MSc Financial Analysis and Fund Management

1. explain complex finance theories
2. an ability to critically analyse problems arising in the areas of financial theory, derivatives, debt instruments, investment analysis and portfolio management (including where appropriate international issues)
3. an ability to support their conclusions by reference to current research, where appropriate
4. the dissertation requires students to have demonstrated further skills in finance and complete a finance-related dissertation

Teaching is by lectures, classes and supervision meetings (A1): BEFM027/BEFM025 introduction lecture and supervision meetings

Learning takes place through assigned reading of the research literature, assigned problem solution, which may be either individual or group work (A2): BEFM027/BEFM025  individual research dissertation (ILOs 2 – 4)

and by completion of a supervised dissertation (A3 – A4): BEFM027/BEFM025  (ILOs 1, 5), dissertation proposal 800 words + final dissertation of 9,000 words

Assessment takes place though written examination, by written assignment (A1- A2): BEFM027/BEFM025  (ILOs 1-12) written dissertation (100%)

and, where appropriate, by personal presentation, and through the assessed dissertation (A1- A4): BEFM027/BEFM025 (ILOs 1-12), proposal and the draft dissertation to be presented to the supervisor for feedback

5. the ability rigorously to analyse problems in finance;
6. the ability to interpret financial data and problems in the light of established theories;
7. the ability to access a wide body of empirical research literature and critically appraise it;
8. the ability to use relevant databases, existing research literature and techniques to conduct a detailed investigation of problems arising in financial markets and models.
9. demonstrate presentational skills

Classes, assigned exercises, practical classes, research supervision (B5): BEFM027/BEFM025, individual 5hrs contact hours supervision + proposal and finial project feedback

preparation and presentation of reports requiring critical analysis of finance literature (B6-B8):BEFM027/BEFM025 (ILOs 6-8): proposal + final project reports

presentation of group practical exercises or /and individual work (B9): BEFM027/BEFM025 (ILOs 9-10)

Assessment through examination (B4-7), written reports (B5-B9): BEFM027 (ILOs 1-12)

individual or group presentation (B9): BEFM027/BEFM025  (ILOs 1,6,9-12): proposal to be presented and discussed with supervisor on individual basis

where appropriate.  Case studies are assessed formatively (B5 – B8) where appropriate,

10. A global outlook: Our graduates are engaged and prepared for the demands of global business and society.
11. A critical thinker: Our graduates have a commercial awareness that enables them to critically analyse, conceptualise and evaluate the challenges facing business.
12. A collaborative mind-set: Our graduates are enterprising and motivated individuals who are able to actively collaborate and effectively communicate within a range of diverse settings
13. An ethical ethos: Our graduates understand the social, financial and environmental factors that can impact on corporate sustainability and are able to make decisions openly and responsibly.
14. Technological and digital literacy: Our graduates are able to use technologies to source, process and communicate information.

Learning &Teaching activities (in/out of class)

C10

• BEAM046 addresses the international aspects of finance through the estimation of the fair value of exchange rates
• BEFM011 uses International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) which apply to more than 100 countries around the world, as well as USA Accounting Standards
• BEAM072 focuses on financial economics topics relevant across countries and uses many international examples for discussion in lectures.
• BEFM022 teaches technical tools for financial research applicable across countries and incorporates new research on investment from various countries.
• BEFM017 aids students to build an online professional profile to connect with former students and potential employers internationally in over 60 countries and hundreds of banks across the globe. Many examples used for discussion are from American, European and Asian models.
• BEFM016 expects students to Be able to understand and respond creatively to cross-border financial analysis in industrial sectors.
• BEFM015 aims to develop skills based on format modelling of asset price procedures and empirical research findings in an international setting
• BEFM027 focuses on finance in an international setting, topics are concerned with theory and empirical evidence that is applicable to global financial markets, some topics dealing specifically international aspects of finance

