Masters Degrees (Decision Theory)

You will be provided with rigorous training in the analysis of issues in finance and corporate policy while improving your analytical and technical expertise. The programme is ideal for those whose career objectives lie broadly with the financial services and banking sectors. You will have the opportunity to gain an in depth grounding with core courses such as Foundations in Finance, Corporate Finance and Quantitative Methods in Finance, and subsequently tailor your programme to match your end goals through the range of optional courses on offer. These include Fixed Income Securities and Derivatives, Investment and Portfolio Management and Decision Theory and Behaviour amongst others.

You will be taught by a top-ranking Department of Economics with expertise in a broad range of areas, including people who have worked and are still working in the finance industry in the broad areas of asset allocation and risk, as well as algorithmic trading.

With a relatively small intake each year you will benefit from a strong sense of group identity and will enjoy close contact with the academic staff of the department. The course director and course coordinators serve as your personal advisors up until the spring, when you will then be assigned a personal dissertation supervisor.

The MSc Finance is an excellent preparation both for a career in the financial services, banking and business sectors and policy making, as well further academic study.

See the website https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/economics/coursefinder/mscfinance.aspx

Why choose this course?

- The course offers an excellent opportunity to get a strong grounding in core areas of Finance and to specialise your knowledge further through the optional courses on offer.

-You will be taught by academics who produce world leading research some of whom are also currently working in the Finance and Banking sectors. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise we were ranked among the top 10 Economics Departments in the UK

- Students attend a two week pre-sessional quantitative methods course to ensure they are in a good position to start this challenging Masters courses

- The Department of Economics at Royal Holloway is unique in being a young department, created in 1995, in an established and prestigious college of the University of London.

- Our courses are small and select, thus ensuring that you will receive individual attention from the academic staff.

Department research and industry highlights

Economics is among the top departments in the UK for Research Excellence. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), 80% of the Department's research submitted was ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent (rated 3* and 4*).

A recent analysis of the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) shows that the Economics Department at Royal Holloway is ranked 8th best department in the UK for publications. The study by Jim Taylor and Ian Walker provides further insight into the research standing of UK economics departments. Previous rankings from the data already showed the Department in the top 10 in the UK.

We run a weekly Internal Seminar which provides a lively forum for work at an early stage of development. Our External Seminar Series runs weekly during term and during the last academic year, welcomed over 20 external speakers from prominent places. Invitees are the usual mixture of established names and newer entrants to the profession thought to be doing exciting work. Our Discussion Paper Series provides a forum for journal-ready work.

Course content and structure

You will study five core course units and, in addition, a mathematics refresher course and a dissertation, as well as choosing two elective course units.

Core course units:
- Pre-sessional mathematics refresher course
All students attend the compulsory pre-sessional mathematics refresher course, which runs for 2 weeks in September, before the start of term. There are no additional fees for this course however students will need to pay for accommodation for the period of this course.

- Corporate Finance
You will be introduced to the techniques of financial analysis and their applications to corporate finance. The concepts developed form the foundation of most elective finance course units. You will learn about the time value of money and the net present value rule, how to value financial assets, capital budgeting decisions, uncertainty and the risk-return trade-off and corporate governance.

- Quantitative Methods in Finance
This course unit will introduce you to mathematical statistics and theories that are applied in financial econometrics. The second half of the unit concerns the analysis of time series data including ARMA models, the analysis of non-stationary time series data, cointegration analysis, vector autoregressive models, modelling volatility in asset returns, forecasting and bootstrapping.

- Foundations of Finance
The course unit in finance will expose you to the structure of the financial markets, the instruments traded and the participants. You will be provided with the necessary tools with which to analyse how the financial markets function and how problems arise from their operations.

- Research Methods
While conducting research sounds like an easy task, it can present difficulties. This unit aims to help you avoid such traps and to assist you in developing strong research skills so that you can conduct an efficient piece of research at the end of your degree.

- Dissertation
The dissertation gives you the opportunity to analyse an economics issue in depth. You will be assigned a dissertation supervisor and, by the end of March, will submit a preliminary dissertation report that contains a clear statement of the problem under consideration, the structure of the project and the research methods that are going to be applied. The dissertation is then written over the summer.

Elective course units:
- Fixed Income Securities and Derivatives
You will gain an introduction to the alternative forms of financial assets that are traded in addition to stocks. Fixed income securities are bonds, bills and notes that offer a certain stream of income to holders. Derivatives are contingent and non-contingent claims on financial assets and are widely used for hedging risk. You will learn how to price these assets, and how to use them effectively in managing portfolios and hedging risk.

- Empirical Finance
The broad aims of this unit are to give you advanced-level training in evaluation of empirical models in finance. It will enable you to apply both quantitative techniques and qualitative methods, learnt elsewhere, to test theories and get acquainted with the existing literature in the field of finance.

- Investment and Portfolio Management
Underlying theory and empirical evidence in portfolio management will familiarise you with its practice in the finance sector. You will acquire an understanding of how funds are allocated when constructing a portfolio.

- Decision Theory and Behaviour
This course unit will deepen your knowledge of rational decision making through the exploration of behavioural models, their formalization and their scope, including applications to finance. You will also become familiarized with both theoretical and experimental methods for research in decision theory and behavioural economics.

- Public Economics
Public Economics is concerned with the study of the effects of government policy and the design of optimal policies. You will assess the implications of basic welfare economics in public policy. A number of recent research areas in public economics are then discussed including income taxation, tax evasion, externalities and social security.

- Political Economy
This course will provide an advanced treatment of the tools used in political economy to tackle some major questions faced by public sector economists. It will in particular focus on the modelling of voters and politicians’ behaviours to address the role played by incentives and constraints faced by politicians when choosing public policies. The effect of different forms of institutional arrangements on public decision making and electoral accountability will be analysed from both a theoretical and empirical perspective.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including coursework, examinations and a dissertation.

Employability & career opportunities

Our graduates are highly employable and, in recent years, have entered many different economics-related areas, including careers as economists, financial analysts, accountants, bankers, journalists and business analysts. Our graduates are currently working for firms such as Accenture, TNS, RBS, Deloitte, and Baker and McKenzie. At the same time, this course also equips you with a solid foundation for continued PhD studies. Your careers ambitions are supported by our College Careers Service, located right next door to the economics department. They offer application and interview coaching, career strategy discussions, and the opportunity to network with major finance employers on campus. Our careers service is provided by the Careers Group, the main provider of graduate recruitment services in London. Thus, you will have additional access to a wealth of presentations and networking opportunities which make the most of London’s financial centre.

How to apply

Applications for entry to all our full-time postgraduate degrees can be made online.

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This course explores recent developments in theories of behavioural decision-making science. It will enable you to critically examine theories of judgement and decision-making motivated by research in memory, perception, categorisation, reasoning, social psychology, economics, political and management sciences. The career-focused modules are designed to build on your workplace skills and develop new skills.

