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Programme Specification

MSc Finance

Academic Year 2025/26

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 MSc Finance Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master of Science in Finance
Programme Code FIN-MSC-FN UCAS Code HECoS Code 100107 - Finance - 100
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Full Time - 1 Academic Year
Total Credits for Programme 180
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/the-frameworks-for-higher-education-qualifications-of-uk-degree-awarding-bodies-2024.pdf

Finance (2019)

Accreditations (PSRB)

No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

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

Students will be offered a third attempt to pass modules from semester one and two, where the following criteria is met: • Module mark between 40-49 • A maximum of 30 CATS not passed on second attempt • Overall average for all taught modules above 50

Programme Specific Regulations

The information in this section must be read in conjunction with the University Calendar: General Regulations for Postgraduate Students

The programme consists of three compulsory modules, five optional modules and a dissertation or applied research project.

All candidates studying the programme will be required to undertake an intensive one-week non-credit-earning induction course which will introduce students to tools and techniques which they will be using throughout the programme - the FinTru Trading Room, Excel and Visual Basic, and Mathematics.

All candidates studying the programme are required to take and satisfactorily complete 120 credits of taught modules. Students are also required to successfully submit a dissertation or applied research project by the University’s determined date in September. The dissertation or applied research project contributes 60 credits.

Students must obtain at least 90 CATS from the programme's taught modules before progressing to the final project/ final dissertation/ third semester.

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 achieving the University’s mission statement, the MSc 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, money and banking, research methods in finance, corporate finance, trading and portfolio management, the pricing of derivatives and market microstructure

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

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

Critically evaluate and interpret financial theories

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 test/exam.

To analyze, interpret, and evaluate financial information through independent learning and 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 test/exam.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

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

Synthesise evidence to support decision making

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 information and construct evidence-based arguments.

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:

Apply computational, quantitative and statistical techniques to financial problems

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The MSc in Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon current thinking in asset pricing, money and banking, research methods in finance, corporate finance, international finance, 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.

Determine their professional, ethical, and social responsibilities.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The MSc in Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon current thinking in asset pricing, money and banking, research methods in finance, corporate finance, international finance, 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.

Discuss the economic, political, legal, regulatory, and social implications of global financial
markets

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The MSc in Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon current thinking in asset pricing, money and banking, research methods in finance, corporate finance, international finance, 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:

Demonstrate digital proficiency with financial databases and software.

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 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 financial 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 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 are used 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 the corporate finance, time series financial econometrics, and asset pricing based modules;

(ii)a mixture of class tests/exams, group and individual presentations, essays and case investigations in the microstructure, money and banking and corporate finance focused modules.

Construct arguments and solve problems in the context of finance

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 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 financial 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 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 are used 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 the corporate finance, time series financial econometrics, and asset pricing based modules;

(ii)a mixture of class tests/exams, group and individual presentations, essays and case investigations in the microstructure, money and banking and corporate finance focused modules.

Explain the function and operation of markets and institutions within the financial industry.

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 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 financial 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 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 are used 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 the corporate finance, time series financial econometrics, and asset pricing based modules;

(ii)a mixture of class tests/exams, group and individual presentations, essays and case investigations in the microstructure, money and banking and corporate finance focused modules.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Term

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Advanced Financial Data Analytics FIN7028 7 15 Spring 15 weeks N -- YES 50% 50% 0%
Financial Market Structure FIN7027 7 15 Autumn 15 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Financial Modelling in Python FIN7029 7 15 Spring 15 weeks N -- YES 30% 70% 0%
Applied Research Project FIN9100 7 60 Summer 15 weeks N YES -- 70% 30% 0%
Financial Mathematics FIN7035 7 15 Autumn 15 weeks N -- YES 0% 30% 70%
Asset Pricing FIN7026 7 15 Autumn 15 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Foundations of Risk Management FIN7021 7 15 Autumn 15 weeks N -- YES 40% 0% 60%
Dissertation - MSc Finance FIN9098 7 60 Summer 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Derivatives FIN9007 7 15 Spring 15 weeks N -- YES 40% 0% 60%
Money and Banking FIN9003 7 15 Spring 15 weeks N -- YES 40% 0% 60%
Corporate Finance FIN9005 7 15 Autumn 15 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Financial Data Analytics FIN9008 7 15 Autumn 15 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
International Finance FIN9004 7 15 Spring 15 weeks N -- YES 40% 0% 60%

Notes

Students must normally have successfully completed all taught courses of at least 90 CATS before progressing to the applied research project/ dissertation stage of the programme.