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University of Derby Online Learning
Commencing May 2015
Programme code OLPBE
JACS code N300
www.derby.ac.uk/online
MSc in Finance Final Awards: MSc Finance in (Commodity Trading) MSc Finance in (Investment Banking) MSc Finance in (Islamic Banking and Finance) MSc Finance in (International Finance) Incorporating Interim Awards: Postgraduate Diploma in Finance Postgraduate Certificate in Finance Postgraduate Certificate in Commodity Trading Postgraduate Certificate in Investment Banking Postgraduate Certificate in Islamic Banking and Finance Postgraduate Certificate in International Finance
Programme Specification
February 2015
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Table of Contents
SECTION ONE: General Information ................................................................................. 4
Programme Title ............................................................................................................................... 4
Award Title ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Final Awards ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Mode of Study ................................................................................................................................... 4
Programme start date/review date ................................................................................................ 4
Awarding Institution .......................................................................................................................... 4
Faculty Managing the Programme ................................................................................................ 4
Institution(s) Delivering the Programme ....................................................................................... 4
Relevant External Subject Benchmark Statement(s) ................................................................. 4
External Accreditation/Recognition................................................................................................ 4
JACS Code(s) ................................................................................................................................... 4
SECTION TWO: Overview ................................................................................................... 5
Overview of the Programme ........................................................................................................... 5
Programme Aims .............................................................................................................................. 8
SECTION THREE: Programme Learning Outcomes ......................................................... 9
Intellectual skills ............................................................................................................................ 9
Practical/Subject specific skills ................................................................................................. 10
Transferable/Key Skills .............................................................................................................. 11
SECTION FOUR: Programme Structure & Curriculum ................................................... 12
Structure and Curriculum .............................................................................................................. 12
Personal Development Planning (PDP)...................................................................................... 12
SECTION FIVE: Programme Delivery............................................................................... 14
Online Teaching and Learning Methods ..................................................................................... 14
SECTION SIX: Assessment ......................................................................................................... 16
General Approach ...................................................................................................................... 16
Statement of Ethics .................................................................................................................... 17
SECTION SEVEN: Admission ........................................................................................... 17
Entry Criteria ................................................................................................................................... 17
SECTION EIGHT: Student Support & Guidance .............................................................. 18
Module Support .............................................................................................................................. 18
SECTION NINE: Post Programme Opportunities ............................................................ 18
SECTION TEN: Employer Links ....................................................................................... 19
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Appendix 1: MSc Finance and QAA Master's degrees in business and management 2007 Subject Benchmarks ...................................................................................................................... 20
Appendix 2: MSc Finance and FHEQ Level 7 Benchmarks ................................................... 23
Appendix 3: MSc Finance Programme Specification and Module Mapping ........................ 26
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SECTION ONE: General Information
Programme Title MSc in Finance Award Title
Final Awards Master of Science in Finance Master of Science in Finance (Commodity Trading) Master of Science in Finance (Investment Banking) Master of Science in Finance (Islamic Banking and Finance) Master of Science in Finance (International Finance) Interim Awards Postgraduate Diploma in Finance Postgraduate Certificate in Finance Postgraduate Certificate in Commodity Trading Postgraduate Certificate in Investment Banking Postgraduate Certificate in Islamic Banking and Finance Postgraduate Certificate in International Finance Mode of Study Online Distance Learning Programme start date/review date Start Date: May 2015 Period of Validation: Indefinite Awarding Institution University of Derby Faculty Managing the Programme University of Derby Online Learning Institution(s) Delivering the Programme University of Derby Relevant External Subject Benchmark Statement(s) Quality Assurance Agency’s (QAA) Subject Benchmarks Statement for Master's degrees in Business and Management 2007 External Accreditation/Recognition None JACS Code(s) N300
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SECTION TWO: Overview Overview of the Programme
The MSc Finance postgraduate degree aims to equip you with specialist skills within finance which will enable you to take up finance positions within a sector of your choice. The programme has been designed to allow postgraduates to develop the skill sets needed for employability. In order to achieve this aim we seek to a curriculum that is up to date, vocationally relevant, challenging and reflects the complex and challenging nature of the financial sector.
