Course Content
Core modules
- Research Methods
This module provides you with a broad understanding of business and academic research methods. It is designed to help students prepare for a Dissertation. You will be guided on the selection and planning of a suitable research project. The module will review research design, paradigms and ethics, including the broader ethical impact of research. Through undertaking this module you will cover a wide range of quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection and analysis. You will also be guided as to how to use financial datasets available in DMU. - International Financial Markets and Institutions
This module guides you through the role and function of the domestic and global financial system, non-deposit financial institutions and financial markets. This will cover interest rates, debt securities, equity markets and the foreign exchange market, as well as crises and regulation in financial sectors. - Bank Financial Management
This module provides you with an introduction to the financial management of the commercial banking enterprise, and gives you an understanding of the basic issues involved in value creation and risk management for banking firms. You will be equipped with the technical and analytical tools, and strategic abilities needed for managerial responsibility in the financial management of the banking firm. - Credit and Lending
This module explores the key areas surrounding credit and lending, starting with the relationship between the banker and customer, through business lending procedures, and ending with credit risk practices for banks. - Financial Econometrics
This module introduces the theory and practice of financial econometric modelling techniques including the generalised method of moments (GMM), error correction models, ARCH-GARCH and time-series forecasting. - International Banking and Financial Regulations
This module covers the legal and regulatory environment in which banks and other financial institutions operate, national and international standards and interpretation and enforcement by the relevant authorities. You will learn about banking supervision and the Basel Core Principles.
Optional modules
- Portfolio Management
This module is taught from the portfolio manager’s perspective and explores issues in price formation for all the major asset classes. Markets will be investigated with particular attention to the fundamental and non-fundamental components of securities pricing. To this end you will examine the standard valuation methods in addition to concepts arising from the behavioural finance literature. Optimal portfolio allocation will also feature. The overriding objective of the module is to provide a framework for well-placed investment decisions and to become familiar with the various investment strategies, providing a knowledge base for those wishing to pursue professional qualifications in this field. - Applied Trading
This module provides a broad understanding of the skills needed to turn clients' investment objectives into trading strategies. It is designed to prepare participants for roles in investment firms, regulators, and clients. Guidance on the links between finance theory and trading will be part of your programme of study. You will manage a simulated sub-portfolio on behalf of a virtual client. During the module, you will report to, and make trading recommendations on behalf of, this client. Your advice will be in response to real-time daily news, and changes in your client's investment objectives. This module offers a unique chance for you to apply your knowledge of finance theory, and portfolio management to a changing situation. You will become familiar with many aspects of the trading floor and you will learn how to analyse the impact of trading strategies on risk, return, and transaction costs. You will also gain an understanding of hedging, and how to manage client cash flows. - Sustainable Banking, Finance, and Development
This module explores the role and linkage of banking and finance in economic development, and considers both the sustainability of banking and the requirements for banking and finance to further sustainable economic development. - Business Analytics
This module integrates accounting and financial theory with the science and art of discovering and analysing patterns, identifying anomalies, and extracting other useful information in financial and economic datasets. This module takes a practical approach into preparing you to analyse and get a grasp of the most required data structuring, modelling and visualization techniques by employers. You will gain business insights for decision making by participating in business analytics simulations and you will be able to present dynamic reports to a diverse audience.
Dissertation
This involves research informed by a critical discussion, relevant issues and evidence. You will evaluate research methods available, identify and critically review literature, analyse information and draw conclusions relevant to a critical area of banking and finance.
