Finance
Keele Management School
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences


Last Updated 19 September 2013

Principal Course Timetable Blocks 4


Finance Dual Honours - Level 2 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ECO-20041 Asset Pricing C M 7.5 15
This module provides a conceptual framework that enables a student to discuss and evaluate a wide variety of financial instruments. The unifying principle of the course is the so-called "No Arbitrage Principle". Based on this fundamental idea, methods and models used by financial economists in the analysis of asset prices and portfolio choices in stock markets are discussed.
~ ECO-20042 Introduction to Econometrics C M 7.5 15
This module is designed especially to cater for the needs of students taking the Principal Economics, Business Economics Single Honours, Principal Finance or Accounting and Finance Single Honours programme, and is structured to assist them in understanding the technical and quantitative aspects of the subject. The module will introduce and develop students understanding of econometrics and the use of statistical methods to investigate selected economic and financial issues (e.g. consumption functions, household labour supply, CAPM)
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ECO-20044 Portfolio Choice C M 7.5 15
The aim of this module is to provide you with a sound understanding of the economic theories that are used to make well-founded portfolio recommendations to investors. The module builds on the earlier module Eco-20011 Asset Pricing. Students are assessed at the end of the year in a final unseen exam. During the semester students are expected to collect a portfolio on the investment strategies they will implement using a financial market simulation.
ECO-20045 Banking C M 7.5 15
This module provides students with an understanding of the specific role played by banks and non-bank financial intermediaries in the financial system; of recent developments that have occurred in the banking industry; of methods to manage the risks to which banks are subjected and of the regulatory environment in which banks operate.

Finance Dual Honours - Level 1 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ECO-10025 The British and Global Economy EP M 7.5 15
The British and Global Economy provides an introduction to the study of (institutional) economics by exploring contemporary developments in the global economy from an historical perspective. The module offers students insights into key economic concepts relating to the organisation of productive economies and examines how capitalist industrial economies developed from the industrial revolution in Britain, through the period of Empire, World War, Revolution and Depression. The module also explores the development of an international economy after World War II and how this international trading system was broken by economic crises in the 1970s, paving the way for a (neo-liberal) vision of a global economy, its extension into newly industrialised economies and China and the foundations of the current Financial Crisis. As an introduction to the module students are encourage to read: Allen, R (2011) Global Economic History: A very short introduction, Oxford:OUP.
MAN-10015 Accounting Principles C M 7.5 15
This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts and key techniques of accounting. Students will develop a knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of accounting, providing them with key transferable employability skills. The module syllabus includes income statements, balance sheets and budgeting. It is delivered through weekly lectures and student-centred tutorials..
Semester 1-2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ENL-90003 Academic English for Business Students (Part 1) EA C 7.5 15
Drawing on business-related themes, these sessions will help students to develop and refine the specific writing, reading and verbal communication skills they need to succeed in their studies. Through a series of workshops, lectures, assignments, online and practical tasks and projects, students will improve their ability to: • extract key information from academic texts • summarise, paraphrase and synthesise information from a variety of sources • identify authorial stance, interpret data and read critically • cite sources appropriately and write a bibliography • write in an accepted academic style • engage in academic discussion • prepare and deliver academic presentations
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ECO-10017 Economics of Financial Markets C M 7.5 15
This module provides an overview of financial systems and is designed to equip students with the basic economic concepts necessary to understand the functioning of modern financial systems. It examines the institutional framework that underpins financial markets and the instruments that are traded by financial institutions and enterprises. The module introduces students to the concepts of discounting, investment appraisal, risk, and arbitrage.
ECO-10023 Quantitative Methods C M 7.5 15
This module is designed especially to cater for the needs of students taking the Principal Economics, Principal Finance or Accounting and Finance Single Honours programme, and is structured to assist them in understanding the technical and quantitative aspects of the subject. No prior knowledge, above basic school maths, is assumed. The module will introduce and develop students&© understanding of a range of statistical and mathematical methods and techniques. These include basic descriptive statistics (measures of central tendency and dispersion), correlation and interdependence, bivariate regression, linear algebra and functions, solving linear simultaneous equations, basic calculus including the notion of the margin and differentiation, maxima and minima.