-This course will enable you to develop the skills to evaluate research findings and to relate these findings to practical applications and solutions. It facilitates and encourages interaction between theory, policy and practice in relation to people's judgements and choices in politics, business, retail, health, leisure and sport.
-You will benefit from regular public lectures organised by the Group for Decision, Thinking and Risk and delivered by internationally recognised researchers in the fields of decision-making, thinking and risk. In addition, you can attend weekly departmental research seminars, where international scholars and staff members present recent research findings.

What will you study?

You will cover recent developments in normative, descriptive and experience-based theories of choice, as well as the impact of experience and expertise on judgements and choice. You will be introduced to applications of judgement and decision-making research in areas such as consumer behaviour, politics, sports, economics and health, providing a firm basis in both the theory and practice of cognitive science and decision-making. You will also explore a selection of current research topics relevant to individual and managerial decision-making, wellbeing and policy-making.

Assessment

Assessment methods include essays, in-class tests, unseen examinations, laboratory reports and a dissertation.

Course structure

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Core modules
-Applications of Behavioural Decision Science
-Psychology Dissertation
-Research Design and Analysis
-The Psychology of Thinking, Judgement and Decision-Making
-Applications of Psychological Research
-The Psychology of Health and Well Being

Optional modules to be confirmed.

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The Masters in Investment Management at Surrey Business School is delivered by experienced investment managers.

You’ll benefit from a programme focussed on a systematic approach to the key decisions taken in investment management, equipping you with the skills needed to thrive in multinational corporations operating in an increasingly complex and fast changing global financial environment.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

This programme is attuned to the current needs of investment and finance professionals: it combines a rigorous theoretical approach to investment management with the practical tools and opportunities to solve real-life investment problems.

You will learn the analytical, decision-making, problem-solving, risk mitigation and technical financial skills needed to succeed in the field. On graduation, you will have mastered each stage of the investment management process and be able to make informed decisions within that context.

Our compulsory modules deliver a fundamental understanding of investment management concepts, while optional modules allow you to tailor your learning based on your interests or career path. We also incorporate use of our Bloomberg Lab into the programme and you should obtain a Bloomberg Market Competency certificate during their studies.

As the focus of the programme is to prepare you for a career in investment the use of Bloomberg is incorporated into the programme. There is also an opportunity to undertake a preparation course for CFA Level 1 exams once Semester 2 teaching has finished.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

This programme is studied full-time over one academic year. It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation. The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
-Fixed Income Investment
-Foundations of Finance
-Equity Investment Analysis
-Quantitative Methods
-Derivative Securities
-Portfolio Management
-Corporate Finance
-International Corporate Finance
-International Finance
-International Financial Reporting
-Risk Management
-Money and Banking
-MSc Dissertation

EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME

The need for an Investment Management programme arises from the continuing global demand for professionals working in the fields of investment management, investment banking, pension funds, insurance companies and alternative investment partnerships (such as hedge funds, private equity and sovereign wealth funds).

The aim of the programme is to provide students with the array of skills required to operate successfully in an investment management or investment analysis role within the finance industry or to pursue further academic study within the subject area.

The programme will provide a high quality education that is current, intellectually rigorous and attuned to the needs of investment and finance professionals. It provides the theoretical underpinning and the practical skills that such professionals need in order to cope with an increasingly complex global financial environment.

It also provides a valuable foundation for those considering continuing their academic studies in the field of applied finance, accounting and banking to PhD level. The programme provides students with a basis for developing their own approach to learning and personal development through a combination of compulsory and optional modules that are united by a focus on dialogue between theory and practice.

The compulsory modules provide a rigorous grounding in theory plus the quantitative techniques necessary to undertake empirical investigations and form balanced evaluations of practice. The optional modules offer students the opportunity to focus their study and to specialise in areas that are of particular interest to them and their future career needs.

Graduates of the programme will obtain the skills that enable them to function as an investment professional or to develop independent academic research. These include:
-Strong analytical skills which will be developed in the equity investment analysis and fixed income investment modules where the emphasis is clearly on the ability to analyse potential investment asset
-Highly developed decision making skills; with much of the focus of the whole programme on decision taking, but particularly in the Portfolio Management module which focuses on key decisions such as nderstanding how and why investment mandates are awarded, the role of asset allocation and key decisions such as the decision to be a passive investor or active investor
-Problem solving abilities are developed in many areas including learning to select appropriate assets for a portfolio based on an appropriate valuation methodology, economic drivers and the agreed risk tolerance of clients or sponsors.
-Students will gain an insight into the newly developed area of behavioural finance
-Understanding how investment style creates portfolio biases and affects performance
-Students will also gain a wide range of technical financial skills as part of their understanding the investment process (the method by which a universe of potential investments is filtered to result in a final portfolio of investment holdings which reflect investment objectives).

They will also able to evaluate investment performance against a peer group or an investment benchmark such as an appropriate stock market or bond market index.

PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding
-Strong analytical skills
-Able to analyse potential investment assets
-Highly developed decision making skills
-Understanding how and why investment mandates are awarded
-The role of asset allocation
-Understand the decision to be a passive investor or active investor

Problem solving abilities
-Appropriate valuation methodology
-Economic drivers
-The agreed risk tolerance of clients or sponsors

Intellectual/cognitive skills
-Develop students own approach to learning and personal development through a combination of compulsory and elective modules that are united by a focus on dialogue between theory and practice
-Critically evaluate the key research methods employed in the investment decision making process
-Use acquired knowledge and appropriate skills to make professional investment decisions

Professional practical skills
-Understand the investment process
-Develop an investment process
-Evaluate investment performance against a peer group or an investment benchmark such as an appropriate stock market or bond market index
-Understand the role and use of derivative securities

Key/transferrable skills
-Transferable analytical and decision making skills
-How to work independently on a research topic or problem solving task (MSc)
-Data processing skills
-How to form views on incomplete data

Knowledge and understanding
-Strong analytical skills which will be developed in the equity investment analysis and fixed income investment modules where the emphasis is clearly on the ability to analyse potential investment assets
-Highly developed decision making skills; with much of the focus of the whole programme on decision taking, but particularly in the Portfolio Management module which focuses on key decisions such as: Understanding how and why investment mandates are awarded, the role of asset allocation and key decisions such as the decision to be a passive investor or active investor
-Problem solving abilities are developed in many areas including learning to select appropriate assets for a portfolio based on an appropriate valuation methodology, economic drivers and the agreed risk tolerance of clients or sponsors

Intellectual / cognitive skills
-Develop their own approach to learning and personal development through a combination of compulsory and optional modules that are united by a focus on dialogue between theory and practice
-Critically evaluate the research methods employed in the investment decision making process
-Use acquired knowledge and appropriate skills to make professional investment decisions

Professional practical skills
-Students will also gain a wide range of technical financial skills as part of their understanding the investment process (the method by which a universe of potential investments is filtered to result in a final portfolio of investment holdings which reflect investment objectives). They will also able to evaluate investment performance against a peer group or an investment benchmark such as an appropriate stock market or bond market index.

