Banking and Finance (with optional Placement/Project year) MSc

The aim of this module is to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the field of Finance and Analytics. By the end of the module, students should possess the knowledge and skills required to harness AI's potential in various financial applications, ranging from real-time market analysis and algorithmic trading to natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, and ethical considerations.

Students will be able to apply AI techniques effectively to enhance business decision-making, risk management and wealth management, while also staying aware of the evolving trends and ethical implications in AI.

This module develops students' awareness and understanding of corporate governance frameworks in accounting and finance. It also covers the nature of financial and non-financial risks and the key components of risk management systems as well as the analysis and application of corporate governance principles in relation to risk management.

Indictive contents are as follows:-

• The development and the changing nature of corporate governance regulations
• Corporate governance theories.
• Challenges in corporate governance.
• Corporate governance standards, best practice and recommendations.
• Corporate governance in private and public organisations.
• Internal control systems.
• Enterprise risk.
• Strategic risk.
• Cyber risk.
• Reputational risk.
• Economic and credit risk
• Interest rate and currency risk.

This module provides a comprehensive overview of key issues in commercial and investment banking, examining both theoretical concepts and practical applications. It aims to equip students with the necessary skills to navigate the complex world of banking, helping them develop a strong foundation in financial institutions, market dynamics, and industry challenges.

Students will explore core banking activities, including balance sheet management and income structures, gaining insight into the operational and competitive aspects of running a banking business. The module brings these concepts to life by examining real-world scenarios and case studies, enabling students to understand how banks function in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

A significant focus will be placed on risk management strategies, ensuring students develop a deep understanding of how banks identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks. By mastering these concepts, students will be better prepared to take on leadership roles within the banking sector, making informed decisions that contribute to financial stability and business growth.

Additionally, the module will cover key topics such as banking regulation and supervision, as well as the impact of emerging new entrants and fintech innovations. By examining these evolving trends, students will gain insight into how technology is reshaping the industry and how regulatory frameworks adapt to ensure financial security and market integrity.

This module develops students' research skills via studying various research methodologies and methods including how to collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data in accounting and finance. 

Indictive contents include:-

• Developing the research idea (case study, business development proposal and dissertation)
• Theory, literature and hypotheses 
• Research ethics in accounting and finance
• Data collection, sources, measurements, cleaning, summary (descriptive statistics)
• Big Data (4Vs - Volume, Velocity, Veracity and Variety)
• Inferential statistics (predictive analytics)
• Quantitative and qualitative research approaches
• Software - Power BI, SPSS, AMOS, Advanced Ms Excel, Stata, NVivo and others
• Specific techniques for case study, business development proposal and dissertation. 

This module involves an independent study and a research project in accordance with established research principles involving the completion of the following elements:

• Introduction to Accounting and Finance research
• Critical review of literature for an Accounting and Finance research project
• Evaluation of appropriate data collection methods
• Data analysis techniques for various research strategies
• Resource and risk planning in research
• Undertaking Accounting and Finance research

The module is your independent final project, similar to a dissertation.

In this module, you'll take the lead in creating a comprehensive business proposal. You will begin by researching the legal requirements necessary to start a business and then move on to developing its strategic direction, including defining its mission, vision, and identifying valuable market opportunities.

You are expected to incorporate financial details, exploring funding options and developing financial forecasts. Your project also involves conducting a thorough stakeholder analysis, honing your networking skills, and pitching your business idea to potential investors through the report.

This module places a strong emphasis on ethical and sustainable business practices, challenging you to incorporate these critical elements into your proposal. Through this project, you will demonstrate your ability to synthesise and apply your learning to develop a well-rounded, strategically sound business proposal based on rigorous research and comprehensive analysis. This is your opportunity to showcase your entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking in a real-world context.

This module provides opportunities for students to solve business case studies (including live cases) and justify the solutions that have been put forward from an available pool of different solutions and scenarios. 

Indicative contents:-

• Introduction to Case Study Analysis – mini, macro, and integrated business case study
• A modelled approach to case study analysis for decision making
• Assessing the challenges within the live case study
• Problem Identification & Analysis
• Assumption setting and strategic business planning related to case study
• Objectives, strategies, action plans, by function to time scales
• Application of key quantitative and qualitative techniques
• Monitoring, review & control planning for performance
• How to write a case study report
• Pitfalls of case study analysis