Finance and Banking MSc module details

Block 1: Finance, Investments, and Financial Management

This module introduces students to the concepts and theories of finance and investment that underlie the techniques which are offered as aids for the understanding, evaluation and resolution of financial managers’ problems. The module covers derivatives (e.g., futures, forwards, options and swaps) and alternative investments (e.g., real estate, private equity, hedge funds and commodities), and lays some essential backgrounds which will be further developed at a later stage of the degree programme.

Block 2: Risk Management and Financial Institutions

The module explains all aspects of financial risk and financial institution regulation, helping students better understand the financial markets and their potential dangers. Students will learn the different types of risk, how and where they appear in different types of institutions, and how the regulatory structure of each institution affects risk management practices.

Block 3: Bank Management, Regulation and Supervision

The objectives of this module are to provide students with an introduction to the financial management of the commercial banking enterprise, provide a critical understanding of the basic issues involved in value creation and risk management for banking firms, and equip students with the technical and analytical tools, and strategic abilities necessary for managerial responsibility in the financial management of the banking firm. The module will also provide students with a critical understanding of the regulatory and supervisory environment in which financial institutions operate, and the various national and international standards they must comply with.

Block 4: Investment Banking, Digital Banking, and Green Finance

First, the module provides an introduction into various aspects of investment banking. The emphasis will be laid on giving an understanding of the complex interactions of investment banks with competitors, their clients and investors in the market. Second, the module provides students with a critical overview of the diverse banking digital transformation models and further analyses the market’s development through partnerships with the FinTech industry. Third, the module provides a critical overview of the different aspects of green banking, main theories and principles as well as practical how-to guidelines to adopt green banking practices. The module discusses why green banking is central to achieving sustainable development. It illustrates the evolution of green banking around the world, different types of environmental risks created by firms and how these risks offer threats to sustain ability, and ongoing trends and patterns of green banking practice. It also presents an outline of the regulatory framework necessary to help the banking sector adapt to the change towards green banking.

Block 5 & 6: Dissertation

The dissertation is the culmination of the Masters programme and will draw on the students’ learning over the course of the Programme. The dissertation is studied independently with the assistance of a supervisor and is a chance for the student to academically pursue an area of Finance or Banking of particular interest. Dissertations can take a range of formats such as empirical research or a systematic review.

Block 5 & 6: Applied Research Project

The applied research project will integrate the student’s academic knowledge with their analytical skills to rigorously investigate a real-world problem or issue in finance or banking, which will be provided to them. The project can focus on a case study, an institutional problem or a broader policy issue.