入学要求 Requirement：
学术要求： A good honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
英语要求：English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in all individual components, or equivalent.
学费 Tuition Fee：2011/2012 £10,100
课程特征 Course Features：
The course is aimed at students who would like to further their knowledge of economics, finance or accounting and extend it in the direction of banking and financial forecasting. The course will better equip graduates for employment, especially in the field of banking, finance and business but is also relevant to public sector issues. The course concentrates on applied aspects of economics, finance and banking rather than the theoretical approach. Students study eight taught units, followed by a dissertation, all contained within the 12 month duration of the course.
This course will enable students to evaluate the relevance of economic theories and principles and how they can explain the existence, nature and operation of retail, wholesale and international banking. In addition, public policy issues of banking will be considered. Students will gain an understanding of applied corporate finance, linking to business decisions and strategy. In addition, you will achieve a good understanding of economic and financial modelling and forecasting techniques.
课程内容 Course Content ：
The programme consists of three sequential stages, each of one semester's duration (or one academic year for those taking the part time option).
Stage 1
From October to January (leading to PgC). This provides the building blocks of principles and theories needed for advanced studies in business economics, finance and banking. Emphasis in Stage 1 is divided between the academic rigour of the main theory courses and the development of more applied courses designed to develop relevant business skills.
Stage 2
From February to June (leading to PgD). This is designed to introduce more advanced aspects of business economics, finance and banking.
Stage 3
From June to September (leading to MSc). This consists of a 14,000 word dissertation.
Units (Stage 1)
Business Economics
This unit concentrates on the economic approach to understanding businesses and their behaviour. In particular, you will be able to understand, apply and evaluate the relevance of various microeconomic theories of the firm to different types of business. Consideration will also be given to business competitiveness and how this is affected by technological innovation. Insights are also possible into the effect of the organisational architecture of firms and how the legal and regulatory environment can constrain firms' behaviour.
Quantitative Economics for Business
This unit should ensure that all students are familiar with the mathematical and statistical/econometric skills essential for the theoretical and applied work that will be found in other units and which is needed for the up-to-date treatment and analysis of current issues. The topics covered should also enhance the ability to read and understand articles in academic journals. Both theoretical and applied practical aspects are covered, with an emphasis on the use of econometric computer software.
Economics of Banking and Money
This unit is designed to show how economics can explain the existence, nature and operations of retail, wholesale and international banking. Public policy issues will also be considered. In addition to understanding the importance of banking to the national and international economy, students will also consider such aspects as managing market risks, trends in banking efficiency and the arguments for (prudential) regulation.
Research Methods
This unit introduces the concepts, methodologies and basic methods of undertaking and implementing research in economics and the social sciences.
Units (Stage 2)
Applied Corporate Finance
Whether from an investment bank perspective or from within the finance (treasury) department of a corporation, an assessment of the financial health of a company is paramount. This unit introduces and exposes you to corporate financial management, valuation and investment, with the emphasis being on corporate risk analysis. It is an applied course, equipping you with the tools necessary to critically analyse, evaluate and offer recommendations on firm specific financial and business data.
International Banking and Finance
This unit expands the subject matter of the unit 'Economics of Banking and Money' to the international level. Key subject matter covered includes:
•The theory of multinational banking.
•Risk management techniques and practices for banking.
•Domestic, European and international bank regulation.
•International co-operation and capital adequacy.
•Country and sovereign risk analysis.
•Banking and currency crises.
•International lending and debt rescheduling.
•Banks and economic development in developing countries.
Time Series Analysis and Financial Forecasting
This unit examines stationary and non-stationary time-series models, with particular application to financial data. Students will become familiar with the estimation, inference and forecasting of such models (ARMA/ARIMA and ARCH/GARCH) using appropriate computer software and real financial data.
Dissertation
In Stage 3 you will undertake an investigation of an appropriate, closely specified topic, using the skills you have learnt. You will have the opportunity to initiate, design and conduct a piece of research using original thought and independent judgement. You will have a supervisor from a member of the academic staff who will be able to advise you at regular meetings. Although preliminary work is undertaken earlier in the year, the dissertation is normally completed over the summer months, allowing a 12-month phase for the MSc from start to finish.
教学与评估 Teaching and Assessment：
Teaching is primarily by lectures and seminars, although computer practical workshops are used where relevant. The dissertation provides the opportunity for students to initiate, design and conduct a small piece of research and is largely student-centred learning, although students have an experienced dissertation supervisor in the Department who is available for individual meetings on a regular basis. Courses are assessed in a variety of ways, normally via coursework and/or examination.
职业机会 Career Opportunities:
Successful students will have attained a wide range of skills leaving them well qualified to seek employment in all areas of business. The degree is also very suitable for entry to the public or state sector. Career opportunities include business and financial professionals, commercial, industrial and public sector managers, as well as many other jobs with responsibility for decision-making. Good students would also be able to consider undertaking research degrees such as MPhil or PhD.