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Postgraduate Programme Specification

PgCert Quantitative Finance

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title PgCert Quantitative Finance Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Postgraduate Certificate
Programme Code FIN-PC-QF UCAS Code HECoS Code 100107 - Finance - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

--

Interview Required

--

Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Full Time - 1 Academic Year
Total Credits for Programme 60
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Queen's Business School

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Business and Management (2015)

Accreditations (PSRB)

No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

The Postgraduate Certificate in Finance is based on the University wide modular framework. The certificate will not be separated into different classes dependent on average marks

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance aims to:

•foster a stimulating and supportive learning environment which promotes intellectual, professional and personal development
•encourage critical thinking, independent enquiry, and an international outlook
•develop the skills necessary to undertake independent research and continuing professional development
•develop students' skills base, leadership capacity and connections with practice in ways which will enhance their ability to make valuable contributions to the economy and society
•promote engagement with issues of ethics, responsibility and sustainability, and maintain respect for social and cultural differences and openness, fairness, and equality of opportunity in relation to selection, learning, assessment, and support
•provide students with the opportunity to pursue appropriately demanding programmes of study focused on asset pricing, quantitative methods for finance, research
•methods in finance, computing and statistical skills for finance, trading and portfolio management, the pricing of derivatives and market microstructure, corporate finance

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Problem solve

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across the modules within the degree programme. The numerical and statistical components of the modules focus particularly on problem solving, logical reasoning and data management and analysis using statistical packages. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements in all modules. Self-assessment and reflection are developed by formative feedback particularly on tutorial presentations and within the group work assignments.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of cognitive skills, both summative and formative, occurs in the form of course homework, oral presentations, project work and class tests/exams.

Reason logically

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across the modules within the degree programme. The numerical and statistical components of the modules focus particularly on problem solving, logical reasoning and data management and analysis using statistical packages. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements in all modules. Self-assessment and reflection are developed by formative feedback particularly on tutorial presentations and within the group work assignments.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of cognitive skills, both summative and formative, occurs in the form of course homework, oral presentations, project work and class tests/exams.

Conduct independent enquiry

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across the modules within the degree programme. The numerical and statistical components of the modules focus particularly on problem solving, logical reasoning and data management and analysis using statistical packages. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements in all modules. Self-assessment and reflection are developed by formative feedback particularly on tutorial presentations and within the group work assignments.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of cognitive skills, both summative and formative, occurs in the form of course homework, oral presentations, project work and class tests/exams.

Critically evaluate and interpret

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across the modules within the degree programme. The numerical and statistical components of the modules focus particularly on problem solving, logical reasoning and data management and analysis using statistical packages. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements in all modules. Self-assessment and reflection are developed by formative feedback particularly on tutorial presentations and within the group work assignments.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of cognitive skills, both summative and formative, occurs in the form of course homework, oral presentations, project work and class tests/exams.

Self-assess and reflect

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across the modules within the degree programme. The numerical and statistical components of the modules focus particularly on problem solving, logical reasoning and data management and analysis using statistical packages. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements in all modules. Self-assessment and reflection are developed by formative feedback particularly on tutorial presentations and within the group work assignments.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of cognitive skills, both summative and formative, occurs in the form of course homework, oral presentations, project work and class tests/exams.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Organise and manage their time

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g., worked solutions and proofs, essays, Powerpoint presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation.

Synthesise and evaluate information/data from a variety of sources including from databases, books, journal articles and the internet

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g., worked solutions and proofs, essays, Powerpoint presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation.

Work both independently and in groups

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g., worked solutions and proofs, essays, Powerpoint presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation.

Make effective use of information technology including relevant subject-specific packages

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g., worked solutions and proofs, essays, Powerpoint presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation.

Communicate ideas in both written and presentational forms

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g., worked solutions and proofs, essays, Powerpoint presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation.

Confidently engage with the world of practice

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g., worked solutions and proofs, essays, Powerpoint presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Appreciate diversity and be capable of placing issues within their local and international contexts

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics.

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through structured exposition based on lectures, directed reading of academic journals which are particularly applied to student presentations and group projects, tutorials, computer-based laboratory work, group work, and private study.

Methods of Assessment

Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

Engage with issues around ethics, responsibility and sustainability

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics.

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through structured exposition based on lectures, directed reading of academic journals which are particularly applied to student presentations and group projects, tutorials, computer-based laboratory work, group work, and private study.

Methods of Assessment

Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

The theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of finance, information economics, and market structure

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics.

