Banking and financial services represents a highly competitive and rapidly changing sector in every modern economy. Changes in customer requirements, technology, competitive conditions and regulation create the need for managers, traders and analysts to make rapid and often far-reaching decisions about their short term operations and long term strategies. The MSc and MA in Banking and Finance degree courses at Bangor offer you a unique opportunity to study advanced theory and practice relating to financial services, and to develop an appreciation of the causes and significance of current developments in this vitally important and dynamic sector of the economy.
Issues you will tackle as part of your MA/MSc Banking and Finance degree programme include:
Why are the banking systems in different countries (such as the UK, Germany, Japan and the US) so diverse?
What determines the structure, performance and efficiency of banking and financial markets?
Why do banks and financial intermediaries exist?
What are the main theories of the banking firm?
How relevant are financial intermediaries in a world of increasing securitization and with the evolution of virtual banking?
How do banks optimally allocate capital?
Does bank regulation increase or decrease risks?
How do we measure the risks undertaken by banks?
Can regulators reduce the likelihood of systemic (system-wide) risk?
What are the relationships between risk and return governing investment in company shares and other derivative instruments?
Can market risk be priced accurately? Can credit risk be priced accurately?
How should institutional investors go about constructing a portfolio of assets to maximise returns on behalf of investors?
How can we assess the investment performance of pension funds, insurance companies and unit trusts?
How do banks use futures, options, derivatives and swaps to manage their balance sheet and off-balance sheet risks?
What are the key principles of international portfolio management in a world of fast and unpredictable movements in exchange rates?
How do banks manage their business so as to maintain customer relationships, improve operational efficiency and add shareholder value?
With these needs in mind, the MSc and MA Banking and Finance programmes at Bangor are designed to develop participants' existing skills through a scheme of specialist advanced study. An important objective is to provide participants with relevant analytical training, so that they are familiar with the latest theoretical and practical developments relating to banking, finance and capital markets. These programmes provide a coherent theoretical framework for the various subject areas, but the emphasis throughout is on advanced practical application of financial techniques in a real-world setting.
The availability of parallel MSc and MA degrees in Banking and Finance allows you to choose between registering for a more technical MSc degree (including a compulsory element in Financial Econometrics), and a less technical MA degree (for which Financial Econometrics is optional). The MSc degree may be more suitable for applicants with some previous background in mathematics, statistics or econometrics, while the MA degree is more suitable for applicants who prefer to adopt a predominantly non-quantitative approach to their studies. However, both degrees include a compulsory module in Research Methods, which includes coverage of both quantitative and non-quantitative research techniques.
The MA Banking and Finance is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as the first year of a 1+3 PhD training programme.
January intake: Taught modules are undertaken in the period of January to June and September to January and will involve the study of 120 credits. The dissertation (or equivalent) is valued at 60 credits and is undertaken during the period of June to September.
September intake: Taught modules are undertaken in the period of September to June and will involve the study of 120 credits. The dissertation (or equivalent) is valued at 60 credits and is undertaken during the period of June to September.
Research Methods: This module develops knowledge of intermediate and advanced research methods, and provides a basis in research methodology for those who may eventually wish to pursue research degrees.
Bank Financial Management: This module provides a grounding in the nature, strategic context and managerial functions of financial management in banks, and other financial services firms.
International Financial Markets: This module provides an overview of financial instruments in a multi-currency world, taking account of insights from portfolio theory concerning the relationship between risk and return, the diversification of risk, and the pricing of assets.
International Banking: This module examines the origins of international banking, the activities of international banks, the markets in which they participate, and the sources of risk.
Financial Crises and Bank Regulation: This module examines why banks and financial markets are inherently vulnerable to crises, and analyses the role of policy makers and institutions. The roles of monetary policy, bank supervision and regulation, corporate governance and ratings agencies in mitigating or exacerbating crises are considered.
International Financial Management: In this module the financial management of multinational companies and the influence of macroeconomic, fiscal, currency and political environments on business and financial decision-making are examined in an international and global context.
Islamic Finance: This course provides an insight into topical issues relating to Islamic financial instruments and related risk management issues.
Corporate Risk Management: This module provides an analysis of pure risk and its management.
Financial Institutions Strategic Management: This module examines the main theoretical and practical issues concerning banking business. You will develop a critical awareness of the theory of the banking firm, the motives for international banking, and regulatory and structural issues impacting on bank behaviour.
