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MSc Finance and Investment Banking with Advanced Research

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Why choose Herts?

Flexibility: You have the option to complete the course on fast-track in one academic year, or to complete in two years with a pathway choice of a work-placement or advanced research.
Industry connections: We have strong connections with employers such as Canada Life and Santander with many companies attending our careers fairs.
Employment prospects: Graduates work as financial analysts, senior investment managers, bond analysts, and portfolio managers for organisations including HSBC, Standard Chartered, Nomura, and Gallagher & Mohan.

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, examinations may be replaced by an alternative form of assessment during the academic year 2020/2021. Please refer to the Programme Specification on these pages for further details.

The normal entry requirements for the programme are:

An honours degree (at least 2:2 or equivalent) in the field of economics, finance, banking, accounting, business studies, science, engineering, mathematics, or
A suitable professional qualification (including ACCA, CIMA CIPFA, CFA, ICAEW, ICS), or
Other appropriate qualifications/experience to be assessed by the Programme Leader and Admissions Tutor.

English Language entry requirements

In addition all students for whom English is not their first language must produce evidence of their English Language proficiency. The standard required is an IELTS score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each band), or an equivalent score on a test recognised by the University of Hertfordshire.

[Pre-sessional English language courses are available at the University of Hertfordshire for students who have an IELTS score of 6.0]

This requirement will be waived if the student has successfully completed an undergraduate degree at a university in the United Kingdom, or another country acceptable to the University of Hertfordshire, where study was in English and the student was based in that university’s home country during study.

The programme is subject to the University's Principles, Policies and Regulations for the Admission of Students to Undergraduate and Taught Postgraduate Programmes (in UPR SA03), along with associated procedures. These will take account of University policy and guidelines for assessing accredited prior certificated learning (APCL) and accredited prior experiential learning (APEL).


Institution code	H36
School of study	Hertfordshire Business School
Course length	Full Time, 2 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

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Employability

Careers

Every aspect of this Master’s is designed to give you the necessary skills for a successful career in a wide range of finance and investment banking roles. You’ll benefit from our academic team’s expertise and experience, as well as the School’s excellent business links and student employability record.

Specific careers that may be appropriate include a range of investment banking roles (e.g. financial analyst, investment manager, securities’ analyst and portfolio manager) as well as roles within financial departments of corporations/organisations (e.g. treasury, financial control, risk analysis etc.). Furthermore, the programme offers a sound platform and preparation for doctoral research in the areas of finance, accounting and economics.

You’ll also study alongside postgraduate students from around the world, gaining direct experience of other cultures and creating a worldwide network of friends and contacts. The University of Hertfordshire also regularly hosts visiting professors from international universities and speakers from leading companies, who each bring their own perspectives on the challenges facing the business world today.

Work placement

As part of our MSc Finance and Investment Banking, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a one-year placement. This will develop your practical understanding of Finance or investment banking roles and allow you to take academic theory and combine it with practical skills. Students are helped by the UH Careers and Employment Service when looking for work placements.

About the course

The course offers a coherent and intellectual learning experience, providing you with a critical understanding of the subject and enabling you to employ the tools of analysis used by a wide range of finance and investment banking professionals.

You can now combine this specialist Master's with a year long placement. The work placement opportunity gives you a practical perspective to your academic studies and enables you to increase greatly your skill set for a wide range of finance and investment banking careers. The programme also echoes the esteemed Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA®) level 1 and 2 examinations.

Specific careers that may be appropriate include a range of investment banking roles (e.g. financial analyst, investment manager, securities’ analyst and portfolio manager) as well as roles within financial departments of corporations/organisations (e.g. treasury, financial control, risk analysis etc.). Furthermore, the programme offers a sound platform and preparation for doctoral research in the areas of finance, accounting and economics.

Why choose this course?

Provide students with an intellectually challenging programme of study leading to an awareness of issues, themes and applications within the field of finance and investment banking and associated subject fields
Provide students with an opportunity to undertake an one-year work placement of full time work experience
Provide students with the knowledge and practical skills to identify suitable tools for the investigation of issues in areas such as investment analysis, fund/asset management, economics analysis and financial reporting;
Provide students with the necessary IT analytical skills which reinforce the theoretical and empirical underpinning of the programme. The students will learn quantitative methodology, to carry out quantitative analyses of relevant financial and economic problems

What will I study?

We offer a varied programme of teaching and learning that includes small group seminars, statistical software packages, lectures and access to specialist web-based resources. The teaching material of programme is based on the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA®) curriculum level 1 and 2.

