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Diploma (PD) 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

Diploma (PD) Finance

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Postgraduate Diploma

Programme Code

FIN-PD-FN

UCAS Code

JACS Code

N300 (DESCR) 100

Criteria for Admissions

There will be no direct admission to the Postgraduate Diploma in Finance. All candidates will apply and be admitted, subject to meeting entry requirements, to the MSc Finance.

Candidates undertaking the MSc Finance who pass all the taught modules but who fail to achieve a mark of at least 50% in the dissertation, shall be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma only.

Candidates undertaking the MSc Finance who pass all the taught modules but who fail to submit a dissertation, shall be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma only.

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

Interview Required

Mode of Study

Part Time

Type of Programme

Postgraduate

Length of Programme

2 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

120

Exit Awards available

INSTITUTE INFORMATION

Awarding Institution/Body

Queen's University Belfast

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Queen's Management School

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level 
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 7

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Accreditations (PSRB)

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 Finance 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 eight 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 achieving the University’s mission statement, the Postgraduate Diploma in 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, stochastic processes in finance, corporate finance, trading and portfolio management, the pricing of derivatives and market microstructure;

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.

develop students’ knowledge and skills base in ways which inter alia will enhance their employment opportunities;

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

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

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 Skills

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

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

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

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The Postgraduate Diploma 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

End-of-semester 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 Postgraduate Diploma 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

End-of-semester 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 Postgraduate Diploma 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

End-of-semester 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 Postgraduate Diploma 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

End-of-semester 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 Postgraduate Diploma 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

End-of-semester 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 Postgraduate Diploma 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

End-of-semester 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 Postgraduate Diploma 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

End-of-semester 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 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

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 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:-

practical trading-room-based work in the corporate finance, time series financial econometrics, and asset pricing based modules;

a mixture of class tests, group and individual presentations, essays and case investigations in the microstructure, money and banking and corporate finance focused 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.

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 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:-

practical trading-room-based work in the corporate finance, time series financial econometrics, and asset pricing based modules;

a mixture of class tests, group and individual presentations, essays and case investigations in the microstructure, money and banking and corporate finance focused 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.

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 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:-

practical trading-room-based work in the corporate finance, time series financial econometrics, and asset pricing based modules;

a mixture of class tests, group and individual presentations, essays and case investigations in the microstructure, money and banking and corporate finance focused 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.

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 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:-

practical trading-room-based work in the corporate finance, time series financial econometrics, and asset pricing based modules;

a mixture of class tests, group and individual presentations, essays and case investigations in the microstructure, money and banking and corporate finance focused 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.

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 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:-

practical trading-room-based work in the corporate finance, time series financial econometrics, and asset pricing based modules;

a mixture of class tests, group and individual presentations, essays and case investigations in the microstructure, money and banking and corporate finance focused 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.

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 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:-

practical trading-room-based work in the corporate finance, time series financial econometrics, and asset pricing based modules;

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

MODULE INFORMATION

Programme Requirements

Module Title

Module Code

Level/ stage

Credits

Availability

Duration

Pre-requisite

 

Assessment

 

 

 

 

S1

S2

 

 

Core

Option

Coursework %

Practical %

Examination %

International Finance

FIN9004

7

15

YES

10 weeks

N

YES

40%

60%

0%

Derivatives

FIN9007

7

15

YES

10 weeks

N

YES

40%

60%

0%

Corporate Finance

FIN9005

7

15

YES

9 weeks

N

YES

40%

60%

0%

Research Methods in Finance

FIN9008

7

15

YES

9 weeks

N

YES

30%

70%

0%

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%

Times-Series Financial Econometrics

FIN7028

7

15

YES

10 weeks

N

YES

30%

70%

0%

Trading Principles

FIN7030

7

15

YES

10 weeks

N

YES

50%

50%

0%

Enterprise Risk Management & Risk Analytics

FIN7031

7

15

YES

10 weeks

N

YES

40%

60%

0%

Notes