies, for the same reason, fall back on Investment Banks when they decide to go public by way of IPO.
Investment Banks have access to a huge network of potential investors; they possess the tools and the desired skills to determine the price of the shares and the number of shares that would be floated. They possess the required knowledge to ensure compliance with all the regulatory aspects. Overall they possess the expertise to bring a company to market and the ability to ensure that an IPO yields the desired results.
A merger takes place when two companies join together to form one entity. An acquisition takes place when one organization buys another one. M&A deals have two sides. One is a sale-side M&A deal and the other is a buy-side M&A deal. When an investment bank works for a client looking to sell their company that is referred to as a sell-side M&A deal and when an investment bank works for a client looking to buy another company that is referred to as a buy-side M&A deal.
Investment Banks play a crucial advisory role in the overall implementation of the process. They act as a strategic partner every step of the way. They search for potential targets and evaluate the synergy that is possible by assessing the core operation of the target, analyzing the target’s financial information, and through financial modeling and forecasting. They are heavily involved in negotiating terms, performing procedural due diligence, preparing the final contract, and ultimately closing the deal.
Equity Research and advisory service
Investment Banks engage in high-quality extensive research in investment opportunities for their clients and come out with forecasts and recommendations on whether to buy, hold, or sell a stock. They perform stock research for institutional investors like mutual funds, large companies, pension funds, insurance companies, etc. as well as for high-net-worth individuals.
Sales & Trading
This is an important function of an investment bank and it is inextricably linked with research done by an Investment Bank for its client. The Research Department has its fingers on the pulse of the latest investment climate and based on their recommendations the Sales Department will pitch investment ideas and opportunities to its clients. Once a client buys into their idea the Trading Department takes over and does the actual trading, i.e. buying or selling the security in the secondary market for the client. They also utilize their specific domain knowledge and expertise and engage in trading the investment bank’s own capital.
Knowledge and Skills in Investment Banking- An Overview
Investment banking is an exciting and lucrative career option, particularly for graduates in the fields of finance, accounting, and business administration. An investment banker must possess a high Point Average (GPA) and stellar grades in the academic subjects that they are pursuing, as well as a significant amount of social and interpersonal skills
- Academics required in Investment Banking- Any individual contemplating a career in investment banking, to begin with, must obtain a bachelor’s degree in economics, commerce, or business administration. A master’s degree in business administration or finance is also necessary. A chartered accountancy qualification is an added advantage.
- Soft skills required in Investment Banking- An individual thinking of stepping into an investment banking career must be a people person with excellent communication and negotiation skills. They must have a penchant for numbers and a fundamental understanding of the business world.
Internships are an excellent way to develop these skills and to get real-world experience of the working environment of an Investment Bank and students must consider this an essential part of their career path because, above all, it gives them valuable work experience.
Investment Banking- career path
The investment banking career path is very well defined and the hierarchy has not changed much at all with the passage of time. New recruits typically start as Analysts or associates and gradually move up the corporate ladder to the position of Vice President (VP) or Director, as they are called in some firms.
They are then promoted to Senior Vice President (SVP) while some banks may refer to them as Executive Director and finally a select few are promoted to Managing Director (MD). Now let us look at these roles in depth.
Analyst- They are the nuts and bolts of every part of a deal. They prepare client presentations financial projection models and valuations. They coordinate all the logistical requirements for deal execution. An Analyst is usually promoted to the position of Associate within 2 – 3 years.
Associates- In the banking hierarchy they are a step above the Analysts. A large part of their work involves checking the work done by the Analysts and ensuring that the work is done accurately, maintaining the desired quality, and most importantly delivering on time. They also participate in client meetings and have some amount of client interaction while at the Analyst level, there is virtually none. An Associate is usually promoted to the level of Vice- President within 3 – 4 years
Vice President/ Director- They have the responsibility to acquire new clients and drive new deals both on the buy side and sell side. They act as a liaison between the senior management and the junior bankers, they spell out the vision and goals set by the senior management into actionable tasks for the Associates and Analysts and guide them to achieve the desired outcome. Another key role of a VP is developing new client relationships and nurturing the existing ones.
Senior Vice President/ Executive Director- They are in reality MDs in waiting. VPs identified as potential MDs are hand-picked by the Bank for the purpose of being groomed so that they can assume the role of the MD in the near future.
