Infrastructure investment banking has become an increasingly important area within investment banking. With major infrastructure projects underway globally, banks are ramping up their teams to provide advisory and financing services. This article compares infrastructure investment banking courses offered by leading UK universities. We analyze course content, eligibility criteria, and career prospects for each program. Whether you are looking to break into infrastructure finance or transition from another field, these courses can provide the necessary skills and network.
University College London’s program focuses on infrastructure finance across sectors
The MSc in Infrastructure Investment and Finance from University College London (UCL) provides training across infrastructure sectors like transport, energy, digital infrastructure, and social infrastructure. The curriculum covers financial modeling, project analysis, infrastructure regulation policy, and sustainability considerations.
Applicants are expected to have an undergraduate degree in a relevant major like engineering, mathematics, economics etc. Work experience is valued but not mandatory if the academic profile is strong. The cohort has a diverse mix of backgrounds that allows for rich peer learning.
The course has an excellent reputation within banks active in infrastructure finance and placements are available at leading firms. Graduates may also consider infrastructure private equity funds, contractors, and multilateral agencies as career options.
Imperial College London’s course develops core finance skills for infrastructure banking
Imperial College London is globally recognized for its strength in technology and quantitative fields. The MSc Investment and Wealth Management program offers an 8-week module in infrastructure investment banking that blends finance, modeling, and policy content.
The module is suited for applicants with an engineering or economics background looking to transition into investment banking. Admissions are highly competitive and work experience can help differentiate your application.
Students have access to internships and jobs at London-based investment banks with dedicated infrastructure teams. The program also serves as strong preparation for infrastructure private equity roles.
The Leeds program has an emerging markets focus missing in other courses
The University of Leeds offers an MSc in Development Finance that incorporates key aspects of infrastructure banking in emerging economies. Through modules like ‘Infrastructure and Project Finance’ students gain expertise in areas like PPP models, developmental impact metrics, and multilateral agency assessments.
The program tends to attract students with experience in consulting, banking, infrastructure development etc. looking to specialize further. Admissions focus on strong academic ability, motivation, and evidence of personal achievement.
Graduates are well positioned for transaction advisory roles focused on emerging markets at investment banks and institutions like the IFC, EBRD etc. The curriculum also covers core fundamentals relevant for broader banking roles.
Warwick University provides a quantitative angle tailored to research roles
Warwick University is one of the top choices for a quantitative masters in the UK. Its MSc Finance and Economics program has an optional module in infrastructure finance for those interested in blending advanced analytical skills with project finance domain knowledge.
The admissions bar is very high and relevant internships, academic project work etc are key differentiators for your application if your grades are marginal. Applicants should have an affinity for programming languages like Matlab, Stata, Python etc.
The program is best suited for preparing graduates for project finance focused research roles at investment banks which involve devising analytical models, datasets, and tools.
Infrastructure investment banking is a expanding specialization given large unmet global capital needs and banks are building targeted recruiment programs. Relevant masters programs geared to infrastructure finance can significantly improve your prospects if you have the right background.