~ MAN-10016 Financial and Management Accounting EP M 7.5 15
The module builds on foundational knowledge acquired in a prior module entitled 'Accounting Principles'. It develops knowledge in financial and management accounting which will facilitate student progression through a professionally accredited undergraduate programme in accounting and finance or an accounting pathway. The module includes the development of skills in the preparation and analysis of key financial statements and the development of problem solving skills in management accounting. Students who are awarded a degree in the areas of accounting and finance will have acquired skills relevant to developing a successful career in accounting, finance or financial management.

Finance Dual Honours - Level 2 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ECO-20020 Finance - Study Abroad I EP C 7.5 15
This is a module that is automatically allocated to the records our Keele level II students who are going to Study Abroad at a partner University for a semester of their second year and cannot be selected by any other level II students.
ECO-20021 Finance - Study Abroad II EP C 7.5 15
This is a module that is automatically allocated to the records our Keele level II students who are going to Study Abroad at a partner University for a semester of their second year and cannot be selected by any other level II students.
ECO-20041 Asset Pricing C M 7.5 15
This module provides a conceptual framework that enables a student to discuss and evaluate a wide variety of financial instruments. The unifying principle of the course is the so-called "No Arbitrage Principle". Based on this fundamental idea, methods and models used by financial economists in the analysis of asset prices and portfolio choices in stock markets are discussed.
~ ECO-20042 Introduction to Econometrics C M 7.5 15
This module is designed especially to cater for the needs of students taking the Principal Economics, Business Economics Single Honours, Principal Finance or Accounting and Finance Single Honours programme, and is structured to assist them in understanding the technical and quantitative aspects of the subject. The module will introduce and develop students understanding of econometrics and the use of statistical methods to investigate selected economic and financial issues (e.g. consumption functions, household labour supply, CAPM)
~ MAN-20049 Cost and Management Accounting EP M 7.5 15
This module draws on the knowledge, understanding and capabilities acquired by students in the Accounting Principles and Financial &Management Accounting modules. It is intended to develop their knowledge and understanding of cost and management accounting techniques with regard to forecasting, budgeting, costing and investment appraisal. By the end of the module, students should be able to apply the principles of costing in relevant practical situations, apply management accounting principles in planning and control scenarios and be aware of limitations in cost and management accounting techniques.
Semester 1-2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ENL-90003 Academic English for Business Students (Part 1) EA C 7.5 15
Drawing on business-related themes, these sessions will help students to develop and refine the specific writing, reading and verbal communication skills they need to succeed in their studies. Through a series of workshops, lectures, assignments, online and practical tasks and projects, students will improve their ability to: • extract key information from academic texts • summarise, paraphrase and synthesise information from a variety of sources • identify authorial stance, interpret data and read critically • cite sources appropriately and write a bibliography • write in an accepted academic style • engage in academic discussion • prepare and deliver academic presentations
~ ENL-90004 Academic English for Business Students ( 2) EA M 7.5 15
Drawing on academic business themes and materials, these sessions will provide opportunities for students to further develop their writing, reading and verbal communication skills. Through a series of lectures, workshops, assignments, on-line and practical tasks, students will improve their ability to: • Summarise, paraphrase and synthesise information from a variety of sources • Cite sources accurately and write a bibliography • Gather, interpret and report on data • Identify authorial stance and read critically • Write in an appropriate style • Engage in academic discussion • Prepare and deliver business presentations
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ECO-20022 Finance - Study Abroad III EP C 7.5 15
This is a module that is automatically allocated to the records our Keele level II students who are going to Study Abroad at a partner University for a semester of their second year and cannot be selected by any other level II students.
