Financial and Business Management MSc

30 credits

This module introduces financial accounting and financial management in a business context. It will provide you with a mix of practical know how as well as a theoretical underpinning. The module explains the principles for constructing the key financial statements that will allow you to produce financial statements from transaction records using double entry principles. You will also learn how to conduct an appraisal of an organisation's financial statements and look at companies' financial statements and their regulation.

The lectures for this module take an active learning approach that involves informal feedback through discussion and practice questions. The financial management section of this module gives you the skills to take a senior financial management position in a modern organisation.

30 credits

The module is designed to offer knowledge of a unique combination of major cotemporary theoretical and empirical developments in the area of corporate finance and the analysis and valuation companies both from an accounting and financial perspective. The corporate finance part allows students to develop a critical knowledge and understanding of the core theories and concepts in the field of corporate finance. It further develops their skills and ability to apply their knowledge and understanding in real corporate life cases. The Financial statement analysis part allows students to develop a critical knowledge and understanding of the accounting principles and enable them to analyse financial statements and reports using financial ratios and other metrics. It also equips students with the knowledge to assess corporate profitability and financial stability and to critically evaluate the corporate reporting choices. This module adds value and it is relevant to those who are interested in a career in the corporate or in the financial services sector, as well as those who are interested in working as financial advisors and consultants or as financial analysts. Other professional such as accountants and corporate lawyers can also benefit and enjoy broader career development opportunities through the skills that the knowledge of the subjects covered in this module offers.

30 credits

The Financial Modelling and Research Methods module is a core module for the postgraduate modular finance scheme. The module has two parts. The first part provides an underpinning and understanding of numerical techniques used in the business and finance world to aid strategic decision making. It aims to provide students with the accounting, mathematical and statistical foundations that are necessary in the areas of accounting and finance. The second parts deals with an understanding of research methodology and the research methods and skills that the students will need to complete their research project successfully during the summer period.

15 credits

This module will enable you to understand and prepare management information to support the decision making in an organisation. You will be able to calculate the costs associated with the production of products and provision of services, and determine their price and you will be able to understand budgeting approaches and how budgets are produced. Effective performance management systems including performance measures, to assist management decision making, are also covered.

30 credits

The success of an organisation depends on the ability to make fast, widely supported and high-quality decisions on a frequent basis. Many of those decisions affect the organisation's long-term ability to succeed and remain sustainable.

This module involves studying how social and economic organisations assimilate and process information, and interpret and make decisions within their environments. These decisions tend to involve imitating their competitors or differentiating themselves from them. You will examine a number of conceptual and analytical approaches and models to help you understand:

• the internal assets and capabilities of an organisation, as well as its political dynamics;
• its relationships with suppliers, customers, regulatory bodies and other institutions; and
• all of the above in the context of globalisation and international competition.

Following on from this analysis, you will consider the issues involved in understanding and designing strategic options, including those related to managing risk, managing expectations for accountability and ethical business behaviours (corporate social responsibility, responsible management), and financial and accounting considerations.

The aim of this module is to:

• analyse the various bases of competitive advantage available to the firm;
• evaluate and prioritise internal strengths and weaknesses upon organisational strategy, including the impact of resources, capabilities and power/politics;
• evaluate and prioritise environmental impacts upon organisational strategy, including the impact of risk, uncertainty, institutions and cultures; and
• appreciate the potential diversity in the strategies of public, private, voluntary, profit and not for profit organisations.

15 credits

This module aims to develop students' knowledge of marketing within an international context. It will highlight the numerous challenges and opportunities faced by a firm when marketing its products and services beyond its domestic borders.

Topics explored will include marketing environment, cultural diversity, research in an international context, emerging markets, international market selection and market entry strategies and marking mix decisions. Also discussed will be the impact of internet and new technology trends such as artificial intelligence on various facets of international marketing.

The module will be delivered via lectures, case study workshops and will be potentially supported by guest speakers. Students will be expected to contribute to class discussions and in-class activities, some of these may be linked to the module assessment.

15 credits

This module explores the selection, implementation, and monitoring of risk financing techniques - ways in which an organisation can obtain funds to pay for any critical and/or accidental losses which strike it.

The module also develops a critical awareness of risk within institutions and in a wider social context.

Topics include:

• Framework for risk financing
• Criteria for risk financing technique selection
• Insurance and reinsurance as a risk financing technique
• Financing property, net income and personnel losses
• Accounting and some income tax aspects of accidental losses
• Insurance pricing; selection of insurers and their representatives
• Implementing risk retention-available options including use of affiliated insurers
• Risk cost allocation.

The module also demonstrates and discusses the significance of the use of risk transference and risk financing tools in the range of distinct contexts and to evaluate the economic consequences of Portfolio Management, Pensions Schemes, Fund Management, Insurance and alternative financing strategies.

The module will provide candidates with the computer/IT, research and subject-based skills required by employers in this highly competitive sector. There will be also a programme of guest lecture from insurance and risk management sector experts.

30 credits

The Research Project module is a core module for the postgraduate modular finance scheme. This module is based on the BA7032 Financial Modelling and Research Methods module that provides you with an understanding of research methodology and the research methods and skills that you will need to complete your research project successfully. To help you do this you will be allocated an individual supervisor who will provide guidance and encouragement. During this module you will draw on the knowledge and skills that you have gained during the earlier taught modules, but you will also acquire new skills and knowledge that will enhance your profile as a critical, independent, and creative thinker - just the sort of high level skills that modern employers are looking for. Whilst this is a demanding module, it is also a module that will give you an immense amount of satisfaction, because the research project and dissertation is your own, and what gaining a master's degree is all about.