Financial Analysis: This module analyses the techniques that are used to evaluate a company’s financial position and performance.
Investment Strategy and Portfolio Management: This module evaluates the development of investment strategies for bonds, equities and derivatives that are designed to achieve optimal risk-return outcomes, and examines the measurement and evaluation of the performance of a portfolio of investments.
Islamic Banking: This module provides an insight into the key features of Islamic banking business.
The Robert Gordon University LLM Law degree is a taught postgraduate course with full-time, part-time and distance learning options.
Students study for a total of 180 credits, earned through core and optional modules, followed by a dissertation project. The programme awards a full Master of Laws degree.
Our Master of Law Degree will equip you with the knowledge and relevant skills to enhance your professional career in a range of legal environments.
Responding to student and employer demand, we have restructured our top-rated Law degree to incorporate maximum flexibility both in the topics you cover and in the way and pace you learn. Our courses are ranked within the top Universities by the Complete University Guide and The Guardian University Tables.
We have added further pathways allowing you to specialise in such sought-after areas of expertise as Dispute Resolution, International Commercial Law, International Law and Energy Law or to spread your studies across a wider selection of the modules we offer at Masters level. There is a strong international flavour to the subjects offered. You are now able to study online, on campus or combine on campus classes with online ones to suit your circumstances. Alternatively, individual modules are available for the purposes of Continuing Professional Development: http://www.rgu.ac.uk/professional
Visit the website: http://www.rgu.ac.uk/law/study-options/distance-and-flexible-learning/llm-law-degree/
A candidate for the LLM Master of Laws must complete 180 credit points, comprising of our list of LLM modules (see link below), and including a dissertation. The choice of modules for any one candidate may be limited by module availability in any particular year, by timetabling factors, by prerequisites that a module may have, by the limit on online modules that may be taken by international students for visa purposes, and for any other reason approved by the Head of Law. A candidate who does not hold an LLB degree or equivalent may be required to include the Legal Framework module (subject to validation) within the modules chosen.
Candidates may be awarded a specialist LLM if, in addition to fulfilling the requirements and conditions of the LLM, they obtain the appropriate ratio of credit points in the specialist area. In order to obtain an LLM ‘with’ a specialism, at least 25% of the modules studied must be from the chosen specialist list of modules; in order to an LLM ‘and’ a specialism, at least 40% of the modules studied must be from the chosen specialist list, as follows:
• Theory And Principles Of Conflict Resolution
• Mediation In Practice
• Dispute Resolution in Oil and Gas Contracting
• Construction Adjudication Law
• Mediation in Context
• Advanced Mediation Practice
Either
• International Commercial Dispute Resolution
or
• Arbitration Law
• International Business Law (on campus only)
• Intellectual Property Law (on campus only)
• Employment Contracts & Rights
• Construction Law
• Advanced Construction Law
• International Corporate Governance (on campus only)
• European Union Trade Law (on campus only)
• Compliance (In International Business)
• Legal Aspects Of Mergers & Acquisitions
• Maritime Law
Either
• International Commercial Dispute Resolution
or
• Arbitration Law Module (Distance Learning)
This award cannot currently be obtained through fully online study, but will be available from 2017/18;
• International Business Law (on campus only)
• Public International Law (on campus only)
• European Union Trade Law (on campus only)
• Compliance (In International Business)
• International Construction Contracts
• Maritime Law
• Intellectual Property Law (on campus only)
• Comparative Company Law
No more than 5 modules may be selected from this list, students seeking to take further options in this specialism are advised to enrol on the LLM/MSc Oil and Gas Law course.
• Oil And Gas Law
• Oil & Gas Taxation: Fiscal Law and Policy (on campus only)
• Environmental Aspects Of Oil And Gas Law
• Energy Law And Policy
• Renewable Energy Issues
• Dispute Resolution in Oil and Gas Contracting
• Oil And Gas Contract Law
You are able to choose whether to take only modules that are taught on campus in face to face classes or to add to the mix by taking online modules. In either case you are supported by the Moodle learning platform, and you will be taught and supported by a teaching team which contains a balance of experienced industry professionals and high quality academic staff - who will help create a challenging interactive environment for your study.
The programme is designed to maximise flexibility in the timing as well as the content of your studies: you can join the course in September or January; you can study full-time or part-time.
