University of Oxford
Oxford Alternative Investments Series
Increase your knowledge in alternative investments by learning about private markets, real estate, and algorithmic trading.
Series information
Start date
21 January 2026
Cohort-based learning
Group learning, expert guidance
18 weeks
Excluding orientation
English
Access resources from start date
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Programmes in this series
3 x programmes for 15% less
Register for this series
Start dates for each programme can be selected during the registration process.
Series overview
The expected annual growth in the alternative investment market from 2021 to 2026.
Preqin (2022).
“The sharpest business minds are drawn to fields like private equity and private credit, and it’s one of the most challenging and exciting areas in the financial world.” – Ludovic Phalippou, Programme Director
The Oxford Alternative Investments Series features three leading online programmes from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford and is a carefully curated learning journey for professionals who want to improve their overall alternative investment expertise. First, through the Oxford Private Markets Investments Programme, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the world of private markets. In the Oxford Real Estate Investment Programme, you’ll explore the impact of global trends and forces on commercial, residential, and sustainable real estate, enabling you to evaluate development and investment opportunities. Finally, the Oxford Algorithmic Trading Programme will teach you the principles that drive successful algorithmic trading strategies and hedge funds, and provide you with an introduction to financial theory and behavioural finance. By combining the skills learned in these three programmes, you'll be empowered to operate confidently within the evolving alternative market sector.
All the programmes in this series are certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or associated with, UK-based professional bodies. Combined, the programmes have an estimated 180 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on you. Oxford Saïd and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
Is this series for you?
This series is designed for trading and investment professionals, finance experts, and those keen to capitalise on career opportunities and stay competitive in the growing private markets sector. Individuals interested in transitioning into or disrupting the real estate market will also find the series valuable.
Series overview
Series overview
The Oxford Alternative Investments Series features three leading online programmes from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford and is a carefully curated learning journey for professionals who want to improve their overall alternative investment expertise. First, through the Oxford Private Markets Investments Programme, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the world of private markets. In the Oxford Real Estate Investment Programme, you’ll explore the impact of global trends and forces on commercial, residential, and sustainable real estate, enabling you to evaluate development and investment opportunities. Finally, the Oxford Algorithmic Trading Programme will teach you the principles that drive successful algorithmic trading strategies and hedge funds, and provide you with an introduction to financial theory and behavioural finance. By combining the skills learned in these three programmes, you'll be empowered to operate confidently within the evolving alternative market sector.
All the programmes in this series are certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or associated with, UK-based professional bodies. Combined, the programmes have an estimated 180 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on you. Oxford Saïd and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
Is this series for you?
This series is designed for trading and investment professionals, finance experts, and those keen to capitalise on career opportunities and stay competitive in the growing private markets sector. Individuals interested in transitioning into or disrupting the real estate market will also find the series valuable.
Get this course for your team
Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
Why choose a series?
This series is a curated learning path that lets you broaden your alternative investment expertise online. The three short programmes from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford are broken down into manageable, weekly modules designed to accelerate your learning process through various practical activities. You’ll also get to engage with a network of peers and expert faculty on relevant topics that will be key to your professional development.
Enjoy a flexible structure
Designed to provide maximum benefit in a timeframe that suits you best, this series features an interactive online learning model that allows you to study how and when you want. By choosing your preferred start date for each programme when you register, you’ll be able to complete the programmes according to a schedule that fits around your professional and personal obligations.
Discounted learning path
Payment Options
Programme 1: Oxford Private Markets Investments Programme
Gain an understanding of private markets and learn to leverage new opportunities in this specialised area.
Programme 2: Oxford Real Estate Investment Programme
Discover the megatrends and disruptions affecting occupier and capital markets, and enhance your investment portfolio’s durability amidst upcoming changes.
Programme 3: Oxford Algorithmic Trading Programme
Become proficient in executing personalised trading tactics and unravelling the complexities of algorithmic trading.
About the certificates
Grow your alternative investment knowledge and earn a certificate of attendance from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford for each programme in the series. Once the learning path is concluded, you'll receive an additional certificate as validation of your accomplishment.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with your digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the programme handbooks. The handbooks will be made available to you as soon as you begin each programme.
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Bundle payment options
You can pay your course fees before your first course starts, or you may opt for a three-part payment plan during your registration. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
