2022 FEBRUARY | MSc Finance and Investment

Wales accounts for 49,000 employees in the financial and professional services sector, and is predicted to see further growth in the next 10 years. As the sector grows, there will be an increase in demand for a skilled workforce.

The MSc Finance and Investment will develop the knowledge and skills needed for an understanding of the theories, techniques and regulatory environment of financial market investment. You will study a range of finance and investment modules and learn simulation software and powerful financial databases.

A study of research methods in a finance and investment context will prepare you to undertake your own research project in an area of finance and investment with supervision from expert academic staff.

2021/22 update: Blended learning approach for USW courses.

[Update excludes online-only courses].

The wellbeing and health and safety of our students and staff is paramount to us. We are committed to delivering all of our courses and services as safely as possible. Due to the pandemic, the methods and activities adopted for the coming year may differ from those previously published and may be subject to further change through the course of your study if such change is necessary due to public health concerns, health and safety guidance or in response to Government Guidelines. USW is committed to providing you with a fantastic student experience and a wealth of support, and you can hear how students have benefitted from this approach here: Learn more about blended learning.

What you will study?

The Finance and Investment masters establishes a firm foundation in the theory and practice of financial decision making. You will gain the management and analytical skills needed to take you to the forefront of the financial world.

Contemporary Issues in Finance
This will enable students to investigate specific contemporary issues in finance. Student will cover four contemporary issues, given the nature of the module the following list is indicative only: Islamic Finance, SME sources of finance, including micro finance, in emerging economies, Inclusive Finance, Environmental Finance.
Investment and Portfolio Analysis
To develop the critical knowledge and skills needed to be able to invest successfully in products traded on financial markets. Topics include: equity and commodity trading using a simulation package, behavioural finance and the psychology of trading, options and options trading, portfolio theory and pricing models, including portfolio hedging.
Research Methods in Accounting and Finance
This module aims to introduce students to method and methodology issues relating to academic research in the disciplines of finance and accounting, enabling them to develop the knowledge and skills required to undertake a dissertation at Level 7.
Corporate Finance
This module aims to provide an understanding of the strategic issues of finance in a business setting. Topics will include: investment appraisal methods, project appraisal applications, capital investment process and post-completion audit, risk and treasury management, working capital and short-term asset management, capital structure, sources of finance and dividend decisions.
Quantitative Methods for Finance and Risk Management
To equip students with knowledge in mathematics, statistics and data analysis skills in finance. To develop the critical knowledge and skills needed to apply quantitative models and forecasting techniques to be able to price financial assets and manage financial risks.
Global Financial Services Regulation and Compliance
This module aims to equip students with a knowledge and understanding of the legal, regulatory and ethical frameworks applicable to financial services on a global basis and also enables students to evaluate regulatory frameworks in different countries.
Dissertation – Accounting and Finance

Teaching

The Finance and Investment masters is delivered full-time or part-time through a combination of lectures, tutorials, computer workshops, case-study analysis and discussion groups.

A hands-on, student led approach is employed whereby students are exposed to real-world situations and given the skills and opportunities to find practical solutions.

Assessment

Assessment is by a range of methods, predominantly coursework based assignments.

Course details

Placements

Students will be given the opportunity to volunteer in the USW Exchange to build employability skills and gain practical experience.

The Exchange is a Faculty of Business and Society initiative that connects businesses, academics and students.

Organisations who approach the Exchange seeking advice will be directed to relevant academics and students. Students will have the opportunity to work on client projects with the support of academics.

Facilities

A fully equipped learning resource centre and a state-of-the-art trading room powered by leading industry software such as Finance Lab (equities and commodities) and Volcube (options) from Thomson Reuters and interactive teaching spaces.