MSc (2 years full-time) Investment and Finance (with Advanced Practice)

This module explores advanced research methodologies, examining research philosophy, the formulation of rigorous research questions, and systematic literature review techniques. Students will critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative research approaches, ethical considerations, data collection methods and sampling strategies. The module analyses statistical and econometric methods, regression techniques, and model specification, assessing applications to cross-sectional, panel and time series data. Applied quantitative analysis is examined with a focus on interpreting empirical results, model diagnostics, hypothesis testing, and effective communication of research findings in financial and economic contexts.

This module explores corporate financial environments, examining equity markets, sources of finance, capital structure, and corporate valuation. Students will assess shareholder returns and market efficiency, evaluating dividend policies and M&A activity. The module analyses financial risk management strategies, covering the use of options, swaps, forwards, and futures in mitigating financial and foreign exchange risks. International corporate finance is examined with a focus on cross-border financial reporting, taxation, international hedging, and arbitrage strategies.

This module explores financial markets and institutions, examining their types, roles, functions and interconnections within the broader financial system. Students will analyse central banks, monetary policy operations, and interest rate mechanisms, evaluating their effects on banking sector structure, regulation, and market competition. The module critically assesses equity markets, stock exchanges, listing practices, and debt market structures, alongside foreign exchange and cryptocurrency markets. Alternative financial systems are examined with a focus on sustainable finance practices and ethical considerations influencing contemporary financial market operations.

This module explores financial economics, examining the evolution of global finance and the impact of economic developments on financial systems. Students will analyse key economic theories, assessing the role of liquidity, interest rates, and risk in shaping monetary policy and financial stability. The module evaluates systemic risk, financial crises, and market contagion, exploring economic policy responses to instability. Students will also apply advanced economic models, assessing the role of money and credit, and the relationship between financial development and economic growth.

This module examines the principles and practices of investment and portfolio management, focusing on the relationship between risk and return, capital allocation, and portfolio construction. Students apply mean-variance analysis and asset pricing models to evaluate portfolio decisions.

The module distinguishes between passive and active management approaches and assesses how investment policy statements shape strategic asset allocation. Asset selection and diversification are explored across equities and alternative investments, with emphasis on optimising risk-adjusted performance.

International investment is addressed through the evaluation of global market opportunities, cross-border portfolio risks, and professional approaches to managing institutional and individual funds.

This module provides structured supervision to support students in developing and executing an independent research project in finance. Students will formulate and refine a research problem, establish clear research aims and objectives, and construct a robust research design. The module emphasises critical engagement with academic literature, ensuring students demonstrate an advanced understanding of theoretical and empirical contributions relevant to their chosen topic.

Supervision will guide students in applying appropriate research methodologies, with a focus on both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Ethical considerations, research governance, and data integrity will be reinforced throughout the process. Students will critically analyse and interpret their findings, demonstrating academic rigour in synthesising evidence and drawing well-supported conclusions.

The module culminates in the production of a dissertation that reflects independent research, critical reasoning, and the application of financial and economic principles to a significant research question.

The aim of this module is to enable students to work as part of a consultancy team on a business finance project, applying financial theory to a practical organisational brief. Under academic supervision, students will engage in structured project delivery, with weekly progress presentations and scheduled tutorials providing continuous feedback and developmental support throughout the consultancy process.

This module explores forensic financial analysis and financial modelling, providing students with the skills to identify and investigate financial fraud while developing structured financial models.

Students will examine corporate scandals, money laundering risks, and financial statement fraud, evaluating investigative approaches used in forensic financial analysis.

The module also develops advanced financial modelling skills, applying Excel functions, scenario analysis, and data modelling techniques.

Students will assess financial forecasting, valuation modelling, and risk evaluation, using stress testing and sensitivity analysis to support financial decision-making.