Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To enable students to evaluate theories of banking, finance and research methods, and apply these theories. 

• To prepare students vocationally for employment in the financial services sectors of government, commerce and industry. 

• To enhance students’ lifelong learning skills, personal development and employability to enable them to work with self-direction and originality and to contribute to and take effective roles within business and society.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

The academic level at which the MSc programme is taught and assessed is guided by the criteria for the degree of Master in The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England Wales and Northern Ireland, published by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

K1 Explain and critically discuss the functions and operations of institutions, financial markets and systems, with special reference to central banks, commercial banks and other financial intermediaries.

K2 Explain and appraise the core theories of financial economics with respect to risk management, asset pricing and investment, and use these theories to assist them in asset management.

K3 Undertake independent applied research in banking and finance, using basic research tools and quantitative methods appropriate to the conduct of independent research

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

C1 Analyse theoretical and practical problems in banking and finance by using the theories and quantitative methods appropriate to those disciplines.

C2 Synthesise important issues and themes from the professional and academic literature in banking and finance.

C3 Use the professional and academic literature in banking and finance to formulate questions suitable for empirical research.

C4 Critically analyse professional and academic research papers in banking and finance.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

P1 Generate word-processed written reports using structure, paragraphing and citation, appropriate to professional and academic standards in banking and finance.

P2 Construct tables of statistical data, interpret such data, and carry out basic forms of statistical hypothesis testing.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

T1 Critically analyse and evaluate complex topics.

T2  Formulate key arguments from an extensive range of evidence.

T3  Demonstrate advanced skills in numeracy ( Interpret numerical information, reason numerically and apply appropriate mathematical and statistical techniques).

T4  Apply logical thinking and problem solving in unstructured situations.

T5  Use advanced information technology (e.g. handling of large data sets, multifaceted information retrieval and spread-sheet methods).

T6  Demonstrate effective personal organisation including time management, independent study, self-direction, decision-making and written and oral communication.

T7  Use effective team-working skills including leadership, team-building and project management.

T8 Enhance skills in oral presentation of reports on group work, subject to deadlines.

4. Programme structure

Compulsory Modules (total modular weight 105)

Option Modules.

In addition to the listed compulsory modules, students will choose three optional Modules (total modular weight 45). One optional Module (total modular weight 15) will be taken in Semester 1 and chosen from List A.  Two optional Modules (total modular weight 30) will be taken in Semester 2 and chosen from List B. 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to be eligible for an award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI. 

5.2 Candidates who have a right of re-assessment in a module may choose to be re-assessed in the University’s Special Assessment Period. 

5.3 All examinations must be taken at 含羞草视频 unless special permission is obtained in advance from the Programme Director

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Weightings for the contribution to the Final Degree Classification will be consistent with the credit weighting of each module.