ECO-20023 Finance - Study Abroad IV EP C 7.5 15
This is a module that is automatically allocated to the records our Keele level II students who are going to Study Abroad at a partner University for a semester of their second year and cannot be selected by any other level II students.
ECO-20044 Portfolio Choice C M 7.5 15
The aim of this module is to provide you with a sound understanding of the economic theories that are used to make well-founded portfolio recommendations to investors. The module builds on the earlier module Eco-20011 Asset Pricing. Students are assessed at the end of the year in a final unseen exam. During the semester students are expected to collect a portfolio on the investment strategies they will implement using a financial market simulation.
ECO-20045 Banking EP M 7.5 15
This module provides students with an understanding of the specific role played by banks and non-bank financial intermediaries in the financial system; of recent developments that have occurred in the banking industry; of methods to manage the risks to which banks are subjected and of the regulatory environment in which banks operate.

Finance Dual Honours - Level 3 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
~ ECO-30038 Corporate Finance C M 7.5 15
The aim of this module to introduce the necessary theoretical and practical background in finance that is used to assess financial decisions within corporations. The module will explain what defines a corporation and how they are financed. It covers investment decisions and techniques for capital budgeting and examines risk management techniques and their applications. The impact of taxation of corporations and dividend payout policies are also examined.
~ ECO-30040 Options and Futures C M 7.5 15
This course deals with the valuation and hedging of options, forward contracts, swaps and other derivatives. The pricing of options and other derivatives depends on three key factors: 1. the volatility of the underlying assets; 2. the extensive use of arbitrage arguments to price assets as discussed in ECO-20041 (Asset Pricing) and 3. the present value and discounting procedures to value streams of returns as analysed in ECO-10017 (Economics of Financial Markets) and ECO-20044 (Portfolio Choice). Bringing these three elements together and deepening the understanding of each, it will be shown how complex derivatives, like index options, swaps and forward contracts can be analysed. Derivatives type securities such as warrants, convertibles and rights issues are used by companies and are part of the analysis of Corporate Finance.
Semester 1-2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ENL-90003 Academic English for Business Students (Part 1) EA C 7.5 15
Drawing on business-related themes, these sessions will help students to develop and refine the specific writing, reading and verbal communication skills they need to succeed in their studies. Through a series of workshops, lectures, assignments, online and practical tasks and projects, students will improve their ability to: • extract key information from academic texts • summarise, paraphrase and synthesise information from a variety of sources • identify authorial stance, interpret data and read critically • cite sources appropriately and write a bibliography • write in an accepted academic style • engage in academic discussion • prepare and deliver academic presentations
~ ENL-90004 Academic English for Business Students ( 2) EA M 7.5 15
Drawing on academic business themes and materials, these sessions will provide opportunities for students to further develop their writing, reading and verbal communication skills. Through a series of lectures, workshops, assignments, on-line and practical tasks, students will improve their ability to: • Summarise, paraphrase and synthesise information from a variety of sources • Cite sources accurately and write a bibliography • Gather, interpret and report on data • Identify authorial stance and read critically • Write in an appropriate style • Engage in academic discussion • Prepare and deliver business presentations
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ECO-30026 Game Theory EP M 7.5 15
The module introduces students to the methods of game theory, enabling them to gain an understanding of strategic interaction, knowledge of which is fundamental in understanding modern literature in a variety of disciplines, including Economics, Politics and Biology. Although the subject will cover some elements of abstract modelling, topics will be introduced on an examples-led basis, with the emphasis on applicability of the theory to real life.
ECO-30037 International Finance EP M 7.5 15
This module is designed to familiarize students with the structure and operation of the foreign exchange market, the determinants of the foreign exchange rate and the characteristics of international financial markets. The module will introduce the principle international parity conditions and consider the question of whether international markets are efficient or not.