Managing Director- Their main focus is revenue generation for the Investment Bank and it is largely dependent on their negotiating and networking skills to acquire new deals and clients. Being right on top they also provide vision and leadership to the entire team.
Having understood the key concepts, essential skills, and career path in the field of Investment Banking, let us now attempt to answer two key questions, What advantage does London have? Why choose Investment Banking Courses in London?
Investment Banking and London
London is counted amongst the top 3 investment banking destinations in the world along with New York and Hong Kong and in spite of the uncertainty and gloom surrounding the war in Ukraine and post Brexit economic slowdown, investors have recognized the resilience of the UK’s financial system and it is still the top financial destination in Europe.
According to a recent publication by Dow Jones, which referred to EY’s Attractiveness Survey for Financial Services. In 2022, the UK registered a 17% increase in financial services investment year on year and London was able to grab 46 foreign direct investment projects. As a result, the UK added 2603 jobs in the sector, a jump of 4% from the previous year. This dispels any doubt about London’s preeminent position in the financial world.
Investment Banking Courses in London are in high demand since students from the European Union (EU) and other parts of the world choose the city for the opportunity it presents. London is the premier financial hub of Europe, all major Investment Banks have offices in the city.
Students have a lot of scope for internship and networking and finally landing a job in a top Investment Bank. Investment Banking Courses in London have gained further traction because of the availability of a number of world-renowned universities offering top-notch undergraduate and postgraduate courses in London and the UK.
It is also pertinent to mention here that, over the years, the mindset of Banks has undergone a change. Previously, they used to hire graduates, fresh out of college or university, and then give them “job training”, now however they want the new recruits to hit the ground running from day one. To do that they must have a robust understanding of the nuances and complexities of the financial world and the Investment Banking Courses in London give them that skill.
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Let Us Now Explore the Top 8 Investment Banking Courses in London
1. IIM SKILLS
Headquartered in New Delhi, IIM SKILLS is a pioneer in the EdTech industry in India. They have been offering a range of interactive online courses since 2015. Students and young professionals looking for online Investment Banking Courses in London can enroll in the Investment Banking Master Course by the institute.
The course has a comprehensive curriculum as it aims to equip the students with an in-depth understanding of the subject. The modules taught during the course are as follows:
| Modules |
| Microsoft PowerPoint |
| Microsoft Excel |
| Basics of Financial Systems & Markets |
| Derivatives |
| Investment Banking Techniques |
| Marketing Collaterals |
| Financial Modeling |
| Business Valuation |
Important Features of The Investment Banking Course
The course runs for 3 months, which is divided into 2 months of live interactive classes delivered online by experienced trainers and 1 month of internship. During these 2 months, students attend 70+ hours of online lectures, in which 50+ hours are dedicated to training and 20+ hours are devoted to clearing doubts with the help of their trainers and mentors.
To gain a holistic understanding of the Investment Banking ecosystem participants are supposed to complete 100+ hours of practical assignments and case studies so that they get an intimate understanding of the software and resources used in the industry. The institute also gives them an opportunity for 1 month of internship so that they obtain first-hand experience in the real-world scenario of Investment Banking.
The institute has developed a unique learning management system (LMS), where all class recordings, study materials, and other resources are stored and participants have the privilege of lifetime access to this repository which is continuously updated.
The institute provides career guidance in the shape of portfolio development, resume building, and mock interviews. Moreover, participants receive access to the institute’s exclusive job portal which has 350+ hiring partners and includes some of the topmost multinational companies.
Key Points:
- Classes conducted- Interactive online
- Course Duration- 3 months (2 months of classes + 1 month of internship)
- Certificate- Master Certification (recognized globally)
- Fees: £380 + Taxes
- Contact Information:
- Phone number- +91-9580740740
- Email address- info@iimskills.com
2. The University of Oxford- Saïd Business School (SBS)
This is the University of Oxford’s Business School. SBS is counted among the top-most Business Schools in the world. Students at the postgraduate level aiming to further pursue Investment Banking Courses in London are extremely keen to secure admission to the MSc Financial Economics course of SBS. Competition to secure admission is intense and stellar grades at the undergraduate level are a must.
The full-time program runs for 9 months. Along with studying the core subjects, students have the opportunity to select 5 elective subjects based on their interests and industry requirements. Top global Investment Banks regularly recruit fresh graduates from SBS.
