Finance and Investment

This module introduces you to the key components of a well-functioning financial system, including markets, institutions, individuals, and regulatory bodies. You'll explore topics such as central banks, financial institutions, capital flow, bond, equity and money markets, financial crises, and regulation.

You’ll learn the mathematical and statistical tools needed for analysing data in the financial world. This module covers probability theory, statistical methods, and the foundations of complex mathematical models used in finance, helping you make informed financial decisions.

This module provides an introduction to macro and microeconomics, focusing on the core principles and their real-world applications. You’ll learn how economists approach societal problems and apply concepts to decisions made by regulators, managers, and individuals.

Gain hands-on experience using Business Intelligence tools like Microsoft Excel to analyse large datasets. You'll learn how to extract insights from financial data using popular databases such as Bloomberg, FAME, and FT.COM, and present your findings in professional reports to help inform decisions.

This technically focused module is designed to help you develop a high level of skill in using common financial accounting procedures and techniques. You’ll gain knowledge of accounting standards, principles, and procedures involved in producing financial reports for businesses and governments. You’ll also learn how to analyse and interpret these statements to assess the financial health and fiscal sustainability of an organization.

In this module, you’ll be introduced to the principles of corporate and governmental financial decision-making. You’ll explore key topics such as financing decisions, dividend policies, investment strategies, and short-term working capital management, all of which influence real-life financial decisions and wealth maximization.

This module extends your understanding of economic analysis by introducing econometrics—the application of statistical methods to economic data. You’ll learn about econometric techniques like Classical Linear Regression and Multiple Regression models, and explore the analysis of financial time-series data, including prices, returns, exchange rates, and interest rates. You’ll also examine non-linear relationships in finance and explore forecasting models used in empirical finance.

You’ll explore the analysis of financial and economic data using quantitative techniques to evaluate the expected return and risk of traditional financial assets, such as equities and bonds. This module covers the key characteristics of these securities, their markets, and the various risks associated with them. You’ll also learn methods for managing these risks to achieve an optimal risk-return trade-off.

Over the past three decades, derivatives have become the largest financial asset class globally, surpassing the combined value of both bond and equity markets. At the same time, alternative assets like real estate, commodities, and private equity have played a crucial role in enhancing the risk-return trade-off for investors. In this module, you’ll focus on major derivative contracts such as futures, forwards, options, and swaps, and learn how these instruments are used for hedging, arbitrage, price discovery, and speculation. You’ll also explore key alternative assets, including real estate, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, and their role in enhancing portfolio performance.

This module introduces you to modern theories and techniques in portfolio management. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the investment process, from investment policy statements to performance measurement and evaluation. You’ll explore various asset classes, including equities, bonds, and alternative assets, and develop your own efficient trading strategies using real market data from the London Stock Exchange or other international markets.

AI is transforming the financial sector, impacting areas like lending, trading, investment management, and fraud detection. In this module, you’ll explore the history, fundamental methods, and applications of AI in finance. You’ll critically assess current and future developments in AI and learn to apply fundamental algorithms using computer software. You’ll also explore the financial implications of AI and practice designing and creating applications using popular coding packages.

This module examines the evolving role of ethics, governance, and sustainability in finance. You’ll explore the relationship between finance and society, focusing on social, environmental, and ethical frameworks that ensure financial systems' efficiency. You’ll also learn about the ethical practices and professional standards required in the financial industry, providing you with the tools to work ethically and professionally in the financial market.