Financial Investment Principles (online)



Overview

Gain a clear, practical introduction to financial markets, investment strategies and how they interact with the wider economy. Designed for beginners and those looking to broaden or refresh their knowledge, this course helps you build the confidence to navigate core investment concepts and make more informed financial decisions. 

You’ll explore the fundamentals of how markets work, how investments are evaluated, and the different asset classes used to build portfolios. Through interactive sessions and real-world examples, you’ll cover: 

  • how risk and return shape investment decisions 

  • key market segments including bonds, equities, private markets and hedge funds 

  • portfolio construction, diversification and valuation techniques 

  • how macroeconomic factors and behavioural biases influence financial markets. 

The course is taught through presentations, group discussions and hands-on activities to reinforce your understanding. No technical background or specialist software is required, just an interest in how finance fits into the bigger picture. 

Dates, Times and Delivery 

This course runs over two weeks, from 12 - 22 January 2026, with online sessions delivered via Microsoft Teams.

There will be a combination of virtual presentations, interactive group work/discussions and hands-on application exercises.

Sessions will be held on Mondays and Thursdays from 7.00 - 8.30pm (UK time):

  • Monday 12 January

  • Thursday 15 January

  • Monday 19 January

  • Thursday 22 January

A world clock, and time zone converter can be found here: https://bit.ly/3bSPu6D 

This is a ‘virtual classroom’ course. 

To replicate the experience of a classroom, the sessions are ‘live’ and are not recorded. 

No in-person attendance at Oxford is required and you do not need to purchase any software.

Accessing Your Online Course 

Details about accessing the private MS Teams course site will be emailed to you during the week prior to the course commencing.  

Please get in touch if you have not received this information within three working days of the course start date. 

Programme details

Session 1: Introduction to financial markets and the investment process

  • Overview of financial markets and their functions
  • Introduction to the investment process and its key components
  • Understanding risk and return in investment decisions
  • Exploring different investment strategies and objectives

Session 2: Market segments and instruments

  • Overview of various market segments: money market, bond market, equity market, private markets, liquid alternatives, hedge funds, derivatives
  • Understanding the characteristics, risks and potential returns of each market segment and asset class
  • Exploring the role of each instrument in a diversified investment portfolio

Session 3: Portfolio construction, risk management and valuation

  • Analysing portfolio risk and return metrics
  • Exploring portfolio construction techniques and diversification strategies
  • Understanding attribution analysis and its role in evaluating portfolio performance
  • Introduction to fundamental analysis using financial ratios, relative value, macroeconomic and industry analysis
  • Discussion on valuation methods for stocks and bonds

Session 4: Financial markets, the wider economy and behavioral analysis

  • Examining the relationship between financial markets and macroeconomic factors
  • Understanding the impact of interest rates, economic growth, unemployment, and central bank policies on financial markets
  • Exploring the behavioral biases that affect investment decision-making
  • Introduction to technical analysis tools and indicators
  • Wrap-up and final Q&A

Certification

In order to be eligible for a certificate of attendance, you will need to attend the whole course. Participants who meet this criterion will be emailed after the end of the course with a link, and instructions on how to access their University of Oxford digital certificate.

The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will be able to download your certificate, as well as share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £535.00

Payment

Fees include electronic copies of course materials.

All courses are VAT exempt.

Register immediately online 

Click the 'Book now' button on this webpage. Payment by credit or debit card is required.

Request an invoice

If you require an invoice for your company or organisation, please email us to request an online enrolment form. Payment is then accepted online, by credit/debit card, or by bank transfer. 

Tutor

Konrad Kleinfeld

Konrad is a qualified banker, former derivatives trader and seasoned investment professional with over 20 years of industry experience in banking, capital markets and asset management. With his extensive background, he offers a unique perspective on both investment strategies and the needs of capital-seeking businesses and corporations in his engaging lectures and seminars. Konrad is currently Head of EMEA Sales for Fixed Income ETFs at one of the world's leading asset management firms. 

Prior to his current role, Konrad spent five years at BlackRock where he covered pension funds and larger German (multinational) corporations. Prior to joining BlackRock, he was a Vice President at Nomura International plc in London and Frankfurt, where he enjoyed a successful seven-year tenure. Konrad began his career as a corporate bond and credit derivatives trader, honing his skills and building a strong foundations in the financial industry. 

In addition to his professional achievements, Konrad is a dedicated part-time lecturer at two prestigious German business schools, where he teaches various aspects of finance and economics to both masters and undergraduate students. In addition, he had the privilege of being a summer school lecturer on finance and artificial intelligence (AI) at King's College London, University of London, from 2016 to 2018. Konrad also shares his expertise as a tutor at Oxford, focusing on topical issues in financial services and AI. 

Konrad's educational achievements include a BA in Banking, an Advanced Diploma in International Development from the University of Cambridge and an Executive MBA from Cass Business School, City, University of London. To further enhance his knowledge and expertise, he has obtained numerous financial certifications. His insights have been recognised and he has been quoted and interviewed by several prominent German TV and print media, including ARD, Tagesschau, n-tv, FAZ, DAF, Sueddeutsche and Handelsblatt.

Application

If you would like to discuss your application or any part of the application process before applying, please click on the 'Ask a question' button at the top of this page.

IT requirements

This course is delivered online using Microsoft Teams. You will be required to follow and implement the instructions we send you to fully access Microsoft Teams on the University of Oxford's secure IT network.

To participate you must be familiar with using a computer for purposes such as sending email and searching the Internet. You will also need regular access to the Internet and a computer meeting our recommended minimum computer specification.

It is advised to use headphones with working speakers and microphone.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support