Module Aim:  

The module aims to provide students with a solid foundation in the fundamental concepts and theories of economics. The module introduces students to the principles of micro and macroeconomics. It seeks to equip students with the analytical tools necessary to understand and evaluate economic issues and policies in a wide range of contexts. Additionally, the module aims to cultivate problem-solving skills by encouraging students to apply economic theories to real-world situations. 

Indicative content:  

Microeconomics 

1. Demand and Supply Analysis 
2. Elasticity of Demand and Supply 
3. Consumer Choice Theory 
4. Production Theory and Cost Analysis 
5. Perfectly Competitive Markets 
6. Monopoly and Monopolistic Competition 
7. Oligopoly and Game Theory 
8. Externalities and Public Goods 

Macroeconomics 

1. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) 
2. Unemployment and Inflation 
3. Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply 
4. Fiscal Policy 
5. Monetary Policy 
6. International Trade and Exchange Rates 
7. Economic Growth and Development 

This module develops your understanding of various quantitative processes for collecting, analysing, managing, interpreting and utilising data within the context of business and economics. You’ll gain the knowledge and analytical and mathematical skills to tackle advanced material in later years, along with transferable insights for other disciplines and applications. 

You’ll study topics such as: 

• Summarising data by tabulation, graphs and summary measures  

• Analysis through measures of change and index numbers 

• Examine the relationships between variables using scatter diagrams and correlation coefficients  

• Time series analysis using graphs, moving averages and linear regression 

• Forecasting using additive and multiplicative models 

• Creating future cash flows based on forecast figures and estimation 

• Calculate present, future and outstanding values and the internal rate of return of a project 

• Descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency, variability and graphical representation  

• Trend analysis, seasonal factor and time series model forecasting  

This module develops your understanding of the principles of finance, including the ability to read, understand and perform fundamental analysis of financial statements – such as income statements, statements of financial position and cash flow statements. It’s an applied project module, working collaboratively with a client to explore real-world challenges while developing and employing professional behaviours.    

You’ll apply skills and learning such as:  
 

• Reading, comprehending and providing basic analysis of core financial statements 

• Describing and interpreting financial ratios  

• The principle of risk and return and the time value of money  

• The concept of investment analysis – present and future values 

• The role of financial firms (corporate objectives)  

• The principal-agent relationship 

• Conducting and explaining basic investment appraisal analysis  

• Work experience through a client-led experiential project  

• Reflecting on your strengths 

• Recognising your professional behaviours, limitations and experiences 

This module provides a broad understanding of the main financial asset classes and investment products that a sophisticated investor may use. You’ll explore how investment strategies are developed as part of the portfolio construction and review process with a client, and the effect of taxation and macro-economic trends on portfolio performance. 

You’ll study topics such as: 
 

• Analysis of the main asset classes  

• The macro-economic environment in relation to investing 

• Principles of investment risk and return 

• Taxation of investors and investments, including personal and trust taxation 

• Investment products 

• Portfolio construction and planning 

• The process of giving investment advice  

• Portfolio performance and review 

This module provides an understanding of financial markets to enable evaluation of choices in funding and financing investment decisions, with an appreciation of the role of cash in firm, managing working capital and the  management and measurement of risk for decision making. You’ll apply core concepts of finance to reduce risk or engage in risk taking activities, while gaining immersive work experience in partnership with external organisations. 

You’ll study topics such as:  

• Business risk and financial risk 

• Sources of equity finance, debt finance and leasing decisions 

• Working capital management of cash, inventory, receivables and payables 

• Investment appraisal techniques with risk and capital rationing 

• Foreign exchange rate risk management using both internal and external techniques 

• Interest rate risk management using both internal and external techniques 

• Other financial risks facing global companies, including liquidity, commodity and operational risk 

• Credit rating factors determining ratings, covenant tests and ratings methodology 

• The adoption and implementation of enterprise-wide risk management 

• Work-integrated learning  

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory, legal and ethical frameworks governing financial services in the UK, from the roles of the FCA/PRA to how to navigate complex legal and ethical issues in the industry, and the consequences of non-compliance. You’ll develop your critical thinking and decision-making skills, identifying and addressing legal and ethical challenges while building the expertise and confidence to adhere to regulatory requirements and ethical standards. 