This programme comprises of 10 modules i.e. Corporate Finance (20 credits), Ethics and Corporate Governance (20 credits), International Finance (20 credits), Investment Banking (20 credits), Corporate Financial Strategies (20 credit), Fixed Income Securities (20 credits), Commodities Trading (20 credits), Islamic Banking and Finance (20 credits), Research Methods (20 credits) and Independent Scholarship (60credits).
In order to be awarded a PG Cert Finance you will be required to pass three prescribed modules, namely, Corporate Finance, Ethics and Corporate Governance, and Corporate Financial Strategies; aggregating a total of 60 credits.
In order to be awarded a PG Cert with a named pathway, you will be required to pass two prescribed modules, namely, Corporate Finance and Ethics and Corporate Governance, and pass a module core to your chosen discipline; aggregating a total of 60 credits.
• To progress to the PG Dip level you will need to achieve 60 credits from the PG Cert stage. To be awarded the PG Dip you will need to pass a core Research Methods module worth 20 credits and
• Pass two optional modules also worth 20 credits each.
The optional modules you can chose include International Finance, Investment Banking, Corporate Financial Strategies, Fixed Income Securities, Commodities Trading and Islamic Banking and Finance if not taken at PG Cert stage. To be awarded a PG Dip Finance you will need an aggregate of 120 credits in total.
To progress to the Master’s level you will need to have achieved 120 credits from the previous stages in addition, at this level, you will be required to pass an Independent Scholarship module worth 60 credits within finance in order to be awarded MSc Finance.
Please note in case you aspire to get an MSc with a named award, you will be required to achieve 120 credits from the PG Dip stage by passing the module core to your named award and conduct an Independent Scholarship within the subject area of the named award. The module core to the named award will be in addition to the core Research Methods module.
For MSc Finance (Commodity Trading), you will need to pass a core Commodity Trading module and conduct an Independent Scholarship within the subject area of Commodity Trading. For MSc Finance (Investment Banking), you will need to pass a core Investment Banking module and conduct an Independent Scholarship within the subject area of Investment Banking. For MSc Finance (Islamic Banking and Finance), you will need to pass a core Islamic Banking and Finance module and conduct an Independent Scholarship within
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the subject area of Islamic Banking and Finance. Finally, For MSc Finance (International Finance), you will need to pass a core International Finance module and conduct an Independent Scholarship within the subject area of International Finance.
The full Masters should aggregate 180 credits in total.
At the start of your programme you will be given the options to enrol on a Postgraduate Certificate, with or without a named pathway, a Postgraduate Diploma Finance or a full MSc Finance, with or without a named pathway.
If you initially enrol on a Postgraduate Certificate, you will be allowed progress to the Postgraduate Diploma or the MSc, as credits from the Postgraduate Certificate stage will be recognised at higher stages. Similarly, if you initially enrol on a Postgraduate Diploma you will be allowed to progress to the MSc as credits from the Postgraduate Diploma stage will be recognised at higher stages.
Please note, named awards from specialised pathways are available only on at PG Cert stage and the full MSc stage, i.e. named awards are not available at the Dip stage.
For students who wish to enrol on the MSc on the basis of a HND/Level 5 and 2 years of relevant managerial work experience within finance, you will have to enrol on and pass a level 6 module as a pre-requisite. This level 6 module can include Financial Strategy, Risk Management or Strategic Management.
The study plan of the programme for a direct entrant is as follows:-
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At the PG Cert level, you will be given the option to either enrol on the PG Cert Finance or a PG Cert with a specialised pathway. Upon achieving 60 credits from the PG Cert stage you will be eligible to progress to the PG Dip stage.
At the PG Dip stage you will be required to pass a core Research Methods module and chose and pass two optional modules. The option modules include International Finance, Investment Banking, Corporate Financial Strategies, Fixed Income Securities, Commodities Trading and Islamic Banking and Finance. The option module(s) must be different from the Core/Prescribed module taken at the PG Cert stage.
At the Masters stage you will be required to pass a core 60 credits Independent Scholarship module.
