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Infrastructure Investment and Finance MSc

London, Stratford (UCL East)

This innovative MSc considers the perspectives of infrastructure investment and finance. It is aimed at developing global leaders and professionals for the infrastructure sector. It draws on the expertise of external organisations such as infrastructure developers, advisors, asset managers and multi-lateral development banks in delivering cutting edge knowledge and industry practice.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£22,700
£11,350
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£37,500
£18,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 05 Apr 2024

Applications closed

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree from a UK university in a relevant subject (including engineering, mathematical-based science, built environment, economics and finance), or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. In exceptional cases, a lesser academic qualification combined with substantial professional experience and demonstrable academic ability will allow acceptance onto the programme.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

With a strong commercial focus, the Infrastructure Investment and Finance (IIF) MSc provides candidates with a well-balanced mix of economic and financial theory as well as industry practice, including modules exploring:

  • the economics and finance of infrastructure development and delivery 

  • the future of infrastructure investment at global, national and sector levels, and its key determinants 

  • investment needs at different lifecycle stages in infrastructure development  

  • the impact of government policy and capital markets on infrastructure investment 

  • the organisation of public private partnership (PPP) and project finance 

  • science and policy related to climate change and sustainability issues in infrastructure finance  

  • the cost of capital for infrastructure investment and the allocation of risks in contracted delivery 

  • the commercial perspective of infrastructure project sponsors, lenders, investors and contractors throughout the procurement, design, construction and operation of infrastructure assets 

  • the role of green finance in facilitating infrastructure investment  

  • the process of risk modelling and infrastructure asset management 

Who this course is for

This programme is designed for early to mid-career professionals seeking to specialise in infrastructure investment, economics and finance, procurement, management and regulatory functions. In addition to enabling finance graduates the opportunity to specialise, the MSc IIF will also be attractive to engineering graduates wishing to adapt their career options, and to graduates in other related numerate subject areas (e.g. economics, finance, planning, etc.).

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

Many governments including the UK, US, the EU, China and India are increasing their focus on improving infrastructure. The required capital for investment is estimated to be in the trillions of US dollars. At the same time there is a compelling need for professionals equipped with a multi-disciplinary expertise which combines technical and financial skills with the ability to undertake risk assessments, financial modelling, investment and economic analysis. This pioneering MSc is the only programme in the UK, and one of the few globally recognised, to focus on the finance, investment and commercial applications associated with these vast sums of investment and global infrastructure needs.

The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction is placed within the renowned UCL Faculty of the Built Environment, The Bartlett. Based in central London, it is close to world-leading financial, engineering and consulting practices, many of whom are UCL partners. The School has both specialist expertise and excellent relations with a range of industry and government bodies which will provide a valuable network to students seeking careers in the exciting area of infrastructure financing and development. The MSc IIF directly benefits from the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UCL and the European Investment Bank (EIB). This MoU sets out the scope of the EIB's support and ongoing involvement in the planning and delivery of the programme. The EIB's involvement aims to enhance students' understanding of infrastructure finance and investment through their exposure to the bank's long and multi-faceted experience in this field

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

Completing this MSc will equip graduates with multi-disciplinary skills necessary for a career in infrastructure financing, procurement and development whether as a public sector advisor, private sector financing specialist or consultant within advisory firms.

Students successfully completing the programme will be able to show:

  • competence in their ability to apply a wide range of theories and concepts to a variety of infrastructure focused problems and contexts
  • possession of high-level critical, analytical and research skills
  • an ability to critically appraise and interpret the importance of trends and developments in the infrastructure investment and finance sectors of the countries in which they work
  • an ability to appraise critically the continuing developments in the literature and research on infrastructure investment and finance.
  • application of financial modelling skills to the infrastructure sector

Employability

This degree is designed to enable infrastructure specialists to develop the skills essential to the delivery of complex infrastructure projects. It will equip graduates with the potential to become future innovators, leaders, senior managers, policymakers, researchers and educators in the fields of infrastructure investment and finance and project management industries. Organisations that are likely to take on graduates of this MSc include infrastructure developers, infrastructure financiers and investors such as institutions, banks and equity funds, infrastructure operators, public sector commissioning and regulatory bodies, as well as advisory firms active in the growing infrastructure market.

Networking

The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction and UCL careers events are held during the year to enable students to meet prospective employers. Organisations that are likely to take on graduates of MSc IIF include infrastructure developers, infrastructure financiers and investors such as banks and equity funds, infrastructure operators, public sector commissioning and regulatory bodies, as well as advisory firms active in the growing infrastructure market.

The IIF MSc programme and the School actively supports students and alumni in establishing their professional network, recognising the importance of networks in providing graduates with opportunities and support throughout their careers.

Accreditation

MSc IIF is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Teaching and learning

The programme is seminar-based with an emphasis on case and problem-based learning. This is supported through readings and class exercises in the taught modules.

The programme will include a combination of lectures, seminars, group tutorials/workshops, project briefings. The assignments are individual essays and there is a centrally managed examination. The dissertation is an independent piece of research that will be supported by tutorials. 

Assessment is through unseen written examinations, 3,000-word written term papers and the 10,000-word dissertation.