C11

• BEAM072 requires students to develop theoretical arguments based on analytical reasoning as well as critically analyse problems arising in both academic and practical contexts
• BEAM046 emphasises real world application of finance theory using practical case studies delivered in a computer room following lectures. The module covers the implementation of quantitative financial models including portfolio optimization, portfolio management, risk measurement and yield curves
• BEFM015 teaches students how to work with portfolios, using data from Bloomberg and Datastream, and asks them to resolve some practical problems arising in complex 'real' environments
• BEFM011 asks students to demonstrate the ability to review critically the tools available for financial statement analysis and evaluate the usefulness of relevant financial reporting information.
• BEFM022 requires the students to develop rigorous theoretical arguments based on mathematical and analytical economic reasoning, to analyse quantitative problems, interpret financial data, and critically appraise empirical research literature using fundamental quantitative techniques that are essential for a financial analyst, such as basic statistics, probability theory and regression analysis
• BEFM017 requires students to rigorously analyse problems, develop rigorous theoretical arguments based on mathematical and analytical reasoning, evaluate credit instruments and financial derivative instruments in the stock, equity, FX and interest rate markets.
• BEFM016 requires students to take the accounting concepts and techniques developed and appraised in Financial Statement Analysis and to apply them to the valuation of equities in major industrial sectors. This involves developing and appraising critically a set of competing models of corporate valuation.
• BEFM027 requires students to independently formulate and undertake original and rigorous research in the field of finance. In particular, students are expected to form an original research proposal that extends the existing academic literature, develop a number of testable hypotheses, obtain the appropriate data to test those hypotheses, undertake an empirical analysis of the data using appropriate quantitative techniques, and to present the results of their research in an appropriate scientific format.

C12

• BEAM046 requires that students collaborate on a group assignment to evaluate investment portfolios
• BEFM011 asks students to demonstrate the ability to present effectively results and achievements of collaborative projects through group projects.
• BEFM015 assesses the student’s understanding of the subject by a 15 minute group presentation and report

C13

• BEFM015 develops students’ skills on formal modelling of asset price procedure, but also takes a wider view of the ethical issues facing managers.
• BEFM016 requires the ability to identify and discuss ethical issues affecting corporate operations and reporting.
• BEFM024 introduces students to the CFA Institute’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Students will develop a range of transferable skills and the ability to relate the ethical decision-making framework to a firm’s or profession’s code of ethics.

C14

• BEAM046 instructs students in the advanced use of Excel and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
• BEFM015 ensures students learn how to work with portfolios, using data from Bloomberg and Datastream.
• BEFM011 requires the ability to assess the financial position and performance of a company under different accounting systems and relevant databases
• BEFM017 relies on the student’s ability to use the University of Exeter Business School Approved Financial Calculator and MS Excel.

C15

• BEFM025 gives students the opportunity to work on a clearly defined project addressing a real world issue set by an investment company under the joint supervision of an academic and a practitioner. It incorporates a practical experience element designed to help develop a set of transferable skills such as intellectual skills, communication skills, organizational skills and interpersonal skills.
• BEFM024 is designed to prepare students for success in the finance industry through guidance in careers management skills, delivered through seminars, lectures, interactive electronic resources and personal guidance. Students will develop a set of transferable skills and raise self-awareness of the key skills and competencies in seeking jobs.

Assessment Methods

C10

• BEAM046 – Practical exam and group assignment (ILO 9)
• BEFM011 – Examination and assignment (ILO 2)
• BEFM016 – Examination (ILO 3)
• BEFM022 – Mid-term exam and Final Exam
• BEFM017 – Individual Project, 7-10 in-class tests, Examination
• BEFM015 – Group Project and Examination (ILO 1)
• BEFM027 – Dissertation

C11

• BEAM072 – Examination (ILOs 1, 2, 5 & 6)
• BEAM046 - Individual assignment and group assignment (ILOs 10-15)
• BEFM011 – Examination and Group Assignment (ILO 5)
• BEAM029 – In-class test and Examination (ILOs 7-11)
• BEFM022 – Mid-term exam (ILOs 8-9) and Final Exam (ILOs 8-11)
• BEFM017 –7-10 in-class tests (ILOs 6-11), and Examination (ILOs 6-11)
• BEFM016 – Examination (ILOs 1-3, 5-8, 13)
• BEFM015 – Group Project and Examination (ILOs 1-10)
• BEFM027 – Dissertation (ILOs 1-8)

C12

• BEAM046 – Group assignment (Module ILO 17)
• BEFM011 – Group assignment (ILOs 7 and 10)
• BEFM015- Group Project

C13

• BEFM015 – Examination and coursework (ILO 4)
• BEFM016 – Examination (ILO 4)

C14

• BEAM046 – Individual assignment and group assignment (ILOs 2, 18 and 19)
• BEFM015 – Coursework (ILO 10)
• BEFM011 – Group assignment and Examination (ILOs 1, 4, 6)
• BEFM017 – Individual project (ILOs 7-10, 14) in-class tests (ILO 1), Examination (ILO 1)

C15

• BEAM046 – Individual assignment and group assignment (ILOs 2, 18 and 19)
• BEFM015 – Coursework (ILO 10)
• BEFM011 – Group assignment and Examination (ILOs 1, 4, 6)
• BEFM017 – Individual project (ILOs 7-10, 14)
• BEFM024 – Individual presentation (ILO 1- 9)
• BEFM025 – Individual project and presentation (ILO5-12)