Please note in case you aspire to get an MSc with a named award you will be require to conduct an Independent Scholarship within the subject area of your named award. For MSc
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Finance (Commodity Trading) you will need to pass the Commodity Trading module and conduct an Independent Scholarship within the subject area of Commodity Trading. For MSc Finance (Investment Banking) you will need to pass the Investment Banking module and conduct an Independent Scholarship within the subject area of Investment Banking. For MSc Finance (Islamic Banking and Finance) you will need to pass the Islamic Banking and Finance module and conduct an Independent Scholarship within the subject area of Islamic Banking and Finance. Finally, for MSc Finance (International Finance) you will need to pass the International Finance module and conduct an Independent Scholarship within the subject area of International Finance.
You will be given the opportunity to progress through the modules through an accelerated study pattern or a standard study pattern. The accelerated route means that you would undertake 2 modules per trimester (or 6 per year) and the standard pace is one module per trimester or 3 per year.
Programme Aims
Programme Aims for Postgraduate Certificate with or without Named Awards
1. Develop key skills needed by finance professionals, within their chosen areas of study, to identify issues or opportunities and make recommendations
2. Develop a critical understanding of the emerging developments within the financial sector in order to promote organisational growth and/or development
3. Promote critical reflection and digital scholarship for continued lifelong learning
Programme Aims for Postgraduate Diploma Finance
In addition to the above
4. Enable existing graduate and finance professionals to increase their employability prospects by acquiring post-graduate qualifications
5. Provide a challenging, integrated programme of study that equips students with a sound high level knowledge of finance
6. Develop students financial management skills and abilities to enable them to operate
within both local and international settings
7. Enable students to develop the cognitive abilities to synthesise and evaluate relevant theories, policies and practices and to propose solutions to real life corporate issues
8. Offer students a finance curriculum that is up to date, vocationally relevant, challenging and reflects the complex and challenging nature of the finance sector
Programme Aims for MSc Finance with or without Named Awards
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In addition to the above
9. Widen access to the University of Derby’s Masters provision by enabling graduates within business, finance and accountancy across the globe to acquire an MSc Finance within their chosen area of study
10. Demonstrate current knowledge and understanding in the application of research
methods to the exploration of contemporary issues in finance
11. Provide programmes of study that utilise a wide range of innovative learning resources to progressively foster independence in learning, reflective practice and the development of higher level knowledge, skills and attributes
Provide students an opportunity to achieve a globally recognised academic qualification which will contribute to their personal and professional development This programme will be developed in accordance with the QAA Subject Benchmark for Master's degrees in Business and Management (2007)
SECTION THREE: Programme Learning Outcomes On successful completion of the module, students will meet the following outcomes:
Intellectual skills
• Intellectual Skills Postgraduate Certificate Named Awards
1. Critically evaluate existing theoretical frameworks in finance in your chosen area of study
2. Select and recommend the most appropriate source of finance for a given organisation
3. Extract and analyse relevant information from an array of data
• Intellectual Skills Postgraduate Diploma
(In addition to the above)
4. Further enhance intellectual skills within the finance sector for continuing
professional development
• Intellectual Skills MSc Finance with or without Named Awards (In addition to the above)
5. Design robust investigative methods that utilise sound theoretical models that
are relevant to the chosen field of enquiry or research question
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6. Display competence in the handling of advanced data associated with the chosen field of enquiry and demonstrate the ability to communicate coherently outcomes of data analysis to their peers and wider professional audiences
Practical/Subject specific skills
• Practical/Subject specific skills Postgraduate Certificate Finance 1. Utilise advanced quantitative methods to manipulate financial information and
propose appropriate recommendations
2. Evaluate alternative sources of finance and propose a suitable financing strategy
• Practical/Subject specific skills Postgraduate Certificate Commodity Trading (In addition to the Practical/Subject specific skills Postgraduate Certificate Finance) Evaluate factors which determine commodity prices and mitigate risks
• Practical/Subject specific skills Postgraduate Certificate Investment Banking (In addition to the Practical/Subject specific skills Postgraduate Certificate Finance) Evaluate the usefulness of various services and products offered by Investment Banking institutions and make appropriate recommendations
• Practical/Subject specific skills Postgraduate Certificate Islamic Banking and Finance (In addition to the Practical/Subject specific skills Postgraduate Certificate Finance) Evaluate alternative modes of Islamic finance and factors promoting the expansion of Islamic banking services
