The ICMA Centre, University of Reading has an international reputation for providing quality undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education tailored to the capital markets industry. The ICMA Centre's success is based not only on the integration of applied finance theory and industry specific training but also its considerable professional and academic expertise, and strong links with companies and trade associations in the global finance industry. As part of the University of Reading's Business School, the ICMA Centre was awarded a rating of 5 in the most recent RAE, placing the group in 4th equal position out of 100 UK universities in this field of research.

Established in 1991 with funding provided by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) in Zurich, the Centre is housed in a purpose-built modernist building with state-of-the-art facilities including two dealing rooms using software similar to those found in major investment banks. Due to the fantastic success of the Centre and growing demand for their programmes from a worldwide audience ICMA are investing a further £5million expansion to the building which will include an additional 50 seat dealing room, 150 seat lecture theatre as well as new seminar rooms and dedicated research area. The new building is expected to be open for students at the start of the 2008 academic session.

Postgraduate Degrees:

* MSc Capital Markets, Regulation and Compliance
Covers a wide range of European, US and international issues, focusing on building expertise in markets and instruments, market mechanics, dealing knowledge and practical market regulation and compliance.

* MSc Finance and Real Estate (subject to approval)
Prepares graduates for a career in the financial markets with a specialism in real estate through a combination of the theoretical and practical skills essential to succeed.

* MSc Financial Risk Management
Setting the standards for postgraduate degrees in financial risk management all over the world, students take modules that are closely linked to the PRMTM Handbook. We have strong links with the Professional Risk Managers' International Association (PRMIA) and after graduation our students will be qualified to sit the PRMÔ examinations.

* MSc International Securities, Investment and Banking
Widely regarded as one of the leading applied finance programmes in Europe this degree has been specifically designed with the support of industry practitioners to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the challenging field of investment banking. Students can choose from two optional specialisms: Trading and Asset Management or Quantitative Finance.

* MSc Investment Management
Provides theoretical knowledge of portfolio management and quantitative finance, together with an applied set of courses looking at industry structure and trends. Integral to the academic course is the parallel study of the Chartered Financial Analyst® program, Level 1.