Investment Banking Courses in London
| Core Subjects | Elective Subjects (any 5) | |
| Asset pricing | Advanced econometrics | |
| Corporate finance | Continuous time finance | |
| Economics | Corporate valuation | |
| Financial econometrics | diversity and inclusion (D&I) | |
| Finance & Ethics | Risk management | |
| Financial markets trading | ||
| Fixed income and derivatives | ||
| International Finance | ||
| Investing in public equity | ||
| Investing in private markets | ||
| Private Equity |
Key Points:
- Classes conducted- On-campus (Full time)
- Course Duration- 9 months (5 core courses + 5 electives)
- Certificate- MSc Financial Economics
- Fees: £55,630 (Rupees Fifty-Eight Lakh Two Thousand approx.)
- Contact: mfe.admissions@sbs.ox.ac.uk
3. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
The undergraduate course conducted by LSE is one of the most sought-after by students looking for Investment Banking Courses in London. They look at it as a stepping stone to further higher studies and ultimately a career in Investment Banking. It is a rigorous 3 years full-time course. The curriculum aims to equip the students with a comprehensive understanding of finance and economics.
Teaching is delivered through lectures by eminent professors who are thought leaders in their field and through classroom sessions usually conducted by Ph.D. students. The students also receive a host of academic support through academic mentors as well as through seminars and workshops.
Investment Banking Courses in London
| First Year | Second Year | Third Year |
| Compulsory Modules | Compulsory Modules | Compulsory Modules |
| Introduction to Finance | Principles of Finance | Asset Management |
| Microeconomics | Financial Systems and Crises | Corporate Finance |
| Macroeconomics | Microeconomics-(intermediate-level) | Risk Management |
| Elementary Statistical Theory | Macro-Finance | Derivatives |
| Quantitative methods for finance | Econometrics | Applied Corporate Finance |
| Calculus and Linear Algebra | Econometrics-(intermediate-level) | Advanced Financial Economics |
| Optional Module (one of two) | ||
| Financial Accounting | ||
| Programming for Data Science |
Key Points:
- Classes conducted- On-campus (Full time)
- Course Duration- 3 years
- Certificate- BSc Finance
- Fees:
- Home Students- £9,250
- Overseas Students- £ 26,592
- Address- Houghton Street. London. WC2A 2AE
- Phone-: +44 (0)20 7405 7686 (Switchboard)
4. Queen Mary University of London
Spread across five campuses in eastern and central London, Queen Mary is a Russell Group university; no wonder therefore that they are one of the most sought-after destinations for students aiming for Investment Banking Courses in London. The university offers an MSc in Investment Banking; the curriculum is research-oriented and is particularly suitable for students with limited or no mathematical background.
This is a 1-year full-time course and classes are held in their Mile End campus which is located very close to the financial hub of London. The campus is equipped with a state–of–the–art computer lab having the latest mathematics and trading software.
Students have the option of pursuing CFA training along with the regular curriculum. The University has a robust career assistance team and they help the students with internship opportunities and job placements.
Investment Banking Courses in London
| Compulsory Modules | Elective Modules | |
| Mergers and Acquisitions | Financial Derivatives | |
| Dissertation | International Finance | |
| Financial Modelling in Excel | Behavioral Finance | |
| Practical Valuation | Risk Management | |
| Primary Markets and Securities | Asset Management | |
| Strategy, Leadership and | Accounting Principles | |
| Management of Investment Banks | Financial Econometrics | |
| Corporate Finance | Bond Market Strategies | |
| Research Projects | Wealth Management | |
| Fintech | ||
| Financial Data Analytics |
Key Points:
- Classes conducted- On campus
- Course Duration- 1 year (6 compulsory modules + Elective modules + optional CFA training)
- Certificate- MSc in Investment Banking
- Fees:
- Home Students- £20,850
- Overseas Students- £ 28,950
- Address- Mile End Road. London E1 4NS
- Phone Number- +44 (0) 20 7882 5555
- Email- studentrecruitment@qmul.ac.uk
5. The University of Warwick- Warwick Business School
Another is Russell Group University, the business school that is a preferred destination for students looking for Investment Banking Courses in London. It is one of the top ranked Business Schools in the UK and their MSc in Finance is considered an excellent course to acquire deep knowledge about financial principles and the overall workings of the global financial industry.
