MSc Finance

Institution University of Essex, Colchester Campus
Method At the institution
Location Colchester
Type Masters
Course fee By request

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MSc Finance

Objectives To provide students with the opportunity to broaden and deepen their knowledge of advanced concepts in finance. To provide students with the opportunity to analyse the role of financial information and data. To equip students with a knowledge of advanced research methodologies covering quantitative approaches to empirical research. To provide students with the advanced knowledge and skills to enable them to proceed to independent, self-directed research. To develop students critical and analytical skills which will prepare them for employment in the financial or business sector or an education environment.
Entry requirements Entry requirements Candidates should have an upper second class honours (or equivalent) degree in finance, economics or business. In addition, we welcome applications from candidates with any science or engineering degree particularly for our courses in MSc Finance and International Finance. Language IELTS 6.5, OR TOEFL (PB) 570, OR TOEFL (CB) 230, OR Cambridge Proficiency Grade C OR IELTS 6.0, OR TOEFL (PB) 540, OR TOEFL (CB) 207, OR Cambridge Proficiency Grade C AND Successful completion of a pre-sessional English course offered at the University of Essex of at least 8 weeks.
Academic title MSc Finance
Course description
Course Description
The MSc in Finance aims to enhance understanding of finance, to develop abilities to understand the journals and be familiar with the literature, to develop analytical and critical thinking skills, and to provide research training. Students acquire research skills to design and carry out independent studies and are therefore suitable for employment as finance specialists in industry, government, universities or research institutions.

Modules and Options

The lists of modules below represent the range of options available for each year of study. This may not be a complete list of the options you will study, and may be subject to change, so please contact the department for further details.

Stage 1

    AUDIT THEORY
    BANK STRATEGY AND RISK
    BEHAVIOURAL FINANCE
    BUSINESS ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY
    Compulsory: ASSET PRICING
    Compulsory: DERIVATIVE SECURITIES
    Compulsory: PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
    Compulsory: RESEARCH METHODS IN FINANCE: FOUNDATIONS IN FINANCE
    CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN MANAGEMENT
    Core: MSC/MA DISSERTATION
    Core: RESEARCH METHODS IN FINANCE: EMPIRICAL METHODS IN FINANCE
    CORPORATE FINANCE
    CRITICAL MARKETING
    CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON MANAGEMENT KNOWLEDGE
    EXCHANGE RATES AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
    FINANCIAL MODELLING
    INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING
    INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT
    INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING
    ISSUES IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
    ISSUES IN FINANCIAL REPORTING
    MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING
    MANAGEMENT IN ORGANISATIONS
    MANAGEMENT PSYCHOLOGY
    MODERN BANKING
    PERSPECTIVES ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
    PHILOSOPHY OF MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTING
    PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCE
    PROFESSIONALISM AND THE ACCOUNTANCY PROFESSION
    STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: A CASE STUDY APPROACH
    TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Teaching and Assessment Methods

A: Knowledge and Understanding
    Learning Outcomes
    A1 : Role and nature of advanced concepts and theoretical models in finance
    A2 : Competing perspectives and associated empirical evidence relating to finance issues
    A3 : Epistemological and social scientific influences and interpretations of finance
    A4 : An in-depth understanding of the various research methodologies available to investigate finance issues and the influences of these methods on the understandings generated.
    A5 : In-depth understanding of particular areas in which the student has chosen to specialize

    Teaching Methods
    Outcomes A1-A5 are acquired through lectures, seminars, individual tasks, and directed independent study. The development of the dissertation in consultation with a supervisor provides an additional opportunity for achieving learning outcomes A1-A5.
    Lectures and seminars introduce the required theories and understanding to facilitate exploration of the character, contexts, practices and interpretations of finance related issues while demonstrating and encouraging a critical and reflexive approach.
    Directed independent study and reading, along with individual tasks, facilitate further exploration of the relevant areas.
    Students are expected to extend and enhance the knowledge and understanding they acquire from lectures and classes by regularly consulting library and journal materials relating to course.

