MSc (T) Finance
Academic Year 2017/18
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 and Enhancement processes as set out in the DASA Policies and Procedures Manual.
Programme Title |
MSc (T) Finance |
Final Award |
Master of Science in Finance |
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Programme Code |
FIN-MSC-FN |
UCAS Code |
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JACS Code |
N300 (DESCR) 100 |
Criteria for Admissions Candidates will normally be expected to have an undergraduate honours degree, the equivalent of a UK Honours degree, upper second class, in Mathematics, Finance, Economics, Actuarial Science, or other degree programme with significant mathematical and quantitative content, from a suitably quality assured university. |
ATAS Clearance Required |
No |
Health Check Required |
No |
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Portfolio Required |
Interview Required |
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Mode of Study |
Full Time |
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Type of Programme |
Postgraduate |
Length of Programme |
1 Academic Year(s) |
Total Credits for Programme |
180 |
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Exit Awards available |
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INSTITUTE INFORMATION
Awarding Institution/Body |
Queen's University Belfast |
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Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
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School/Department |
Queen's Management School |
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Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level |
Level 7 |
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QAA Benchmark Group |
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Accreditations (PSRB) |
REGULATION INFORMATION
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations No |
Programme Specific Regulations The information in this section must be read in conjunction with the University Calendar: General Regulations for Postgraduate Students |
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:
provide effective systems of learning, academic guidance and pastoral support to encourage the academic, intellectual and personal development of our students;
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;
develop students’ knowledge and skills base in ways which inter alia will enhance their employment opportunities;
maintain a supportive working environment in which there is respect for social and cultural differences and openness, fairness, and equality of opportunity in relation to selection, learning, assessment, and support.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Problem solving |
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. |
Logical reasoning |
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. |
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. |
Critical evaluation and interpretation |
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. |
Self assessment and reflection |
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. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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The ability to synthesise information/data from a variety of library sources including 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. |
The preparation and communication of ideas in finance, information economics, 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. |
The ability to 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. |
Organisation and time management |
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. |
Problem solving and critical analysis |
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-based skills: use of IT, including word-processing, email, internet and statistical/econometric/risk management 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. |
The ability to communicate quantitative and qualitative information together with analysis, argument and commentary in a form appropriate to different intended audiences |
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 & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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The theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of finance, information economics, and market structure |
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. Methods of Assessment Class tests, 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 |
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. Methods of Assessment Class tests, 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 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. Methods of Assessment Class tests, 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 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. Methods of Assessment Class tests, 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 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. Methods of Assessment Class tests, 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 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. Methods of Assessment Class tests, 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 trading |
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. Methods of Assessment Class tests, 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 SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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The ability to construct arguments and exercise problem solving skills in the context of theories 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. |
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 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. |
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 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. |
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 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. |
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 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. |
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 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. |
MODULE INFORMATION
Programme Requirements
Module Title |
Module Code |
Level/ stage |
Credits |
Availability |
Duration |
Pre-requisite |
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Assessment |
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S1 |
S2 |
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Core |
Option |
Coursework % |
Practical % |
Examination % |
International Finance |
FIN9004 |
7 |
15 |
YES |
10 weeks |
N |
YES |
40% |
60% |
0% |
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Derivatives |
FIN9007 |
7 |
15 |
YES |
10 weeks |
N |
YES |
40% |
60% |
0% |
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Dissertation - MSc Finance |
FIN9098 |
7 |
60 |
YES |
14 weeks |
N |
YES |
100% |
0% |
0% |
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Corporate Finance |
FIN9005 |
7 |
15 |
YES |
9 weeks |
N |
YES |
40% |
60% |
0% |
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Research Methods in Finance |
FIN9008 |
7 |
15 |
YES |
9 weeks |
N |
YES |
30% |
70% |
0% |
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Asset Pricing |
FIN7026 |
7 |
15 |
YES |
9 weeks |
N |
YES |
40% |
60% |
0% |
||
Market Microstructure |
FIN7027 |
7 |
15 |
YES |
9 weeks |
N |
YES |
40% |
60% |
0% |
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Times-Series Financial Econometrics |
FIN7028 |
7 |
15 |
YES |
10 weeks |
N |
YES |
30% |
70% |
0% |
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Trading Principles |
FIN7030 |
7 |
15 |
YES |
10 weeks |
N |
YES |
50% |
50% |
0% |
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Enterprise Risk Management & Risk Analytics |
FIN7031 |
7 |
15 |
YES |
10 weeks |
N |
YES |
40% |
60% |
0% |
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Notes
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