The curriculum has been recently revised to factor in the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The course runs for 1 year and students learn through a combination of 7 core modules and optional modules based on the student’s preference.
Investment Banking Courses in London
| Core Modules | Optional Modules | |
| Quantitative Methods for Finance | Behavioral Finance | |
| Asset Pricing | Derivative Securities | |
| Corporate Finance | Financial Reporting | |
| Investment Management | Judgement & Decision Making | |
| Empirical Finance | Financial Risk Management | |
| Financial Regulation & | Fixed Income & Credit Risk | |
| Corporate Governance | International Financial Management | |
| Research Methodology | Alternative Investments | |
| Dissertation | Big Data Analytics | |
| Mergers & Acquisitions | ||
| Practice of Investment Management |
Key Points:
- Classes conducted- On campus
- Course Duration- 1 year (7 core modules + elective module)
- Certificate- MSc in Finance
- Fees:
- UK Students- £34,000
- Overseas Students- £ 39,750
- Address- Warwick Business School, Scarman Road, Coventry, CV4 7AL
- Telephone Number- +44 (0)24 7615 0333
- Email- mastersrecruitment@wbs.ac.uk
6. University of Greenwich
The University is one of the preferred choices for college students who are eager to pursue Investment Banking Courses in London. The University offers a BSc in Finance and Investment Banking. This is a comprehensive 3 years full-time course, and classes are held at their Greenwich campus.
Students also have an option of a 6-year part-time course or a 4-year sandwich course where they alternate between periods of study and periods of work experience. The course is accredited by the CFA Institute.
The university periodically organizes guest lectures by industry experts which helps them to gain valuable industry knowledge. The students can also participate in seminars and workshops organized by the university from time to time which helps them in exchanging ideas and developing their concepts more thoroughly.
Investment Banking Courses in London Curriculum (Full Time)
First Year
Compulsory modules.
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Personal and Professional Development
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Finance and Economics
Second Year
Compulsory modules.
- Future Paths
- Banking
- Managing Business Finance
- Financial Markets
Optional Modules
- Taxation
- FinTech
- Business and Company Law
Third Year
Compulsory modules.
- Corporate Finance
- Investment Management
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Quantitative Finance Research
Optional Modules
- Corporate Governance
- Trading in Financial Markets
- Financial Risk Management
Key Points:
- Classes conducted- On campus
- Course Duration- 3 years (full time) | 6 years (part-time) | 4 years (sandwich)
- Certificate- BSc in Finance & Investment Banking
- Fees:
- UK Students- £9,250
- Overseas Students- £ 17,000
- Course Enquiry- UK students
- Telephone- +44 (0)20 8331 9000
- Email- courseinfo@gre.ac.uk
- Course Enquiry- International students
- Telephone- +44 (0)20 8331 8136
- Email- international@gre.ac.uk
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7. King’s College London
Established in 1829 by a royal charter, King’s College London is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in England. It is also a Russell Group University and is one of the most coveted seats of higher education for students looking for Investment Banking Courses in London.
They offer a year-long full-time MSc in Banking and Finance. Classes are held at their historic Strand Campus. The course covers all the essential aspects of banking and finance in comprehensive detail. The course is particularly focused on building a well-rounded conceptual understanding as well as practical expertise.
Students have access to the university’s excellent library and digital resources. They further nurture their skills in the university’s state-of-the-art virtual trading floor equipped with the latest banking and financial software.
Investment Banking Courses in London Curriculum
| Compulsory Modules | Optional Modules (any 3) |
| Quantitative Methods in Finance | Asset Pricing |
| Investments | Empirical Finance |
| Investment& Commercial Banking | Risk Management |
| Financial Statement Analysis | Financial Econometrics |
| Financial Derivatives | Corporate Finance |
| Dissertation | Financial Regulation and Governance |
| Applied Finance | |
| Behavioral Finance | |
| Wealth Management | |
| International Finance | |
| Portfolio Management | |
| Credit Ratings | |
| Emerging Markets Finance |
Key Points:
- Classes conducted- On campus
- Course Duration- 1 year (full-time)
- Certificate- MSc in Banking & Finance
- Fees:
- UK Students- £ 37,680 per year
- Overseas Students- £ 37,680 per year
- Address- Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
- Telephone number- +44 (0)20 7836 545
8. Imperial College Business School
The Business School is a part of the prestigious Imperial College London. The MSc Investment & Wealth Management program that they offer is a highly sought-after course for postgraduate students looking for Investment Banking Courses in London.