    Assessment Methods
    Informal:
    Outcomes A1-A5 are informally assessed via oral presentations. The associated informal feedback provided enable students to explore and enhance their understandings and develop presentation skills

    Formal:
    Outcomes A1-A5 are formally assessed via unseen written examinations and coursework assignments.

B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    B3 : Capacity to appraise theoretical ideas
    B4 : Assimilate and synthesise theories and concepts from a variety of relevant frameworks
    B5 : Formulate logical and coherent arguments
    B6 : Interpret and critically evaluate empirical evidence
    B7 : Plan and undertake a substantial piece of independent research

    Teaching Methods
    Skills B1-B4 are acquired and enhanced primarily through directed independent study, reading, and individual tasks given for the courses, although lectures and seminars provide a means for teachers to demonstrate these skills through examples.

    Students' independent study and preparation for tasks involves the reading, interpretation and critical evaluation of relevant finance theories and the analysis of empirical evidence.

    Lecturers provide necessary feedback on student work. Lecturers also engage students outside the classroom through office hours, appointments and e-mail communication.

    Skill B5 is acquired through the work that students do for the dissertation and econometric project. The dissertation further provides an opportunity for students to acquire and enhance skills B1-B4 also.

    Assessment Methods
    Informal:
    Skills B1-B4 are informally assessed via oral presentations. The associated informal feedback provided enables students to explore and enhance their understandings, and develop presentation skills

    Formal:
    Skills B1-B4 are formally assessed via unseen written examinations and coursework assignments. The MSc dissertation provides a further opportunity to assess skills B1-B4.

    Skill B5 is assessed through the dissertation and econometrics project.

C: Practical Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    C1 : Analyse and evaluate financial ratios and information
    C2 : Evaluate the strengths and limitations of different approaches to analysing financial data and information
    C3 : Analyse and evaluate financial and company data
    C4 : Access and retrieve information and data from a variety of primary and secondary sources
    C5 : Research and written presentation skills
    C6 : Carry out independent research

    Teaching Methods
    Skills C1-C5 are acquired and enhanced primarily through the work that students do for their courses, although lectures provide a means for teachers to demonstrate these skills through examples.

    Skill C6 is acquired through the work that students do for their dissertation. The dissertation further provides ample opportunity for students to acquire and develop skills C1-C5.

    Assessment Methods
    Informal:
    Skills C1-C5 are informally assessed through presentations along with the associated informal feedback. This further enables students to explore and enhance their understandings, and develop research and presentation skills.

    Formal:
    Skills C1-C5 are formally assessed via unseen written examinations and coursework assignments. These facilitate demonstration of knowledge of the relevant financial theories and of a critical and reflexive approach to empirical evidence.

    Skill C6 is assessed through the dissertation.

D: Key Skills
    Learning Outcomes
    D2 : Communicate ideas and arguments in a coherent and effective manner
    D3 : Use information technology, such as word processing, databases, the web and econometric packages, to download and analyse financial and economic data.
    D4 : Manipulate numerical data and apply appropriate statistical or econometric techniques
    D5 : Problem-solving and analytical skills
    D6 : Time management, task prioritisation and working to deadlines.

    Teaching Methods
    Verbal communication skills (D1) are developed primarily through group discussion in the lectures and classes. Written communication skills (D1) are developed primarily through the AC953 project and individual tasks.

    IT skills (D2) are developed as individual tasks require extensive research involving web-based material, internet and various electronic media.

    Numeracy and problem solving skills (D3-D4) are developed principally through specific problem based exercises and tasks given to the students.

    Planning and organisation, enterprise and resourcefulness (D5) are essential to any learning process dependent on independent study and to some extent individual advice from teachers. These skills are further developed as students pursue the learning activities associated with their courses.

    Assessment Methods
    The assessment of the majority of key transferable skills forms an integral part of the overall assessment of the finance degree schemes. However the approach to assessment varies. Written communication skills, problem solving, numeracy and IT skills are assessed directly throughout the degree programme. Personal skills are assessed through coursework. Verbal communication skills are not formally assessed although feedback on communication skills forms part of the formative feedback provided in tutorial sessions.