Financial Research Methods Program

Build practical skills in analysing market data, interpreting economic indicators, and applying research frameworks that actually matter in Australian finance roles.

Next intake: July 2026

Four Learning Pathways

We've structured the program around different career focuses. Some people need quantitative skills, others want to understand regulatory frameworks better. Pick what matches where you're headed.

1

Market Analysis Fundamentals

Start with reading financial statements, understanding ratios, and interpreting market movements. This pathway covers the basics that every analyst needs before specialising. You'll work with real ASX data and learn to spot patterns that matter.

12 weeks · Foundation level
2

Quantitative Research Methods

Focus on statistical analysis, regression models, and data visualisation. This one's for people comfortable with numbers who want to build forecasting skills. We use Python and R because that's what most finance teams actually use.

16 weeks · Intermediate level
3

Regulatory & Compliance Research

Understand ASIC requirements, disclosure standards, and how to research regulatory changes. Particularly relevant if you're working in compliance or risk assessment roles within Australian financial institutions.

10 weeks · Specialised focus
4

Portfolio Research & Strategy

Learn how investment managers actually build and assess portfolios. Covers asset allocation research, risk metrics, and how to evaluate investment strategies using historical performance data.

14 weeks · Advanced application

Which Pathway Fits You?

Answer these questions to find the right starting point. There's no wrong choice—just different focus areas.

What's your current role or goal?

I'm new to finance and need foundational skills
I work in compliance or risk management
I want to strengthen my data analysis capabilities
I'm moving into portfolio management or advisory

How comfortable are you with statistics?

I prefer avoiding heavy math if possible
I'm okay with basic calculations and ratios
I'm comfortable with regression and modelling

What type of output interests you most?

Written reports and regulatory documentation
Data visualisations and trend analysis
Investment recommendations and strategy papers

Who You'll Learn From

Our instructors work in the field. They're not career teachers—they're analysts, researchers, and portfolio managers who know what skills actually get used day-to-day.

Freja Lindqvist teaching financial research methods

Freja Lindqvist

Market Analysis & Quantitative Methods

Freja spent eight years analysing equities for a Sydney-based fund before shifting to education. She teaches the quantitative pathway and focuses on practical applications of statistical methods in market research.

Mirela Vasic leading regulatory research workshops

Mirela Vasic

Regulatory Research & Compliance

Mirela worked in compliance roles at two major Australian banks and now consults on regulatory change management. She brings real-world scenarios into the compliance research pathway.

What Each Pathway Covers

Here's a breakdown of core topics across the four pathways so you can see where there's overlap and where they diverge.

Topic Area Foundation Quantitative Regulatory Portfolio
Financial Statement Analysis Core focus Brief review Applied context
Statistical Modelling Core focus Risk metrics
ASIC Regulations Introduction Core focus Disclosure rules
Data Visualisation Basic charts Advanced tools Performance reports
Portfolio Construction Core focus
Economic Indicators Core focus Forecasting models Policy impact Market implications
Research Report Writing Core focus Technical reports Compliance docs Investment memos
Students analysing financial data during workshop session

Practical Application Focus

Every pathway includes hands-on projects using real market data from Australian companies. You'll work through case studies based on actual research scenarios—not textbook examples.

Sessions run in the evenings and on weekends, so you can keep your day job while building new skills. Classes are small, usually around 15 people, which means you actually get feedback on your work.

By the end of your pathway, you'll have portfolio pieces you can show employers. Most participants tell us the applied projects helped them explain their capabilities better in job interviews.