You’ll study topics such as:  

• UK financial services regulation and regulatory bodies 

• Principles for business, conduct and treating customers fairly 

• Financial crime and anti-money laundering regulations 

• Market abuse and insider dealing regulations 

• Data protection, privacy, conduct risk and accountability regulations 

• UK corporate law and governance 

• Contract, tort and consumer law 

• Professional ethics and codes of conduct 

• Conflicts of interest and ethical decision making 

• Client relationships, communication and complaints handling 

This module explores the financial industry's latest technological advancements – from the principles of blockchain technology to the intricacies of traditional payment systems. You’ll consider the ways blockchain technology can improve upon them, the ethical considerations of cryptocurrencies – such as anonymity and security – as well as their potential impact on the global economy. 

You’ll study topics such as:  

• The history of payment systems, bartering and digital transactions 

• Features of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency  

• Centralised vs decentralised payment systems 

• Trust and transparency in financial transactions 

• Uses of blockchain beyond financial transactions  

• ‘Smart contracts’ and their use in automating financial transactions 

• The ethical considerations, risks and challenges of using cryptocurrencies 

• The rise of decentralised finance (DeFi) and potential disruption  

• The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies and how it varies by country 

• The potential impact on the future of finance and the global economy 

Module Aim:  

This module develops consultancy skills and transferable skills via real-world consultancy interventions. It is a capstone module that brings together student learning and previous work-based learning and supports the students becoming career ready through reflection and applied learning. 

The module is delivered through lectures, seminars (team meetings) and visits to client premises (where appropriate). 

Indicative content:  

• Consultancy Skills 

• Team-working 

• Process focused v Results focused 

• Communication skills 

• Inter-personal skills 

• Real-life consultancy projects working with industry partners and Executives in Residence 

• Opportunity to visit industry clients 

• Work in cross-discipline teams with students from other subject areas reflecting real-life  

• Reflection on current knowledge, skills, abilities and aptitude to support graduate employability 

• Guest lectures from industry experts  

This module explores the economic climate and financial market trends, including the global financial crisis of 2008, and the resulting regulatory measures aimed at improving the stability and resilience of the financial system. You’ll consider the impact of blockchain and cryptocurrencies on traditional financial institutions and markets – plus sustainability, climate change and the social responsibility of financial institutions.  

You’ll study topics such as:  

• The rise of fintech and its impact on traditional financial institutions 

• The adoption of blockchain technology and its potential impact  

• The growth of cryptocurrencies and the challenges they present  

• Sustainable finance and environmental, social, and governance (ESG)  

• Central banks stabilising financial systems and promoting growth 

• The impact of demographic shifts on financial systems  

• Financial literacy and education for individuals and society 

• The role of financial markets in emerging economies 

• The ethical and social responsibility of financial institutions 

• The impact of geopolitical events on global financial markets 

This module deepens your knowledge of the strategic decisions made by large corporates, challenging key theories and strategic management decisions – from international financing to investment. You’ll learn through a series of keynote lectures supported by seminars, testing your understanding of theories and how they influence decision-making techniques for managers. 

You’ll study topics such as:  

• The strategic concept of corporate finance 

• Advanced financing techniques, convertibles, warrants, dual listings and euro-bonds 

• Optimal capital structure theory and capital structure in practice 

• The theory of dividend policy and company dividend policies in the real world 

• Portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model (CAPM)  

• Mergers and acquisitions, company valuation and takeovers  

• International investment appraisal and modes of entry  

• The triangle of financing, investment appraisal and dividend decisions  

• Strategic decisions to create and maximise shareholder wealth 

This module explores the advanced theory and practice of managing investments and using derivatives in financial markets, from portfolio theory and asset allocation to risk management and valuation techniques for stocks, bonds and other securities. We’ll also introduce the use of derivatives – such as options, futures and swaps – in managing financial risk and enhancing investment returns, giving you the skills you’ll need to evaluate investment strategies and construct portfolios that meet investment objectives. 

You’ll study topics such as:  

• Asset allocation and portfolio rebalancing strategies 

• Alternative investments and portfolio diversification 

• Equity and fixed income securities analysis and valuation 

• Advanced derivatives: pricing, trading and risk management 

• Hedging and speculative trading strategies using derivatives 

• Volatility trading strategies and market microstructure 

• Credit risk and counterparty risk in derivative markets 

• Financial engineering and structured products 

• Advanced performance evaluation and attribution analysis 

• Ethical and regulatory issues in investment management and derivatives