• Practical/Subject specific skills Postgraduate Certificate International Finance (In addition to the Practical/Subject specific skills Postgraduate Certificate Finance) Evaluate factors and effects of international institutions which impact international investment decisions
• Practical/Subject specific skills Postgraduate Diploma 3. Further enhance practical and subject skills within the finance sector for
continuing professional development
• Practical/Subject specific skills MSc Finance with or without Named Awards
4. Use a systematic approach to plan and undertake a substantial independent investigation that contests and contributes to the body of knowledge in their field of enquiry or area professional practice
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5. Contribute to the advancement of field of study or area of professional practice by displaying originality of thought that challenges current assumptions and thinking
Transferable/Key Skills
• Transferable/key skills Postgraduate Certificate Named Awards and Postgraduate Diploma
1. Articulate and communicate ideas effectively (including written, verbal, and non-
verbal)
2. Retrieve information effectively and efficiently analysing data in multiple forms and justifying the appropriate use of technology
3. Be able to use a comprehensive range of sources in any media, including
appropriate sources of specialised information
4. Propose and promote innovative development applying critical thinking to problem solving
5. Ability to recognise and plan for professional development activities
6. Work effectively with others and exhibit social responsibility
• Transferable/key skills MSc Finance
7. Express, in a critically reflective way, the outcomes of their own independent
research enquiry and evaluate the contribution made to the field of study or area of professional practice
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SECTION FOUR: Programme Structure & Curriculum Structure and Curriculum
The online MSc Finance provision at level 7 is designed to allow students who have a UK recognised degrees from any subject area or equivalent; four years of managerial level work experience within finance; or those who have completed appropriate stages of professional courses (such as having completed F1 to F9 of the ACCA, Strategic Level of CIMA or equivalent) to advance their knowledge to the Masters level. The programme will also enable students with a HND/level 5 plus two years of relevant managerial work experience to join as an Associate to the programme by studying a module at level 6. This level 6 module can include Financial Strategy, Risk Management or Strategic Management. Upon successfully passing the Research Methods module the students will be able to join the full MSc.
Students will be required pass all core modules and attempt the prescribed modules to obtain the named award they have enrolled on. In addition they will be offered a choice of various optional modules to obtain the required number of credits appropriate to the award. The modules will be delivered at set trimesters over the academic year with options for a standard pace or an accelerated study.
The programme will offer nine 20 credit modules which will include Corporate Finance, Ethics and Corporate Governance, International Finance, Corporate Financial Strategies, Investment Banking, Fixed Income Securities, Commodities Trading, Islamic Banking and Finance, Research Methods and a 60 credit Independent Scholarship. All 20 credits modules will be equivalent to 200 notional hours and the 60 credit module will be equivalent to 600.
When viewed holistically the programme contains a combination of all the learning design types that specifically reflect the nature of online learning. These are identified in the module specifications as:
• Self-paced, supported online learning (S) • Portfolio-based, reflective online learning (P) • Combination of Self-paced, supported online learning and Collaborative online
learning (SC) • Combination of Self-paced, supported online learning and Portfolio-based, reflective
online learning (SP)
Personal Development Planning (PDP)
The programme team regard the integration of PDP into the programme as an essential requirement towards supporting student centred learning. This is essential also to one of the main outcomes of student participation upon confirmation of the degree – that of employability. This is promoted through development planning within the modules.
Drawing on the model and range of graduate skills identified by Jackson, Sibson and Riebe (2013), these are grouped and mapped against each learning design type to ensure that you have the opportunity to develop all of them within your programme.
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To support the understanding and development of these skills you will be offered a skills diagnosis opportunity at the beginning of your programme. From this you will be directed to a range of resources to help you to develop your own competencies.
During your programme you will be directed to activities that assist you in developing your career plan, your use of tools and technologies and your academic scholarship. The types of activities you encounter will be appropriate for the module (and learning design type) you are studying. This approach will give you the opportunity to develop and demonstrate new skills within your module and as you progress through your programme.
To support the understanding and development of these skills you will be offered a skills diagnosis opportunity at the beginning of your programme. From this you will be directed to a range of resources to help you to develop your own competencies.
You are able to network with peers at the programme level as well as the module level, many of whom are professionals working within the financial services industry, globally
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located hence interaction and collaborative work offers you excellent networking opportunities.