Key / transferable skills
-Analytical and decision making skills which can be transferred to any area of business
-How to work independently on a research topic or problem solving task

GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES

We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

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Why take this course?

If you are from a non-financial background, this course provides a viable route to financial management roles in a variety of organisations.

It is a practically orientated course based on financial, computational and modelling studies related to financial decision making and analysis. You’ll apply your improved decision-making ability in a range of areas including investment, risk management, budgeting, planning and forecasting.

What will I experience?

On this course you can:

Use the University’s Bloomberg terminals to monitor and analyse real-time financial market data movements and trade
Receive guided support and mentoring from staff through formal meetings and via our use of social media
Tap in to our Library’s vast selection of electronic resources, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection

What opportunities might it lead to?

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) offer exemption for their five Certificate level papers on successful completion of this course.

For the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), we currently have exemptions from Fundamentals Level papers F1 - F3.

The University is recognised as a centre of excellence for finance teaching by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI).

Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:

Commercial banking
Corporate finance
Financial planning
Insurance
Investment banking
Money management
Real estate

Module Details

You will study a total of five units which incorporate a range of topics covering decision and risk analysis, strategic management accounting, investment strategies and business valuation. We will also guide you in applying sophisticated forecasting techniques to help you understand and anticipate business trends, and with our guidance you will learn how to design and deliver research to the highest standards. The course then concludes with your dissertation where you’ll engage in research on a topic of your choice.

Here are the units you will study:

Financial Analysis and Modelling: This will enable you to gain a critical awareness of the financial environment from both an accounting and finance perspective. You will learn to understand, analyse and interpret company reports, examine the role of the regulatory framework for corporate reporting and the stock market, and explore the pricing of securities. You will also cover the key areas of decision and risk analysis, alongside the process of decision making, key statistical concepts, and selecting and using appropriate analytical software tools as aids to decision making.

Strategic Business Planning and Control: You will start on this unit by considering the internal perspectives of the firm in areas such as business planning and control including issues such as budgeting, the design of management control systems and the development of spreadsheet-based decision support systems. You will then build on this foundation by developing a more strategic corporate perspective. You will explore the relationships between strategy, strategic management and strategic management accounting and set the latter in the context of the historical development of management accounting in general.

Managerial Finance and Financial Markets: You will be introduced to key theoretical issues relating to financial markets and institutions, investments and corporate financial management and their practical applications and limitations. The areas covered will encompass shareholder value and the goals of the firm and the process of shareholder value creation, project evaluation and the discounted cash flow model, capital market theories including the efficient markets hypotheses and the ideas of modern portfolio theory. From this core understanding you will move on to look at the psychological, institutional and agency theory factors that impact upon financial markets. You will consider key empirical research on the explanatory and predictive power of models in the context of implementing investment strategies. This will be assisted by guided critical analysis of research and analysis of live data.

Corporate Finance and Valuation: This unit will give you the opportunity to consider the primary financial decisions of the firm focussing on advanced capital budgeting techniques and the strategic analysis of capital investment decisions, capital structure theories and financing policy, and dividend policy. You will appraise theories in the context of empirical research to facilitate critical understanding of the issues. Advanced study in business valuation will give you a practical understanding and further enable you to apply key professional techniques, which is particularly relevant for mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings and private equity transactions.

Research Methods and Dissertation: This is a scheme of independent research. We offer comprehensive training via lectures and workshops throughout the year to develop skills commensurate with standards of good research practice. On completing this programme you will be ideally placed to develop your own research projects and work within professional research teams.

Programme Assessment

We use a combination of teaching methods from lectures, seminars and tutorials to student presentations, case studies and practical sessions in our Bloomberg Suite. We are committed to best practice in learning and encourage group participation promoting discussion and debate in a friendly, yet challenging class environment.

You are assessed in a variety of ways to reflect the individual topics. Our approaches to learning, assessment and feedback are varied and constructive, to help you build the personal management and employability skills that are essential for a fulfilling career.

Student Destinations

This course is designed to provide you with powerful analytical tools and methods to understand the complexities of modern financial markets. These skills are in high demand and you’ll be strongly placed to enter industry in the finance and industrial sectors. Previous graduates have gone on to secure roles in accountancy and general management as well as investment analysis, financial consultancy and project management in financial institutions. Alternatively, this course is also beneficial if you are aiming for careers in corporate financial management in non-financial companies or consultancy firms, government departments and international agencies.

Roles our graduates have taken on include:

Commercial finance analyst
Bid pricing executive
Finance internship
Graduate econometrician
Hedge fund manager

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MLitt in International Political Theory

If you have a demonstrable background in the study of political theory (and preferably some exposure to international studies), this MLitt will develop your understanding of how the dynamic and exciting field of international political theory can be brought to bear on international politics or world affairs. We offer a uniquely deep focus on both the history of political thought and contemporary political theory. Located at the intersection of political theory and international relations, this programme will equip you with the theoretical tools and research skills necessary for an in-depth understanding of many of the central thinkers, theories and debates within international political theory. This MLitt is often a foundation for further doctoral research here or elsewhere, while some of our graduates use it as a basis for a career in law, civil service, the voluntary sector, policy research and consultancy, and international and non-governmental organisations.

Features

* There are over 40 academic members of staff in the School.

* International Relations was ranked top in the UK in Guardian University Guide 2016.

* There is a large and vibrant postgraduate community, with around 100 taught postgraduate and 80 research students in any year, which includes a large proportion of international students.

* We have an established reputation throughout the world for high-quality teaching and research.

* We have specialist areas in international security, terrorism studies, peace and conflict, international institutions, regional studies including the Middle East, Central Asia and Southern Africa, and international theory

Postgraduate community

International Relations has been taught at the University for 25 years; a department was created in 1990 which became a School in its own right in 2003. We are located at the centre of the University, occupying a purpose-built building which opened in 2008.

All International Relations modules taught on our MLitt programmes are distinctive options available only to postgraduate students. At the same time you are incorporated into the wider research life of the School, taking part in our regular research seminars and occasional series organised on specific topics.

The discipline of International Relations is both theoretical and practical. Academics teaching in the discipline are frequently called upon to apply their insights to the realities of international relations. In consequence staff members provide expert judgements in the media, give advice to legislatures or governments, or provide non-governmental organisations with briefings on specific issues or countries.

International Relations is a distinct discipline that draws on diplomatic history, political theory, political economy, political science and international law to provide theoretical perspectives to explain the processes and patterns of international affairs in the modern world. This enables you to assess developments in the international system and specific geographic regions. You will explore issues such as the origins of war and peace, foreign policy making, international trade, international terrorism, human rights, international organisations, international law, and the interaction of political and economic development. You also analyse the ways in which states relate to other international actors, and develop normative theories that relate the world as it is to the world as it might be. All of these have practical applications for you as both citizen and potential decision maker.

Careers

International Relations postgraduates may find employment as policy makers within national and EU civil services as well as political research units. Fieldwork-based jobs with aid agencies, other NGOs or journalism also present employment opportunities. With the increasing globalisation of industry, commerce and banking, the particular knowledge and awareness of the International Relations postgraduate are particularly relevant.

