Programme Specifications

• To broaden and deepen knowledge and skills of advanced concepts in international finance in the context of increased interdependence of the global financial systems.

• 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.

• 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 governance and ownership, corporate control and financial restructuring.

• A4 Criteria for financial decision-making by companies and individual investors, including the ethical dimension.

• A5 Knowledge of the research methodologies available to investigate issues relating to international financial institutions, markets and systems.

• A6 Contemporary theories and techniques in the area of international finance, including financial analysis, risk management, and financial regulation.

• A7 Critical evaluation of empirical evidence relating to issues and phenomena in international financial markets, and corporate finance.

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

• B1 Problem-solving: collecting relevant information relating to a current situation, analysing facts and circumstances to determine the cause of a problem, identifying and evaluating possible solutions; decision-making and selecting appropriate, sustainable solutions;

• B2 Critical analysis: being able to think critically and be creative; managing the creative processes in self and others; organising thoughts, analysing, synthesising and critically appraising; 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; the ability to implement and review decisions.

• B3 Research: the ability to conduct research and enquiry into finance and financial market issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, synthesis and reporting; analysing and evaluating a range of data, sources of information and appropriate methodologies, which includes the need for strong digital literacy, and to use that research for evidence-based, responsible and ethical decision-making; an ability to evaluate the rigour and validity of published research in business and management and assess its relevance to new situations.

• B4 Awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the relevant field of the finance academic discipline

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

• C1 To operate effectively in a variety of team roles; performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and use individuals’ contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management.

• C2 Leadership and managing change: take on leadership roles and carry them out responsibly and effectively. This includes having the capacity to recognise the need for change, the ability and proactivity to initiate change, as well as managing change.

• C3 People management: team building, resilience and well-being, leadership and motivating others; selecting the appropriate leadership style for different situations; nurturing equality, diversity and inclusion; performance management; setting objectives, coaching and mentoring.

• C4 Numeracy: the use of quantitative skills to manipulate data, evaluate, estimate and model finance and business problems, functions and phenomena.

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.

• D1 Effective business communication: verbal and/or non-verbal communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media (for example, digital media) and technology, including the preparation of reports.

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

• D3 The ability to work collaboratively and inclusively with both internal and external stakeholders with professional integrity

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 part two of the programme.