BSc (Hons) Finance Studies

1. An understanding of the institutional framework necessary for understanding the role, operation and function of markets and financial institutions.
2. Knowledge of the major theoretical tools and theories of finance, and their relevance and application to theoretical and practical problems.
3. An understanding of the relationship between financial theory and empirical testing, and the application of this knowledge to the appraisal of the empirical evidence in at least one major theoretical area, including the limitations and evolution of empirical test and theory.
4. An ability to interpret financial data, including that arising in the context of the firm or household from accounting statements and data generated in financial markets.
5. An understanding of the financial arrangements and governance mechanism and structures of business entities, and an appreciation of how theory and evidence can be combined to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of such arrangements.
6. An understanding of the factors influencing the investment behaviour and opportunities of private individuals.
7. An understanding of financial service activities in the economy and the factors that are changing these activities over time, and an appreciation of how finance theory and evidence can be employed to aid such understanding.
8. An ability to understand financial statements, and a reasonable appreciation of the limitations of financial reporting and disclosure practices and procedures.

Teaching is centred on problem-based and inquiry-led learning. There are three main components to the teaching methods:

1. Lectures/Seminars/Tutorials

These sessions contain three elements:

• Taught Lectures
• Taught Seminars/Tutorials
• Academic study skills

2. Online Learning Platform

All lectures/seminars/tutorials are supported by online resources. Each student has the benefit of both a module lead (subject specialist) and an academic mentor, with whom they can develop their study skills, critical thinking skills, application of new knowledge, evaluate own progress and plan own development. 

There will be a range of regular formative assessment which seeks to build the skills and confidence of students whilst keeping them engaged with the programme. Summative assessment will include, but is not limited to: written examinations, applied exercise, case studies, presentations, portfolios, reflective essays, position papers, business improvement projects, proposals, problem-based essays, book and article reviews, visual images, videos, infographics, academic essays, reports, groupwork and peer assessment.

9. Illustrate arguments using reflections upon own practice and drawing from own reading of assigned academic texts
10. Apply proven management theories, framework and models when analysing simple problems.
11. Recognise where learning originates and translate new knowledge into suggestions for practice.
12. Use of a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information.
13. Propose solutions to organisational problems and reflect upon the impact of those solutions through a process of critical thinking and reflection.
14. Explore and create business improvement ideas using range of creative thinking techniques.
15. Translate theoretical ideas into suggestions for application to practice.
16. Determine the suitability of proven risk and investment management models appropriate to the role together with relevant best practice.
17. Evidence critical thinking in the construction of written proposals.

See details in Section A Learning and Teaching Activities.

See details in Section A Assessment Methods.

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

ILO 1

BEA2018 requires students to develop teamwork and presentation skills in debating discussion topics and producing team solutions to problems.

ILO 2

BEA2018 requires students to critically assess comments, suggestions, and practice in the context of finance.

BEF2013 requires students to apply statistical and financial mathematics techniques in decision making process.

ILO 3

BEA2018 requires students to work independently as well as in groups, and develop effective and efficient self-study techniques.

ILO 4

BEF2013 requires students to apply statistical and financial mathematics techniques in decision making process.

BEA2018 requires students to use information technology for information retrieval and numerical analysis.

ILO 5

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); seek and use feedback (using formative and summative feedback to develop); drive towards personal goals (reflect on input and align to personal goals).

ILO 1

BEA2018 – Examination (ILOs 1-13)

ILO 2

BEA2018 – In Term Exam (ILOs 1-5 and 8-13), Examination (ILOs 1-13)

BEF2013 – Assignments (ILOs 1-11), Examination (ILOs 1-6)

ILO 3

BEA2018 – Examination (ILOs 1-13)

ILO 4

BEF2013 – Assignments (ILOs 1-11),

Examination (ILOs 1-6)

BEA2018 – In class tests (ILOs 8-13), Examination (ILOs 1-13)

ILO 5

This ILO is very general, and across the programme it is assessed through a mixture of individual/group essays/reports, presentations, MCQ exams, and written examinations.

ILO 6

BEA2018 – In Term Exam (ILOs 1-5 and 8-13), Examination (ILOs 1-13)

ILO 7

BEF2014 – Assignments (ILOs 1-13), Examination (ILOs 1-7)

BEF2013 – Assignment (ILOs 1-11)