During your programme you will be directed to activities that assist you in developing your career plan, your use of tools and technologies and your academic scholarship. The types of activities you encounter will be appropriate for the module (and learning design type) you are studying. This approach will give you the opportunity to develop and demonstrate new skills within your module and as you progress through your programme.
The programme will also offer you the opportunity to develop research and academic skills which will contribute to your ongoing professional and academic practice. At the PG Cert stage you will be imparted with academic writing, numeracy and digital skills which will be relevant to your chose module. At the PG Dip state you will engage with a core Research Methods module, which will enable you to further refine your abilities to critique, evaluate and synthesise information. Finally, at the MSc stage, you will undertake your final module where you will have the academic freedom to undertake Independent Scholarship in an area of your choice.
Jackson, D., Sibson, R. & Riebe, L. (2013). Delivering work-ready business graduates-keeping our promises and evaluating our performance. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 4 (1), 2-22.
SECTION FIVE: Programme Delivery Online Teaching and Learning Methods
This programme is underpinned by the University of Derby Online Learning’s Academic Framework. This framework outlines the teaching and learning approach taken within modules delivered through the online mode. Modules within the MSc Finance programme use the “Self-paced, Supported Online Learning” learning design, the “Collaborative Online Learning” design and the “Reflective Online Learning” design.
The key features of self-paced, supported online learning are:
• You can work through the module at your own pace, with a tutor and peer group to call on for support, with a set of optional tasks to undertake to support your learning and with explicitly identified formative assessment activities about which you receive online feedback and guidance from your online tutor.
• You are provided with a set number of units of learning content. Content can be textual; can include video and audio material, screencasts or presentations with voiceovers.
• Each unit of content contains optional tasks for you to undertake to apply or ‘process’ the content. These activities will include suggestions for postings you could make in the community space for the module.
• Each module contains explicitly identified formative assessment activity that you can undertake and for which you can expect to receive feedback from your tutor.
• You may be provided with the opportunity to participate in a set number of live classroom sessions during the module (and recordings of these sessions will be made available to everyone on the module).
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The key features of collaborative online learning are:
• At a set point or points within the module, you are required to participate in online collaborative activity with a small group of your peers which contributes towards your final assessment for the module.
• A primary responsibility of the tutor will be to facilitate the assessed collaborative activity.
• The collaborative activity will take place within a private space for each group within the module’s ‘Community space’ on Blackboard.
• You are provided with a set number of units of learning content. Content can be textual; can include video and audio material, screencasts or presentations with voiceovers.
• Some of the units of content contain optional tasks for you to undertake to apply or ‘process’ the content.
• There will be a community space / discussion area for the module which is the primary space for you to receive support from tutors and peers.
• The community space / discussion area will be lead and managed by online tutors. • You may be provided with the opportunity to participate in a set number of live
classroom sessions during the module (and recordings of these sessions will be made available to everyone on the module).
The key features of reflective online learning are:
• As you work through the module, you are set activities that require you to contribute to a ‘portfolio' of work which contributes to your final assessment for the module.
• The portfolio or collection of reflection (which may be a blog or journal) can be used to assess knowledge, to assess reflective skills (such as analysis, synthesis or evaluation, often higher level skills) or to assess development over a period of time
• You are provided with a set number of units of learning content. Content can be textual; can include video and audio material, presentations with voiceovers.
• There will be a community space / discussion area for the module which is the primary space for you to receive support from tutors and peers.
• The community space / discussion area will be lead and managed by online tutors. • A primary responsibility of the tutor will be to facilitate and provide formative feedback
on the production and development of your portfolio of work. • You may be provided with the opportunity to participate in a set number of live
classroom sessions during the module (and recordings of these sessions will be made available to everyone on the module).
More detail on the University of Derby Online Learning’s Academic Framework (which has been approved by the University’s Academic Board) can be found at: http://www.derbyonlinelearning.co.uk/content1.asp?MenuID=3641&courseId=UDO7714
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SECTION SIX: Assessment General Approach
Modules are typically assessed through one or more coursework assignments. Depending on the nature of a given coursework assignment, you may be given the assignment specification at the beginning of the module for hand-in at the end of the module, or it may be given later in the module to complete before a set deadline. Normally, you receive feedback on coursework within three weeks of submission or completion. Modules also provide ample opportunities for formative feedback to guide you in your learning.
