Finance MSc

The MSc in Finance is designed for graduates who are seeking a specialist programme to enable an accelerated start to a career in finance. Develop an advanced working knowledge of finance and prepare for a wide range of careers in the competitive financial services sector. Accredited by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) with Designated Partner University status. You will also have the opportunity to pursue a further professional qualification from the CISI, with the full support of the School of Management.

Key Features of MSc in Finance

• The MSc in Finance is an enhanced specialist programme that maybe completed in a single year
• All modules in the Finance course are taught by our world-class faculty who have a breadth of industrial and academic knowledge
• Swansea is 1st in Wales for world-leading impact - 60% at 4-star level (REF 2014)
• A wide range of professional accreditations to accelerate your career depending on the optional modules you take
• 93% of Swansea students in employment six months after graduating
• High contact time – our modules come with a lecture (in class sizes capped at approximately 150 students) and seminar/tutorial (in class sizes capped at 30) every single week.
• Scholarships available for outstanding students
• Swansea is 3rd in the UK for international ranked research outputs (REF 2014)  

The Finance programme combines the academic theory of finance with a strong practical perspective closely related to the world of finance. Specialist modules include: corporate finance, financial econometrics, international financial markets, derivatives and risk management, contemporary issues in finance and empirical finance.

Modules

Modules on the MSc in Finance typically include:

• Independent Project- The report documents the result of an independently researched analysis of a finance related topic or issue.
• Corporate Finance- This Finance module aims to provide an advanced study of the corporate finance function.
• Financial Econometrics- Financial Econometrics aims to provide Finance students with both a theoretical and a practical knowledge of econometric techniques required in the analysis of financial data.
• International Financial Markets and Institutions- This module aims to provide Finance students with an in-depth knowledge of financial systems, institutions, markets and instruments.
• Financial Reporting and Statement Analysis- This Finance module is designed to give Finance students an understanding of financial reporting and how financial statements are prepared. 
• Risk Management- This Finance module aims to provide an understanding of how companies and financial institutions can manage risk through the use of financial derivatives and covers the role of hedging and risk management in business organisations.
• Empirical Finance- This module aims to provide Finance students with an understanding and appreciation of recent developments in empirical finance. 
• Behavioural Finance- This Finance module is designed to develop an awareness of the hypothesis of financial market efficiency and the challenges to this hypothesis from behavioural finance.
• Equities & Fixed Income Securities- This Finance module is designed to develop an awareness of the two main asset classes of equities and fixed-income securities.
• Corporate Governance & Ethics- Values, ethics and governance are essential skills for finance professionals. 
• Asset Management- This Finance module is concerned with recent advances in asset and portfolio management.
• International Financial Crises and Bank Regulation- This Finance course examines the causes of financial crises (in particular the 2007/8 global banking crisis) , the relationship between crises and bank regulation, the reasons for regulation and the technical aspects of regulation including Basel 3, macroprudential regulation and resolution regimes.
• Risk Management in Banking- This Finance module includes the conceptual, technical and computational aspects of risk management in Banking and Financial Institutions. 
• Contemporary Issues in Finance- The focus will be on researching important but unresolved issues/puzzles in finance and financial management. 
• International Banking and Regulation- This Finance module focuses on the study of financial institutions, in particular on the role of the banking system.

Careers and Employability

We have an excellent track record of placing our graduates with major multinational companies, and 95% of our graduates (including those in Finance) in employment or study 6 months after graduation (DLHE 2015/16).

From the moment you arrive at the School of Management as a Finance student we will work with you to help you build your skills and experience to enhance your career prospects.

During your time with us you’ll have the chance to:

• Get unlimited one to one bespoke careers advice from our dedicated careers team
• Undertake a work placement or internship through the Swansea Paid Internship Network (SPIN) or ‘Week of Work’ initiative
• Work and network with employers from a range of national and multi-national companies through our seminars and events
• Boost your skills and meet employers during our Employability Module which is run twice a year
• Complete the Swansea Employability Award
• Participate in our Business in the Bay competition and compete against other university students
• Join our Alumni community and meet graduates from previous years who can offer the benefit of their experiences
• Attend our Careers Fair and network with employers
• Join our Employability Mentoring scheme and get mentored by an employer who can help you with the transition from student to working professional.

Location and Facilities

The Bay Campus is situated in an outstanding location on the eastern approach into Swansea, with direct access onto the beach and its own seafront promenade. The campus features modern and bright student accommodation, including standard, premium, twin and wheelchair accessible rooms.

Bay Campus buildings and resources include:

• Central support services for students housed within the Tower Information Centre.
• State of the art library and resource centre.
• Students’ Union.
• The Great Hall – incorporating the Stanley Clarke Auditorium, lecture theatres and a cafe offering magnificent views across Swansea Bay.

Extensive catering and grocery provision including cafeterias, bar, supermarket, launderette and cash points. All of this will be in addition to recreational sporting facilities and a beach for all to enjoy.

Visit the Finance MSc page on the Swansea University website for more details!