MSc Finance and Investment

The Finance and Investment masters establishes a firm foundation in the theory and practice of financial decision making. You will gain the management and analytical skills needed to take you to the forefront of the financial world.

• Contemporary Issues in Finance
  This will enable students to investigate specific contemporary issues in finance. Student will cover four contemporary issues, given the nature of the module the following list is indicative only: Islamic Finance, SME sources of finance, including micro finance, in emerging economies, Inclusive Finance, Environmental Finance.
  
  
• Investment and Portfolio Analysis
  To develop the critical knowledge and skills needed to be able to invest successfully in products traded on financial markets. Topics include: equity and commodity trading using a simulation package, behavioural finance and the psychology of trading, options and options trading, portfolio theory and pricing models, including portfolio hedging.
  
  
• Research Methods in Accounting and Finance
  This module aims to introduce students to method and methodology issues relating to academic research in the disciplines of finance and accounting, enabling them to develop the knowledge and skills required to undertake a dissertation at Level 7.
  
  
• Corporate Finance
  This module aims to provide an understanding of the strategic issues of finance in a business setting. Topics will include: investment appraisal methods, project appraisal applications, capital investment process and post-completion audit, risk and treasury management, working capital and short-term asset management, capital structure, sources of finance and dividend decisions.
  
  
• Quantitative Methods for Finance and Risk Management
  To equip students with knowledge in mathematics, statistics and data analysis skills in finance. To develop the critical knowledge and skills needed to apply quantitative models and forecasting techniques to be able to price financial assets and manage financial risks.
  
  
• Global Financial Services Regulation and Compliance
  This module aims to equip students with a knowledge and understanding of the legal, regulatory and ethical frameworks applicable to financial services on a global basis and also enables students to evaluate regulatory frameworks in different countries.
  
  
• Dissertation Accounting and Finance

The Finance and Investment masters is delivered full-time or part-time through a combination of lectures, tutorials, computer workshops, case-study analysis and discussion groups.

A hands-on, student led approach is employed whereby students are exposed to real-world situations and given the skills and opportunities to find practical solutions.

Assessment is by a range of methods, predominantly coursework based assignments.

A minimum 2:2 Honours degree or an equivalent international qualification may also be acceptable.

The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.

Please note that whilst this course does not require a DBS Check for entry, some professions will not consider candidates who have certain types of criminal convictions.    Therefore, if you have a criminal conviction and you are considering a particular career path we would recommend that you check with the relevant professional body or refer to their recruitment policy to make sure that your conviction will not disadvantage you.

This MSc Finance and Investment will enhance your critical, analytical and appraisal skills when handling business data from a financial and investment perspective. These skills, coupled with your previous qualifications in business studies, accounting or audit, will make you a highly desirable candidate.

As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.