Whatever you choose, our classes prepare you for a future where your knowledge and skills will truly make a difference. If you are a recent graduate, this course will assist you in securing your first role within a law or business environment, or prepare you for further academic study. In an increasingly competitive jobs market, practitioners equipped with both understanding of commercially relevant aspects of law and strong professional skills are highly sought after. The programme also provides the opportunity for lawyers in mid-career to acquire increasingly expected skills and knowledge while non-lawyers are assisted in the transition into specialist legal areas that complement their existing experience in business and commerce.
A Masters qualification is key to career advancement and professional confidence, and is a highly regarded asset in any professional or academic sector. This course will enhance your knowledge and ability, professional standing and employability. Several of the modules are accredited or recognised by professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Energy Institute.
To find out how to apply, use the following link: http://www.rgu.ac.uk/applyonline
For information on funding, including loans, scholarships and Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) please click the following link: http://www.rgu.ac.uk/future-students/finance-and-scholarships/financial-support/uk-students/postgraduate-students/postgraduate-students/
The following postgraduate funding may be available to study the Law LLM at Robert Gordon University.
For academic year 2017/18.
All students:
Distance Learning Full Time: £8,820
Distance Learning Part Time: £3,310 Stage 1; £3,310 Stage 2; £2,200 LLM / MSc Dissertation Stage
UK / EU students:
Full Time: £4,640 (September 2017 start)
Full Time: £5,500 (September 2018 start)
International students:
Full Time: £11,740
Application period/deadline: November 1, 2017 - January 24, 2018
• An internationally comparable degree in Economics from an AASCB accredited business school
• Rigorous theoretical and empirical studies incorporating the latest research
• Hands-on experience in developing economic models and using econometric methods to perform economic and financial analysis
Oulu Business School’s International Master’s Programme in Economics (ME) is a two-year programme providing rigorous training in modern Economics. The programme equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and empirical research methods used in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics. You will have the opportunity to develop an interest in fields such as:
• Mathematical economics
• Industrial organisation
• Energy economics
• Urban and regional economics
• Environmental economics
• International macroeconomics
• Game theory
• Financial econometrics
Through group work and projects, you will learn to apply your economic expertise and acquire the problem solving, project management and presentation skills you will need in your career as an economist.
It is not compulsory to choose a specialization, but the two-year programme offers two specialisation options:
Energy Economics and Smart Grid courses bring the latest economic and technical energy research into the classroom and equip you with the skills you need to work as an economic researcher or consultant in energy related projects. Gain experience in multidisciplinary project work and employ your skills in Economics to analyse and solve business problems in tomorrow’s energy markets.
Financial Economics focuses on equipping you with skills that are relevant for an economist working within the financial sector. You will gain further knowledge of statistical modelling software and intensify your knowledge of econometric models used for forecasting macroeconomic and financial variables.
The professorship for Economics at the University of Oulu was established in 1959 and the department is a part the AASCB accredited Oulu Business School (OBS). Economists at OBS and at associated research centres (MAIGBE, SYKE) focus on research in Energy Economics, Social Economics, and Regional Economics. The department is renowned for its achievements in input-output modelling and Energy Economics. Current faculty members are active, among others, in the Finnish Economic Policy Council, the Finnish Climate Panel and the national BCDC energy research project. OBS organizes frequent seminars with Finnish and international visitors from business and academia. You are strongly encouraged to attend these events.
The master’s programme equips you with the skills you need as a professional economist working in business, government, international organizations, and research centres. Depending on your interests, you can, for example, work with market research in the financial sector, with strategic pricing and production decisions in private firms, and with fiscal and monetary policy within the public sector. The master’s programme also serves as thorough preparation for Ph.D. studies. The master’s programme provides you with an internationally comparable degree in Economics from an AASCB accredited business school. Upon completion of the master’s programme, you will be equipped to pursue a career as an economist in Finland or abroad.
Possible titles include:
• Economist
• Economic Advisor
• Investment Advisor
• Industry Analyst
• Financial Analyst
• Economic Development Officer
• Economic Consultant
Students applying for the programme must possess an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree in Economics or a related subject. The quantitative nature of the ME programme ideally suits for those who have studied Economics, Finance, Accounting, Engineering, or Natural Sciences (e.g. Mathematics, Physics or Statistics).
For all enquiries, please refer to our enquiry form: http://www.oulu.fi/university/admissions-contact
