Entry requirementsGood UK Honours Degree (minimum of a lower second class) or an overseas degree recognised by Aston University, plus two references. Candidates must have a good level of quantitative and analytical skills. While it is anticipated that most applicants will have studied finance or economics at undergraduate level, this course is also appropriate for students with good first degrees in mathematics, statistics, computing, engineering or the sciences. I International students whose native language is not English and have not completed a full degree programme taught in English, will also need a TOEFL score of 600 (paper based) or 250 (computer based) with a TWE of 4.0 OR an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each section. Pre-sessional English language programmes are available for good applicants whose English qualification falls just short of these requirements.
Academic titleMaster in Science in Finance & Investments
Course descriptionThis is a specialised finance programme designed for highly numerate students with a good background in finance, economics, maths and science.
Outline of programme
The course consists of 7 taught modules:
* Business Finance
* Finance: Theory & Practice (double module)
* International Financial Management & Investments
* Valuation of Investments (double module)
* Law of Investment Regulation
* Market Microstructure
* Quantitative Methods and Financial Econometrics (double module).
Complete outlines for all modules are available online.
The specific objectives of this course are to develop:
* An understanding of the main decision making areas in finance and investments
* A knowledge of financial market structures and to explore these in a ‘dealing room’ environment.
* An understanding of the main research tools used in finance and investment
* The ability to apply the main mathematical and statistical techniques used in financial decision making
* The ability to critically evaluate contemporary finance
* An appreciation of the international dimensions in finance and how to apply appropriate risk management techniques.
Assessment
The 10 taught modules are assessed through a mixture of examinations and coursework (details of the assessment criteria for each module is given in its module outline). The taught element of the course is complemented by a substantial piece of research leading to the completion of a dissertation in a student’s particular area of interest.
Career opportunities
This course provides graduates with the knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to careers in the financial sector, such as financial analysis, stockbroking, market trading, investment banking, investment regulation and corporate finance.