Build a Foundation in Investment Theory
Our structured programme walks you through the fundamentals of portfolio construction, risk assessment, and market analysis. Starting September 2025 in Rathdowney, this six-month course offers practical insights into how investment decisions actually work.
Get Programme DetailsLearning That Makes Sense
Most people find investment theory confusing because it's taught in abstract terms. We've built something different here—a programme that connects concepts to real market behaviour.
Each session covers one core principle, then shows you how professionals apply it. You'll work through case studies from Irish and international markets, seeing how theory translates into actual investment choices.
The format is straightforward: two evening sessions per week, plus independent study time. Expect around eight hours weekly commitment. And you'll have access to a small library of resources we've gathered over the years—books, research papers, market reports that actually explain things clearly.
Who's Teaching This
Two practitioners who've spent years navigating markets and explaining complex ideas in plain language. They bring different perspectives but share the same approach: clear explanations without the jargon.
Colm Whelan
Portfolio Strategy Instructor
Spent twelve years managing pension fund allocations before transitioning to education. Colm focuses on the mechanics of asset allocation and how institutional investors actually make decisions. His sessions tend to be detailed but surprisingly practical.
Henrik Bergström
Risk Analysis Instructor
Originally from Gothenburg, Henrik worked in quantitative research for a Dublin-based investment firm before joining us in 2023. He handles the more technical aspects—volatility measurement, correlation analysis—but explains them through real examples rather than formulas.
What We'll Cover
Months 1-2: Market Fundamentals
September - October 2025
How different asset classes behave. Why prices move the way they do. Understanding market efficiency and its limitations. You'll look at historical patterns and learn to read basic market indicators without getting lost in technical details.
Months 3-4: Portfolio Construction
November - December 2025
Building diversified portfolios that match specific objectives. Risk measurement beyond simple volatility. The role of correlation in portfolio behaviour. We'll work through practical examples, including common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Months 5-6: Valuation and Analysis
January - February 2026
How professionals evaluate investment opportunities. Reading financial statements properly. Understanding valuation methods and their assumptions. The final weeks include a group project where you'll analyse a real company and present your findings.
What Previous Participants Say
"I came in knowing almost nothing about investment theory. Six months later, I can actually understand what's happening in financial news and make sense of market commentary. The instructors never made me feel foolish for asking basic questions, which made all the difference."
Completed Programme in March 2024