All 2U/edX coursesOverview Trailer What you'll learn Modules FAQs
Economic uncertainty and fluctuations in the financial markets have given rise to new trends, challenges, and opportunities, influencing global and local investment sectors. Some investors no longer trust traditional financial management experts to make all the investment decisions on their behalf, and a new generation of investors has emerged. They are empowered with a fresh perspective and newfound knowledge to play an active role in growing their portfolio.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Investment Management online short course equips students with essential skills to navigate the ever-evolving world of investing. This eight-week course is tailored for anyone seeking financial empowerment and covers diverse assets like equities, property, ETFs, and offshore investments.
Led by UCT faculty, the course demystifies financial markets, economics, and online investment management, allowing students to actively participate in growing their wealth.
Ideal for individuals with no formal background in the subject, professionals looking to upgrade their knowledge, or anyone interested in investment and portfolio management, the course offers a comprehensive understanding of local and global perspectives. In addition to being able to validate their expertise with a digital certificate from UCT, students will be able to confidently choose the right investments and take charge of their financial well-being.
Trailer
What you'll learn
Acquire valuable and practical financial modelling and analysis skills, and walk away with:
- The ability to augment financial models for a variety of business types
- A certificate of completion as validation of your skills
- Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward
Modules
ORIENTATION MODULE Welcome to your Online Campus
Become familiar with your new virtual classroom, meet your Success Team, and get to know your classmates.
MODULE 1 Using financial modelling effectively
Explore the fundamental skills and best practices required to become proficient in Excel-based financial modelling.
MODULE 2 Accounting statements
Discover the various accounting statements, their purposes, and how they are related and interpreted.
MODULE 3 Building the three statement model
Discover how to create a three statement model, comprising the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
MODULE 4 Forecasting the three statement model
Explore the various ways of forecasting and extending the three statement model, which is driven by underlying business assumptions.
MODULE 5 Sensitivity and scenario analysis
Discover the differing degrees to which varying inputs affect outputs in a model.
MODULE 6 Modelling different types of businesses
Discover the differences within financial statements in relation to differences in industry.
MODULE 7 Using financial models for decision-making in business
Explore how financial models are used in strategic business decisions.
MODULE 8 Using financial models for valuation
Discover how a financial forecast is applied into a discounted cash flow valuation model.
FAQs: Financial modelling jobs
Financial modelling and analysis involve creating abstract representations (models) of a financial situation or scenario, primarily using tools like Excel. These models help in making calculations, forecasting future financial performance, and making decisions based on various financial analyses. It's a key skill in finance for understanding and predicting the financial health and prospects of a business.
A financial modelling course is designed to teach the skills and techniques needed to construct representational models of financial scenarios. These courses cover topics such as building financial statements, conducting valuation analysis, and understanding how different financial variables interact, preparing individuals to use these models for decision-making in business contexts. The UCT Financial Modelling and Analysis online short course provides a solid foundation for creating mathematical models that reflect a company's financial performance.
A financial analyst evaluates financial data, studies economic trends, assesses investment opportunities, and provides recommendations to businesses and individuals for financial planning and decision-making. They use a variety of methods including data analysis, trend analysis, and financial modelling to provide insights into financial performance and to support strategic decisions.
To become a financial analyst, you typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field. This is followed by gaining relevant work experience in finance or business. Pursuing additional certifications like the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation can also be beneficial for career advancement in this field.
For a career as a financial analyst, studying subjects such as finance, economics, accounting, business administration, and statistics is beneficial. These disciplines provide a strong foundation in understanding financial markets, business operations, financial statement analysis, and statistical methods which are crucial skills for a financial analyst. Additionally, gaining practical experience through internships or related work during one's studies can be advantageous.