A common approach is for activities to be set based on the content of an online unit and then provide you with the opportunity to discuss this work in online discussions. The feedback may be in groups or to you individually.
Coursework assignments may involve essays, reports, projects, answering questions or various combinations of these submitted as a portfolio of work. Coursework assignments may be individual or collaborative (i.e., involve group work). Some may be based entirely on material covered in online units or others may require independent research.
Assignments will be submitted in line with the University’s requirement for the electronic submission of all assessment tasks.
The assessment strategy for students undertaking the Level 7 programme online also takes into account the different learning needs of online students. The following principles also inform our approach:
• To include a range of assessment types, with these being viewed holistically, within and across a programme structure.
• To ensure that you are well-informed in advance of a module of the assessed online activity.
• To ensure that at the very beginning of a module you are made very clearly aware of the specific, assessed, activities or online participation that will be required of you and of the assessment criteria involved.
• To take a well-planned approach to the initiation of new or unusual assessment activity, paying attention to the need for clear instructions and opportunities to undertake low-risk preparatory activities to support familiarity with the technology involved or the development of new skills.
• To ensure that sufficient time is allowed within modules where there are multiple assessment types for you to grasp the different approaches to assessment.
Assessments for all modules have been designed to be inclusive for all students.
Further detail on the University of Derby Online Learning’s approach to assessment can be found within our Academic Framework: http://www.derbyonlinelearning.co.uk/content1.asp?MenuID=3642&courseId=UDO7714
This programme operates within the University’s Regulatory Framework and conforms to its regulations on assessment
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Statement of Ethics
All students are required to comply with research governance and ethics principles whilst undertaking their programme of study. This is of particular importance when conducting research involving other people e.g. for module assessments or Independent Studies. Information on these principles can be found on the University web site at www.derby.ac.uk/research/ethics http://www.derby.ac.uk/research/ethics
SECTION SEVEN: Admission Within the context of the University’s Mission Statement, equal opportunities and the Admissions policy, the course aims to attract a wide range of applicants.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all ages as long as they can be considered adequately prepared to succeed on the programme. There are no upper or lower age limits for entry to the course. All applicants must satisfy the entry criteria but also be suitably prepared to achieve the aims and objectives of the programme.
The primary function of the admissions process is to ensure that there are grounds for believing that you are adequately prepared and will successfully complete the programme of study leading to the intended award.
If you are a non-standard entrant you may be required to submit evidence of your work experience and counselled before being offered a place to ensure that you have the necessary capacity for critical awareness and reflection.
Entry Criteria
Normal entry qualifications would include:
UK degree or equivalent; four years of managerial level work experience within finance or those who have completed appropriate stages of professional courses (such as having completed F1 to F9 of the ACCA, Strategic Level of CIMA or equivalent) to advance their knowledge to the Masters level. The programme will also enable students with an HND/level 5 plus two years of relevant managerial work experience to join as an Associate to the programme by studying a module at level 6. This level 6 module can include Financial Strategy, Risk Management or Strategic Management. Upon successfully passing the level 6 module the students will be able to join the full MSc.
Further information about the University’s postgraduate admission criteria can be found at http://www.derby.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/applying/taught/.
Students may be admitted to this programme in one of the later stages, if they have already completed the equivalent of the earlier stage(s) on a different programme through Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). Further information on APL can be found here.
Students who are not native speakers of English will be required to demonstrate a level of proficiency adequate for study at degree level. This will generally be assessed by one of the recognized international tests in English proficiency such as IELTS with a standard score of
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6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four areas.
SECTION EIGHT: Student Support & Guidance For online students there is an Online Student Orientation which serves the purpose of highlighting the particular needs of online study and to prepare students for the online learning environment. This orientation is available to you before formal entry to the programme and is accessible to you throughout your studies.
As an enrolled student there are a number of support mechanisms available including;
• Online Learning Advisors team who provide advice and guidance on administrative, technical and pastoral support issues,
• subject specialist Academic Leads who are able to provide academic guidance and are also able to refer students to central university services designed to support their academic and personal development within the programme.