ECO-30043 Economic and Business Forecasting - ISP EP C 7.5 15
The ability to analyse quantitative information and produce and evaluatate forecasts is a highly prized skill in business and industry. This module is designed to familiarize you with a variety of methods and techniques used for forecasting economic and business data and their use in economic and business decision-making. The module will consider, in turn, applications and merits of various smoothing methods, time series decomposition, univariate time series and structural modelling forecasting methods. Methods of forecast evaluation will also be examined. The module is hands-on and students will learn how to apply the various forecasting techniques using real data. The module will develop further IT skills associated with the use of Stata and other software packages. Module assessment is based upon completion of a report comprising of three forecasts produced independently.
ECO-30045 Applied Financial Analysis EP M 7.5 15
This module is designed to familiarize students with the main techniques for modelling financial data. The module builds upon the core theory modules in finance developed at level 2 by examining statistical applications involving CAPM, APT and market efficiency and develops univariate, multivariate regression techniques, and models of volatility in the process. Diagnostic tests widely used in empirical models of finance are described and interpreted. The module has a distinct hands-on flavour with computer lab classes offering the opportunity for students to explore key elements of financial modelling.
~ ENL-90005 Advanced Business English Communication EA C 7.5 15
In this highly competitive climate you need something to set you apart from others. This module will provide you with the specialist language and professional communication skills you will require if you wish to pursue a career in business. This highly practical module will build upon and complement your existing language skills by working on themes such as negotiating strategies and presenting visual information. Revision of essential grammatical structures and functional areas of language as well as building a subject-specific bank of key words will provide you with the confidence to engage fluently and competently in a variety of business contexts.
MAN-30038 Corporate Governance EP M 7.5 15
The issue of how to improve the way in which organisations are managed in terms of their obligations to their various stakeholders has been salient for some time, in the wake of a series of 'accounting scandals'. This module considers the issues around corporate governance from both theoretical and practical perspectives and examines the relationship between corporate governance and internal audit. The aim is to build on the knowledge and understanding acquired in previous modules, particularly in financial accounting and reporting, and in the Audit Framework module.

Finance Minor - Level 1 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ECO-10025 The British and Global Economy EP M 7.5 15
The British and Global Economy provides an introduction to the study of (institutional) economics by exploring contemporary developments in the global economy from an historical perspective. The module offers students insights into key economic concepts relating to the organisation of productive economies and examines how capitalist industrial economies developed from the industrial revolution in Britain, through the period of Empire, World War, Revolution and Depression. The module also explores the development of an international economy after World War II and how this international trading system was broken by economic crises in the 1970s, paving the way for a (neo-liberal) vision of a global economy, its extension into newly industrialised economies and China and the foundations of the current Financial Crisis. As an introduction to the module students are encourage to read: Allen, R (2011) Global Economic History: A very short introduction, Oxford:OUP.
MAN-10015 Accounting Principles C M 7.5 15
This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts and key techniques of accounting. Students will develop a knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of accounting, providing them with key transferable employability skills. The module syllabus includes income statements, balance sheets and budgeting. It is delivered through weekly lectures and student-centred tutorials..
Semester 1-2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ENL-90003 Academic English for Business Students (Part 1) EA C 7.5 15
Drawing on business-related themes, these sessions will help students to develop and refine the specific writing, reading and verbal communication skills they need to succeed in their studies. Through a series of workshops, lectures, assignments, online and practical tasks and projects, students will improve their ability to: • extract key information from academic texts • summarise, paraphrase and synthesise information from a variety of sources • identify authorial stance, interpret data and read critically • cite sources appropriately and write a bibliography • write in an accepted academic style • engage in academic discussion • prepare and deliver academic presentations
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ECO-10017 Economics of Financial Markets C M 7.5 15
This module provides an overview of financial systems and is designed to equip students with the basic economic concepts necessary to understand the functioning of modern financial systems. It examines the institutional framework that underpins financial markets and the instruments that are traded by financial institutions and enterprises. The module introduces students to the concepts of discounting, investment appraisal, risk, and arbitrage.