In terms 1 and 2 full-time students can typically expect between 8 and 15 contact hours per teaching week through lectures, workshops and tutorials. In term 3 students will be completing their own dissertation research, keeping regular contact with their dissertation supervisors.

Outside of lectures full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.

Modules

The IIF MSc contains 5 compulsory modules, 3 optional modules and a research dissertation.

Full-time study (1 year):

In Term 1, you will take modules on the financing, the economics, risk management, the investment of infrastructure projects which provide background concepts but also delve into more advanced relevant topics. You will also receive training in research methods and financial modelling. 

In Term 2, you will take 1 core module related to infrastructure asset management and choose 3 optional modules out of 6 options which expand on additional topics of special purpose vehicle in infrastructure finance, lifecycle of infrastructure project management, smart technologies, climate sciences, technology and policy, carbon accounting and green finance while also providing an overview of the five major sectors of economic infrastructure (transport, energy, water/wastewater, waste management and telecommunications). During this term you will submit an outline of your proposed dissertation research. 

In Term 3, you will complete outstanding assignments, take all examinations for the taught modules and work on your dissertation for the remainder of the term and throughout the summer. 

Part-time study (2 years)

Year 1: 

In Term 1, you will take compulsory modules related to infrastructure finance and the economic principles and policy in delivery of infrastructure projects which provide background concepts but also delve into more advanced relevant topics. You will also receive training in research methods. 

In Term 2, you will take modules which expand on a compulsory module related to infrastructure development as an asset class and select 1 optional module in additional topics of economics special purpose vehicle in infrastructure finance, lifecycle of infrastructure project management, smart technologies, climate sciences, technology and policy, carbon accounting and green finance, while also providing an overview of the five major sectors of economic infrastructure (transport, energy, water/wastewater, waste management and telecommunications). 

In Term 3 you will complete outstanding assignments and take one examination for the taught modules. 

In the summer term there is no formal teaching but you should be developing ideas for your dissertation. 

Year 2: 

In Term 1, you will take modules on the global environmental issues in infrastructure development and demand forecasts, risk modelling and appraisal methods which provide background concepts but also delve into more advanced relevant topics. You will also receive training in financial modelling. During this term you will submit an outline of your proposed dissertation research. 

In Term 2, you will choose 2 optional modules from the remaining 5 optional modules in additional topics of economics special purpose vehicle in infrastructure finance, lifecycle of infrastructure project management, smart technologies, climate sciences, technology and policy, carbon accounting and green finance, while also providing an overview of the five major sectors of economic infrastructure (transport, energy, water/wastewater, waste management and telecommunications). 

In Term 3 you will take all remaining examinations for the taught modules and work on your dissertation for the remainder of the term and throughout the summer. 

Modular/Flexible study (2-5 years)

In the case of modular/flexible students, the 2-year part-time study mode is the fastest route to completion. However, a slower route may also be taken. The sequence of modules can be designed in close coordination with the programme leader in order to ensure that concepts and skills are developed in a logical order, building on previous ones and enabling a coherent learning journey. You are required to take 5 compulsory modules and 3 optional modules (i.e. select 3 out of 6) to complete your study.   

Compulsory modules








Optional modules







Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Infrastructure Investment and Finance.

Fieldwork

In the past, students have undertaken field visits to Ashurst, an international law firm and S&P Global Market based in Carnary Wharf, London. 

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

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All open days and events

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Graduate Open Events: Infrastructure Investment and Finance MSc

Whether your ambition is to design better buildings, plan better cities, build sustainable communities or help meet the challenge of climate change, The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment could be a big step towards it. Find out more about our courses through a range of taster lectures, Q&As and info sessions.

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Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £22,700 £11,350
Tuition fees (2024/25) £37,500 £18,750

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

All full-time students are required to pay a fee deposit of £2,000 for this programme. All part-time students are required to pay a fee deposit of £1,000.

If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc. on this programme, please get in touch with us by email bscpm.enquiries@ucl.ac.uk.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

UCL offers a range of financial awards aimed at assisting both prospective and current students with their studies.

Any additional funding available from The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction and the Built Environment Faculty Office are advertised on the respective websites.

In our faculty, The Bartlett Promise Scholarship aims to enable students from backgrounds underrepresented in the built environment to pursue master's studies. Please see the UK Master's scholarship and Sub-Saharan Africa Master's scholarship pages for more information on eligibility criteria, selection process and FAQs.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 20 June 2024
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,700 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • Why you want to study for the MSc in Infrastructure Investment and Finance and what attracts you to this specialism?
  • How your professional and academic background meet the demands of MSc Infrastructure Investment and Finance?
  • Why you want to study at UCL and the Bartlett?
  • How will the MSc Infrastructure Investment and Finance help you to achieve your career plan?

When completing your application you should consider that together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

Tell us about an influential experience which made you want to study infrastructure investment and finance. What were the key lessons from this experience and how do you plan to build the lessons in your future career and professional development? Tell us about a challenge that you or a friend had to overcome. Why was this a challenge and how did you/your friend overcome it?

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction
Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction

yiming.wang@ucl.ac.uk

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