Programme Specification for the 2022/3 academic year
MSc Financial Economics
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MSc Financial Economics | Programme code | PTS1SBESBE08 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2022/3 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
This programme is a springboard into a career as an economist. Whether you are looking to work in the Civil Service, a leading bank, a multinational organisation or an insurance company, this programme can help you achieve your aims. It is also an ideal choice for anybody who sees his or her future as an analyst for a major investment company.
The programme is designed to provide an understanding of economic and financial theory, together with specialist econometric and mathematical techniques. It provides a platform for economics students with a particular interest in finance and will also be of interest to applicants who are already practicing economists or have work experience in the financial sector.
Completion of the MSc in Financial Economics is an excellent foundation for progression onto a research degree. At the heart of the programme are core modules in financial theory, plus a choice of further options in Finance, Economics or Econometrics. Non assessed intensive computing training covering Thomson Reuters Datastream and other financial databases and software, is incorporated into relevant modules. Alongside the formal lecture programme, you will be able to participate in the Economics Seminar Series. The summer dissertation represents your chance to carry out original research in financial economics.
Like all postgraduate economics programmes in the School, our MSc Financial Economics is accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). For UK and EU students, this means you can apply to the ESRC for funding assistance with both tuition fees and living expenses if you are intending to progress to a PhD.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
1. To provide an education for students intended to give students competence in their chosen discipline and to encourage them to develop their intellectual capabilities within an institution that is committed to the advancement of research, scholarship and learning, and to the dissemination of knowledge.
2. To equip students with a range of methodological skills and appropriate specialised knowledge.
3. To provide a rigorous training, in a supportive environment, in the techniques of finance, economic and econometric analysis, as an aide to understanding contemporary economic and finance issues.
4. To inform this education by research, and national and international economic development, where appropriate
5. To provide training in subject-specific skills, preparing students for employment or further study.
6. To provide a training in economics with specialist modules in finance.
4. Programme Structure
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.
This programme is available for study 12 months full-time over three terms and is University-based throughout this time. The taught components of the programme are delivered in the first two terms, leaving the third term and most of the summer to research, write and submit your dissertation. The programme in its entirety runs from October to September.
During the programme you will study modules (including the dissertation) totalling 180 credits. Please note that all options are available timetable permitting and may change.
Please note that programme structures may be subject to change.
Stage 1
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAM029 | Topics in Financial Economics | 15 | No |
| BEAM047 | Fundamentals of Financial Management | 15 | No |
| BEEM103 | Optimisation Techniques for Economists | 15 | No |
| BEEM115 | Research Design and Dissertation | 60 | No |
| BEEM117 | Economics of Corporate Finance | 15 | No |
| BEEM011 | Applied Econometrics 1 | 15 | No |
| BEEM012 | Applied Econometrics 2 | 15 | No |
| BEEM100 | Macroeconomics [or BEEM101 or BEEM120] | 15 | No |
| BEEM101 | Microeconomics [or BEEM100 or BEEM120] | 15 | No |
| BEEM120 | Macroeconomics of Money and Financial Markets [or BEEM100 or BEEM101] | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
You will choose one 15 credit option from a regularly updated selection. Recent modules are shown below:
Please note that BEEM152 is not available for students starting their degree in January.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAM033 | Banking and Financial Services | 15 | No |
| BEAM036 | Domestic and International Portfolio Management | 15 | No |
| BEEM125 | Experimental and Behavioural Economics | 15 | No |
| BEEM015 | Industrial Economics and Strategy | 15 | No |
| BEEM100 | Macroeconomics | 15 | No |
| BEEM101 | Microeconomics | 15 | No |
| BEAM065 | Bank Management | 15 | No |
| BEEM120 | Macroeconomics of Money and Financial Markets | 15 | No |
| BEEM152 | Behavioural Development Economics | 15 | No |
| BEEM154 | Economics of Public Finance | 15 | No |
| BEEM014 | Health Economics | 15 | No |
| BEEM157 | Behavioural Finance | 15 | 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. a core knowledge in finance, economics, and econometrics | Subject knowledge and skills are taught in all core modules through a mix of • Lectures • Seminars • private study | Subject knowledge and skills are assessed by examination (all core modules) and assignment (BEEM102/112) |
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: | |
4. the ability to synthesise data from a range of sources | Core academic skills are taught through • private study (all core modules) • problem sets (BEEM102/104/112) • computer-based examples (BEAM030) • directed and undirected reading (all core modules) • student presentations (individual or group) (BEEM115,BEAM030) | Core academic skills are taught through • Written examination (all core modules) • Assignments (BEAM030, BEAM039) • Dissertation (BEEM115) |
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: | |
8. A global outlook: Our graduates are engaged and prepared for the demands of global business and society. | 10. BEEM103 Optimization Techniques for Economists module is built upon microeconomics which is relevant across countries as it is based on mathematical models. BEEM115 Research Design and Dissertation utilizes the analytical skills developed and employed in this module will be applicable across institutions and countries and are multi-national in nature. BEAM047 Fundamentals of Financial Management Investment theory and corporate finance are international by nature and the principles taught can be applied in any country. Investment theory and corporate finance are international by nature and the principles taught can be applied in any country. BEAM029 Topics in Financial Economics teaches topics which are relevant across countries and many international examples are discussed in the lectures BEEM117 Economics of Corporate Finance focuses on the theory of how companies finance themselves, which is applicable in an international environment.
11. BEEM103 Optimization Techniques for Economists equips students with logical thinking, numeracy and writing skills, as well as an understanding and theoretical knowledge of economic issues. BEEM115 Research Design and Dissertation allows students to demonstrate their ability at identifying and analysing an economic problem using the techniques of economic and/or econometric analysis. They will acquire knowledge of the existing literature, identify the key economic trade-offs, acquire necessary tools to analyse these trade-offs, and analyse the economic problem. BEAM047 Fundamentals of Financial Management requires students to have a critical understanding of desires and decision processes of customers and businesses and apply theory and secondary data analysis to a real-life marketing problem faced by organisations BEAM029 Topics in Financial Economics requires students to develop rigorous theoretical arguments based on mathematical reasoning, understand and solve quantitative problems, interpret financial data, and access selected empirical research literature and critically appraise it. BEEM117 Economics of Corporate Finance asks students to possess the ability to study a range of teaching and research material and the ability to think analytically 12. 13. BEAM047 Fundamentals of Financial Management focuses on the fair valuation of financial assets which is of interest to those involved in sustainability. BEAM047 Fundamentals of Financial Management aids students in gaining experience using Excel. | 9. BEEM103 – Exam, two In-class Tests BEEM115 - Proposal and Dissertation BEAM047 – online examination and case study analysis and presentation BEAM029 – In-class Test and Exam BEEM117 – Exam 10. BEEM103 – Exam, two In-class Tests (ILO 1-9) BEEM115 – Proposal and Dissertation (ILO 1-7) BEAM047 – online examination and case study analysis and presentation (both ILOs 1-10, 13) BEAM029 – In-class Test (ILO 1-10) and Exam (ILO1-8, 10-14) BEEM117 – Exam (ILO 1-8) 11. 12. BEAM047 – Online Exam and Case Study and Presentation (ILO 3?) 13. BEAM047 – Individual assignment and group assignment. |
7. Programme Regulations
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.
In addition, support for postgraduate students in the BusinessSchool includes:
• A one week induction programme (University and MA/MSc/MRes programme registration and induction including welcomes, IT induction, library induction, postgraduate receptions)
• A dedicated programme director
• A dedicated programme administrator and programme assistants
• Personal tutor
• Dissertation Supervisor
• A programme-dedicated student handbook (c.50 pages) includes inter alia registration and induction, general information on School and University facilities and services (e.g. library, IT, fax, photocopying), health and safety, communicating with School staff, illness and absence, special needs, details of the degree programme and its modules (module templates, examinations, assessment methods etc.), School Code of Good Practice in Teaching and Learning, University postgraduate assessment procedures (examination conventions), complaints and appeals procedures, and guidance on examination preparation, groupwork, essay writing, referencing, cheating and plagiarism.
• Two computing officers
• Three postgraduate-exclusive computing suites with standard and specialised software (e.g. RATS, PCGive, SPSS, Maple) and access to specialised databases (e.g. Datastream, Thomson Analytics, Bloomberg, Business Insights, Datamonitor, London Share Price Database, Center for Research Security Prices)
• Postgraduate study room
• School-dedicated English Language Centre classes
• Disability officer and referral service to the Disability Resource Centre
• Departmental staff-postgraduate seminar programme (visiting speakers)
• Postgraduate student representation on the School’s Postgraduate Student-Staff Liaison Committee (one representative from each taught postgraduate programme)
• Postgraduate student representation on the Education Strategy Group.
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.
(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The programme is not 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 Financial Economics
19. UCAS Code
C476
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 | Date of last revision | 23/09/2021 |
|---|
