Investment Terminology Program
Learn the language of finance through practical application and real-world scenarios
Financial markets speak their own language. And honestly, it can feel overwhelming when you're starting out. You hear terms like "basis points" or "yield curve" and wonder if everyone else just memorized a dictionary. But here's what we've learned after years of teaching this stuff: understanding investment terminology isn't about rote memorization. It's about context, application, and seeing how these concepts actually work in practice.
Our program runs over eight months, starting in September 2025. We've designed it for working professionals who want to build genuine fluency in investment terminology without sacrificing their current careers. The schedule is flexible because we know life happens.
Get Program DetailsYour Learning Journey
Common questions organized by where you are in the process
Before You Start
Do I need finance experience?
Not at all. We start with fundamental concepts and build from there. Some participants come from banking backgrounds, others from completely different fields. What matters is curiosity and willingness to engage with the material.
Before You Start
How much time should I expect to invest?
Plan for about 6-8 hours weekly. That includes live sessions, reading, and practice exercises. Some weeks are lighter, others more intensive depending on the topic complexity.
During Program
What if I fall behind?
All sessions are recorded and materials stay accessible. We also run periodic catch-up workshops where you can ask questions about earlier content. Life gets busy and we've built flexibility into the program structure.
During Program
How does practical application work?
We use real market scenarios and case studies throughout. You'll analyze actual investment reports, review financial statements, and work through scenarios similar to what professionals encounter daily.
After Completion
What comes next?
You'll have built a solid foundation in investment terminology that applies across various finance roles. Many participants use this knowledge to transition into different positions or enhance their current work.
Ongoing Support
Can I access materials after graduating?
Yes, indefinitely. We also send quarterly updates when there are significant changes in terminology or market practices. The finance world evolves and we want you to stay current.
Program Structure
Four progressive phases building from fundamentals to advanced concepts
We've broken the program into four distinct phases. Each builds on the previous one, but they're designed so you can take breaks between phases if needed. Some people move through quickly, others prefer to really digest each section before continuing.
Market Fundamentals
Start with the basics: equity, debt, derivatives. We cover what these instruments actually are and why they exist. You'll learn to read basic financial statements and understand how different markets connect.
Valuation Language
This phase focuses on how investments are valued and compared. Ratios, multiples, yield calculations. We spend time on what these numbers actually tell you and when they're useful versus misleading.
Risk and Return Concepts
How do professionals think about and measure risk? We cover volatility, correlation, diversification. You'll work through real portfolio scenarios and see how these concepts apply in practice.
Advanced Topics
Alternative investments, structured products, market microstructure. These are more specialized areas, but they come up frequently in investment discussions. We give you enough context to follow conversations and know when to dig deeper.
Your Instructors
Our teaching team brings practical experience from different corners of the finance world. They've worked in asset management, investment banking, and financial analysis. More importantly, they remember what it's like to be confused by this terminology and they're good at explaining it clearly.
Alrik Vestergaard
Lead Instructor
Spent 12 years in portfolio management before switching to education. Specializes in making complex valuation concepts accessible and practical.
Sidony Beaufort
Fixed Income Specialist
Worked in bond trading and credit analysis. Teaches the debt markets and derivatives portions with real examples from her trading floor experience.
Nerida Thorburn
Risk Management Focus
Background in quantitative analysis and risk modeling. Covers statistical concepts and helps students understand how risk metrics are actually calculated and used.
Next Cohort Starts September 2025
We're currently accepting applications for our autumn 2025 program. Classes begin September 8th and run through April 2026. Live sessions happen Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with weekend workshops once monthly.
Application deadline: July 31,
2025
Program dates: September 8,
2025 - April 30, 2026
Format: Live online sessions
with recorded access
Space is limited to 35 participants to maintain quality interaction and personalized feedback. We typically receive more applications than spots available.