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through structured exposition based on lectures, directed reading of academic journals which are particularly applied to student presentations and group projects, tutorials, computer-based laboratory work, group work, and private study.

Methods of Assessment

Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

The fundamental principles of stochastic processes in finance and risk analysis

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics.

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through structured exposition based on lectures, directed reading of academic journals which are particularly applied to student presentations and group projects, tutorials, computer-based laboratory work, group work, and private study.

Methods of Assessment

Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

The evaluation and assessment of different types of financial risk

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics.

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through structured exposition based on lectures, directed reading of academic journals which are particularly applied to student presentations and group projects, tutorials, computer-based laboratory work, group work, and private study.

Methods of Assessment

Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

The evaluation, assessment and use of financial instruments to mitigate financial risk

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics.

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through structured exposition based on lectures, directed reading of academic journals which are particularly applied to student presentations and group projects, tutorials, computer-based laboratory work, group work, and private study.

Methods of Assessment

Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

The principles of asset pricing

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics.

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through structured exposition based on lectures, directed reading of academic journals which are particularly applied to student presentations and group projects, tutorials, computer-based laboratory work, group work, and private study.

Methods of Assessment

Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

The relevant computational, quantitative and statistical techniques

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics.

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through structured exposition based on lectures, directed reading of academic journals which are particularly applied to student presentations and group projects, tutorials, computer-based laboratory work, group work, and private study.

Methods of Assessment

Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

The key principles of algorithmic trading and investment

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics.

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through structured exposition based on lectures, directed reading of academic journals which are particularly applied to student presentations and group projects, tutorials, computer-based laboratory work, group work, and private study.

Methods of Assessment

Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

The ability to construct arguments and exercise problem solving skills in the context of theories of finance and risk management

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Mathematical skills, through problem solving, and computer application, are at the core of the work undertaken by a specialist in Quantitative Finance. Consequently, these are core elements in each semester of the degree and are built upon across modules and throughout the course of the programme. The economic and financial environment both influences and generates the work in which risk specialists are involved and therefore in these areas problem solving, data analysis and computer application skills are developed and built upon across modules. In addition, in the modules in these two areas, up-to-date finance, economic and risk related literature is integrated into the curriculum, with an important element being the ongoing development of the students’ ability to communicate, debate and critique this literature.

Methods of Assessment

Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules.

Formative assessment takes two main forms. First, weekly homework is aimed at promoting understanding, logic and accurate calculation. Secondly, weekly discussion of key theories and academic readings to develop understanding, logical argument and critical assessment.

Summative assessment also takes a variety of forms. In all modules end-of-term class tests/exams are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into all modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment is employed:-

(i)practical trading-room-based work in a range of modules;

(ii)a mixture of class tests/exams, group and individual presentations, essays and case investigations in the microstructure and stochastic processes modules.

The ability to use computer-based mathematical / statistical / econometric packages to analyse and evaluate relevant data

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Mathematical skills, through problem solving, and computer application, are at the core of the work undertaken by a specialist in Quantitative Finance. Consequently, these are core elements in each semester of the degree and are built upon across modules and throughout the course of the programme. The economic and financial environment both influences and generates the work in which risk specialists are involved and therefore in these areas problem solving, data analysis and computer application skills are developed and built upon across modules. In addition, in the modules in these two areas, up-to-date finance, economic and risk related literature is integrated into the curriculum, with an important element being the ongoing development of the students’ ability to communicate, debate and critique this literature.

Methods of Assessment

Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules.

Formative assessment takes two main forms. First, weekly homework is aimed at promoting understanding, logic and accurate calculation. Secondly, weekly discussion of key theories and academic readings to develop understanding, logical argument and critical assessment.

Summative assessment also takes a variety of forms. In all modules end-of-term class tests/exams are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into all modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment is employed:-

(i)practical trading-room-based work in a range of modules;

(ii)a mixture of class tests/exams, group and individual presentations, essays and case investigations in the microstructure and stochastic processes modules.

The ability to read and evaluate finance academic literature

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Mathematical skills, through problem solving, and computer application, are at the core of the work undertaken by a specialist in Quantitative Finance. Consequently, these are core elements in each semester of the degree and are built upon across modules and throughout the course of the programme. The economic and financial environment both influences and generates the work in which risk specialists are involved and therefore in these areas problem solving, data analysis and computer application skills are developed and built upon across modules. In addition, in the modules in these two areas, up-to-date finance, economic and risk related literature is integrated into the curriculum, with an important element being the ongoing development of the students’ ability to communicate, debate and critique this literature.

