MSc International Finance and Banking

1. Critically analyse problems arising in banking and international finance by developing a sound understanding the institutional framework necessary for understanding the role, operation and function of financial institutions and markets.
2. Critically analyse relevant data underpinning sustainable financial decisions and financial market phenomena relevant for global banks and financial institutions, drawn from financial databases and employing financial data analysis techniques and software packages.
3. Effectively undertake complex tasks in financial modelling and analysis using structured approaches drawn from a range of quantitative and qualitative models and methods.
4. Support your conclusions with reference to current academic and practitioner research and be able to present them orally and in written form.

Teaching is delivered by scheduled taught lectures (A1) and classes including seminars, tutorials, and workshops/practical sessions (A1-A2)

Learning takes place through assigned reading of the relevant literature (A1), assigned problem sets and solutions, which may be either individual or group work (A1-A2), and by completion of a research project/dissertation (A3-A4) with support in one of the group-a modules shown in Section ‘Programme Modules’.

Teaching follows the problem-based and research-led approaches. Additionally, all teaching and learning activities are supported by online resources including ELE2.

Assessment takes place in two formats:

There will be a range of regular formative assessment which seeks to build your skills and confidence whilst keeping you engaged with the programme, including online quizzes (A1-A2), applied exercises and problem sets (A2-A3) and presentation (A4).

Summative assessment includes written examinations (A1-A3), applied exercise, written assignments (A1-A4) (e.g., case studies, business/research projects, proposals, and essays), and presentation (A4).

5. Develop rigorous arguments based on critical and analytical reasoning.
6. Apply proven theoretical framework and models to rigorously analyse complex finance problems.
7. Provide solutions to business and financial problems using a range of established techniques for information processing and analysis.
8. Critically appraise a wide body of empirical and theoretical research literature.
9. Use relevant databases, existing research literature and techniques to conduct a detailed investigation of problems arising in finance.
10. Evidence critical thinking in the construction of written proposals and plan own research project with support.

Teaching and learning activities in taught lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops Classes, assigned exercises, practical classes accommodate and facilitate B5-B7.

Guided preparation and presentation of reports and individual or group projects require critical surveys of the existing literature (B8-9).

Class solution of assigned problems develops the use of concepts and models (B5, B7).

Academic discipline core skills and knowledge are assessed by both formative and summative assessment methods.

Specifically, formative assessment includes online quizzes (B5-B6), applied exercises and problem sets (B5-B7) and presentation (B7-B9).

Summative assessment includes written examinations (B5-B8), applied exercise, written assignments (B5-B10) (e.g., case studies, business/research projects, proposals, and reports), and presentation (B9-B10).

11. Confident Communicator: adapt and adjust both written and verbal communication styles, to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
12. Innovative problem-solver: confidently explore challenges from different perspectives, to creatively offer practical and timely solutions.
13. Proactive collaborator: actively build strong working relationships with others to have positive outcomes.
14. Digitally fluent: embrace a variety of digital technologies to critically source, process and communicate information.
15. Resilient self-advocate: develop self-awareness through a commitment to learning from experiences and taking responsibility for personal growth.
16. Critical thinker: proactively analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources to draw independent and well-founded conclusions.
17. Globally engaged: recognise diverse individual and cultural perspectives, to communicate on interconnected world issues and sustainable decisions.

C11

BEAM033 requires your engagement with online discussion forum in relevant areas and receive feedback from peers and lecturer.

BEAM042 requires your engagement in the interactive learning activities (team-based tasks and presentations) in the seminar (as practical sessions).

BEAM065 requires your engagement with web-based learning activities such as the online discussion forum with peer feedback.

BEAM104 expects you to communicate effectively on sustainable finance topics, both orally and in written form.

C12

BEAM047 expects you to acquire quantitative and analytical skills both in classes (taught lectures and seminars with assigned problem sets) and guided independent study (reading and preparation for classes and assessments).

BEAM102 requires you to acquire and use data to analyse and solve international case studies.

BEAM033 expects you to apply developed skills to real-world issues.

BEAM065 requires you to apply quantitative and qualitative tools in tackling financial decision problems in the banking industry.

C13

BEAM042 requires you to plan and manage your study within a group and to be able to present results from group projects (i.e., practical tasks in practical sessions). 

BEAM104 requires you to work in a group to prepare for the presentation of the proposal and case studies.

C14

BEAM047 expects you to gain problem-solving skills through experience using Excel in difference aspects of finance.

BEAM042 requires you to make appropriate use of learning resources, including sophisticated computer datasets.

BEAM065 expects you to develop transferrable skills such as data analysis and processing various information in solving financial problems.

C15

Students in this programme are expected to manage time and tasks (submission of group work, presentations, mid-term assessments, final written exams); work independently (using resources to plan own learning, review answers and identify own learning points); adapt to change (reflecting the core difference between thought, critical analysis, use of evidence; management of ever-changing circumstances related to group work; different technical approaches such as bookkeeping procedures to process a transaction); seek and use feedback (using formative and summative feedback to develop); drive towards personal goals (reflect on input and align to personal goals).

C16

BEAM047 expects you to analyse models and evidence relating to a firm’s optimal capital structure based on proven finance theory and financial management practice.

BEAM042 requires you to critically analyse problems arising in both academic and practical contexts, mostly from multi-national corporation’s perspective.

BEAM065 requires you to take an international perspective and provides you with evidence from international banking systems.

C17

BEAM042 requires you to address fair valuation issues in an international setting which is vital for the sustainable operation of international financial markets.

BEAM065 requires you to take an international perspective and provides you with evidence from international banking systems.

BEAM104 expects you to apply sustainable finance principles in real-world scenarios and case studies.

Formative and summative assessments:

C11

BEAM033 – online discussion contribution (ILO1-8) 

BEAM042 – problem sets (ILO9,10)

BEAM065 – online discussion contribution (ILO1-8)

BEAM104 – case study presentation (20%, ILO1-6) and exam (80%, ILO1-4, 6)

C12

BEAM047 – class test and written examination (ILO1-12)

BEAM102 – applied exercise (ILO1-6) and assignment (70%, 2500 words, ILO1-6)

BEAM033 – assignment (70%, 2500 words, ILO1-8) and in-term test (30%, ILO1-6) and applied exercise (ILO1-8)

BEAM065 – two assignments: I (40%, 2000words, ILO1-3, 5-10); II (60%, 3000 words, ILO1-2, 4-10)

C13

BEAM042 – mock mid-term tests (with in-class critical discussions), and other interactive activities with feedback from peers and lecture during practical sessions (ILO1-6, 9-13)

BEAM104 – group presentation of proposal (ILO1-6)

C14

BEAM047 – problem sets (ILO1-12)

BEAM042 – problem sets (ILO8-9), individual written exam (ILO1-8,10-12), mock mid-term test and other interactive exercises using online digital tools (ILO1-6, 9-13).

BEAM065 – weekly online quizzes (ILO1-6)

C15

C15 is very general, and across the programme it is assessed through a mixture of individual/group assignments, presentations, MCQ exams, and written examinations.

C16

BEAM047 – ELE quiz (ILO1-7), exam (ILO1-12)

BEAM033 – assignment (70%, 2500 words, ILO1-8)

BEAM042 – problem sets (ILO9-10) and individual written exam (ILO1-8, 10-12)

BEAM065 – two assignments: I (40%, 2000words, ILO1-3, 5-10); II (60%, 3000 words, ILO1-2, 4-10)

C17

BEAM042 – individual written exam (80%, ILO1-8, 10-12)

BEAM065 – two assignments: I (40%, 2000words, ILO1-3, 5-10); II (60%, 3000 words, ILO1-2, 4-10)

BEAM104 – case study presentation (20%, ILO1-6) and exam (80%, ILO1-4, 6)