ECO-10023 Quantitative Methods C M 7.5 15
This module is designed especially to cater for the needs of students taking the Principal Economics, Principal Finance or Accounting and Finance Single Honours programme, and is structured to assist them in understanding the technical and quantitative aspects of the subject. No prior knowledge, above basic school maths, is assumed. The module will introduce and develop students&© understanding of a range of statistical and mathematical methods and techniques. These include basic descriptive statistics (measures of central tendency and dispersion), correlation and interdependence, bivariate regression, linear algebra and functions, solving linear simultaneous equations, basic calculus including the notion of the margin and differentiation, maxima and minima.
~ MAN-10016 Financial and Management Accounting EP M 7.5 15
The module builds on foundational knowledge acquired in a prior module entitled 'Accounting Principles'. It develops knowledge in financial and management accounting which will facilitate student progression through a professionally accredited undergraduate programme in accounting and finance or an accounting pathway. The module includes the development of skills in the preparation and analysis of key financial statements and the development of problem solving skills in management accounting. Students who are awarded a degree in the areas of accounting and finance will have acquired skills relevant to developing a successful career in accounting, finance or financial management.

Finance Minor - Level 2 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ECO-20020 Finance - Study Abroad I EP C 7.5 15
This is a module that is automatically allocated to the records our Keele level II students who are going to Study Abroad at a partner University for a semester of their second year and cannot be selected by any other level II students.
ECO-20021 Finance - Study Abroad II EP C 7.5 15
This is a module that is automatically allocated to the records our Keele level II students who are going to Study Abroad at a partner University for a semester of their second year and cannot be selected by any other level II students.
ECO-20041 Asset Pricing C M 7.5 15
This module provides a conceptual framework that enables a student to discuss and evaluate a wide variety of financial instruments. The unifying principle of the course is the so-called "No Arbitrage Principle". Based on this fundamental idea, methods and models used by financial economists in the analysis of asset prices and portfolio choices in stock markets are discussed.
~ ECO-20042 Introduction to Econometrics C M 7.5 15
This module is designed especially to cater for the needs of students taking the Principal Economics, Business Economics Single Honours, Principal Finance or Accounting and Finance Single Honours programme, and is structured to assist them in understanding the technical and quantitative aspects of the subject. The module will introduce and develop students understanding of econometrics and the use of statistical methods to investigate selected economic and financial issues (e.g. consumption functions, household labour supply, CAPM)
Semester 1-2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ENL-90003 Academic English for Business Students (Part 1) EA C 7.5 15
Drawing on business-related themes, these sessions will help students to develop and refine the specific writing, reading and verbal communication skills they need to succeed in their studies. Through a series of workshops, lectures, assignments, online and practical tasks and projects, students will improve their ability to: • extract key information from academic texts • summarise, paraphrase and synthesise information from a variety of sources • identify authorial stance, interpret data and read critically • cite sources appropriately and write a bibliography • write in an accepted academic style • engage in academic discussion • prepare and deliver academic presentations
~ ENL-90004 Academic English for Business Students ( 2) EA M 7.5 15
Drawing on academic business themes and materials, these sessions will provide opportunities for students to further develop their writing, reading and verbal communication skills. Through a series of lectures, workshops, assignments, on-line and practical tasks, students will improve their ability to: • Summarise, paraphrase and synthesise information from a variety of sources • Cite sources accurately and write a bibliography • Gather, interpret and report on data • Identify authorial stance and read critically • Write in an appropriate style • Engage in academic discussion • Prepare and deliver business presentations
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ECO-20022 Finance - Study Abroad III EP C 7.5 15
This is a module that is automatically allocated to the records our Keele level II students who are going to Study Abroad at a partner University for a semester of their second year and cannot be selected by any other level II students.
