Professional Diploma in Investment Management

Interested?


Overview

  • CODE
    PDIM
  • FEES K7,000
  • LOCATION Online
  • CONTACTS
  • DATES

    Start: Semi- Annually Second week of January and Second week of July

Course Description

Background

With financial markets expanding both in Zambia and globally, investment management has become a critical skill for professionals and individuals alike. In Zambia, the growth of the Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE), government securities, pension reforms, and increased cross-border capital flows require professionals who can analyse, value, and manage investments effectively. Internationally, the rise of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing, Financial Technology (FinTech) and sustainable finance demands new competencies. This diploma bridges Zambian realities and global best practices, equipping Participants for today’s investment landscape.

Introduction

The Professional Diploma in Investment Management is a 6-month online qualification designed to provide Participants with practical, competence-based knowledge and skills in investment. While individuals and institutions tend to concentrate their wealth in real estate, this approach exposes investors to concentration risk. A modern investor needs to understand the value of a diversified portfolio that balances property holdings with equities, bonds, government securities, alternative assets, and international opportunities.

This program therefore equips Participants with skills in valuation, portfolio management, taxation, interest rates, inflation, risk management, ethics, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing, and Financial Technology (FinTech) innovations. It emphasizes hands-on application through Excel labs, case studies, and online simulations, preparing graduates for careers in banking, asset management, insurance, pension funds, and entrepreneurship. More importantly, it empowers participants to design and manage diversified portfolios that are resilient in the Zambian and global investment environment.

Aim

To equip Participants with practical skills and knowledge to analyse, value, and manage investments in Zambia and global financial markets.

Objectives

·        Analyse and evaluate investment opportunities using global and Zambian frameworks.

·        Apply valuation techniques for equities, bonds, and alternative assets.

·        Assess the impact of interest rates, inflation, and taxation on investment returns.

·        Construct and manage diversified portfolios using Excel and analytical tools.

·        Identify, measure, and manage investment risks, including through derivatives.

·        Apply ethical standards, governance, and regulatory compliance in investment practice.

·        Integrate ESG and sustainable finance principles in investment decisions.

·        Adapt to FinTech innovations and emerging global investment trends.

Target Group

·        Bankers, pension fund managers, insurance professionals, asset managers

·        Entrepreneurs and Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME) investing surplus funds

·        Regulators and policymakers

·        Postgraduate students and early-career professionals

·        Any individual interested in gaining investment knowledge and practical skills

Entry Requirements

•A functional laptop with Microsoft Excel

• Reliable internet connectivity (mandatory for online delivery)

Course Delivery

• Duration: 6 months (part-time)

 • Mode: Online (Zoom/Google Meet + Mulungushi eLearning Platform)

• Time: Weekdays 18:30 – 19:30 CAT

• Methods: Online lectures, Excel labs, case studies, quizzes, group simulations, final project

Qualification / Certification

Upon successful completion, candidates will be awarded a Professional Diploma in Investment Management by Mulungushi University. Certification requires passing continuous assessments and the final exam/project.

Assessment

1. Continuous Assessment (Assignments, Quizzes, Excel projects, Case studies): 60%
2.Final Exam: 40%


Course Outline


Course Content (Modules)

Module 1: Foundations of Investment

·        Investment environment (Zambia & global)

·        Risk–return trade-off and investor types

·        Time Value of Money refresher

·        Case study: Treasury Bills vs LuSE shares

Module 2: Valuation of Securities

·        Equity valuation (DCF, DDM, multiples)

·        Bond pricing, yield, duration, convexity

·        Valuation of real estate and alternatives

·        Excel lab: Pricing stocks and bonds

Module 3: Macroeconomic Drivers

·        Role of interest rates in asset pricing

·        Inflation and real vs nominal returns

·        Zambian taxation of investment income

·        Excel lab: After-tax and inflation-adjusted returns

Module 4: Portfolio Management

·        Modern Portfolio Theory & diversification

·        CAPM, Beta, WACC

·        Strategic vs tactical allocation

·        Excel lab: Portfolio construction (LuSE + global securities)

Module 5: Risk Management & Derivatives

·        Risk identification and measurement

·        Forwards, futures, options, swaps

·        Currency and interest rate hedging

·        Case study: Copper exporter hedging ZMW/USD

Module 6: Ethics, Governance & Regulation

·        CFA Code of Ethics, ZICA standards

·        LuSE regulations & compliance

·        Investor protection in Zambia

·        Online simulation: Investment ethics

Module 7: ESG & Sustainable Finance

·        Principles of ESG and sustainable investing

·        IFRS S1 & S2 sustainability standards

·        Green finance and Zambia’s ESG context

·        Case study: ESG evaluation of Zambeef/ZCCM-IH

Module 8: FinTech & Emerging Trends

·        Robo-advisors, AI-driven trading, blockchain

·        Cryptocurrencies and digital securities

·        Financial inclusion in Zambia via FinTech

·        Case study: Impact of FinTech on African markets