Name of Programme
MSc Finance and Investment
Final Award
MSc
Location
³Ô¹ÏÍø
Awarding Institution/Body
University Of ³Ô¹ÏÍø
Teaching Institution
University Of ³Ô¹ÏÍø
School of Study
School of Business [Accounting and Finance]
Programme Code(s)
PMSF1PFI / Full Time / 1 Year
Professional Body Accreditation
Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement (SBS)
QAA: Masters Business and Management
Admission Criteria
2:2 (Hons) degree or equivalent or/and relevant finance, accounting or business experience. IELTS - 6.5 (minimum 6.5 in the reading and writing component)
Applicable Cohort(s)
September 2023 Onwards
FHEQ Level
7
UCAS Code
Summary of Programme
The MSc in Finance and Investment is a comprehensive and rigorous study in key areas of finance and investment. It is designed for graduates interested in following a career in the finance, investment analysis, portfolio management, or even conducting research at a postgraduate level. The programme is designed to deliver financial expertise with particular emphasis in understanding the discipline of finance and investment in line with the Certificate of Financial Analyst (CFA) Level I syllabus. Both theoretical foundations and practice applications are provided in both of these areas. The programme is structured so that students’ progress from 6 core modules and then concluded with a dissertation.
Educational Aims of the Programme
The general aims of the programme are:

 to provide intellectual appreciation in finance and investment and its application appropriate to postgraduate level;
 to stimulate students intellectually through the study of finance and investment and to lead them to appreciate at the postgraduate level its application to a range of problems and its relevance in a variety of contexts, including in practice;
 to develop in students the ability to apply the advanced knowledge, research methods and skills they have acquired to the solution of theoretical and/or applied problems in financial and investment corporate policies of organisation;
 to equip students with advanced tools of analysis to tackle issues and problems in the finance and investment sector;
 to prepare students to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline of finance and investment;
 to provide students with analytical skills and an ability to develop simplifying frameworks for studying the real world and to be able to appreciate the relevance of ethical and accountability of financial and investment decision:
Programme Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

1. The core and advanced principles, theories and models relevant to finance and investment.
2. The role of the main stakeholders and their influences towards ethics and accountability within the field of finance and investment.
3. Mathematical, statistical and econometric techniques to analyse relevant information and data.
4. Problem recognition and alternative solutions, as well as their implications, by adapting and applying finance and investment analysis to real world situations.
5. Data generating processes and confidence in organising and analysing data using statistical packages

Teaching/Learning Strategy

The learning and teaching strategies employed in this programme aim to develop the core theories and principles of finance and investment and the integration of different elements of knowledge and understanding. Core knowledge and understanding (in all areas) is acquired through formal lectures, tutorials / seminars and workshops, as well as group working and guided independent study. An ethos of close staff/student interaction, as well as independent learning, progresses the learning process to a more advanced stage.
For additional and advanced learning, knowledge is also gained through seminars by visiting industry experts and guests lecturers. The individual dissertation will provide an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge and will be supported through regular meetings with academic supervisors.

Assessment Strategy

The core disciplines taught through the formal lecture, tutorials / seminar and workshop programme are assessed through coursework, group and individual projects and presentations and examinations. Formal examinations enable students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of course material as well as their ability to construct a clear / concise reasoned argument and analysis of the issues in question in a limited period of time. Individual and group research-based assignments enable students to integrate theory and practice and to provide constructive and explicit coverage of key issues. The project paper will be examined by both a written work. Weightings (course / project work to examinations) vary from course to course at the discretion of the lecturers and will be made explicit to students on each course specification document.
Programme Outcomes

Cognitive Skills

1. Critically analyse and interpret financial and non-financial information.
2. Critique the relevant and complex theories and issues in the field of finance and investment
3. Apply the relevant theories and/or theoretical models to practical problems & situations and present informed arguments on strengths and weaknesses of the theories and theoretical models used;
4. Identify and develop an area of research in topical issues in finance and investment
5. Model the major areas of finance and investment decision making use of quantitative information

Teaching/Learning Strategy

Cognitive skills in areas 1-5 are promoted via lectures, tutorials / seminars and workshops, individual and group research-based assignments, independent study, case studies and classroom management exercises.

Assessment Strategy

Cognitive skills in areas 1-5 are assessed by coursework, examinations and group and individual projects and presentations.
Programme Outcomes

Practical/Transferable Skills

1. Demonstrate numeracy, computing and statistical skills for structured and unstructured finance and investment problems
2. Retrieve financial and non-financial information from a range of different sources including electronic databases;
3. Plan and manage time and learning process
4. Plan, design and execute a sustained piece of research using appropriate methodologies

Teaching/Learning Strategy

Date management skills and communication skills are developed throughout the programme. Role-play exercises, case studies, and individual and group presentations facilitate the development of communication, interpersonal skills, time management and team working.

Assessment Strategy

Assessment of key skills 1-4 is via written coursework, individual and group presentations and examinations.
External Reference Points
• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications ();
• Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement(s) ();
• Other (list)
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Date of Production
Date approved by School Learning and Teaching Committee
Date approved by School Board of Study
Date approved by University Learning and Teaching Committee
Date of Annual Review

 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURES

MSc Finance and Investment

PMSF1PFI / Full Time / January Entry
Term 1
Winter
Financial Reporting & Analysis [L7/30U] (BPFFRAA)
Financial Analysis and Portfolio Modelling [L7/30U] (BPFFAP1)
Term 2
Spring
Financial Reporting & Analysis [L7/30U] (BPFFRAA)
(Continued)
Empirical Techniques in Finance (I & II) [L7/30U] (BPFETIF)
June Examination
Term 3
Summer
MSc Dissertation [L7/45U] (BPFDIS2)
Economic Analysis [L7/15U] (BPFECAN)
Term 4
Autumn
MSc Dissertation [L7/45U] (BPFDIS2)
(Continued)
Derivatives and Financial Risk Management [L7/15U] (BPFDFR7)
Ethical & Professional Standards [L7/15U] (BPFETPS)
September Examination

 

MSc Finance and Investment

PMSF1PFI / Full Time / September Entry
Term 1
Autumn
Derivatives and Financial Risk Management [L7/15U] (BPFDFR7)
Ethical & Professional Standards [L7/15U] (BPFETPS)
December Examination
Term 2
Winter
Financial Reporting & Analysis [L7/30U] (BPFFRAA)
Financial Analysis and Portfolio Modelling [L7/30U] (BPFFAP1)
Term 3
Spring
Financial Reporting & Analysis [L7/30U] (BPFFRAA)
(Continued)
MSc Dissertation [L7/45U] (BPFDIS2)
Empirical Techniques in Finance (I & II) [L7/30U] (BPFETIF)
June Examination
Term 4
Summer
Economic Analysis [L7/15U] (BPFECAN)
MSc Dissertation [L7/45U] (BPFDIS2)
(Continued)