ECO-20023 Finance - Study Abroad IV EP C 7.5 15
This is a module that is automatically allocated to the records our Keele level II students who are going to Study Abroad at a partner University for a semester of their second year and cannot be selected by any other level II students.
ECO-20044 Portfolio Choice C M 7.5 15
The aim of this module is to provide you with a sound understanding of the economic theories that are used to make well-founded portfolio recommendations to investors. The module builds on the earlier module Eco-20011 Asset Pricing. Students are assessed at the end of the year in a final unseen exam. During the semester students are expected to collect a portfolio on the investment strategies they will implement using a financial market simulation.

Finance Minor - Level 3 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
~ ECO-30038 Corporate Finance EP M 7.5 15
The aim of this module to introduce the necessary theoretical and practical background in finance that is used to assess financial decisions within corporations. The module will explain what defines a corporation and how they are financed. It covers investment decisions and techniques for capital budgeting and examines risk management techniques and their applications. The impact of taxation of corporations and dividend payout policies are also examined.
~ ECO-30040 Options and Futures EP M 7.5 15
This course deals with the valuation and hedging of options, forward contracts, swaps and other derivatives. The pricing of options and other derivatives depends on three key factors: 1. the volatility of the underlying assets; 2. the extensive use of arbitrage arguments to price assets as discussed in ECO-20041 (Asset Pricing) and 3. the present value and discounting procedures to value streams of returns as analysed in ECO-10017 (Economics of Financial Markets) and ECO-20044 (Portfolio Choice). Bringing these three elements together and deepening the understanding of each, it will be shown how complex derivatives, like index options, swaps and forward contracts can be analysed. Derivatives type securities such as warrants, convertibles and rights issues are used by companies and are part of the analysis of Corporate Finance.
Semester 1-2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
ENL-90003 Academic English for Business Students (Part 1) EA C 7.5 15
Drawing on business-related themes, these sessions will help students to develop and refine the specific writing, reading and verbal communication skills they need to succeed in their studies. Through a series of workshops, lectures, assignments, online and practical tasks and projects, students will improve their ability to: • extract key information from academic texts • summarise, paraphrase and synthesise information from a variety of sources • identify authorial stance, interpret data and read critically • cite sources appropriately and write a bibliography • write in an accepted academic style • engage in academic discussion • prepare and deliver academic presentations
~ ENL-90004 Academic English for Business Students ( 2) EA M 7.5 15
Drawing on academic business themes and materials, these sessions will provide opportunities for students to further develop their writing, reading and verbal communication skills. Through a series of lectures, workshops, assignments, on-line and practical tasks, students will improve their ability to: • Summarise, paraphrase and synthesise information from a variety of sources • Cite sources accurately and write a bibliography • Gather, interpret and report on data • Identify authorial stance and read critically • Write in an appropriate style • Engage in academic discussion • Prepare and deliver business presentations
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
~ ENL-90005 Advanced Business English Communication EA C 7.5 15
In this highly competitive climate you need something to set you apart from others. This module will provide you with the specialist language and professional communication skills you will require if you wish to pursue a career in business. This highly practical module will build upon and complement your existing language skills by working on themes such as negotiating strategies and presenting visual information. Revision of essential grammatical structures and functional areas of language as well as building a subject-specific bank of key words will provide you with the confidence to engage fluently and competently in a variety of business contexts.

C Compulsory Core Module
O Optional Core Module
EP Programme Elective Module
EA Approved Elective Module
EF Free-Standing Elective Module
M Mixed Assessment e.g. a mixture of essay(s) and examination, with the latter's weighting below 90%.
E Examination, providing 90% or more of the mark.
C Continuous Assessment e.g. essay(s) or practical work (as appropriate).
+ Available to qualified non-principal, Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students but there may be a restriction on the number of places available
~ Specific pre-requisite(s) needed by non-principal, Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students wishing to take these modules
# Not normally available to Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students (except by prior negotiation with Departmental Tutor)
Note: Modules not marked with a # are available to suitably qualified Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students.