Financial Computing BSc (Hons)

Bachelor's degree

In Liverpool

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    Bachelor's degree

  • Location

    Liverpool

Financial Computing is at the very heart of the world's global financial centres, from Wall Street to Chicago, London to Tokyo. It is a growing industry and is at the forefront of all modern financial strategies and operations, bringing together finance, economics and computing. It encompasses financial services and markets using electronic communication and computation. This dynamic programme in Financial Computing will develop your knowledge and skills in aspects of financial services from understanding and creating algorithms; financial accounting; designing, implementing and evaluating software systems to analysing stock portfolios and operating financial markets. Examples of financial computing at work Financial computing in financial markets means that  human traders have, to a significant extent, been replaced by algorithmic traders, i.e. computer programmes that trade autonomously. For a wide range of businesses the internet has become a primary advertising channel. In fact, the main revenue of internet giants including Google and Yahoo comes from internet advertising, by means of auctions that are completely automated and run by computer programs. These developments have created high demand for graduates who have both the necessary computing skills and knowledge of the underlying financial markets, products and services. Introductory modules include Programming in Java, Databases, Human Centric Computing, Financial Accounting, Microeconomics and Management. You will also take modules in Software Engineering, Securities Markets, Computational Game Theory and Business Finance, amongst others. The programme includes a second year group project and a final year automated trading group project. Our programmes “with a Year in Industry” offer you the opportunity to strengthen employment prospects by putting your computing skills into practice in the workplace. In addition, you may also have the...

Facilities

Location

Start date

Liverpool (Merseyside)
See map
Chatham Street, L69 7ZH

Start date

On request

About this course

Entry Requirements A level offerAAB Subject requirementsMinimum AS level Mathematics grade B. The inclusion of Mathematical subjects: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, Computing/Computer Science, and Physics may lead to lower offers. GCSE English Language grade C or better. BTECD*DD in relevant diploma and AS Level Maths at grade B. International Baccalaureate35 points including 5 at Higher Level Mathematics. Irish Leaving CertificateA1A1A1B1 Scottish Higher/Advanced HigherNot accepted without...

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Subjects

  • Management
  • Financial Reporting
  • Financial Accounting
  • Financial Services
  • Credit
  • Computing
  • Software Engineering
  • Java
  • Basic
  • Accounting
  • Internet
  • IT
  • Basic IT training
  • Database
  • SQL
  • Database training
  • Basic IT
  • Algorithms
  • Microeconomics
  • Design
  • Economics
  • Construction
  • Accounting MBA
  • Finance
  • Financial
  • Advertising
  • Project
  • Systems
  • Industry
  • Engineering
  • Management Accounting
  • Financial Training
  • Programming
  • IT Management
  • Construction Training
  • Skills and Training

Course programme

Module details Programme Year One

Year 1 of the programme has been designed as an even split between subjects related to Computing and subjects related to Accounting, Economics, Finance and Management.

You take the following modules:

  • Introduction to Programming in Java: Introduces you to concepts and principles of problem solving by computer, the construction of algorithms for the solution of problems and their implementation in the high-level programming language Java.
  • Introduction to Databases: Introduces you to concepts and techniques for the appropriate and efficient design of databases and database systems and provides you with an understanding and practical experience of data manipulation and query in SQL.
  • Foundations of Computer Science: Provides you with the mathematical foundation, mathematical tools and basic proof techniques necessary for the study of Computer Science.
  • Introduction to Financial Accounting: Develops your knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts relating to financial accounting and technical proficiency in the use of double entry accounting techniques.
  • Principles of Microeconomics: Introduces you to elementary microeconomic theory.
  • Human-centric Computing: Provides you with an introduction to designing, implementing, and evaluating interactive software systems.
  • Introduction to Finance: Introduces you to finance concepts and principles.
  • Introduction to Management Accounting: Introduces you to the nature and purpose of management accounting and to establish a sound foundation in its fundamental techniques.
Compulsory modules
  • Introduction To Financial Accounting (ACFI101) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 70:30 Aims

    To develop knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles and concepts relating to financial accounting and technical proficiency in the use of double entry accounting techniques in recording transactions, adjusting financial records and preparing basic financial statements. 

    Learning Outcomes

       Prepare basic financial statements

    ​ Explain the context and purpose of financial reporting

    Demonstrate the use of double entry and accounting systems ​

    ​ Record transactions and events

    ​ Prepare a trial balance

  • Introduction To Management Accounting (ACFI102) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 100:0 Aims

    The aim of this module is to introduce students to the nature and purpose of management accounting and to establish a sound foundation in its fundamental techniques.

    Learning Outcomes

    ​ Understand, interpret and analyse management accounting information, and demonstrate an awareness of the importance of non-financial factors;

    ​ Evaluate the usefulness of various techniques in different situations and for different purposes.

  • Introduction To Finance (ACFI103) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 100:0 Aims
  • to introduce the students to finance.

  • to provide a firm foundation for the students to build on later on in the second and third years of their programmes, by covering basic logical and rational analytical tools that underpin financial decisions

     

  • Learning Outcomes

    Understand the goals and governance of the firm, how financial markets work and appreciate the importance of finance.


    ​ Understand the time value of money

    ​ Understandthe determinants of bond yields

    ​ Recognizehow stock prices depend on future dividends and value stock prices

    ​ Understandnet present value rule and other criteria used to make investment decisions

    ​ Understand risk, return and the opportunity cost of capital

    ​ Understandthe risk-return tradeoff, and know the various ways in which capital can beraised and determine a firm''s overall cost of capital

    ​ Knowdifferent types of options, and understand how options are priced

  • Introduction To Programming In Java (COMP101) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 0:100 Aims
    To introduce concepts and principles of problem solving by computer, and the construction of appropriate algorithms for the solution of problems.

  • ​To demonstrate the principles underlying the design of high level programming languages.

  • ​ To give students experience and confidence in the use of a high level programming language to implement algorithms.

  • Learning Outcomes

    ​ Be able to implement, compile, test and run Java programmes, comprising more than one class, to address a particular software problem.

    ​ Understand how to include arithmetic operators and constants in a Java program.

    ​ Be able to make use of members of classes found in the Java API (such as the Math class).

    ​ Demonstrate the ability to employ various types of selection constructs in a Java program.

    ​ Demonstrate the ability to employ repetition constructs in a Java program.

    Be able to employ a hierarchy of Java classes to provide a solution to a given set of requirements.

    ​ Demonstrate the ability to use simple data structures like arrays in a Java program.

    ​ Specific learning outcomes are listed above.


    General learning outcomes:

    • An understanding of the principles and practice of object oriented analysis and design in the construction of robust, maintainable programs which satisfy their requirements;
    • A competence to design, write, compile, test and execute straightforward programs using a high level language;
    • An appreciate of the principles of object oriented programming;
    • An awareness of the need for a professional approach to design and the importance of good documentation to the finished programs.

     

  • Introduction To Databases (COMP102) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester Whole Session Exam:Coursework weighting 60:40 Aims
    1. To gain an understanding of database systems, encourage the appropriate and efficient design and usage of database systems at the conceptual and logical level;
    2. To provide an understanding and practical experience of of data manipulation and query in SQL;
    3. To provide a basic understanding of relational algebra and its mapping to SQL.
    Learning Outcomes

    At the end of this module the student should be able to

    1. identify principles of conceptual design using ER and UML design methodologies;
    2. apply principles of conceptual design using ER and UML design methodologies;
    3. recognise logical design principles, in particular normalization and functional dependencies;
    4. state the issues related to physical design;
    5. use SQL as a data definition and manipulation language, and as a language for querying databases;
    6. operate and use a basic DBMS;
    7. identify the principles underpinning the relational model and its relationship to SQL;
    8. identify the legal implications of creating and maintaining a database system.
  • Human-centric Computing (COMP106) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester Second Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 80:20 Aims
  • ​To provide guidelines, concepts and models for designing and evaluating interactive systems.
  • To provid​ e an introduction to designing and implementing graphical user interfaces.
  • Learning Outcomes ​ identify or describe the tasks and issues, such as establishing requirements, developing designs, and implementing designs, which are involved in the process of developing efficient, effective, and safe interactive products for people, and the tools and techniques used to perform these tasks 
    identify or describe and compare different styles of interaction for graphical user interfaces​ evaluate and critique existing interactive systems, in accordance with human-centric principles, standards and guidelines for interface design, including usability, accessibility, and health and safety issues illustrate how event-driven software can be designed using standard, formal techniques​ construct Web pages that conform to current Web standards​

    write Java programs that demonstrate simple examples of graphical user interfaces

  • Foundations of Computer Science (COMP109) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 80:20 Aims
    1. To introduce the notation, terminology, and techniques underpinning the discipline of Theoretical Computer Science.
    2. To provide the mathematical foundation necessary for understanding datatypes as they arise in Computer Science and for understanding computation.
    3. To introduce the basic proof techniques which are used for reasoning about data and computation.
    4. To introduce the basic mathematical tools needed for specifying requirements and programs
    Learning Outcomes Reason about simple data types using basic proof techniques;

    Iinterpret set theory notation, perform operations on sets, and reason about sets; ​

    Understand, manipulate and reason about unary relations, binary relations, and functions;

    Represe nt statements in propositional logic, and to recognise, understand, and reason about formulas in propositional logic;

    Apply  basic counting and enumeration methods as these arise in analysing permutations  and combinations;

    Perform simple calculation about discrete probablility.

  • Principles of Microeconomics (ECON121) Level 1 Credit level 15 Semester First Semester Exam:Coursework weighting 80:20 Aims

    To acquaint students with elementary microeconomic theory. We will cover: basic definitions and concepts in (micro)economics, consumer theory, producer theory, perfect competition, imperfect competition, externalities and public goods.

    The mathematics content will include some basic algebra, equations of the straight line, elementary calculus.

    Learning Outcomes

    After this module students should have achieved a theoretical background in the elementary concepts of microeconomic theory   


    ​  Students should have learned how to apply these concepts.

Programme Year Two

In Year 2 you continue with a mix of modules related to Computing, Accounting, Economics, Finance and Management but also have the opportunity to specialise in certain subject areas of your choice.

You take the following modules:

  • Financial Reporting: Introduces you to the regulatory reporting requirements for companies in the UK and to concepts of financial reporting coverage of the IASBs framework.
  • Financial Management: Introduces you to the modern theory of finance and financial management.
  • Software Engineering I: Covers the problems associated with the development of significant (large) software systems and techniques to develop such systems efficiently in a cost-effective manner.
  • Database Development: Considers concurrency...

Financial Computing BSc (Hons)

Price on request