Within the University of Derby Online Learning’s Academic framework we also discuss student support and the opportunities available to students. More detail in this area is available from http://www.derbyonlinelearning.co.uk/content1.asp?MenuID=3643&courseId=UDO7714
Module Support
Problems or questions regarding a particular module should be directed initially to the module tutor, the person who leads the online module. If they are unable to help, you should then contact the Online Learning Advisors team for guidance and they will provide assistance on what to do next.
SECTION NINE: Post Programme Opportunities This programme is designed to provide you with the practical skills and knowledge to help make you employable within the financial services sector or to enhance career prospects if you are already employed within this sector.
Whilst most students who complete and pass this programme are likely to progress into full time employment, the knowledge and skills gained from studying this programme will enhance your ability to develop your career and /or enrich your professional practice. Furthermore the programme may enhance your academic ambitions which may include progressing on to doctoral studies.
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SECTION TEN: Employer Links The University of Derby has direct links to a wide range of organisations working in the financial services sector. These range from large corporate organisations in the private sector, national and local government departments to smaller specialised companies.
The University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) also employs online tutors (Associate Academics) with current industry and research experience. These tutors provide input to the programme providing another link with industry allowing us to create an employer-informed curriculum across the programme.
UDOL also benefit from links with international partners who work with us to enhance the programme for the benefit of both UK and international students.
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Appendix 1: MSc Finance and QAA Master's degrees in business and management 2007 Subject Benchmarks
QAA Master’s degree in business and management 2007 Subject Benchmark Statements
Cor
pora
te F
inan
ce
Ethi
cs a
nd C
orpo
rate
Gov
erna
nce
Inte
rnat
iona
l Fin
ance
Cor
pora
te F
inan
cial
Str
ateg
y
Inve
stm
ent B
anki
ng
Fix
ed In
com
e Se
curit
ies
Com
mod
ities
Tra
ding
Isla
mic
Ban
king
and
Fin
ance
Res
earc
h M
etho
ds
Inde
pend
ent S
chol
arsh
ip
Subject knowledge, understanding and skills
Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating, and solving business problems; and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
The ability to conduct research into ✓
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business and management issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, data collection, analysis, synthesis and reporting Using information and knowledge effectively: scanning and organising data, synthesising and analysing in order to abstract meaning from information and to share knowledge
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Numeracy and quantitative skills including the development and use of relevant business models
✓
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
✓
Effective use of CIT ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Effective two-way communication: listening, effective oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
High personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management; time management; sensitivity to diversity in people and different and experience
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Effective performance within team ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting targets, motivating, monitoring performance, for different situations; and mentoring
✓
✓
Ability to recognise and address ethical dilemmas and corporate social responsibility issues, applying ethical and organisational values to situations and choices.
✓ ✓ ✓
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Appendix 2: MSc Finance and FHEQ Level 7 Benchmarks
Descriptor for a higher education qualification at level 7: Master's degree
Cor
pora
te F
inan
ce
Ethi
cs a
nd C
orpo
rate
Gov
erna
nce
Inte
rnat
iona
l Fin
ance
Inve
stm
ent B
anki
ng
Fix
ed In
com
e Se
curit
ies
Cor
pora
te F
inan
cial
Str
ateg
y
Inve
stm
ent B
anki
ng
Com
mod
ities
Tra
ding
Isla
mic
Ban
king
and
Fin
ance
Res
earc
h M
etho
ds
Inde
pend
ent S
chol
arsh
ip
Master's degrees with honours are awarded to students who have demonstrated:
A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
A comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship
✓ ✓
Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline
✓ ✓
conceptual understanding that enables the student:
- to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline
✓ ✓
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- to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.
✓ ✓
Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to:
deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level.
