Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
MSc Financial Analysis and Fund Management with Industrial Experience
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc Financial Analysis and Fund Management with Industrial Experience | Programme code | PTS2SBESBE19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The MSc Financial Analysis and Fund Management with Industrial Experience programme provides students with a rigorous academic curriculum in advanced finance theory combined with practical application. The programme is one of a limited number of programmes globally to be awarded CFA® ‘University Affiliation Program’ status. This means that at least 70% of CFA topics will be covered in the programme study materials. Students on the programme will have the opportunity to undertake both CFA Level I and II exams while studying for their Master's degree with support from the business school.
Ranked amongst the world’s best finance programmes in the 2018 Financial Times and QS Masters in Finance Rankings 2020, the MSc Financial Analysis and Fund Management programme is ideal for anyone wishing to study advanced financial theory and looking to acquire expertise in investment analysis and fund management.
This is a full-time programme, completed over a two-year period. In semesters one and two, you will gain a firm foundation in quantitative research methods for investment and finance, financial statement analysis, principles of finance, equity valuation models and issues, derivatives and credit instruments, financial modelling using Excel and VBA, and alternative investments. In the third semester, you will have the opportunity to undertake an empirical finance dissertation, or an applied finance project that is jointly supervised by an academic and a practitioner from the finance industry. To support your learning, non-assessed intensive training covering Thomson Reuters Eikon+DFO, Bloomberg, Capital IQ Platform and other financial databases and software systems are incorporated into relevant modules.
In your second year you will undertake the Industrial Experience placement. This year will provide you with the opportunity to put what you have learnt to practical advantage, providing valuable insight into the interplay between the theoretical skills and understanding acquired during your year at Exeter and the practicalities of using your skills and knowledge in a real world setting.
In addition, students on this programme receive a three-week induction course, two CFA® training weekends and the opportunity to participate in the CFA’s Investment Research Challenge, the University of Exeter Business School’s Ethics Challenge, the University of Exeter Business School’s Bloomberg Investment Ideas Challenge, MSc FAFM guest speaker seminars and the FAFM Europe Study Trip. A tailored Professional Development and Standards module that aims to enhance students’ employability and establish professionalism and integrity has also been built into the programme.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme is intended to:
- provide you with an in-depth teaching and training in the skills and knowledge necessary to analyse problems arising in the field of investments and finance, in order to enable you to reach reasoned solutions to these.
- provide you with current evidence and issues arising in academic research in finance, especially in areas such as investment analysis, portfolio management, equity valuation, derivatives and fixed income investment instruments.
- provide you, through practical sessions, with the additional skills necessary to apply your knowledge to complex situations arising currently in financial markets and to offer research backed solutions to complex investment problems.
- equip you to follow careers such as investment analysts, fund managers or portfolio managers, or enter further study and research programmes.
4. Programme Structure
The MSc Financial Analysis and Fund Management (FAFM) with Industrial Experience programme is a 2 year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit value of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
The programme will consist 3 terms of active taught content followed by an additional work placement. You will need to complete a total of 180 credits across the first 12 months of the programme. This will be via a mix of mandatory and optional modules, subject to change and timetabling requirements and you will also take a preparatory module ahead of the placement. You will then complete a work placement and assessment in the second 12 months, for 60 additional credits.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
Stage 1
Compulsory Modules
135 credits of compulsory modules
a You must choose one of the following modules BEFM025, BEFM027, BEAM101 or BEMM392
b BEFM028 is compulsory for those wishing to sit the CFA examinations
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEFM024 | Professional Standards and Development | 15 | No |
| BEAM031 | Financial Instruments | 15 | No |
| BEAM046 | Financial Modelling | 15 | No |
| BEFM011 | Financial Statement Analysis | 15 | No |
| BEFM022 | Quantitative Research Methods | 15 | No |
| BEFM016 | Equity Valuation Models and Issues | 15 | No |
| BEFM015 | Portfolio Management and Asset Allocation | 15 | No |
| BEFM028 | CFA Training and Development [See note b above] | 0 | No |
| MSc Finance dissertation 24-25 [See note a above] | |||
| BEAM101 | Sustainable Finance Project | 30 | No |
| BEFM025 | Applied Project | 30 | No |
| BEFM027 | Dissertation | 30 | No |
| BEMM392 | Summer School | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
45 credits of optional modules:
c Students must choose BEAM101 and 30 credits from this group to gain a with ‘Sustainable Finance’ Pathway.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc Finance 24-25 optional modules | |||
| BEFM017 | Credit Instruments and Derivatives | 15 | No |
| BEAM050 | Advanced Corporate Finance | 15 | No |
| BEAM053 | Mergers, Management Buyouts and Other Corporate Reorganisations | 15 | No |
| BEAM065 | Bank Management | 15 | No |
| BEAM079 | Coding Analytics for Accounting and Finance | 30 | No |
| BEEM061 | Fundamentals of Financial Technology | 15 | No |
| Sustainable Finance pathway modules [See note d above] | |||
| BEAM102 | Financial Institutions' Risk Management | 15 | No |
| BEAM103 | Climate Finance and Investments | 15 | No |
| BEAM104 | Sustainable and Responsible Finance | 15 | No |
| BEAM052 | Corporate Governance and Finance | 15 | No |
Stage 2
Compulsory Modules
60 credits of compulsory modules
d You must choose either BUSM002 or BUSM004, you cannot choose both
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUSM002 | Business School Industrial Experience UK [See note d above] | 60 | No |
| BUSM004 | Business School Industrial Experience Abroad [See note d above] | 60 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Explain complex finance theories | 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 |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
5. The ability rigorously to analyse problems in finance; | 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, |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
10. CONFIDENT COMMUNICATOR: Able to adapt and adjust both written and verbal communication styles, to meet the needs of diverse audiences. | C10 BEFM024 assesses students’ ability to adapt communication in job applications to meet the needs of recruiters BEFM011 and BEAM046 prepares students to effectively present results and work in a group setting of diverse members • BEFM025 is designed to develop students’ analytical, communication, consultancy and other transferable skills through an industry project, on completion, students are expected to be able to clearly communicate and discuss complex ideas verbally and in writing, and manage the relationship with the company effectively through constructive communication C11 • Assessed through portfolio from BEFM024 via individual career plan - overcoming personal obstacles and developing self-awareness, committing to personal goals. The course also assesses students problem-solving skills through a group case study using the CFA decision making framework. • BEFM025 prepares students to work innovatively with their supervisory team to explore solutions to a real-world challenge faced by our industry partners. C12. C13. • 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. C14 • 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. C15. C16. | C10.
C11.
C12.
C13.
C14.
C15.
C16.
|
7. Programme Regulations
with 'Sustainable Finance pathway'
You must take a total of 60 credits of eligible modules and must achieve a minimum of 50% in at least 45 of these credits to be awarded the pathway. In other words, you must pass a minimum of 45 credits of the eligible modules and cannot be condoned in more than 15 credits
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.
The Postgraduate Student Handbook can be accessed via ELE at the following address: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1645
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
Not applicable to this programme.
18. Final Award
MSc Financial Analysis and Fund Management with Industrial Experience
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 240 |
ECTS credits | 120 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
23. Dates
| Origin Date | Date of last revision |
|---|


