Global Investment Management at Ulster University. MSc Full-time, in Belfast - 2022/23 entry year. (2023)

Overview

A fast-track qualification for non-finance graduates seeking employment in the rapidly growing financial services sector.

Summary

This programme is intensive and allows highly motivated graduates to ‘skill into’ the wholesale financial services sector and is designed for those with a business or cognate discipline (e.g. law, economics, computing etc.). A unique aspect of the programme is the option to undertake a placement with a wholesale financial firm. Such placements are subject to interview by the firm and cannot be guaranteed by the University.

About this course

About

The full-time duration of the programme is normally one calendar year comprising three semesters. The programme is modular in design, with students taking 8 modules to obtain the Postgraduate Diploma and an additional dissertation, or work-based project, to achieve the award of MSc.

The structure of the course is as follows:

Semester I
Financial Reporting & Analysis
Financial Markets, Institutions and Operations
Risk Management Practices
Financial Regulation

Semester II

Derivatives and Alternative Investments
Economics
Fund Management
Research Methods in Finance

Semester III
Either an academic dissertation or work placement report (the choice will be determined by whether the student undertakes placement).

Attendance

Normally Pg Certificate (four months); Pg Diploma (nine months); Dissertation (four months); Placement (six months).

Pg Diploma element (150 effort hours per module).

Start dates

• September 2022

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods may include: lectures, tutorials, seminars, case studies, experiential learning, guest speakers, workshops, directed and independent study, computer assisted learning including contemporary interactive learning technology to help enhance your learning.

Assessment Methods may include: each module adopting a unique assessment strategy and this may involve; computer-based exercises, class tests, essays, oral presentations (individual and group), case studies, live projects and dissertation/work placement report. This programme is assessed by 100% coursework.

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

• the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor
• the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement
• the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies.

Attendance and Independent Study

As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until near the start date and may be subject to change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days of attendance will often be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.

The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

Postgraduate Masters courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.

Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be via one method or a combination e.g. examination and coursework . Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Normally, a module will have four learning outcomes, and no more than two items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.

Calculation of the Final Award

The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6 (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Masters degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.

Academic profile

Over 85% of our teaching staff hold Fellowship of Advance HE (previously Higher Education Academy).

The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.

Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).

We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%)are accredited fellows of theHigher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.

The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise.The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff.This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.

Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.

Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.

Belfast campus

Accommodation

High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.

Find out more - information about accommodation

Student Wellbeing

At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.

Find out more - information about student wellbeing

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year one

Financial Reporting & Analysis

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides an understanding of financial reporting and analysis relevant to the financial services industry. The module will enhance students' knowledge of the financial reporting environment and provide students' with the requisite knowledge necessary to undertake study of and work within the financial services industry. Subjects covered include income statements, balance sheets, taxation, the accounting regulatory framework, analysis of financial reports and financial reporting governance issues.

Economics

Year: 1

Status: C

This module aims to provide students with the micro and macro economic tools required to understand market behaviour, business performance and the economic environment within which businesses function, in preparation for a career in the financial services industry.

Financial Markets, Institutions and Operations

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to understand and apply financial mathematics, introduces the economic rationale for the existence and functioning of global financial markets, develops knowledge of the global financial services industry, financial assets, investment products & settlement processes.

Research Methods in Finance

Year: 1

Status: C

This module develops students' quantitative and qualitative research skills. It begins with an overview of the philosophy of scientific research. Data categorisation, descriptive statistics and exploratory data analysis are then introduced as the building blocks for subsequent quantitative analysis. Probability theory and probability distributions provides the foundation for a firm understanding of multivariate analysis, while also equipping students with a powerful framework for understanding and modelling various data generating processes. It concludes with a synthesis of issues related to developing a research proposal and writing the subsequent research report.

Financial Regulation

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides an understanding of the regulatory and compliance issues regarding financial institutions, instruments and employees, with specific focus on the UK. Subjects covered within the module include the regulatory environment, the Financial Services Authority, codes of conduct and domestic and international regulatory legislation.

Derivatives and Alternative Investments

Year: 1

Status: C

This module builds upon the financial markets and investments module to develop further students' academic and professional competencies to prepare them for a career in financial services. It enhances students' knowledge of valuation theory and develops the necessary analytical skills for valuing spot and derivative markets securities. An understanding of trading strategies and their consequent payoffs, in conjunction with a practical understanding and knowledge of the financial markets and institutions involved in issuing, trading and the settlement of securities is also developed.

Fund Management

Year: 1

Status: C

The module provides a deeper understanding of fund management, the role of the fund manager, the tools at the disposal of the fund manager and the dynamics of the fund management environment. Subjects examined within the module include: fund construction and performance measurement, equity and bond fund management, risk management and market efficiency and the implications of behavioural finance.

Risk Management Practices

Year: 1

Status: C

The objective of the module is to provide students with a broad understanding of the general principles of risk in business, the key risks encountered by organisations operating within the financial services industry, the influence of corporate governance, regulation and codes of conduct, and the approaches typically used to identify, reduce and manage specific aspects of risk. The module will extensively assess previous risk events to both illustrate previous deficiencies and to identify the potential for future enhancements to risk management.

Dissertation

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

The dissertation module integrates and further develops the knowledge and skills acquired within the taught element of the programme. The module specifically allows the student to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to undertake a research dissertation investigating a topic relevant to the financial services sector and of interest to the student. The dissertation topic will vary, depending on the interests of the student and expertise of staff.

Work-Based Project

Status: O

Year: 1

This module is optional

The Work-based project module integrates and further develops the knowledge and skills acquired within the taught element of the programme. The module specifically allows the student to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to undertake a project relevant to the financial services sector and of interest to the student. The project topic will vary, depending on the requirements of the financial services organisation that instigates the project.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have gained a second class honours degree in a business or cognate discipline, however graduates of any discipline will be considered. In recent years graduates of chemistry, physics, law, politics and software engineering have completed the program.

Candidates whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their English language competence (minimum IELTS score of 6.0, or equivalent).

English Language Requirements

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Our Centre for English Language Teaching (CELT) is a specialised unit providing English language teaching and support for registered students who have English as an additional language.

• English language requirements
• Your country

Careers & opportunities

Career options

The programme is primarily structured to aid graduates in gaining employment in the wholesale financial services sector, but would also provide a foundation for further research based study at PhD level. A wide range of placement opportunities are available including CitiGroup, PwC Augment, EY, Pearson and MTS Wealth in Belfast with other options being available in Dublin.

Apply

Start dates

• September 2022

Fees and funding

Fees (total cost)

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlement Status Fees

£6,720.00

International Fees

£15,360.00

Scholarships, awards and prizes

Fund-Axis Global Investment Management Award - Highest Performing Student

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.

Contact

For more information visit

• Visit Ulster University Business School
• Visit Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics