Study information

Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year

MSc Finance and Investment (9 Months)

1. Programme Details

Programme nameMSc Finance and Investment (9 Months) Programme codePTS0SBESBE08
Study mode(s)Full Time
 Academic year2023/4
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award7 (Masters)

2. Description of the Programme

Established in 1973, the MSc Finance and Investment was the very first Master’s degree in finance in the UK. Over the past 40 years, the programme has gained an international reputation for providing excellent training for those who are interested in following a career in investment analysis, corporate finance and portfolio management. The programme provides a broad knowledge in finance, combined with practical application, to help graduates develop the confidence and ability for a challenging career in finance.

The programme has been accredited by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) since 2008 and has been awarded CISI Centre of Excellence status.  Students on this programme have the opportunity to pursue a professional qualification from the CISI alongside their master's degree, with the full support of the University of Exeter.

This is a full-time programme, completed over a nine month period. In the first semester you will gain a firm foundation in research methods for investment and finance, investment analysis, financial management, and financial instruments. In the second semester you may choose six or seven optional modules. In addition, non-assessed intensive computer training covering Thomson Reuters Datastream and other financial databases and software systems, is incorporated into relevant modules.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

1. The programme is intended to provide students with the in-depth skills necessary to analyse problems arising in the field of finance and investment and to reach reasoned solutions to these.
2. The taught modules are intended to bring students up to date with results and issues arising in several of the core areas of academic financial research.
3. Practical sessions are intended to provide students with the additional skills necessary to apply their knowledge to complex situations arising currently in financial markets
4. It is intended that students completing the programme will be equipped to follow careers such as investment analysts or portfolio managers, or enter research programmes.

4. Programme Structure

The MSc Finance and Investment (9 month) is a programme of study over a period of nine months at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

 

Interim Awards

 

Postgraduate Diploma:

(a) A Postgraduate Diploma is awarded when a student gains at least 120 credits including at least 90 at Level M on a designated programme.

Postgraduate Certificate:

(a) A Postgraduate Certificate is awarded when a student gains at least 60 credits including at least 45 at Level M on a designated programme.

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.

Your MSc Finance and Investment programme is a 9 month programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

This programme is available for study nine months full-time over three terms from October to June and is University-based throughout this time. During the programme you will study modules totalling 180 credits.

Please note that all options are available timetable permitting and may change. 

 

Stage 1

Compulsory Modules

75 credits of compulsory modules:

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
BEAM031 Financial Instruments 15No
BEAM046 Financial Modelling 15No
BEAM072 Principles of Finance 15No
BEAM032 Investment Analysis 1 15No
BEFM022 Quantitative Research Methods 15No

Optional Modules

You will choose options totalling 105 credits from a regularly updated selection.

 

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
BEAM050 Advanced Corporate Finance 15No
BEAM033 Banking and Financial Services 15No
BEAM035 Derivatives Pricing 15No
BEAM036 Domestic and International Portfolio Management 15No
BEAM042 International Financial Management 15No
BEAM038 Investment Analysis 2 15No
BEAM052 Corporate Governance and Finance 15No
BEAM053 Mergers, Management Buyouts and Other Corporate Reorganisations 15No
BEEM103 Optimisation Techniques for Economists 15No
BEEM011 Applied Econometrics 1 15No
BEEM100 Macroeconomics 15No
BEEM101 Microeconomics 15No
BEEM015 Industrial Economics and Strategy 15No
BEEM117 Economics of Corporate Finance 15No
BEAM065 Bank Management 15No
BEAM029 Topics in Financial Economics 15No

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. the ability to analyse critically problems arising in portfolio management, corporate finance, financial instruments and investment analysis (including where appropriate international issues);
2. the ability to analyse critically relevant data underpinning companies’ financial decisions and financial market phenomena, drawn from financial databases and employing finance data analysis techniques and software packages;
3. the ability to tackle complex finance problems using structured approaches drawn from a range of quantitative and qualitative models and methods;
4. the ability to support their conclusions with reference to current academic and practitioner research, and be able to present them orally and in written form.