Methods of Assessment

Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules.

Formative assessment takes two main forms. First, weekly homework is aimed at promoting understanding, logic and accurate calculation. Secondly, weekly discussion of key theories and academic readings to develop understanding, logical argument and critical assessment.

Summative assessment also takes a variety of forms. In all modules end-of-term class tests/exams are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into all modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment is employed:-

(i)practical trading-room-based work in a range of modules;

(ii)a mixture of class tests/exams, group and individual presentations, essays and case investigations in the microstructure and stochastic processes modules.

The ability to appreciate, construct and analyse mathematical, statistical, financial and economic models of trading

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Mathematical skills, through problem solving, and computer application, are at the core of the work undertaken by a specialist in Quantitative Finance. Consequently, these are core elements in each semester of the degree and are built upon across modules and throughout the course of the programme. The economic and financial environment both influences and generates the work in which risk specialists are involved and therefore in these areas problem solving, data analysis and computer application skills are developed and built upon across modules. In addition, in the modules in these two areas, up-to-date finance, economic and risk related literature is integrated into the curriculum, with an important element being the ongoing development of the students’ ability to communicate, debate and critique this literature.

Methods of Assessment

Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules.

Formative assessment takes two main forms. First, weekly homework is aimed at promoting understanding, logic and accurate calculation. Secondly, weekly discussion of key theories and academic readings to develop understanding, logical argument and critical assessment.

Summative assessment also takes a variety of forms. In all modules end-of-term class tests/exams are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into all modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment is employed:-

(i)practical trading-room-based work in a range of modules;

(ii)a mixture of class tests/exams, group and individual presentations, essays and case investigations in the microstructure and stochastic processes modules.

The ability to understand the principles of computer programming

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Mathematical skills, through problem solving, and computer application, are at the core of the work undertaken by a specialist in Quantitative Finance. Consequently, these are core elements in each semester of the degree and are built upon across modules and throughout the course of the programme. The economic and financial environment both influences and generates the work in which risk specialists are involved and therefore in these areas problem solving, data analysis and computer application skills are developed and built upon across modules. In addition, in the modules in these two areas, up-to-date finance, economic and risk related literature is integrated into the curriculum, with an important element being the ongoing development of the students’ ability to communicate, debate and critique this literature.

Methods of Assessment

Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules.

Formative assessment takes two main forms. First, weekly homework is aimed at promoting understanding, logic and accurate calculation. Secondly, weekly discussion of key theories and academic readings to develop understanding, logical argument and critical assessment.

Summative assessment also takes a variety of forms. In all modules end-of-term class tests/exams are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into all modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment is employed:-

(i)practical trading-room-based work in a range of modules;

(ii)a mixture of class tests/exams, group and individual presentations, essays and case investigations in the microstructure and stochastic processes modules.

The ability to use the trading room and the Bloomberg database

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Mathematical skills, through problem solving, and computer application, are at the core of the work undertaken by a specialist in Quantitative Finance. Consequently, these are core elements in each semester of the degree and are built upon across modules and throughout the course of the programme. The economic and financial environment both influences and generates the work in which risk specialists are involved and therefore in these areas problem solving, data analysis and computer application skills are developed and built upon across modules. In addition, in the modules in these two areas, up-to-date finance, economic and risk related literature is integrated into the curriculum, with an important element being the ongoing development of the students’ ability to communicate, debate and critique this literature.

Methods of Assessment

Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules.

Formative assessment takes two main forms. First, weekly homework is aimed at promoting understanding, logic and accurate calculation. Secondly, weekly discussion of key theories and academic readings to develop understanding, logical argument and critical assessment.

Summative assessment also takes a variety of forms. In all modules end-of-term class tests/exams are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into all modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment is employed:-

(i)practical trading-room-based work in a range of modules;

(ii)a mixture of class tests/exams, group and individual presentations, essays and case investigations in the microstructure and stochastic processes modules.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Research Methods in Finance FIN9008 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N YES -- 30% 0% 70%
Computational Methods in Finance FIN7029 7 15 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Data Management MGT7178 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Asset Pricing FIN7026 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Corporate Finance FIN9005 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N -- YES 40% 0% 60%
Advanced Analytics & Machine Learning MGT7179 7 15 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Algorithmic Trading and Investment FIN7030 7 15 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Times-Series Financial Econometrics FIN7028 7 15 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Market Microstructure FIN7027 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%

Notes

Note: A minimum of 60 CATS points across any of the listed modules is required for the postgraduate certificate.