Entry requirementsENTRY REQUIREMENTS * Candidates for the Postgraduate Diploma must normally possess an Ordinary degree. MSc applicants require an Honours degree. Applicants with relevant equivalent qualifications or professional experience will also be considered. Diploma students who satisfy the progression requirements will then be eligible to pursue the MSc.
Academic titleMSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Services
Course descriptionThe MSc/Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Services has been designed to cater for the needs of this ever-expanding sector. It aims to provide a thorough understanding of the operation of the sector and of the three main constituent elements – banking, insurance and personal financial planning.
Since financial services is a global industry, the course also examines the international dimension. The postgraduate Financial Services programme aims to:
• facilitate a systematic understanding of the current functions and future developments within the sector in Scotland, the UK and internationally
• enable non – and semi-cognate students to embark upon a career within the financial services economic sector
Graduates should be able to:
• demonstrate a critical awareness of the economic significance of financial services
• develop a conceptual understanding of the functions and processes of domestic and international banking; domestic and international insurance; and treasury management and its relationship to the financial services sector
• develop a conceptual understanding of the nature of financial planning at the individual level
• apply a range of appropriate research and analytical techniques of enquiry within the context of the financial services sector
The programme offers graduates the opportunity to change career track from their first degree and enables them to seek employment in one of the UK’s (and the world’s) most important sectors. It aims to cultivate a critical awareness of current issues and encourage the development of originality in the application of acquired knowledge and understanding, both within the ‘home’ market and in the internationalisation of financial services.
Course Contents
Students study core modules in:
• Applied Finance
• Corporate Finance
• The Financial Services Sector
• Banking – Corporate Customers
• Insurance
Students should also select ONE of the following option modules:
• International Banking
• International Trade Finance
• Business & Professional Ethics
• Real Estate Finance
To gain the MSc award students will also be required to complete an MSc dissertation (equivalent to 3 modules). The aim of the dissertation is to enable students to gain a deeper understanding of how financial markets operate in different markets and regulatory settings. Each student will be assigned a supervisor who will advise on the selection and completion of the MSc dissertation.