A1:

BEAM031 (ILO1), BEAM046 (ILOs4-11), BEM072 (ILOs1-7), BEAM032 (ILOs1-5), BEFM022 (ILOs1,3, 7)

 

A2:

BEAM031 (ILO1), BEAM046 (ILOs2-3), BEAM032 (ILO2), BEFM022 (ILOs1-7)

 

A3.

BEAM031 (ILO2), BEAM046 (ILOs1-11), BEAM072 (ILOs2, 5), BEAM032 (ILOs 2-3), BEFM022 (ILOs1-7)

 

A4.

BEAM046 (ILOs 1-23) via assignment reports

BEFM022 (ILOs 13-14) via Section B of written exam

BEAM032 (ILOs 8-9) via 2 group problem sets

Assessment takes place through written examinations (A1-A3):

  • BEAM031: 100%,
  • BEAM072: 20% Mid-Term + 80% Final
  • BEAM032: 80%
  • BEFM022: 20% Mid-Term + 80% Final
  • BEAM046 (ILOs 1- 19): 40% individual computer based exam

 

By written assignments (A1-A4):

  • BEAM046 (ILOs 1-23): 50% Group
  • BEAM032: 20% with 2 group problem sets

 

By personal presentations (A 4):

  • BEAM046 (ILOs 1-23) group assignment has an individual component for the peer evaluation for individual contribution including personal presentation (10%)

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 to develop rigorous theoretical arguments based on mathematical and analytical reasoning;
6. the ability to rigorously analyse problems in finance and investment;
7. the ability to interpret financial data and problems in the light of established theories;
8. the ability to access a wide body of empirical research literature and critically appraise it;
9. the ability to use relevant databases, existing research literature and techniques to conduct a detailed investigation of problems arising in finance.

Classes, assigned exercises, practical classes (B5-B7)

  • BEAM031: weekly 2hrs lectures + 1hr tutorials
  • BEAM046 (ILOs 12-18): weekly 2hrs lectures + 20minutes online quizzes, 3hrs weekly guided case studies
  • BEAM072: weekly 2hrs lectures + 1hrs seminar problems
  • BEAM032: weekly 3hrs lectures + 3 x 2hrs tutorials
  • BEFM022: weekly 2hrs lectures + 1hr tutorials, weekly homework + online mini quizzes, 2 mock assignments

 

Preparation and presentation of reports requiring critical surveys of empirical literature (B8-B9):

  • BEAM046 (ILOs 1-23): group assignment

 

Class solution of assigned problems developing the use of concepts and models (B5 and B7):

  • BEAM031, BEAM046, BEAM072, BEAM032, BEFM022

Assessment through examinations (B5-B8):

  • BEAM031 (ILOs1-12)
  • BEAM072 (ILOs 1 – 13)
  • BEAM032 (ILOs 1-9)
  • BEFM022 (ILOs1-14)
  • BEAM046 (ILOs 1-19): 40% individual exam

 

Written reports (B1-B9):

  • BEAM046 (ILOs 1- 23): 50% group work
  • BEAM032: ILOs 1-9
  •  

 

Personal presentations (B8-B9)

  • BEAM046 (ILOs 1-23): group assignment has an individual component for the peer evaluation for individual contribution including personal presentation (10%)

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. 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. Technologicaland digital literacy: Our graduates are able to use technologies to source, process and communicate information.

C10.

  • BEFM022 incorporates new research on investment from various countries, and is taught to the internationally recognised CFA syllabus.  
  • BEAM046 (ILOs 21 – 23) addresses the international aspects of finance through the estimation of the fair value of exchange rates
  • BEAM031 explores universally applicable theories, models, and concepts relevant across countries and developments in developed and emerging markets.
  • BEAM072 states that investment theory and corporate finance are international by nature and the principles taught can be applied in any country.
  • BEAM032 uses International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) which apply to more than 100 countries around the world.

