Programme Specifications

Finance


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Aberystwyth Business School:

N/A



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Master of Science

5 : Programme title
Finance

6 : UCAS code
N300

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Aberystwyth Business School:

QAA Subject Benchmark Statement: Master’s Degrees in Business and Management.



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Aberystwyth Business School:

September 2023



9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Aberystwyth Business School:

  • To broaden and deepen knowledge and skills of advanced concepts in finance in the context of increased interdependence of the national financial systems in the globalized world.

  • To develop a critical understanding of the contemporary role of the financial system in the economic process, including its potential role in facilitating economic growth, and the importance of regulating activities of financial institutions and markets domestically and internationally.

  • To critically engage with the theories, concepts and tools in financial markets, financial institutions, corporate finance, and financial analysis and decision-making.

  • To develop the skills of critical, self-reflective learning in relation to the theories, concepts, tools, and practice in the area of finance, including regulation of the activities of financial institutions.

  • To develop practical skills in the modelling of financial phenomena by applying advanced statistical and econometric techniques to financial data, and interpreting the results critically.

  • To provide the knowledge and skills to facilitate independent, self-directed research in the area of finance.



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Aberystwyth Business School:

The learning outcomes of this programme are designed to meet the expectations of the benchmarking statement laid down by the QAA for Type 2 Masters awards in Business and Management. The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Aberystwyth Business School:

Graduates have a sound theoretical grounding in the broad area of financial markets and financial institutions, and have developed a range of analytical and personal skills. They have a clear understanding of how their knowledge and skills may be used effectively as an investor, financial analyst, manager of a financial institution, or a financial manager of a non-financial organization. They are able to analyse the risk and opportunities facing investors and financial institutions, plan and develop strategies for maximizing expected returns while controlling for risk, and evaluate the benefits and costs for financial stability and the performance of the wider economy of financial regulation. Graduates are able to collect relevant information across a range of areas pertaining to a current situation, analyse that information and synthesise it into an appropriate form in order to evaluate decision alternatives, and engage with people from different cultural backgrounds in order to raise the level of understanding of international financial systems and markets. Within the broad framework of financial markets and institutions, it is expected that graduates will gain knowledge and develop understanding in the following areas:

  • A1 The theory, practice, and evidence on the role of financial institutions, financial instruments, and financial markets in the financial system.

  • A2 The role of the financial system within the wider economy, in the context of the global financial and economic environment.

  • A3 The key financial choices facing companies, including capital, cash, and risk management, real options, corporate control and financial restructuring.

  • A4 The theory and practice of portfolio selection and portfolio management, including diversification, risk management and performance evaluation.

  • A5 Theories of financial intermediation, risk management in financial institutions, competition and efficiency in banking, banking and financial crises, micro-prudential and macro-prudential regulation.

  • A6 Knowledge of the quantitative and qualitative research methodologies available to investigate issues relating to financial institutions, markets and systems.

  • A7 Application of advanced econometric techniques to test financial theories and models, including efficient markets, asset pricing, market microstructure, event studies.

  • A8 Critical evaluation of empirical evidence relating to issues and phenomena in international financial institutions, markets and systems.

Teaching, learning and assessment: Learning outcomes A1-A8 are acquired through lectures, seminars, case studies, individual tasks, group work and directed independent study. The development of the research project provides an additional opportunity for achieving learning outcomes A1-A8. Lectures and seminars introduce the required theories and understanding to facilitate exploration of the character, contexts, practices and interpretations of financial issues while demonstrating and encouraging a critical and reflexive approach. The use of seminars and case studies allows students to develop their own ideas, and to express, and ultimately, justify and defend them, against competing claims. Part of the aim is to encourage the student to take increasing responsibility for his or her own learning. 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 individual modules of the programme. The research project requires a student to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and critical evaluation of specific issues. It also requires the student to demonstrate a range of relevant research skills. The learning outcomes are assessed informally and formally by various means. Oral presentations and the associated informal feedback provided enable students to explore and enhance their understandings and develop presentation skills. Learning outcomes are assessed formally via unseen written examinations, coursework assignments, projects, and in some instances through assessed presentations.

10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Aberystwyth Business School:

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

  • B1 Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately

  • B2 Being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions

  • B3 The ability to conduct research into financial issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, data collection, analysis, synthesis and reporting

  • B4 Using information and knowledge effectively: scanning and organising data, synthesising and analysing in order to abstract meaning from information and to share knowledge

Learning and Teaching Teaching/learning will take place through traditional lectures, practical modules and interactive exercises. Assessment Strategies and Methods The intended outcomes will be assessed via both individual and group continuous assessment, and through examination. 10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • C1 High personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management; time management; sensitivity to diversity in people and different situations and the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience

  • C2 Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management

  • C3 Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting targets, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring

  • C4 Ability to recognise and address ethical dilemmas and corporate social responsibility issues, applying ethical and organisational values to situations and choices.

Learning and Teaching Lectures and seminars introduce the required theories and understanding to facilitate exploration of the character, contexts, practices and interpretations of the key issues while demonstrating and encouraging a critical and reflexive approach. Assessment Strategies and Methods The use of seminars and case studies allows students to develop their own ideas and to express, and ultimately, justify and defend them, against competing claims.

10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Aberystwyth Business School:

10.3 Transferable/key skills By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • D1 Effective communication: networking, listening, oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments; using a range of media, including preparation of business reports

  • D2 Soft skills: understanding the needs of others and empathy towards them; sensitivity towards diversity in people and in different situations

  • D3 The ability to recognise the need for and initiate change and to be able to manage change

Learning and Teaching Most of the key transferable skills form an integral part of the overall assessment of the degree scheme Assessment Strategies and Methods Skills are assessed directly throughout the degree programme as well as informally assessed through coursework and projects including the research project.

11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



MSC Finance [N300]

Academic Year: 2024/2025 scheme - available from 2019/2020

Duration (studying Full-Time): 1 years

Part 1 Rules

Year 1 Core (180 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
ABM1220

International Financial Markets and Investments

ABM1320

Advanced Corporate Finance

ABM1420

Financial Research Methods

Semester 2
ABM1520

Banking and Financial Intermediation

ABM1620

Portfolio Analysis and Management

ABM1720

Financial Econometrics

Semester 3
ABM1960

Dissertation


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk

14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.