MSc Finance and Investment
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time
September start – typically 12 months
January start – typically 15 months but it can be completed in 12 months
At a glance
About this course
The course aims to develop your analytical skills and knowledge of the key products, investment strategies and risks present in financial markets. It is ideal for individuals wishing to work in financial markets and investment and wanting to progress their career rapidly.
We have consulted industry practitioners and professional bodies to ensure that it prepares you for a career in financial services. The financial services industry is a fast paced and dynamic area to work in with a strong and identifiable career path.
The dissertation allows you to focus upon a subject that interests you, contributing to career development.
Sheffield Business School has a diverse mix of cultures with students from the UK, Asia, India, Pakistan, Africa, the EU and North and Central America. This multicultural environment provides a great opportunity for developing mutual activities and improving cross-cultural understanding among students.
This course is linked with the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT). During the course you study the ACT Certificate in International Treasury Management (CertITM) as part of the international treasury management module.
The CertITM provides a fundamental understanding of the core elements of treasury and financial risk management. It combines the technical and practical skills necessary for professionals working in international finance. If you successfully complete the CertITM and this course, you are eligible for direct entry onto the MCT advanced diploma, subject to work experience.
You can take professional exams whilst you are in the UK. However costs vary and fees would be on top of your normal course fees.
Associated careers
This course prepares you for employment in a wide range of industries, such as stockbroking, fund management, investment management or banking.
Previous graduates are working for companies such as • JP Morgan • HSBC • Royal Bank of Scotland • Fidelity • Deloitte.
Professional recognition
Successfully completing the international treasury management module gives you an additional professional qualification awarded by the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT).
Course content
Semester one
Finance
In this module you develop your knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of finance and the way in which financial decisions are reflected in financial statements. You develop the ability to critically evaluate and choose between alternative sources of finance, and to enhance your appreciation of the role and application of investment appraisal techniques for companies making investment decisions.
Methods of enquiry
You gain analytical and technical research and consultancy skills. You develop knowledge and a reflective understanding of methodological and philosophical issues in research and consultancy with specific reference to finance.
Banking and financial markets
This module provides a critical understanding of the functions of banking and financial markets, the factors affecting their development, and key issues in the management of financial institutions and their use of financial markets.
Financial risk management
You gain a critical understanding of the identification, measurement and management of financial risk in organisations, together with an appreciation that risk management must always be related to corporate objectives. You apply concepts and theories from relevant literature to practical situations, developing cost-effective solutions and recognising the need for an enterprise-wide approach.
Semester two
Financial regulation and supervision
During this module you develop an extensive knowledge of the purpose, broad nature and underlying principles of financial regulation and supervision and the associated theoretical and practical controversies.
Fund management
This module provides a grounding in the key features of the global fund management industry – its structure, operations, investment styles and investment portfolios. It provides an overall perspective of the industry, considers both the retail and the institutional elements, and explores the role of fund management within the broader financial services industry. It also focuses on the likely changes within the industry and the drivers of those changes.
Advanced portfolio management
You develop skills to • critically evaluate key concepts and theories of portfolio management • investigate complex investment risks, their measurement and management and the relationship between risk and investment • investigate the use of derivatives for hedging and speculation • explore new institutional investment products and techniques.
Option modules
One from a selection including • corporate finance • financial analysis • Islamic banking • global business strategy • consultancy project 1 • international treasury management*
* If you choose the international treasury management module there is an ACT registration fee, which you are charged separately for. This is in addition to the course fees.
Semester three
Research methods
This module develops your abilities to critically evaluate and appraise published research and develop your own research skills. It develops understanding of the nature of the postgraduate dissertation and approaches to undertaking one. On completion of the module you formulate and undertake your own research project.
Dissertation
The dissertation provides an invaluable opportunity for you to undertake a major research-based project on a topic relevant to your future career or your academic interest. It gives the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you gain during the course and to develop research skills.
Assessment
Assessment methods include examinations, phase tests, individual assignments, group work tasks
Entry requirements
You typically need one of the following
• good honours degree (2.1) in a relevant subject
• recognised professional qualification or equivalent in a relevant subject
Relevant subjects include • business management • finance • accounting • economics • banking • law • the natural sciences • IT and computing.
We consider applicants without these academic qualifications dependant on personal, professional and work experience and other formal qualifications.
Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English must normally produce evidence of competence in English, such as an IELTS score of 6.0 with 5.5 in all skills. If your English language skill is currently below an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English.
If you do not meet the above criteria you can apply for the Graduate Diploma in Business and English. After passing this diploma we automatically offer you a place on one of our business-related masters degrees.
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £5,355 for the course, plus an additional fee of £600 if you choose to study the optional module international treasury management
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £12,060 for the course, plus an additional fee of £600 if you choose to study the optional module international treasury management
2014/15 academic year
Typically £12,150 for the course, plus an additional fee of £600 if you choose to study the optional module international treasury management
How to apply
Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form
Contact details
Sheffield Business School, Sheffield Hallam University, Stoddart Building, City Campus, Sheffield S1 1WB. Phone +44 (0)114 225 2820, fax +44 (0)114 225 5268, e-mail sbs@shu.ac.uk