C11

  • BEAM032 requires students to critically assess the content of annual reports and to develop a framework for assessing a firm’s financial performance.
  • BEAM046 (ILOs 19 - 23) emphasises real world application of finance theory using practical classes used following lectures. The module covers the implementation of quantitative financial models and includes financial statement analysis, passive and active portfolio management, risk management and the valuation of exchange rates.
  • BEAM031 aims to give students insights into practical aspects of fund management through lectures/seminars by senior fund managers. Also to access a wide body of empirical research literature and critically appraise it.
  • BEAM072 introduces students to finance theory and financial management, and analyses models and evidence relating to a firm’s optimal capital structure and appropriate dividend policy.
  • BEFM022 requires students to develop rigorous theoretical arguments, analyse quantitative problems, interpret financial data and problems and critically evaluate tools.

C12

  • BEAM046 (ILOs 21-23) requires that students collaborate on a group assignment to evaluate investment portfolios.
  • BEAM032- Investment Analysis 1 requires the students to work together to solve problems put forth by the lecturer.

C13.

  • BEAM032 familiarises students with the standards expected by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)
  • BEAM046 (ILOs 4,9,10,11,13,16,17) looks at the sustainable operation of financial and fair valuation of security prices.
  • BEAM072 states that students will learn about the fair valuation of financial assists which is of interest to those involved in sustainability.

C14

  • BEAM046(ILOS 1-18) instructs students in the advanced use of Excel and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)

C10.

  • BEFM022: Examinations
  • BEAM046 (ILOs 1-23): Individual assignment and group assignment
  • BEAM031: Exam
  • BEAM072: Examination and case study analysis and presentation
  • BEAM032 (ILOs 1-5): Exam and Group Problem sets

C11.

  • BEAM032 (ILOs 5): Examination and coursework
  • BEAM046 (ILOs 1 -23): Individual assignment and group assignment
  • BEAM031 (ILOs 3,4,5-9 and 12): Examination
  • BEAM072 (ILOs 8 -10): Examination and case study analysis and presentation
  • BEFM022 (ILOs 1-11, 14): Mid term exam and final exam

C12.

  • BEAM046 (ILOs 1-23): Group assignment
  • BEAM032 (ILOs 1-8): Group Problem Sets

C13.

  • BEAM032: Examination and coursework
  • BEAM046 (ILOs 1-23) Examination and group written assignment
  • BEAM072: Examination and case study analysis and presentation

C14.

BEAM046 (ILOs 1- 23): group assignment

7. Programme Regulations

Credit

 

Postgraduate (PG) Programmes: The programme consists of 180. The pass mark for award of credit in PG modules (NQF level 7) is 50%.

 

Progression

 

Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit.

 

Postgraduate (PG) Programmes: Up to 45 credits of failure can be condoned on the following conditions:

 

  1. You must have completed and been assessed in modules amounting to sufficient credit for the final award (i.e. 180 credits for a Masters; 120 credits for a PGDip; and 60 credits for a PGCert).

 

  1. You must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above.

 

  1. You must achieve an average mark of at least 50% across the full 180 credits of assessment in the stage, including any failed and condoned modules.

 

  1. Condonement can only be applied to failed modules where a mark of 40 – 49 has been achieved.   

 

Classification

The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following marks:

Postgraduate Degrees

Distinction   70%+

Merit            60-69%

Pass            50-59%

 

 

Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes and PGT programmes assessment regulations can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website.  Generic marking criteria are also published here.

 

Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.

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.

(Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.

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

0

18. Final Award

MSc Finance and Investment (9 Months)

19. UCAS Code

C822

20. NQF Level of Final Award

7 (Masters)

21. Credit

CATS credits

180

 ECTS credits

90

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

23. Dates

Origin Date

14/11/2013

 Date of last revision

15/08/2022