Finance MBus

Modules

• Semesters one and two

  The below modules are studied in the first two semesters of the course and aim to cover a broad foundation of knowledge in financial theory and the nature of international financial institutions. More specific topics are also covered, currently including financial technology, an area which is seeing increasing investment and career opportunities. You will also undertake a module focused on employability, Employability Skills in Finance as well as a focused module designed to support your presentation and report writing skills in English, Academic English for Finance. All modules on this course are mandatory.

  International Banking and Financial Institutions - 20 credits

  This module aims to provide a thorough understanding of the financial underpinnings of banking and other financial institutions, including insurance companies, fund managers, and securities firms. It will cover a range of topics concerning their roles, structure, and functions. This module will also examine the relationship between business models, balance sheet structures, and the creation of financial risks. Students will also appreciate current issues in banking and financial institutions, which should enhance their employability in the finance sector. 

  Financial Theory - 20 credits

  This module aims to further develop student’s understanding in the key concepts in finance. Students will learn about the function of capital markets, the relationship between risk and return and how to price a variety of financial assets.

  Employability Skills in Finance - 10 credits

  The aim of this module is to develop in students a range of key skills necessary for their learning, research and intercultural communication during their study of a top up programme on Banking and Finance. This module will enable students to actively pursue their academic development and will also lead to greater confidence in their broader lives, thereby allowing them to make the most of their overseas experience. Intercultural communication skills are recognised as valuable assets in the world of expanding global business. This module will help students develop a range of intercultural competences to work effectively with diverse teams to enhance opportunities for future careers or further study. The module relates to the students’ overall academic study. Students are required to demonstrate skills to reflect on their progress on the course. 

  Academic English for Finance - 10 credits

  This module helps international students to further develop their English language knowledge and skills, in the areas of finance, banking and investment to a level where they can operate effectively and independently. This is achieved in a context where the language is used for the study of finance, banking and investment. The emphasis is on developing practical reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support the study of finance courses at the university. This module will involve activities and tasks designed to increase the range and effectiveness of students’ use of language and the development of study and communication skills in a professional and academic context. 

  Corporate Reporting and Analysis - 20 credits

  This module builds on the existing financial accounting knowledge of students. The module focuses primarily on the preparation and analysis of published financial statements by public limited companies. It aims to introduce students to some of the key International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS’s). Enabling them to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and apply a number of IFRS’s and accounting theory in the preparation of the published financial statements of entities, including a simple group. Students will also develop the skills necessary to critically analyse and interpret these financial statements and become aware of their limitations. 

  Analysis of Investments - 20 credits

  The module focuses on the bond and equity markets. Students will evaluate and apply advanced bond pricing techniques along with bond portfolio managements and the associated risk immunisation methodologies. In respect to equity valuation, students will compare and contrast discounted cash flow methods with fundamental valuation approaches associated with approaches such as value investing and growth investing. Market timing is also explored through the application of technical analysis. 

  Financial Technology - 20 credits

  The aim of this module is to provide a rigorous introduction to Financial Technology (FinTech). The module reviews the history and development of FinTech and discusses how FinTech is transforming financial institutions and the finance and business sectors more broadly. The module provides an overview of the application of innovative technologies within finance such as big data and analytics, AI and machine learning, cloud computing, blockchain, and mobile banking. The module also discusses alternative finance such as cryptocurrencies, peer to peer lending and crowdfunding. In addition, regulation and governance of Fintech and some specific industry applications are examined and evaluated. 

  Compulsory

• Semester three and four

  The below modules, studied over the final two semesters of the course, provide the opportunity for a deeper insight into specialist areas of importance for finance. These areas can include derivatives, risk management, and the importance of appropriate corporate governance within the financial sector. You will also be expected to conduct a Project in Finance, which will focus on a contemporary financial topic of interest to you. All modules on this course are mandatory.   

  Business Strategy - 15 credits

  Business Strategy aims to provide a firm foundation for understanding the overall direction of organisations, including how they grow, how they innovate, how they change, and how they compete in an extremely competitive business environment. This module also aims to the link corporate and financial strategy. It will therefore explore the techniques of strategic and financial analysis and evaluation available to companies, aiming to develop their strategic options, choices and business performance. 

  Derivatives - 15 credits

  Over the last few decades derivatives markets have grown exponentially to become the largest financial asset class in the World, far exceeding the combined value of both bond and equity markets. This type of financial instrument forms one of the standard financial asset classes, and a high level of understanding of derivatives products and derivatives markets is essential for all finance professionals. 

  Quantitative Methods - 15 credits

  This module will cover some of the quantitative techniques commonly used by financial analysts, economists, accountants as well as individual investors. The aim is to give students the basic grounding in econometric methods used in the analysis of quantitative data. The module will primarily focus on the statistical techniques of estimation, hypothesis testing and modelling using economic and financial data.

  Governance, Accountability and Ethics - 15 credits

  The aim of this module is to provide students with a framework to examine the key issues in corporate governance. These include underlying corporate governance theory and associated reporting and regulation, the role of monitors and issues of independence and ethics. It will also develop students’ ability to critically appraise relevant academic literature and current issues and integrate and synthesise topics in order to participate in current debates and suggest potential insights for development. 

  International Risk Management - 15 credits

  The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the international aspect of risk management faced on a day to day basis by modern MNCs and especially those of political, financial, operational and regulatory nature. Particular attention and detailed coverage will be placed on the ideas and tools used in identifying exposure to risk inherent in corporate functions such as international trade and money transactions, corporate financing and finally international investment/expansion decisions.

  Institutional Investments - 15 credits

  After successfully pursuing this module students should have knowledge of particular institutional investments and their relative merits from the perspective of retail investors. They should have an overview of the role of institutional investments in the economy in general, and personal financial planning in particular. They should have insights into the operation and management of institutional investments, and the specific types of investment fund available.

  Project in Finance -30 credits

  In this module students will carry out a substantive piece of independent research into a business issue relevant to their course of study. Students will be expected to draw upon the knowledge acquired, and the intellectual, technical and analytical skills developed throughout their course. To equip students with the additional research skills required to successfully execute the research, they will be supported by a series of workshops on research methods. Students will be supported in this module through a series of group supervisions, and will be allocated a project supervisor.

  Compulsory