You will be assessed through a variety of coursework and exams including written reports of various lengths, presentations, and practical assignments. You will also be able to complete a research dissertation, in conjunction with your supervisor, for the research component of your programme.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Financial Statement Analysis 1	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module introduces students to the processes of the preparation of publicly available corporate financial information, with emphasis placed on the requirements of United States GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles). The module continues by considering the analysis of financial statements and the rules governing disclosure.
Financial Statement Analysis 2	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module presents students with an opportunity to explore issues such as the adoption of IFRS in the EU, aspects of Financial Reporting Quality inculding accounting warning signs, and CSR. Students develop their ability to analyse and interpret financial statements and investigate issues such as accounting for multinational operations and inter-corporate investments.
Quantitative Analysis	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students to elementary statistics as applied to the theory and practice of financial investment. The module covers a wide range of topics such as estimating the time value of money and other discount cash flow applications, market returns, probability, sampling and estimation, correlation, regression and hypothesis testing.
Financial Data Analysis	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module builds on the content of the earlier Quantitative Methods module, applying statistical methodology to investment decisions, often under conditions of uncertainty. The Quantitative Methods module emphasised the characteristics of different asset classes, often focussing on key differences among those characteristics. In this module, the emphasis shifts to the analysis and valuation of the various assets and classes of asset. Additionally, students' skills in the earlier Financial Statement Analysis 1 module are further developed to enable them to apply fundamental analysis to investment and valuation issues. Finally, students are introduced to standard asset and equity valuation models.
Asset Valuation	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module builds on the earlier Financial Markets and Institutions Module, applying appropriate methods to a wider range of financial decisions. In this module, the focus is on the evaluation, assessment and use of debt instruments and derivative securities and the use of these classes of security in the formulation of practical investment strategies. The module considers the application of these techniques to a wide range of debt instruments with differing characteristics. The forms of derivative securities considered in this module include forwards, futures, swaps and options.
Financial Markets and Institutions	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces students introduces students to the main financial markets, the instruments traded on them and financial institutions participating in global financial markets . The module will cover topics such as Organisation and functioning of securities markets, markets participants and institutions, valuation of securities etc.
Economics, Finance and Banking	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides students with a sound understanding of key Economics, Banking and Finance concepts. The module attempts to provide students with an integrated understanding of finance, economics and banking by helping them to develop and consolidate their knowledge of the subject. In semester A, students are introduced to fundamental concepts while in semester B students are explore more complex concepts such us portfolio investment, financial economics and contemporary issues in banking. Module content in semester B will also be enriched by staff expertise and experience in Banking research.
Research Methods: MSc Finance and Investment Banking	15 Credits	Compulsory
The purpose of this module is to provide a comprehensive introduction to analytical techniques used in accounting, finance and economics. It contains a treatment of classical empirical techniques such as data sources, data managements and fundamental statistical and econometric analysis and techniques. There will be an emphasis on how to carry out applied work based on previous theoretical developments and the formulation of new testable hypotheses within the boundaries of feasibility and scientific accuracy. These elements will form the basis of the individual research project in the field of accounting, finance and economics and will contribute the students’ know ledge and understanding of the requirements of carrying out an independent project and how the latter can enhance their overall student experience, know ledge, understanding as w ell as the students’ employment prospects.
Dissertation: MSc Finance and Investment Banking	45 Credits	Compulsory
The process of preparing a dissertation requires some formal introduction to the theories and practices of research. The ‘Research Methods: MSc Finance and Investment Banking’ module provides this essential underpinning for formulating a research proposal on which the dissertation will be based. Each student will be allocated a personal dissertation supervisor, who will guide the student through the process of selecting a research area and hypotheses which will then be developed into a substantial piece of research, with appropriate and managerially-significant conclusions and recommendations. The completed work will comprise approximately 15,000 words and will demonstrate a rounded expertise in the module areas within the MSc Finance and Investment Management. The dissertation is supported by the module 'Research Methods: MSc Finance and Investment Banking', formal computer classes taking place in computer laboratories during Semester B, individual supervision and student-led support group meetings.
Advanced Business Research	30 Credits	Compulsory
In this module, students develop advanced postgraduate level skills of independent research, analysis, evaluation, writing and presentation, all within a business research context. This advances postgraduate students' knowledge and skill set, to enable them to become professional business researchers. Students will be able to robustly design and implement research according to their own or an employer's business objectives; to locate relevant, current, reliable business information; to synergise findings, analyse and present quantitative data, draw insightful conclusions and make innovative, evidence-based recommendations. Students acquire skills that will take them beyond the university environment and the ‘masters student’ timescale, into ‘real world’ researching as a competitive, advanced skill, integral to achieving business success and realising their career ambitions.
Professional and Consultancy Skills	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module is designed to develop professional and consultancy skills. The curriculum was prepared in consultation with employers, to reflect what they seek from today's professional entry-level graduate. It includes a critical examination of leadership styles and management techniques, negotiation and change management skills, the ability to design projects from inception to completion, and liaising with internal and external clients to identify requirements, and achieve outputs within the optimum timescale. The commitment to reflexive practice encourages students to reflect on their knowledge and experience as they look at different aspects of professional performance, and to identify areas for change and enhancement to achieve career goals.

Key staff

Dr George Katechos
Senior Lecturer, Finance
Find out more about Dr George Katechos

Further course information

Course fact sheets
MSc Finance and Investment Banking with Advanced Research	Download

Programme specifications
MSc Finance and Investment Banking with Advanced Research	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.

Funding and fees
Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Fees 2021
UK Students

Full time
- £15360 for 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 inclusive
EU Students

Full time
- £16860 for 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 inclusive
International Students

Full time
- £16860 for 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 inclusive
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2021

Start Date	End Date	Link
23/09/2021	31/05/2022	Apply online (Full Time)

2022

Start Date	End Date	Link
23/09/2022	31/05/2023	Apply online (Full Time)

Please note that some of the images and videos on our course pages may have been taken before social distancing rules in the UK came into force.

MSc Finance and Investment Banking with Advanced Research

Why choose Herts?

Careers

Work placement

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Key staff

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2021

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2021

2022