Finance

An integral part of a well-functioning economy is the establishment and smooth operation of a developed financial system. This module introduces you to different financial markets and their role in the economy. These markets include equity, bond/debt/interest rate, foreign exchange and derivative markets. In this module, you will also learn about the trading instruments used in these markets. Moreover, the module offers an exploration of current developments in the world's financial markets and institutions, including innovation, globalization, and deregulation, with a focus on the actual practices of financial institutions, investors, and financial instruments.

Teaching:

• Interactive lectures, seminars and guest speakers
• Group working on problem-based learning scenarios including case studies, class-based activities, research articles and web-based materials
• Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles

Assessments:

100%     Essay to show your independent research and reflection on key issues alongside your analytical and critical skills

 

The global financial crisis that started in 2007 increased the urgency of the search for a better ethical framework and governance for business. An increase in the range, significance and impact of corporate social and environmental initiatives in recent years suggests the growing materiality of a more ethically informed approach. There are increasing indications of large corporations taking their ethics and corporate governance responsibilities more seriously, and of these issues becoming more critical in the business agenda.

This module will thus give you the opportunity to explore issues in corporate governance and ethics and the important role of the board of directors in improving governance and in embedding a more ethical approach in organisations.

Teaching:

• Lectures to communicate key knowledge of corporate governance concepts
• Seminars to explore and apply this knowledge to real corporate governance contexts.
• Case studies, practical exercises, ethics vignettes and guest speakers and/ or study visits
• Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles

Assessments:

100%        Individual essay

The aim of this module is to give students an overview of the factors that shape contemporary financial systems. The module will cover the causes of the financial crisis and make a strategy to tackle the next financial crisis, geopolitical conflicts and their impact on finance, climate financing, and the recent development of finance such as cryptocurrency, etc.

The aim of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability principles, practices and frameworks. This module will cover sustainability reporting, sustainable supply chain management, green procurement, and stakeholder engagement etc.

This module looks at the latest developments in the area of Financial Technology. It starts by discussing the nature of blockchains and the innovation in financial services that are likely to take place in the coming years. It then examines the importance of modern cryptography and explores cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoins and how they are mined. This module makes use of real-world examples of how FinTech is already having an impact on the way the financial services are affected. Finally, it looks at examples of how different countries have reacted to the use of cryptocurrencies through government press releases.

Teaching:

• Interactive lectures and seminars
• Small group learning sets will be used as the basis for problem-based learning scenarios designed to include case studies, class-based activities, research articles and web-based materials
• Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles

Assessments:

100%      Individual report

The module will enable you to devise ways of protecting a business from international risk. This will firstly include an understanding of the importance of exchange rates in assessing international interest and inflation rates and their effect on international trade; secondly, the role of derivative instruments and their application to hedging strategies to insure against excessive price volatility including the use of options, futures and swaps; thirdly, international risk reduction through structuring a business, invoicing policy and cash management. Finally, the module examines macro issues including crises, country risk analysis, theories of international trade and the balance of payments.

Teaching:

• Interactive lectures and seminars
• Small group learning sets will be used as the basis for problem-based learning scenarios designed to include case studies, class-based activities, research articles and web-based materials
• Guided personal study supported by associated reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles

Assessments:

100%      Data analysis report

Banks play a major part in funding companies and by extension in economic development. Their increasing importance has led to regulation on an international level that affects all banking operations both large and small throughout the world. These major developments over the last 20 years make banking a fundamental part of understanding finance and the nature of the regulatory regime. You will have the opportunity to evaluate the performance of a bank as well as to analyse loan data and assess loan products. This allows you to appreciate the problems of lending, issues that are fundamental to all businesses.

You will look at the macro banking environment, study bank regulation and analysis, consider how bank management helps you to manage risk and learn about current issues in banking such as money laundering and internet banking.

Teaching:

• Interactive lectures and seminars
• Student activities and discussions
• Guided personal study supported by additional reading list, lecture notes and relevant research articles

Assessments:

100%      Individual assessment

The Internship is your opportunity to consolidate your learning by engaging with key theories and concepts associated with your programme of study to produce written work that demonstrates your depth of knowledge and originality in approach and content

In the first two trimesters, you will attend weekly classes to develop your qualitative and quantitative research skills. In the final trimester, you will complete a three-month internship (paid or unpaid) with a client on a project relevant to your programme of study. At the end of the internship, you will submit a reflective report on the application of your skills within the internship.

The Placement is your opportunity to consolidate your learning by engaging with key theories and concepts associated with your programme of study to produce written work that demonstrates your depth of knowledge and originality in approach and content

In the first two trimesters, you will attend weekly classes to develop your qualitative and quantitative research skills. In the final trimester, you will complete a six-month paid placement with a client on a project relevant to the programme of study. At the end of the placement, you will submit a reflective report on the application of your skills within the placement.

This module aims to enable you to evaluate research methodologies, develop critiques, interpret knowledge and, where appropriate, propose new hypotheses. To develop in your qualities and transferable skills required for employment or further research e.g. initiative, conceptual, and analytical thinking competencies, as well independence and interpersonal awareness in complex and unfamiliar situations. This module will cover both qualitative and quantitative research methods. 

In the first two trimesters, you will attend weekly classes to develop your qualitative and quantitative research skills. In the final trimester, you will undertake research on a topic of your choice using the skills and knowledge learned during the programme. 

You will be supported by a subject specialist.