International Banking and Finance MSc

Core modules

• Research Methods 
  This module provides you with a broad understanding of business and academic research methods. It is designed to help students prepare for a Dissertation. You will be guided on the selection and planning of a suitable research project. The module will review research design, paradigms and ethics, including the broader ethical impact of research. Through undertaking this module you will cover a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection and analysis. You will also be guided as to how to use financial datasets available in DMU. 
• International Financial Markets and Institutions 
  This module guides you through the role and function of the domestic and global financial system, non-deposit financial institutions and financial markets. This will cover interest rates, debt securities, equity markets and the foreign exchange market, as well as crises and regulation in financial sectors.
• Bank Financial Management 
  This module provides you with an introduction to the financial management of the commercial banking enterprise, and gives you an understanding of the basic issues involved in value creation and risk management for banking firms. You will be equipped with the technical and analytical tools, and strategic abilities needed for managerial responsibility in the financial management of the banking firm.
• Credit and Lending
  This module explores the key areas surrounding credit and lending, starting with the relationship between the banker and customer, through business lending procedures, and ending with credit risk practices for banks.
• Financial Econometrics 
  This module introduces the theory and practice of financial econometric modelling techniques including the generalised method of moments (GMM), error correction models, ARCH-GARCH and time-series forecasting.
• International Banking and Financial Regulations 
  This module covers the legal and regulatory environment in which banks and other financial institutions operate, national and international standards and interpretation and enforcement by the relevant authorities. You will learn about banking supervision and the Basel Core Principles.

Optional modules

• Portfolio Management
  This module is taught from the portfolio manager’s perspective and explores issues in price formation for all the major asset classes. Markets will be investigated with particular attention to the fundamental and non-fundamental components of securities pricing. To this end you will examine the standard valuation methods in addition to concepts arising from the behavioural finance literature. Optimal portfolio allocation will also feature. The overriding objective of the module is to provide a framework for well-placed investment decisions and to become familiar with the various investment strategies, providing a knowledge base for those wishing to pursue professional qualifications in this field.
• Applied Trading
  This module provides a broad understanding of the skills needed to turn clients' investment objectives into trading strategies. It is designed to prepare participants for roles in investment firms, regulators, and clients. Guidance on the links between finance theory and trading will be part of your programme of study. You will manage a simulated sub-portfolio on behalf of a virtual client. During the module, you will report to, and make trading recommendations on behalf of, this client. Your advice will be in response to real-time daily news, and changes in your client's investment objectives. This module offers a unique chance for you to apply your knowledge of finance theory, and portfolio management to a changing situation. You will become familiar with many aspects of the trading floor and you will learn how to analyse the impact of trading strategies on risk, return, and transaction costs. You will also gain an understanding of hedging, and how to manage client cash flows.
• Sustainable Banking, Finance, and Development
  This module explores the role and linkage of banking and finance in economic development, and considers both the sustainability of banking and the requirements for banking and finance to further sustainable economic development.  
• Business Analytics
  This module integrates accounting and financial theory with the science and art of discovering and analysing patterns, identifying anomalies, and extracting other useful information in financial and economic datasets. This module takes a practical approach into preparing you to analyse and get a grasp of the most required data structuring, modelling and visualization techniques by employers. You will gain business insights for decision making by participating in business analytics simulations and you will be able to present dynamic reports to a diverse audience.

Dissertation 
This involves research informed by a critical discussion, relevant issues and evidence. You will evaluate research methods available, identify and critically review literature, analyse information and draw conclusions relevant to a critical area of banking and finance.

Teaching and assessment

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work and self-directed study. Assessment is through coursework (presentations, essays and reports) and usually an exam or test.

Your precise timetable will depend on the optional modules you choose to take, however you will normally attend around 15 hours of timetabled taught sessions (lectures and tutorials) each week. We expect you to undertake at least 15 further hours of independent study to complete project work and research.

Teaching contact hours

This is a full-time course so you should be prepared to devote approximately 38 hours a week to your studies. Teaching is through a mix of lecturers and in semester 3, you will undertake independent research for your dissertation.

In addition each module provides a 2 hour surgery each week available for individual consultation with the lecturer. You may also have some scheduled meetings with your programme leader, personal tutor, and/or careers throughout the year to discuss your academic progress and personal development.

Self-directed study: In order to prepare for, and assimilate, the work in lectures and seminars you will be expected to make regular use of our on-line resources, participate in classroom discussions including on our virtual learning environment (VLE) and engage in personal study, revision and reflection for approximately 24 hours per work during semester 1 and 2.

Please note: assessments for this course will now be online.

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI), enabling you to gain a CISI professional qualification while studying for your MSc.

This programme also qualifies successful students to claim seven exemptions from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Certificate and Operational level exams.

A limited number of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Programme Student Scholarships is offered on a competitive basis (interested students need to apply directly via the CFA Institute website).