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Mathematics is at the heart of advances in science, engineering and technology, as well as being an indispensable problem-solving and decision-making tool in many other areas of life. This MSc course enables you to delve deeply into particular aspects of pure and applied mathematics, through a wide choice of modules in fascinating areas such as fractal geometry, coding theory and analytic theory. You’ll complete your MSc with a piece of independent study, exploring the history of modern geometry, advances in approximation theory, variational methods applied to eigenvalue problems, or algebraic graph theory and culminating in a dissertation on the topic of your choice.

Key features of the course

•Ideal for mathematically inclined scientists and engineers as well as mathematicians
•Extends your knowledge and refines your abilities to process information accurately, and critically analyse and communicate complex ideas
•Develops an enhanced skill set that will put you at an advantage in careers as diverse as mathematics, education, computer science, economics, engineering and finance.
•The most popular MSc in mathematics in the UK.
This qualification is eligible for a Postgraduate Loan available from Student Finance England. For more information, see Fees and funding

Course details

You can take a number of different routes towards your qualification - see the full module list for all options.

Modules

The modules in this qualification are categorised as entry, intermediate and dissertation. Check our website for start dates as some modules are not available for study every year.

Entry:

• Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820)
• Analytic number theory I (M823)

Intermediate:

• Nonlinear ordinary differential equations (M821)
• Applied complex variables (M828) - next available in October 2017 and following alternate years
• Analytic number theory II (M829) - next available in October 2018 and following alternate years
• Approximation theory (M832) - next available in October 2018 and following alternate years
• Advanced mathematical methods (M833) - next available in October 2017 and following alternate years
• Fractal geometry (M835) - next available in October 2017 and following alternate years
• Coding theory (M836) - next available in October 2018 and following alternate years
• Dissertation: Dissertation in mathematics (M840)

Module study order:

•You must normally pass at least one entry level module before studying an intermediate module.
•You must pass Analytic number theory I (M823) before studying Analytic number theory II (M829).
•You must normally pass four modules before studying the Dissertation in mathematics (M840).
•Some topics for the dissertation have prerequisite modules

Otherwise within each category modules may be studied in any order, and you may register for a module while studying a pre-requisite for that module (i.e. before you know whether you have passed the pre-requisite module or not).

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:

150 credits from this list:

Optional modules

• Advanced mathematical methods (M833)
• Analytic number theory I (M823)
• Analytic number theory II (M829)
• Applied complex variables (M828)
• Approximation theory (M832)
• Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820)
• Coding theory (M836)
• Fractal geometry (M835)
• Nonlinear ordinary differential equations (M821)

Plus

Compulsory module

Dissertation in mathematics (M840)

The modules quoted in this description are currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time.

Credit transfer

For this qualification, we do not allow you to count credit for study you have already done elsewhere.

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The School of Government and International Affairs has a vibrant research environment. All SGIA Masters students are welcome to the numerous events organised by the School's research centres. MA Politics & International Relations (Political Theory) students will particularly benefit from the activities of the Centre for Political Thought. The centre runs seminar series, workshops and reading group and actively involves Masters and PhD students in its work.

Student Profiles

Not only has the MA Politics and International Relations (Political Theory) programme allowed me to further pursue what I find to be the most interesting aspect of politics, but working so closely with such knowledgeable tutors on a weekly basis has truly opened my eyes and allowed me to delve into and examine the most fundamental concepts behind political theory. That along with the fascinating debates that I had with my classmates and the thought-provoking essays have contributed to what has been the most important step in my career in politics.” Tarek Abou-Jaoude, 2014/15

“Participating in the Politics and International Relations program at Durham University is the best academic decision I have ever made for two reasons. First, is the engaging learning environment created in the classroom by the professors who lead students in civic discussion and debate. The second reason is what makes Durham University so special, being an international student from the U.S going to school at Durham allowed me to learn international relations in the classroom, and its convenient location allowed me to travel to most places in Europe to gain practical application that cannot be taught by reading a book. You make lifelong friends from all over the world who share your core interests, and that is tailor made attribute of Durham University.” Nicholas Lennox, 2014/15

“Durham has been one of the best experiences of my life. This University teaches the meaning of community and friendship, in an environment that combines historic heritage with the latest trends. The MA in Politics and International Relations (Political Theory) was all I expected. A flexible programme that allowed me to interact both with our lecturers and fellow students of the School of Government and International Affairs. This open environment promoted what it felt a very complete learning experience.” Maria Lleras, 2014/15

Course Content

This programme provides students with systematic knowledge and the tools to critically review the complex relationships between government and society at a variety of levels and in different contexts. It also enables students to evaluate in a sophisticated and critical fashion, theories and paradigms within the broad field of politics and international relations, and to draw lessons from empirical studies involving both quantitative and qualitative investigations. It also aims to develop students' ability to deploy research strategies and methods in an appropriately advanced fashion to critically evaluate research at the current limits of theoretical understanding, and to equip students so that they have the ability to master complex political concepts and evaluate the significance of major developments in political thought in general as well as international relations theory.

Course Structure
Two core modules worth 30 credits, plus a Dissertation worth 75 credits, plus 5 optional modules to the value of 75 credits - 60 of which must be from the list A.

Core Modules:
-Methodology in the Social Sciences
-Research Methods and Dissertation Production

List A - In previous years these have included:
-Contemporary Socio-Political Issues in Muslim Religious Thought
-Issues in the Politics of Military Occupations
-International Relations Theory
-Political Ideology
-Human Rights
-Collective Identities and Political Thought in Britain since 1850
-Just War in Political Theory and Practice

List B
-European Institutions and the Policy Process
-European Security
-German Foreign Policy
-International Relations and Security in the Middle East
-Nationalism, Revolution and Reform in Contemporary China
-Political Economy and Development in Chinese Business
-The Contemporary Politics of the Middle East
-Strategic Asia: Policy and Analysis
-The European Union as a Global Actor
-The Political Economy of Development in the Middle East
-Model United Nations
-Region, Nation and Citizen in South East Asia
-A module offered by the School of Modern Languages and Cultures

Learning and Teaching

At the beginning of the academic year, students go through five-day induction events in which they are informed about University, the School, the MA/MSc programmes and the facilities available for their learning.

The 180 credits one-year MA degree programme is divided into two core and five optional modules of 15 credits each. Furthermore, students have to submit a dissertation of 75 credits of not more than 15,000 words. Most of the modules are delivered during the first two terms and students spend the remaining time to write the dissertation.

Usually a module has 18 contact hours spread over 9 weeks and 132 hours of self-directed learning. The modules are mainly delivered through weekly 2 hours sessions which can either take the form of seminars or one hour of lecture and one hour of tutorial. The form in which seminars are conducted can differ from one module to another. Typically modules would have elements of lectures, discussions, and presentations from students—the extent of each of these components would differ from one module to another.

All modules have written exercise for formative assessments. Upon getting feedback on these assignments, students can meet their lecturers to discuss their marks before then eventually completing a summative assessment. Typically summative assessments are 3000 word essays but some modules may be assessed by examination. Students can also meet their module coordinators during their weekly contact hours or by making an appointment. When students are working on their dissertations during the later half of the year, they meet their assigned supervisors for a minimum of 6 hours. Students also have access to the academic advisors whenever there is a need.

SGIA has a wide variety of resources available to students such as: computer room/work room with networked PC’s, printing facilities including scanner and photocopier, audio system, Wi-Fi and a relaxation area with satellite television system.

SGIA conducts weekly seminars and organises lectures and conferences which all postgraduate students can attend. These events provide students the opportunity to engage with, and debate, the most important issues in current political and international studies.

Towards the end of the programme students can contact the Careers Office of the University to get advice on available job prospects and get assistance on applying for these.

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The MA in Digital Media is unique in its combination of practical and theoretical approaches to contemporary media and technology- http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/ma-digital-media-technology-cultural-form/

The established and exciting degree is designed to help you understand digital transformations in media, culture and society and apply this understanding in practice, in the media and creative industries and in further research. You will be equipped with skills that can be applied to current and future developments in digital media, social media, computing and other aspects of technology.

The MA in Digital Media educates aspiring media practitioners and academics as well as early and mid-career professionals who seek to reflect on their roles in a structured and stimulating learning environment designed to give all students up-to-the-minute knowledge of digital media and the skills to apply that knowledge to future developments.

The MA offers two pathways:

-Pathway 1 is a theory programme where you learn about developments in digital media and technology from a wide range of perspectives

-Pathway 2 is a theory and practice programme where you improve your skills, understanding and experience in one of the following areas:

Documentary
Image making
Journalism
Writing

Acclaimed academics and practitioners

Benefit from the experience and expertise of one of the world’s leading media and communications departments. You'll be taught by theorists and practitioners of international standing: Sarah Kember, Joanna Zylinska, Graham Young, Tony Dowmunt, Angela Phillips, Julian Henriques and David Morley.

Work placements and internships

The MA in Digital Media regularly attracts offers of work placements and internships. Recently these have come from Google, The Science Museum and N1creative.com.

Facilities

Our students have access to state-of-the-art facilities including well-equipped lecture and seminar rooms, exhibition spaces, computer facilities and digital media suites.

The department is also currently host to the renowned philosopher of media and technology, Bernard Stiegler and students will have access to his modulein Media Philosophy as well as priority access to the innovative and popular option After New Media. Designed to complement the MA in Digital Media, this course provides a framework for thinking about the current media environment as well as future forms of human and computer interaction.

An established record

The MA in Digital Media has been redefining media theory and practice since 2004. Our students become proficient in:

the history, sociology and philosophy of digital media
the application of critical conceptual skills to specialist areas and future forms of media
multimedia skills in image making (photography, video, animation, graphic art) script writing, journalism and documentary
MA Digital Media students have access the pioneering option ‘After New Media’, a non-assessed online module which explores the themes of self mediation, ethical mediation and intelligent mediation, and develops a framework for thinking about 'life' after new media. As befits a course of this kind we will be combining media, and exploring their pedagogic potential – uniting digital-online technologies with more traditional teaching formats, such as reading groups, seminars and an end of year symposium.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dr Sarah Kember.

Modules & Structure

The programme consists of:

Two compulsory core modules
Pathway 1 - between two and four option modules (worth 60 credits) OR
Pathway 2 - a two-term practice block (worth 30 credits) and either one or two option modules (worth 30 credits)
The dissertation or the practice/theory project

Assessment

Seen take-home paper; essays; dissertation or practice/theory project and other production work in the area of documentary, image-making, journalism or fiction.

Programme overview

This is an exciting programme which offers a critical, contextual and practical approach to digital media and technology. It problematises approaches to the 'new' media in academic and professional debate, especially those which overemphasise the potential for radical social change led by a homogenised technology itself.

The programme is defined by its resistance to technological determinism and its insistence on the importance of addressing the social and historical contexts within which a range of media technologies are employed. In order to provide a contextual framework and facilitate the conceptualisation of digital media and technologies as fully cultural forms and processes, the programme will draw on a range of disciplines including: media and cultural studies, sociology, anthropology and philosophy. However, the programme will remain focused on key contemporary concerns about the potential role of digital media in society and on refiguring the contours of the 'new' media debate.

The programme offers two pathways. Pathway 1 addresses central theoretical and conceptual concerns relating to digital media. Pathway 2 combines theoretical analysis and practical work, offering students the opportunity to explore new media theories and concepts in practice. Pathway 2 is primarily aimed at students who already have some experience in one of the areas on offer: documentary; digital photography and image making; journalism; writing. It is meant to appeal to media industry professionals who are keen to reflect critically on their practice within a structured learning environment, graduates of practice-based courses but also those who have gained their practical experience in documentary; digital photography and image making; journalism or writing in informal settings.

Programme structure

The first compulsory core course is Digital Media - critical perspectives and this is taught in a small workshop format in the Autumn term. This course functions as a foundation for the second core course and offers students a map of the key debates in digital media. The course is taught in ten two hour workshop sessions and is supported by the provision of one-to-one tutorials.

The second compulsory core course is Technology and Cultural Form - debates, models, dialogues and this develops questions of technology, power, politics and subjectivity which were introduced in the first core course. The first part of this course highlights the key conceptual concerns of a contextualised approach to digital media plus the relevant debates and models formulated by key figures in the field. The second part of this course aims to generate a dialogue between theoreticians and practitioners around some of the most intellectually stimulating, contentious and contemporary ideas in the field without necessarily seeking a resolution. This course is taught in ten two hour workshop sessions during the Spring term and is supported by the weekly provision of one-to-one tutorials.

Students are required to take options from the lists provided by the Media and Communications, Anthropology, Comparative Literature and Sociology Departments as well as the Centre for Cultural Studies. Examples might include: After New Media, Nature and Culture, Cultural Theory, Globalisation, Risk and Control, Embodiment and Experience, Political Communications. Options are taught primarily through lectures and seminars and take place in the Autumn or Spring terms.

Each student's option profile is discussed with the programme convenor in order to ensure that the balance of subject-specific topics is appropriate for the individual concerned. Option courses are taught primarily through lectures, seminars and tutorials and take place in the Autumn or Spring terms.

All students are required to produce either a 12,000 word dissertation on a topic agreed by the student and supervisor or a practice/theory project in the area of documentary, photography and image making, journalism or fiction. The length of the practical element is dependent on the media and the form used and will be agreed in advance with the supervisor. It will, however, be comparable with practical projects undertaken in practice MA programmes in the relevant field. Students undertaking the practice/theory project will also be expected to submit a 3-4000 word analysis of their practice which locates it within the theoretical debates explored in the MA as a whole. This essay may be presented as a separate document or as an integral part of the project depending on the nature of the project and by a agreement with both theory and practice supervisors.

Programme outcomes

The programme's subject specific learning outcomes require students to analyse and contextualise developments in digital media and technology with reference to key debates in the history, sociology, anthropology and philosophy of the media. Students who opt for the practice/theory pathway will also be required to produce material of publishable or broadcast standard and to evaluate the ways in which theoretical and practical insights intersect. All students will develop a wide range of transferable qualities and skills necessary for employment in related or unrelated areas. These are described by the Quality Assurance Agency as: 'the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility, decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations, and the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development'.

By the end of the programme students will be able to:

-Map and critically evaluate key debates in the field of new media
-Analyse and contextualise current and future developments in digital media and technology
-Evaluate and articulate key historical, sociological, anthropological and philosophical approaches to the study of digital media and technology
-Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of at least four differing areas of inquiry
-Demonstrate an advanced level of conceptual knowledge and (where relevant) practical skill appropriate for a sustained piece of work in the field
-Prepare and deliver clearly argued and informed work
-Locate, retrieve and present relevant information for a specific project
-Manage a complex array of competing demands and work effectively to a deadline
-Work resourcefully and independently
-Think critically and/or work practically within a given context

Skills

We provide graduates with skills that are cutting edge: in the critical analysis and/or creative production of digital media; in the disciplinary knowledge and conceptual frameworks necessary for current and future forms of media and technology; in the awareness of how digital media and technologies are re-shaping society from the ways we communicate (through social media and web 2.0) to the increasingly ‘smart’ environments in which we live.

Careers

Our programme provides a theory and practice pathway and prepares students for work in the following areas:

-media and creative industries; advertising, marketing and PR (graduates of the MA Digital Media have found work with Virgin Media, Google, the BBC and other leading organisations worldwide)
-research and academia (graduates from this programme have gone on to study for PhD degrees in higher education institutions around the world and also here with us)
-media production and new media art (graduates have exhibited, published and produced work in photography, journalism, TV, documentary, film and multimedia)

Graduate Ekaterina discusses her career:

"I work for a company, called Visual DNA, which already sounds like life happening After New Media. The company is the largest data provider in Europe and is totally multinational. We actually try to analyse human visual DNA, you memories, feelings, thoughts about the future, anticipations, etc by creating personality quizzes where instead of verbal answers we tend to use images.

My role is as Creative Developer. It involves working with images from concept to finding/shooting and post-production. My qualifications perfectly matched what they’ve been looking for, Digital Media rocks!

My tip for the new-to-be-graduates is this: physically go to places and companies and talk to people. It really opens up loads of possibilities, and when I tell someone where I’ve graduated from they look impressed, and there is some sort of respect coming from them."

Funding

Please visit http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/fees-funding/ for details.

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Our MSc Management Economics trains you to use economics in managerial decisions and in the analysing of strategic interaction among firms. We combine theory and applications to provide you with a unique combination of business knowledge and economic skills.

Upon completion of our course you will be able to think strategically and will be equipped to discuss economic theory in plain language, relating it to managerial decisions and market intelligence. You explore topics including:
-Contract theory, incentive theory, and the theory of the firm
-Real-world management decision-making
-The interaction between firms in different market structures
-How strategic interactions can affect sales and profitability
-The main principles and theories of modern microeconomics

We are top 5 in the UK for research, with over 90% rated as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”. Much of this world-class research is related to policy, and we have particular strengths in the areas of:
-Game theory and strategic interactions
-Theoretical and applied econometrics
-Economic policy
-The quality of our work is reflected in our stream of publications in high-profile academic journals, including American Economic Review, Econometrica, and Review of Economic Studies.

Professional accreditation

Our University is one of only 21 ESRC-accredited Doctoral Training Centres in the UK.

This means that our course can form part of a prestigious 1+3 funding opportunity worth up to £21,575.

Our expert staff

Study and work alongside some of the most prominent economists of our time.

Our researchers are at the forefront of their field and have even received MBEs, with students coming from across the globe to study, research or work with us.

Many of our researchers also provide consultancy services to businesses in London and other major financial centres, helping us to develop research for today's society as well as informing our teaching for the future.

Specialist facilities

Take advantage of our wide range of learning resources to assist you in your studies:
-Extensive software for quantitative analysis is available in all computer labs across the university
-Access a variety of economics databases and multiple copies of textbooks and e-books in the Albert Sloman Library

Your future

After completing your masters, you may wish to extend your knowledge with a research degree – many Essex graduates decide to stay here for further study.

Alternatively, our course also prepares you for employment; recent surveys have shown that higher degree graduates are more likely to obtain jobs at professional or managerial level.

On our course you gain key employability skills including mathematical techniques, research skills, communication and modelling.

More generally, our graduates find employment in roles such as business and financial analysts, management consultants, government officials, and economists for banks and other financial organisations.

We also work with the university’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Example structure

-Dissertation
-Mathematical Methods
-Microeconomics
-Theory of Industrial Organisation
-Economics of Incentives, Contracts and the Firm
-Econometric Methods (optional)
-Economic Development Theory (optional)
-Macroeconomics (optional)
-Political Economy (optional)
-Economics of Financial Markets (optional)
-Topics in Financial Economics (optional)
-International Trade (optional)
-International Finance (optional)
-Game Theory and Applications (optional)
-Microeconometrics (optional)
-Audit Theory (optional)
-International Management Accounting (optional)
-International Financial Reporting (optional)
-Cases in Corporate Governance (optional)
-Corporate Reporting and Analysis (optional)
-Financial Decision Making
-E-Commerce (optional)
-Corporate Finance (optional)
-Derivative Securities (optional)
-Asset Pricing (optional)
-Portfolio Management (optional)
-Exchange Rates and International Finance (optional)
-Financial Modelling (optional)
-Behavioural Finance (optional)
-Risk Management (optional)
-Fixed Income Securities (optional)
-Trading Global Financial Markets (optional)
-Postgraduate Mathematics Preparation (optional)
-Modern Banking (optional)
-Bank Strategy and Risk (optional)
-Industry Expert Lectures in Finance (optional)
-Research Methods in Finance: Empirical Methods in Finance (optional)

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Undertaking an MBA isn’t just about the modules you study, the lessons you learn or the people you meet, it’s about the range of added benefits that come with an MBA programme: the networks that last a lifetime, the mentors who guide you and the career support that shapes your future.

At Surrey, you’ll enjoy exposure to all these benefits as you gain the skills, experience, knowledge and connections to achieve your career ambitions.

FULL-TIME MBA

The Full-time Surrey MBA programme attracts students from a wide range of business backgrounds and nationalities. It is particularly suitable for anyone wanting to build an international business career or preparing to start their own business.

Programme Structure

Semester One
This stage gives you a grounding in the connectivity in business management and leadership. It develops your understanding of modern organisations in the global context and will allow you to explore key narratives of the business world.
-Compulsory modules (15 credits each)
-Understanding, Developing and Growing the Business: part I & II
-Financial Management & Accounting for Decision-making
-Marketing in a Digital World
-Digital Platforms and Business Model Strategies
-Innovation Management and Design Thinking
-Decision Making and Insight
-Strategic Entrepreneurship

Personal and professional skills workshops are delivered throughout both semesters, covering topics such as negotiation skills, strategic leadership and change management.

Semester Two
This stage allows you to tailor your MBA by choosing two elective modules from a range of options. Your learning will be put into practice with a business simulation project and a team-based consultancy project for a business.
Elective module options (15 credits each)
-Leadership
-Financial Strategy
-Sustainable Management Strategies
-Project and Programme Management
-Strategic Change Management

Intergrative Applied Project
Our Integrative Applied Project (30 credits) gives our students an opportunity to demonstrate a high level of understanding of management theory and how that theory can be applied through practice.

The project can take three forms:

1. Business Plan
Many who study on our MBA will be inspired to start a business and create their own personal agile organisation. This project can be the first step on that journey. The Business Plan project is about creating value through an actionable, feasible blueprint for a new business.

2. Consultancy Report
This project is about combining theory and practice to address real-world issues in the corporate, public or third sector. Students will work on live business problems to find solutions, creating value for their client through the impact of their work.

3. Traditional Dissertation
Students following this option will focus on a wider practical or theoretical issue in a specific industry. Research problems will be investigated and work will be rooted in theoretical frameworks and concepts, creating value for the wider community of researchers.

EXECUTIVE MBA

Surrey's Executive MBA is a transformational experience, both personally and professionally. It has been specifically designed to help you balance a demanding career and personal commitments with a 24-month period of intensive study and professional development.

You will put theory to the test and skills into practice as you learn alongside your career with other students from a wide range of business backgrounds and sectors.

Programme Structure

The Executive MBA is spread over four stages, with a focus on working in small teams alongside individual leaning.

You are encouraged to put what you learn into practice from the start and discuss your experiences with academic staff and fellow students.

Year One (Foundation stage)
This stage gives you a grounding in the connectivity in business management and leadership. It develops your understanding of modern organisations in the global context and will allow you to explore key narratives of the business world.

Compulsory modules (15 credits each)
-Understanding, Developing and Growing the Business: part I & II
-Financial Management & Accounting for Decision-making
-Marketing in a Digital World
-Digital Platforms and Business Model Strategies
-Innovation Management and Design Thinking
-Decision Making and Insight
-Strategic Entrepreneurship

Personal and professional skills workshops are delivered throughout both years, covering topics such as negotiation skills, strategic leadership and change management.

Year Two (Specialist stage)
This stage allows you to tailor your MBA by choosing two elective modules from a range of options.

Your learning will be put into practice with a business simulation project and a team-based consultancy project for a business. You have the option to base your studies around your own company.

Elective module options (15 credits each)
-Financial Strategy
-Leadership
-Project and Programme Management
-Strategic Change Management
-Sustainable Management Strategies
-Advanced Consumer Behaviour

Integrative Applied Project
Our Integrative Applied Project (30 credits) gives our students an opportunity to demonstrate a high level of understanding of management theory and how that theory can be applied through practice.

The project can take three forms:

1. Business Plan
Many who study on our MBA will be inspired to start a business and create their own personal agile organisation. This project can be the first step on that journey. The Business Plan project is about creating value through an actionable, feasible blueprint for a new business.

2. Consultancy Report
This project is about combining theory and practice to address real-world issues in the corporate, public or third sector. Students will work on live business problems to find solutions, creating value for their client through the impact of their work.

3. Traditional Dissertation
Students following this option will focus on a wider practical or theoretical issue in a specific industry. Research problems will be investigated and work will be rooted in theoretical frameworks and concepts, creating value for the wider community of researchers.

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This unique course will give you the skills required for success in the highly competitive field of international conservation.

It is taught in partnership with three of the most high-profile conservation practitioners in the UK:

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
The Institute of Zoology, the research division of the Zoological Society of London
The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

You will be immersed in the ongoing conservation work of these organisations, and will be able to choose six-month research project topics linked to their conservation programmes, ensuring that your project contributes to real-world conservation.

The course provides a strong quantitative basis for conservation work, including decision theory, conservation planning, statistical computing and modelling.

By learning to collect, analyse and use both socioeconomic and biological information, you will gain a truly interdisciplinary understanding of the theory and practice of conservation.

By the end of the course you will not only have developed an ability to analyse conservation issues, but you will also know how to put this understanding into action, implementing successful conservation projects.

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Designed for aspiring finance professionals who want to gain specialist knowledge, this course will equip you with the skills required for seeking employment in the increasingly complex and demanding financial services sector.

You will explore the theories and current practice in the finance industry from both a national and international perspective. The course blends theory with practice to provide you with the applied vocational skills that potential employers require.

You'll study in the heart of Leeds, which is the largest hub of financial services in the UK outside London. Leeds is home to many leading financial organisations and large professional services firms. You'll be taught by a range of highly experienced tutors with industrial, professional and academic knowledge.

We include a strong international dimension in the course content and attract students from as far and wide as China, India, Pakistan and Vietnam.

Faculty of Business & Law website (https://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/fbl/)
Request a call back (http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/study/postgraduate.htm)

January entrants please note: in order to complete 12 months of academic study delivered in University term time, the total length of your programme will be 18 months to include recognised University vacation periods.

- Research Excellence Framework 2014: twice as many of our staff - 220 - were entered into the research assessment for 2014 compared to the number entered in 2008.

Visit the website http://courses.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/finance_msc

Mature Applicants

Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.

If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website (http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/recognition-of-prior-learning.htm).

Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.

Careers

This course has a proven track record of graduates gaining employment in the financial services sector, such as banking or insurance. Others have entered into their family business, taking on a variety of management level roles. A small number have remained in the education sector to study a PhD and have entered into the teaching profession.

- Financial Analyst
- Financial Advisor
- Director of Finance
- Chief Financial Officer

Careers advice:
The dedicated Jobs and Careers team offers expert advice and a host of resources to help you choose and gain employment. Whether you're in your first or final year, you can speak to members of staff from our Careers Office who can offer you advice from writing a CV to searching for jobs.

Visit our careers site - https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/employability/jobs-careers-support.htm

Course Benefits

Our MSc Finance is delivered in the heart of Leeds, which is the largest hub of financial services in the UK outside London and which is home to many leading financial organisations and large professional services firms.

The course is delivered by a range of highly experienced tutors with industrial, professional and academic experience. The course emphasises blending theory with practice and thus provides students with the applied vocational skills that potential employers require. It is international both in terms of content and the student mix which provides a multicultural learning environment.

At Leeds Business School we're dedicated to supporting your professional development - that's why we offer a guest lecture programme. Past speakers include the CEO of the London Stock Exchange, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, past Chair and President of the Academy of Marketing, Chief Executive of the British Bankers Association, the Chief Economist of Yorkshire Bank and the Editor of Cosmopolitan. To see our full programme and to register for a lecture click here (http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/guestspeakers).

Core Modules

Corporate Finance
Evaluate the fundamental concepts and theories of modern finance, identifying how these can be effectively applied in both national and multinational organisations.