The course is designed to provide a solid foundation in theoretical knowledge and practical application skills. The course lasts for a duration of 1 year and students are taught 7 core modules and a combination of elective subjects and projects to build a better understanding of their area of focus depending on their interests and aspirations.
Investment Banking Courses in London Curriculum
| Compulsory Modules | Key Optional Modules | Other Optional Modules |
| Investments and portfolio management | Advanced Financial Statistics | Company Valuation |
| Financial derivatives | Advanced Options Theory | Climate Finance |
| Financial Ethics | Applied Trading Strategies | Credit Risk |
| Financial Econometrics | Banks, Regulation, and Monetary Policy | Insurance |
| Investments and Portfolio Management | Big Data in Finance | Private Equity & Venture Capital |
| Macro-Finance | Fixed Income Securities | Sustainable Investment |
| Financial Mathematics | International Finance | Machine Learning and Finance |
Key Points:
- Classes conducted- On campus
- Course Duration- 1 year (full-time)
- Certificate- MSc Investment & Wealth Management.
- Fees:
- UK Students- £ 42,200
- Overseas Students- £42,200
- Address- South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ
- Telephone number- +44 (0)20 7589 5111
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of qualification is required for a career in investment banking?
An undergraduate degree in finance, commerce, economics, or business administration is an excellent starting point since it helps to develop a strong foundation for a career in investment banking. However an undergraduate degree is barely enough to get into an entry-level position, if one has to climb the ladder then a postgraduate master’s degree in these same subjects is essential. Investment Banking is a highly competitive field so a high GPA and excellent grades in the academic subjects are essential. Another important point to remember is that, though a career in investment banking does not require an individual to be a trained mathematician, they must possess a healthy mathematical aptitude since the job requires a lot of number crunching.
What is the right time to enter into an investment banking career?
To begin with, a caveat, shifting to Investment Banking from a different job is almost impossible and extremely rare, especially at a mid-management level. A career in investment banking therefore must start early. There are two most desirable starting points to an investment banking career. The first is just after college graduation. At this level, fresh graduates are accepted for the position of analyst. The other starting point is after an MBA or post-graduation from a university. At this level, young bankers are accepted for the position of associate. In extremely rare instances C Level executives, like CEOs, CFOs, etc. from other industries make a lateral move as VP or SVP of an investment bank.
What is the hierarchy and growth opportunity in Investment Banking?
The Investment Banking hierarchy is very well defined and has not changed at all over time. New recruits typically start as analysts or associates and gradually move up the corporate ladder to the position of Vice President (VP) or Director, as they are called in some firms. They are then promoted to Senior Vice President (SVP) while some banks may refer to them as Executive Director and finally a select few are promoted to Managing Director (MD). It is important to understand though that a promotion is not a given, as is the case with any other company it is dependent firstly on performance and secondly on requirement.
While understanding the first point is quite straightforward, the second needs a little elaboration. The Bank’s hierarchy is built like a pyramid. As an employee steps up the ladder, opportunities shrink and it becomes harder to get promoted since there are fewer numbers required at the next level, to put it in perspective a Bank needs more associates than Vice Presidents so it is comparatively easier to get promoted from an analyst to an associate but not so from an associate to VP. At the level of VP, some may be confronted with career stagnation since only a select few are promoted to SVP who are in fact MDs in waiting.
What is the meaning of exit opportunity in Investment Banking?
To begin with, let us understand the meaning of the phrase “exit opportunity”. It is a planned move by a person to bring about a change in his career path. It is a process when a person identifies an opportunity in a different career from the one that he is presently in and engineers a move to that career path banking on the knowledge and expertise acquired through experience in his present job role. In terms of Investment Banking, there is a wide range of exit opportunities. Some of the most common ones are listed below:
- Private Equity
- Hedge Fund
- Asset Management
- Corporate Finance
- Venture Capital
- Entrepreneurship
- Startup
An Investment Banker at a junior level has a wider scope of exit opportunities than a banker in a more senior role. It is prudent to decide on an exit strategy at the level of analyst or associate because a suitable exit opportunity is hard to come by at the vice president level.