Banking and Finance MSc

30 credits

This module offers an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of bank operations and strategy.

You will study the principles of general and strategic management and their link to banking and other financial institutions, for example insurance and securities companies. You will develop a critical awareness of the evolving and advanced structure of the financial institutions and financial markets within the financial system.

The module then considers operations in more detail looking at: managing liquidity and liabilities, asset management, the consumer and business lending decisions, and loan sales and securitisation. You will also analyse how financial institutions create value through marketing, distribution, diversification and innovation, such as fintech and crowdfunding.

You will consider the theoretical background to regulation, supervision, and compliance of financial services and set the theories in context through the study of the structure and practice of regulation and supervision, particularly in the UK but also overseas.

30 credits

During this module, you will gain a thorough understanding of modern portfolio theory and its implications for asset pricing, asset management, and investment decisions associated with risk management. The main topics covered include:

• portfolio diversification
• optimal portfolio construction
• expected utility theory
• capital asset pricing model
• arbitrage pricing theory with application
• the formulation and implementation of various active and passive investment strategies
• the analysis and management of risks associated with particular strategies.

This module also looks at the different types of investment banks and the strategies they employ. You will cover:

• investment banks
• private equity investment – types and techniques
• debt and equity underwriting by investment banks
• trading techniques
• mergers and acquisitions
• securitisation
• hedge funds
• mutual funds and other funds
• wealth management, and clearance and settlement.

You will construct and manage investment portfolios for a specific period and present the results. You will use the dedicated Bloomberg Trading Room and software packages to develop your practical experience of industry standard systems and use real, live data.

15 credits

This module provides an underpinning and understanding of the numerical techniques used in the business and finance world to aid strategic decision-making.

You will be equipped with the accounting, mathematical and statistical foundations that are necessary in the areas of accounting and finance and highly valued by employers.

You are encouraged to read articles from academic journals and discuss your findings during the interactive sessions, and you will also be able to make use of the Bloomberg Trading Room to analyse financial data.

15 credits

This module will develop your critical knowledge and understanding of accounting principles and enable you to analyse financial statements and reports using financial ratios and other metrics.

You will learn how undertake an in-depth analysis of firms' strategic capabilities, risk and growth potential, financial and operating performance.

This module is relevant to those who are interested in a career in the corporate or financial services sector. Professionals such as accountants and corporate lawyers can also benefit and enjoy broader career development opportunities through the skills and knowledge that this module offers.

15 credits

The module aims to develop a critical awareness of financial risk within financial institutions and in a wider context. It will begin with an analysis of financial institutions, and then build upon this foundation by analysing the measurement of key risks to which financial institutions are exposed. This will include a detailed analysis of credit, liquidity, interest rate and market risk. The module will then consider management issues including: the role of capital; liability and liquidity management and product diversification. It will finish by analysing the banks' utilisation of the financial markets in risk management. The course has a substantial quantitative component but also provides intuition needed to understand the fundamental mathematics of bank financial risk management. The module will provide candidates with the computer and research skills required by employers in this highly competitive sector.

60 credits

This module will introduce you to methods and procedures for identifying, investigating and analysing a research problem, and an opportunity to apply these tools in the development of a dissertation. You will be expected to be familiar with the theory and research in your chosen area of study, and to demonstrate your ability to review and apply concepts and techniques critically.

15 credits

This module offers an intuitive analysis of the international financial management environment.

You will study the role and functions of international financial markets (FX, capital markets) and institutions, and assess the tools that can be employed by firms' managers to assess and control for risk in these markets.

You will learn about international economic linkages, monetary systems and parity conditions in international financial markets. Several real-world examples and journal articles are used to bring together theoretical considerations and practise.

15 credits

This module explores the selection, implementation, and monitoring of risk financing techniques – the ways in which an organisation can obtain funds to pay for any critical or accidental losses. This module develops your critical awareness of risk within institutions and in a wider social context. Topics include:

• framework for risk financing;
• criteria for risk financing technique selection;
• insurance and reinsurance;
• financing property,
• net income and personnel losses;
• accounting and income tax aspects of accidental losses;
• insurance pricing;
• selection of insurers and their representatives;
• implementing risk retention-available options including use of affiliated insurers; and
• risk cost allocation.

15 credits

In this module you will learn about blockchain technology and its application across financial services and fintech, including cryptocurrencies. The main topics covered include the basics of blockchain technology, evolution, different types of use cases including cryptocurrencies, mining and investments in cryptocurrencies.

Teaching consists of lectures and practical case studies, alongside a series of lab sessions where you will gain hands-on practical experience. The module is assessed via two contemporary coursework applications where you will develop a business solution based on blockchain technology. 

120 credits

The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement that follows completion of the first 180 credits of taught modules and project or dissertation. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and to develop and enhance key employability skills and subject specific skills in their chosen subject.

It is the responsibility of individual students to locate and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this will normally involve one placement which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the module leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability.