Economics and Investment Banking / Economics and Investment Banking (2yr) - MSc

Behavioural Applications in Economics and Finance (20 credits)

The overall aim of the module is to help you to increase your understanding of less traditional areas of microeconomics and finance theory that incorporate behavioural factors. These will provide an understanding of where standard economic and finance theories based on perfectly rationality and/or rational expectations are unable to explain anomalies experienced in real life. These theories will help you develop an understanding of why individuals often take actions which appear irrational. It is also intended that you will be able to think about how these theories might be tested in real life contexts to provide you with the skills to apply and test theories in your future careers.

Using Quantitative Data in Economic Analysis (20 credits)

An ability to understand and analyse quantitative data is an important part of an economist’s toolkit. This module will develop your numeracy, enabling you to explore, describe and utilise data in economic and business analysis. Advance your knowledge, appreciation and skills for applying ideas, tools and techniques of economic analysis to unfamiliar cases in the global business environment.

Contemporary Issues in Economics (20 credits)

This module aims to develop your ability to apply economic analysis to a range of contemporary economic problems and policies. You will be able to apply knowledge, tools and techniques to resolve issues in new and diverse situations within the economics discipline.

Valuation of Investment Products (20 credits)

The module is concerned with investment product value assessment and financial management. The initial thesis is that banks create value through investing in investment products that produce a positive net present value. However companies may also create value by growth (e.g. organic or via M&A), financing activity and through the management of risk. The focus of the module is on these themes. Hence the module will cover the key theories of corporate finance and valuation, and consider how these may be applied in practice.

Derivatives Markets (20 credits)

This module will enable learners to explore and develop their understanding of financial risk and derivative markets in terms of theory, concepts and hedging techniques. You will evaluate the types of financial risks that can be hedged with derivative instruments and discuss why derivative markets provide an efficient hedging tool.

Investment and Portfolio Management (20 credits)

This module examines appropriate Investment and Portfolio Management theory. You will have the opportunity to put this theory into practice principally via the construction and running of a portfolio of equities.

In your final semester you will take on a major project, giving you a fantastic opportunity to use the theories and knowledge you've gained to produce a challenging, meaningful piece of work. Projects include:

Consultancy Experience Project (40 credits)

Working as part of a team, you will undertake focused research, developing your professional skills, managing a complex project and delivering results in a real business situation. You will present your findings to the client and learn valuable project management tools and concepts.

Internship Experience Project (40 credits)

On an internship of 12 weeks or more, you will apply the theories you have learned to a substantial, live project. This will involve focused research, developing skills, managing a complex project and delivering results in a real business situation. You will also learn project management tools and concepts.

Business Research Project (40 credits)

This project is a more traditional piece of independent research, creating an academic research paper, presentation and methodological reflection. Because we believe experiential learning is so important, this project is only available to students with significant prior work experience or a desire to progress to a PhD.

Global Experience Project (40 credits)

This exciting project gives you the opportunity of travelling overseas to attend a summer school at one of our partner institutions. You will produce a piece of academic work drawing on either a concept from the summer school or a case study based on a company local to the host institution.

Throughout the year you will also study the following modules which will help you understand how to manage your own continuous personal and professional development (PPD).

Transformational Leadership Development (10 credits)

Transformational management education is a key focus within NBS, where effective ethical education across all business and management courses is the foundation of our students’ abilities to understand and contribute in meaningful ways towards current and future challenges in the area of sustainable development. The purpose of the module is to increase understanding of how to manage your own continuous personal and professional development in order to enable sustained career success and to be an effective and transformational leader.

Research Methods for Economists (10 credits)

The aim of this module is to develop students as effective researchers in different contexts within the subject area of economics.

Placement Diploma in Industrial Experience (2 year course only)

This module aims to develop your understanding of the business and commercial environment. You will apply relevant prior knowledge and skills in the business environment increasing your commercial awareness. On completion of the module, you will have developed a range of skills and have a practical insight into the world of work and possible career opportunities.