Finance MA

Compulsory modules: Research Methods: This module develops knowledge of intermediate and advanced research methods, and provides a basis in research methodology for those who may eventually wish to pursue research degrees. International Financial Markets: This module provides an overview of financial instruments in a multi currency world, taking account of insights from portfolio theory concerning the relationship between risk and return, the diversification of risk, and the pricing of assets. Corporate Risk Management: This module provides an analysis of pure risk and its management. Financial Crises and Bank Regulation: This module examines why banks and financial markets are inherently vulnerable to crises, and analyses the role of policy makers and institutions. The roles of monetary policy, bank supervision and regulation, corporate governance and ratings agencies in mitigating or exacerbating crises are considered. Investment Strategy and Portfolio Management: This module evaluates the development of investment strategies for bonds, equities and derivatives that are designed to achieve optimal risk return outcomes, and examines the measurement and evaluation of the performance of a portfolio of investments. International Financial Management: In this module the financial management of multinational companies and the influence of macroeconomic, fiscal, currency and political environments on business and financial decision making are examined in an international and global context. Optional modules (choose 2): Financial Modelling: This module develops a combined theoretical and practical approach to mathematical modelling for specialists in finance. The module emphasises numerical methods and other analytic approaches to financial modelling. Islamic Finance: This module provides an insight into topical issues relating to Islamic financial instruments and related risk management issues. The first part of the module examines issues relating to financial contracting, instruments and various intermediation issues. The second part focuses on the role of the capital market in providing Islamic financing, and highlights financial engineering and risk management features of this type of business. Accounting Theory: This module critically evaluates a widespread and widely based set of theories that underpin any explanation of accounting behaviour and accounting regulatory output. Several of the most relevant theories borrow heavily from other subject areas, notably economics, finance, politics and social theory. You will examine the links between accounting and these disciplines, and analyse regulation in the light of the insights gained. Advanced Financial Reporting and Regulation: This module provides an advanced treatment of the main theoretical principles underlying financial reporting, and the practical implications of alternative regulatory regimes. Financial reporting underpins all of the work of a professional accountant, and is a vital part of the process of communication between the firm and its stakeholders. Financial Institutions Strategic Management: This module examines the main theoretical and practical issues concerning banking business. You will develop a critical awareness of the theory of the banking firm, the motives for international banking, and regulatory and structural issues impacting on bank behaviour. Financial Analysis: This module analyses the techniques that are used to evaluate a company’s financial position and performance. You will examine the principles underlying inter firm comparison (comparing the performance of one firm with another) and trend analysis (comparing the performance of the same firm over different periods). Islamic Banking: This module provides an insight into the key features of Islamic banking business. The first part of the course outlines the theoretical foundations and development of Islamic banking practices. In particular, the main characteristics of various types of Islamic banking products are discussed. The second part of the course examines the operational features of Islamic banks, focusing on their performance and how they compete with conventional interest based banks. The final part of the course outlines contemporary challenges to Islamic banking business.