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
And holders will have:
the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring:
- the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
- decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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- the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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Appendix 3: MSc Finance Programme Specification and Module Mapping
MSc Finance Programme Aims C
orpo
rate
Fin
ance
Ethi
cs a
nd C
orpo
rate
Gov
erna
nce
Inte
rnat
iona
l Fin
ance
Cor
pora
te F
inan
cial
Str
ateg
y
Inve
stm
ent B
anki
ng
Fix
ed In
com
e Se
curit
ies
Com
mod
ities
Tra
ding
Isla
mic
Ban
king
and
Fin
ance
Res
earc
h M
etho
ds
Inde
pend
ent S
chol
arsh
ip
Knowledge and understanding Knowledge and understanding Postgraduate Certificate Finance
Acquire in-depth knowledge of major theories and principles of finance as applicable to an organisation and to the wider society
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Develop a critical awareness of various perspectives and instruments of corporate governance and examine the impact this has on stakeholders
✓
Develop a critical awareness of ethical considerations surrounding financial decisions and enforce personal responsibility in implementing an ethical code of conduct
✓
Knowledge and understanding Postgraduate Certificate Commodity Trading
Develop a critical understanding of the structure and functioning of key commodity markets and risks associated within these
✓
Knowledge and understanding Postgraduate Certificate Investment Banking
Develop a critical understanding of the utility of various products offered by Investment Banking institutions to end customers
✓
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Knowledge and understanding Postgraduate Certificate Islamic Banking and Finance
Develop a thorough understanding of principles and practices which govern Islamic mode of banking and finance
✓
Knowledge and understanding Postgraduate Certificate International Finance
Develop a critical understanding of the variables within the international financial environment which can impact an organisation
✓
Knowledge and understanding Postgraduate Diploma
Further develop and refine the art of critical reflection and understand its importance in providing a quality financial advise
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Knowledge and understanding MSc Finance
Exhibit a comprehensive understanding of the methodological approaches and investigative techniques that are applicable to the chosen area of financial research or advanced scholarship
✓ ✓
Demonstrate creativity and originality in the application of advanced knowledge together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research/enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge
✓ ✓
Intellectual skills
Intellectual Skills Postgraduate Certificate Named Awards
Critically evaluate existing theoretical frameworks in finance in your chosen area of study
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Select and recommend the most appropriate source of finance for a given organisation
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Extract and analyse relevant information from an array of data
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Intellectual Skills Postgraduate Diploma
Further enhance intellectual skills within the finance sector for continuing professional development
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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Intellectual Skills MSc Finance
Design robust investigative methods that utilise sound theoretical models that are relevant to the field of enquiry or research question
✓ ✓
Display competence in the handling of advanced data and demonstrate the ability to communicate coherently outcomes of data analysis to their peers and wider professional audiences
✓ ✓
Practical/Subject specific skills
Practical/Subject specific skills Postgraduate Certificate Finance
Utilise advanced quantitative methods to manipulate financial information and propose appropriate recommendations
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Evaluate alternative sources of finance and propose a suitable financing strategy
✓ ✓ ✓
Practical/Subject specific skills Postgraduate Certificate Commodity Trading
Evaluate factors which determine commodity prices and mitigate risks
✓
Practical/Subject specific skills Postgraduate Certificate Investment Banking
Evaluate the usefulness of various services and products offered by Investment Banking institutions and make appropriate recommendations
✓
Practical/Subject specific skills Postgraduate Certificate Islamic Banking and Finance
Evaluate alternative modes of Islamic finance and factors promoting the expansion of Islamic banking services
✓
Practical/Subject specific skills Postgraduate Certificate International Finance
Evaluate factors and effects of international institutions which impact international investment decisions
✓
Practical/Subject specific skills and Postgraduate Diploma
Further enhance practical and subject skills within the finance sector for continuing professional development
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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Practical/Subject specific skills MSc Finance
Use a systematic approach to plan and undertake a substantial independent investigation that contests and contributes to the body of knowledge in their field of enquiry or area professional practice
✓ ✓
Contribute to the advancement of field of study or area of professional practice by displaying originality of thought that challenges current assumptions and thinking
✓ ✓
Transferable/key skills
Transferable/key skills Postgraduate Certificate Named Awards and Postgraduate Diploma
Articulate and communicate ideas effectively (including written, verbal, and non-verbal)
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Retrieve information effectively and efficiently analysing data in multiple forms and justifying the appropriate use of technology
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Be able to use a comprehensive range of sources in any media, including appropriate sources of specialised information
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Propose and promote innovative development applying critical thinking to problem solving
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Ability to recognise and plan for professional development activities
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Work effectively with others and exhibit social responsibility
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Transferable/key skills MSc Finance
Express, in a critically reflective way, the outcomes of their own independent research enquiry and evaluate the contribution made to the field of study or area of professional practice
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
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