Semester 1

Core modules

• Economics for Investment Analysis and Business
  You’ll gain an understanding of the fundamental economic forces that shape the global economic order and global trade, exploring both micro and macroeconomics from the perspective of the investment industry. You will learn the importance of the currency market in ensuring successful capital markets, and the impact of human labour on economic growth and government policies to ensure economic growth and investments.
  
  
• Financial Ethics and Regulations
  We consider the importance of ethics and trust which sit at the core of the financial services sector. You’ll develop insight and the skills required to critically analyse the pre-requisite ethical standards, alongside a solid understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements that forms the basis of the industry.
  
  
• Portfolio Management and Investment Analysis
  You will learn to apply modern portfolio theory, starting with a background to the portfolio industry and the basic building blocks of modern portfolio theory. You’ll examine the performance of single and multi-factor investment models, learning to assess the performance of portfolio managers in the context of market risk. Finally, you’ll be introduced to modern behavioural finance and briefly explore hedge fund strategies.
  
  
• Corporate Finance
  Studying this module provides key insights into the modern corporate firm. We begin with the fundamentals of capital budgeting in which you’ll will learn how to value successful investment projects. This will be followed by an analysis of the capital structure of the modern firm and the role that debt and equity in different proportions play in the success of firms. You’ll go on to explore the reasons why firms pay dividends and the factors that lead to mergers of firms or acquisition of one firm by another. This module also prepares you to sit for the CFA exam
  
  
• Research Methods

Semester 2

Core modules

• Derivative Instruments
  Introducing you to the modern multi-trillion-dollar derivative markets, you’ll learn about the different types of derivative instruments widely traded in the derivatives markets, including futures and option contracts, as well as those developed for specific needs, such forward and swaps contracts. You will explore the complex valuation techniques which have been developed to manage derivatives. Finally, you’ll learn how derivative instruments can be used to manage complex market positions and the catastrophic losses that may occur if they are misunderstood and misapplied.
  
  
• Fixed Income Securities and Credit Risk
  This module tracks the CFA syllabus on fixed income securities. It provides in-depth insight into the valuation and management of the fixed income market, preparing you to sit for the CFA professional exam. Moreover, it also explores the latest methodologies to assess and measure credit risk. Finally, you’ll develop an in-depth understanding of the potential losses that can accrue due to the failures in the fixed income market.

Optional modules:

You will choose two of the following:

• Multinational Accounting and Control
  
  
• Contemporary Issues in Accounting
  
  
• International Financial Reporting
  
  
• Bank Risk Management
  This module examines the risks facing banks from different angles and consider the cultural environment in which banks operate in. You will explore risk both from a qualitative and a quantitative perspective, together with the in-depth calculations which need to be performed by banks to meet their regulatory risk management requirements.
  
  
• FinTech and Mobile Banking
  Designed to provide insight into the current digital revolution and how it is radically changing the financial services of the future, this module starts by examining the underlying technology, namely the Blockchain and how this is used for digital currencies and digital banking. You will also gain an appreciation of how cybersecurity challenges lie at the heart of digital banking and digital finance.
  
  
• Green Finance
  Studying this module will provide you with key insights into the key roles that will be played by the capital markets and financial services firms, such as banks and insurance companies, in transitioning to a sustainable world. You will examine key scientific evidence and core factors behind climate change, going on to consider some of the unique financial products developed to mitigate its impact, such as green bonds.

SEMESTER 3

After you have completed the taught modules, you will undertake an independent project to further develop your knowledge in a specific area of management or to tackle a specific management issue within an organisation, all of which is designed to enhance your employability and research skills. You will choose one of the options below:

The dissertation is a formal written academic project of between 15,000 and 20,000 words, making it ideal preparation for future academic research at MPhil or PhD level or for the report-writing and scrutiny expected of senior management professionals. Taking inspiration from your own interests, and with support throughout from a highly experienced supervisor with relevant expertise, you’ll choose an important and emerging topic to conduct either quantitative or qualitative research in the area of investment management, for example, portfolio choice, asset pricing, financial forecasting, international or corporate finance.

During June and September, you will spend eight to 12 weeks undertaking a management research project on behalf of an organisation (chosen by Keele Business School). You’ll put into practice what you’ve learned, developing and applying your skills to solve a business problem, issue or focus on a specific project. As part of the eventual assessment, you’ll present your findings to the host organisation, exactly as you would do within the workplace.

Please note that participation in the Consultancy Project is only available after a comprehensive selection process. Please view our terms and conditions to find out more.

An excellent opportunity if you have an idea for a new business venture, this module will provide you with the time, space and expertise to develop it. For between eight weeks to 12 months, you’ll be given the option of a base within the University’s incubator and have access to workshops and guidance from a network of entrepreneurs and business advisers. During this time, you’ll complete a portfolio of evidence on your idea and present this to an external stakeholder. Places are limited, and you will be required to undertake an interview prior to acceptance on this module.

Please note: The Entrepreneurship pathway is available to UK Students only.

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are looking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and workplace experience. With support from the Faculty Placement Officer, you will gain first-hand professional experience on a suitable, paid work placement for between eight weeks to 12 months. During your placement, you will be required to complete an extended project on behalf of the organisation. As part of the eventual assessment, you’ll present your findings to the host organisation, exactly as you would do within the workplace. Your placement can be based anywhere in the UK giving you the opportunity to work with local, national and international organisations.

Students who require a visa to study in the UK may be able to add in a work placement depending upon the programme. The ability to add a work placement is dependent upon the UK Immigration rules at the time of the request. It may be that for some programmes students will not have the option to request a placement period to be added to their programme before they arrive in the UK and would need to apply for a new visa. There is no guarantee that a placement will be provided and that students who have a visa are subject to a number of restrictions on the type of work, including placements they can undertake.