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Postgraduate Programme Specification

PgDip Risk & Investment Management

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 PgDip Risk & Investment Management Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Postgraduate Diploma
Programme Code MGT-PD-IM UCAS Code HECoS Code 100835 - Financial risk - 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 120
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

Accreditations (PSRB)

Professional Risk Managers

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 01-09-12

GARP

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 03-03-14

Regulation Information

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

No

Programme Specific Regulations

The Postgraduate Diploma in Risk & Investment Management is based on the University wide modular framework. The class of diploma awarded to the student (Fail, Pass, Commendation and Distinction) is based on his or her performance in 8 modules. Module marks are combined over the first and second semesters and are used to produce an aggregate mark. Marking is based on University agreed marking scale.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

Within the context of striving towards the University’s mission statement, the Postgraduate Diploma in Risk and Investment Management 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, research methods in finance, corporate finance, financial regulations and risk management, time series financial econometrics, the pricing of derivatives and credit risk management

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 examinations.

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 examinations.

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 examinations.

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 examinations.

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 examinations.

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, presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation or applied research project 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, presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation or applied research project 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, presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation or applied research project 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, presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation or applied research project 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, presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation or applied research project 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, presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation or applied research project 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 Diploma in Risk and Investment Management follows a structured curriculum based upon current thinking in asset pricing, research methods in finance, corporate finance, derivatives, time-series financial econometrics, financial regulation and risk management as well as credit risk management.

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

Examinations, individual and group projects, 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 Diploma in Risk and Investment Management follows a structured curriculum based upon current thinking in asset pricing, research methods in finance, corporate finance, derivatives, time-series financial econometrics, financial regulation and risk management as well as credit risk management.

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

Examinations, individual and group projects, oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

The theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of risk management and financial regulation.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Postgraduate Diploma in Risk and Investment Management follows a structured curriculum based upon current thinking in asset pricing, research methods in finance, corporate finance, derivatives, time-series financial econometrics, financial regulation and risk management as well as credit risk management.

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

Examinations, individual and group projects, oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

The fundamental principles of stochastic processes and time series econometrics in financial regulations and risk analysis

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Postgraduate Diploma in Risk and Investment Management follows a structured curriculum based upon current thinking in asset pricing, research methods in finance, corporate finance, derivatives, time-series financial econometrics, financial regulation and risk management as well as credit risk management.

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

Examinations, individual and group projects, 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 Diploma in Risk and Investment Management follows a structured curriculum based upon current thinking in asset pricing, research methods in finance, corporate finance, derivatives, time-series financial econometrics, financial regulation and risk management as well as credit risk management.

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

Examinations, individual and group projects, 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 Diploma in Risk and Investment Management follows a structured curriculum based upon current thinking in asset pricing, research methods in finance, corporate finance, derivatives, time-series financial econometrics, financial regulation and risk management as well as credit risk management.

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

Examinations, individual and group projects, oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning.

The principles of asset pricing and derivatives

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Postgraduate Diploma in Risk and Investment Management follows a structured curriculum based upon current thinking in asset pricing, research methods in finance, corporate finance, derivatives, time-series financial econometrics, financial regulation and risk management as well as credit risk management.

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

Examinations, individual and group projects, 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 Diploma in Risk and Investment Management follows a structured curriculum based upon current thinking in asset pricing, research methods in finance, corporate finance, derivatives, time-series financial econometrics, financial regulation and risk management as well as credit risk management.

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

Examinations, individual and group projects, 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 specialists in financial regulation and risk management. 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, 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 modules.

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

Summative assessment also takes a variety of forms. End-of-term examinations are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment is employed:-

(i)practical Trading-Room-based;

(ii)a mixture of class tests, presentations, essays and case investigations.

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 specialists in financial regulation and risk management. 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, 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 modules.

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

Summative assessment also takes a variety of forms. End-of-term examinations are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment is employed:-

(i)practical Trading-Room-based;

(ii)a mixture of class tests, presentations, essays and case investigations.

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 specialists in financial regulation and risk management. 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, 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 modules.

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

Summative assessment also takes a variety of forms. End-of-term examinations are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment is employed:-

(i)practical Trading-Room-based;

(ii)a mixture of class tests, presentations, essays and case investigations.

The ability to appreciate, construct and analyse mathematical, statistical, financial and economic models 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 specialists in financial regulation and risk management. 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, 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 modules.

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

Summative assessment also takes a variety of forms. End-of-term examinations are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment is employed:-

(i)practical Trading-Room-based;

(ii)a mixture of class tests, presentations, essays and case investigations.

The ability to use Excel and Visual Basic

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Mathematical skills, through problem solving, and computer application, are at the core of the work undertaken by specialists in financial regulation and risk management. 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, 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 modules.

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

Summative assessment also takes a variety of forms. End-of-term examinations are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment is employed:-

(i)practical Trading-Room-based;

(ii)a mixture of class tests, presentations, essays and case investigations.

The ability to use the Trading Room and the Bloomberg platform

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Mathematical skills, through problem solving, and computer application, are at the core of the work undertaken by specialists in financial regulation and risk management. 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, 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 modules.

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

Summative assessment also takes a variety of forms. End-of-term examinations are used to gauge and assess understanding and the acquisition of knowledge. Cumulative assessment is also built into modules to assess ongoing understanding. A variety of forms of cumulative assessment is employed:-

(i)practical Trading-Room-based;

(ii)a mixture of class tests, presentations, essays and case investigations.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Asset Pricing FIN7026 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Research Methods in Finance FIN9008 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N YES -- 30% 0% 70%
Credit Risk Management FIN7022 7 15 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Corporate Finance FIN9005 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Times-Series Financial Econometrics FIN7028 7 15 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Financial Regulation and Risk Management FIN7021 7 15 YES -- 15 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Enterprise Risk Management & Risk Analytics FIN7031 7 15 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Derivatives FIN9007 7 15 -- YES 15 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%

Notes

No notes found.