Practical Investment Skills for Real Markets
Most people start investing with more hope than strategy. We've seen this pattern repeat itself—eager individuals jump into markets without understanding how to evaluate risk or read financial statements. And honestly? The early mistakes can be expensive.
Our autumn 2025 programme takes a different approach. Instead of overwhelming you with theory, we focus on the analytical frameworks professional investors actually use. You'll learn to dissect company financials, spot warning signs in market trends, and build portfolios that align with your actual risk tolerance.
This isn't about getting rich quickly. It's about developing the competence to make informed decisions with your money. The kind of skills that compound over years, not weeks.
What You'll Actually Learn
Six modules spread across twelve weeks. Each one builds on what came before, so by the end you'll have a complete toolkit for analysing investments.
Reading Financial Statements
Balance sheets and income statements aren't as intimidating as they look. We'll show you what numbers matter and which ones companies use to distract you from problems.
Valuation Methods
How much is a company actually worth? You'll learn multiple approaches to valuation and when each one makes sense to use in real analysis situations.
Risk Assessment
Understanding what can go wrong matters more than predicting what will go right. This module covers how to identify and quantify different types of investment risk.
Portfolio Construction
Diversification isn't just buying lots of different stocks. Learn how to build portfolios that actually reduce risk while maintaining growth potential.
Market Analysis
Technical and fundamental analysis both have their place. We'll cover when to use each approach and how to combine them for better decision-making.
Strategy Development
Taking everything you've learned and creating a personal investment approach that fits your goals, timeline, and comfort with risk.
Callum Brennan
Equity Analysis
Spent eight years analysing technology and healthcare stocks for institutional investors. Now focuses on teaching others to spot quality companies before the market catches on.
Sienna Thorne
Portfolio Management
Former advisory portfolio manager who specialized in helping clients navigate volatile markets. Believes most people can learn to manage their own investments with proper guidance.
Desmond Voss
Risk Analysis
Worked in risk management during the 2008 crisis and learned firsthand what happens when risk models fail. Teaches practical risk assessment beyond spreadsheet calculations.
Margot Fincham
Financial Statements
Forensic accountant turned educator who can decode the most complex financial reports. Specializes in finding the story companies don't want you to see in their numbers.
September 2025 Programme Details
Classes start the second week of September and run through late November. We meet twice weekly for three-hour sessions—one lecture-based class and one workshop where you'll apply what you've learned.
You'll need about five hours per week outside of class for reading and assignments. The workload is manageable if you're employed full-time, but you do need to commit to the schedule.
Programme Structure
- Twelve weeks of instruction and practice
- Maximum cohort size of eighteen students
- Evening sessions designed for working professionals
- Access to financial analysis software and data sources
- Final project analysing a real company of your choice