Financial Decision Analysis
Cover topics on decision theory (decision trees and tables), linear programming, regression, time series, portfolio optimisation, discounted cash flow and finance.

Financial Economics
Gain a comprehensive economic analysis of the operation, efficiency and dependencies between financial markets and their associated institutions. You will also assess the impact upon the world economy of any failure of the financial sector.

Managing Financial Resources
Gain a critical understanding of contemporary accounting and financing principles which support business decision-making and financial resourcing in both the private and public sectors.

Understanding the Economy
Develop knowledge and a critical understanding of the workings of a major economy which is subject to a constantly changing global environment, de-regulated financial systems, modern mass communication and international monetary flows.

Dissertation
You will carry out an in-depth research project in a subject area that is appropriate to the course and of particular interest to you.

Option Modules

Forensic Accounting
Discover the need for and role of corporate governance in the business environment, the role of IT in forensic accounting and fraud detection and the types and incidences of fraud.

Investment Fund Management
You will identify, understand, evaluate and compare types of investment for the private investor, including tools, methods and strategies.

Management of International Finance
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the economics of the operation and organisation of national and international financial systems.

"We are proud of the success of our national and international graduates."
- Professor Christopher Prince
Dean and Pro Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Business and Law

Facilities

- Library
Our libraries are two of the only university libraries in the UK open 24/7 every day of the year. However you like to study, the libraries have got you covered with group study, silent study, extensive e-learning resources and PC suites.

- The Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl has impressive teaching spaces, auditoriums, conference facilities and an outstanding local reputation as a business hub. The Rose Bowl puts our students at the centre of a dynamic business community.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

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This course aims to bring you, in 12 months, to a position where you can embark with confidence on a wide range of careers, including taking a PhD in Mathematics or related disciplines. There is a wide range of taught modules on offer, and you will also produce a dissertation on a topic of current research interest taken from your choice of a wide range of subjects offered.

Course structure and overview

-Six taught modules in October-May.
-A dissertation in June-September.

Modules: Six of available options
In previous years, optional modules available included:

Modules in Pure Mathematics:
-Algebraic Topology IV
-Codes and Cryptography III
-Differential Geometry III
-Galois Theory III
-Geometry III and IV
-Number Theory III and IV
-Riemannian Geometry IV
-Topology III
-Elliptic Functions IV

Modules in Probability and Statistics:
-Mathematical Finance III and IV
-Decision Theory III
-Operations Research III
-Probability III and IV
-Statistical Methods III
-Topics in Statistics III and IV

Modules in Applications of Mathematics:
-Advanced Quantum Theory IV
-Dynamical Systems III
-General Relativity III and IV
-Mathematical Biology III
-Numerical Differential Equations III and IV
-Partial Differential Equations III and IV
-Quantum Information III
-Quantum Mechanics III
-Statistical Mechanics III and IV

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About the programme

If you have earned a first degree with an information systems focus and are interested in following up with a Master's degree in the same discipline, then you've come to the right place.
The M.Sc. Information Systems allows you to consolidate your knowledge of e-commerce, business information systems, IT management, knowledge management and other topical subjects.
This degree programme involves original research and working on hands-on projects.

Features

In addition to the courses taught in this programme you will also have the opportunity to attend courses from the related programmes of study, Business Administration, Computer Science, IT Security, IT Law and Media and Communication.
Moreover, the Language Centre offers many language courses – in many cases certified up to UNIcert® IV, the highest attainable level – allowing you to perfect your knowledge of a foreign language.
If you are interested in studying abroad for a semester or two at one of our numerous partner universities in Europe, America or Asia, the International Office team will be happy to help you plan your study abroad.

Syllabus

While studying this programme you should gain a minimum of 100 ECTS credits and write a Master's thesis. Out of the 100 credits, 35 are earned in compulsory electives, of which 7 must be earned in a seminar; at least 10 credits come from the Methods modules and a minimum of 18 from Principles of Business and Economics.

Methods
The Methods module group teaches you the principles of mathematics, which are important for business and economics; empirical research methods; decision theory; operations research and fundamental concepts and techniques used in information systems. In the assessments, you will be expected to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and show that you have the methodology to understand the state of the art of research in the subject area and are able to apply the it to problems in the real world.

Principles of Business and Economics
Principles of Business and Economics deals with the theory and empirical studies in business and household finance, computational representation, and with the control of resources and dispositions in businesses and household, as well as their taxation. The module also imparts knowledge on international, market-oriented control, strategic and organisational management of companies, as well as marketing theory and empirical studies.

Information Systems
Information Systems consists of the modules Theory and Empirical Research and Methods, Models and Tools for Analysis, Development, Implementation and Use of Information Systems and Information and Communication Technologies in the context of their application. The subject area is interdisciplinary in nature and comprises the socio-economic dimension of IT applications.

Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies
The Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies modules consist of theory and empirical studies of subjects closely related to information systems. These include courses from the Master's programme in Media and Communication (e.g. cross-media concepts, design of computer-aided educational settings, etc.), from Computer Science (IT law, media law and legal informatics), from Business Administration (e.g. marketing courses, social media management, entrepreneurial organisation, etc.) and from computer science (e.g. information management, software analysis, cloud computing, multimedia databases, information security).

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This programme provides rigorous training in modern economics and equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the research tools and techniques, both theoretical and empirical, required for the analysis of economics phenomena. It aims to produce graduates that are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, government, industry, or consulting.

Why this programme

◾This programme is unique in Scotland and joins a small number of similar programmes in the UK. It is modelled on the long-established tradition at US universities of providing thorough PhD preparation.
◾Economics at Glasgow has a large group of research-active economists, who publish regularly in leading professional journals.
◾The Economics Group runs five weekly seminar series, hosts workshops and conferences, and attracts international research visitors of world-leading quality. You are strongly encouraged to attend these research-oriented events.
◾The University of Glasgow Adam Smith Business School celebrates the legacy of Adam Smith by developing enlightened, enterprising and engaged graduates and internationally recognised research with real social impact.

Programme structure

In year 1 you will take six core courses and write a research project over the summer. In year 2 you will take six optional courses and complete a dissertation. If you complete the MRes at a sufficiently high level, you are automatically admitted into our 3-year PhD programme. You will attend lectures, tutorials and seminars, and work on research projects.

Core courses
◾Econometrics
◾Macroeconomics 1
◾Macroeconomics 2
◾Microeconomics 1
◾Microeconomics 2
◾Quantitative methods.

Sample optional courses
◾Behavioural economics
◾Contract theory
◾Decision theory
◾Economic growth: Theory and numerical solution methods
◾International macroeconomics
◾Market microstructure
◾Methods of economic dynamics
◾Microfoundations of macroeconomics
◾Networks and games
◾Time series analysis
◾Welfare and mechanism design.

Career prospects

The programme provides thorough guided preparation for PhD research; completion at a sufficiently high level guarantees admission into the Glasgow Economics PhD programme. You will also be extremely well-positioned to be accepted for PhD study in other universities. Upon completion of the programme you will be equipped to pursue careers in academia, government, industry, or consulting.

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