UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
Faculty of Social Sciences
Division of Economics
Programme title: MSc in Financial Economics
Awarding and teaching
institution:
University of Bradford
Final award and interim
award(s):
MSc;
Postgraduate Diploma;
Postgraduate Certificate.
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 7]
Programme title:
Financial Economics (PG Dip and MSc only)
Economics (PG Cert only)
Programme approved /
accredited by:
N/A
Duration:
1 year full time; 2 years part-time
UCAS code
N/A
Relevant subject benchmark
statement(s):
FHEQ Level:
N/A
Date produced:
March 2012
Last updated :
July 2015
© University of Bradford
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1
Introduction
The Division of Economics provides a range of programmes at undergraduate and
postgraduate levels, the latter both taught and by research. Building on over 40
years of experience of delivering undergraduate and postgraduate training in
economics, the Division is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS). Teaching
and learning activities are delivered by research active staff whose areas of
expertise in applied microeconomics, international economics and monetary
economics are reflected in the range and content of modules available to students at
Master level. In line with the University’s mission of ‘Making Knowledge Work’ the
Division’s programmes at all levels have a strong applied, real-world focus and seek
to provide students with transferable as well as subject-specific skills. For more
information see http://www.bradford.ac.uk
The MSc in Financial Economics equips you with the tools of economic reasoning,
research and statistical analysis to investigate problems in financial economics. The
programme provides you with an understanding of the network of financial
institutions, their methods of operation, the imposition of regulations and how
financial actions contribute to macroeconomic performance.
You will have
developed a high standard of critical, quantitative and communication skills that are
highly valued by employers, alongside the specific abilities to apply advanced
economic analysis to the operation of financial markets and institutions.
The first semester will provide you with a grounding in advanced economic principles
and tools of analysis. In semester two you will study modules in financial and applied
areas. The final stage is the completion of a dissertation focusing on a topic you
have chosen in agreement with your supervisor within financial economics and which
draws on your previous taught modules. This is a major piece of independent study,
however it is supported by an allocated specialist supervisor and preceded by study
and research skills workshops for all students.
At the University of Bradford, we emphasise the applied aspects of study to
understand the world around us, with a focus on the impact of economic forces and
the role of policy in shaping change. Those who graduate from the programme may
go on to work in finance, in policy positions relating to the financial sector, or in more
general economic policy or analysis roles in many types of organisation.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
Postgraduate Certificate
A1
Develop your skills to enable you evaluate economic theory and policy.
A2
Develop your learning and communication skills.
A3
Develop your personal and transferable skills in research and planning.
Postgraduate Diploma
A4
Equip you with the knowledge and skills to critically analyse institutions, policy
and practice.
A5
Equip you with a critical understanding of applied economics to finance.
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MSc
A6
Critically analyse current and emerging research and practice.
A7
Critically appraise the nature of evidence in economics and finance.
A8
Formulate and independently investigate a complex research question, and
communicate your findings in a suitable way at an advanced level.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have successfully completed Level 7 of the programme you will be able
to:
Postgraduate Certificate
LO1. Critically evaluate advanced theoretical concepts in economics.
LO2. Critically appraise policy in relation to economics.
LO3. Evaluate complex information on a range of issues related to economics.
LO4. Use initiative in self-directed learning and construct written argument.
Postgraduate Diploma
LO5. Critically reflect on advanced theoretical concepts in economic policy or
financial economics.
LO6. Critically evaluate practice or policy-based interventions relating to economic
policy or financial economics.
LO7. Synthesise complex information gathered from a range of sources.
LO8. Apply originality and creative problem solving in dealing with complex issues.
MSc
LO9. Demonstrate a detailed and critical knowledge of current research and
scholarship in a specialist area of financial economics.
LO10. Identify appropriate research designs and methods for specific purposes and
applications.
LO11. Identify gaps and inconsistencies in the evidence that guides policy and
practice.
LO12. Apply critical reasoning to the existing evidence.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed in three distinct stages, each comprising 60 credits. The
first semester provides a grounding in higher-level economics and a sound base
from which to progress to the later stages of the programme. You will cover
advanced economic analysis in the core areas of micro- and macroeconomics,
alongside study of appropriate analytical skills to prepare for semester 2 and the
dissertation. Completion of these modules will complete the Postgraduate Certificate
stage of the programme.
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The second semester covers advanced financial economics and the application of
economic analysis to financial markets and institutions. You are also able to choose
an option that fits with their particular interests and career aspirations. Within these
options you will have the opportunity to apply some of the quantitative and
theoretical tools introduced in semester 1. Completion of the taught modules at this
stage of the programme will result in the award of a Postgraduate Diploma.
The final element is the 60-credit dissertation, completed between May and
September with support from an allocated supervisor from among the Economics
Division academic staff. The dissertation draws on the concepts, tools and methods
introduced in the taught modules in semester 1 and 2, and is expected to include
substantial quantitative analysis. You will develop and select a research question
under the guidance of departmental staff.
A part-time route over two years’ of study is also offered. In the first year you will
study Microeconomic Theory and Policy and Econometrics and Applied Research in
semester 1 and in Semester 2 Financial Markets and Banking, which builds on these
modules. In year 2, you will study Macroeconomic Theory and Policy in semester 1.
In semester 2 Financial Economics and an option are taken and you will complete
the dissertation stage. The part-time route structure is outlined in Appendix 2 at the
end of this document.
Postgraduate Certificate [Level 7]
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SE-7001D
Macroeconomic Theory and
Policy
Microeconomic Theory and Policy
Core
20
7
1
Core
20
7
1
Econometrics and Applied
Research
Core
20
7
1
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SE-7002D
SE-7003D
Postgraduate Diploma [Level 7]
Module
Code
Module Title
SE-7004D
Financial Markets and Banking
Core
20
7
2
SE-7005D
Financial Economics
Core
20
7
2
SD-7006D
Public Policy Analysis and
Management
International Economics
Option
20
7
2
Option
20
7
2
SD-7008D
Masters [level 7]
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SE-7006Z
Dissertation in Financial Economics
Core
60
7
DISS
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval,
monitoring and review procedures.
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Teaching and Assessment Strategies
Teaching and learning activities are focused on lectures and group-based session
for taught modules. During the dissertation writing stage (following semester 2),
individual supervisors provide specialist guidance. Hence, as the programme
progresses, the main learning method gradually becomes more individualised and
student-centred. Group-based seminars will employ a variety of formats, providing
you with the opportunity to experience hands-on computing, case study or data
analysis, group work, class discussion and debate and presentations. The precise
range for any particular student will depend on the precise range of options chosen.
Please see the appendix for further details.
To ensure the systematic development of knowledge of key subjects, modules are
assessed by a variety of assessments in addition to formal examinations, including
essays and projects. In seminars and workshops, you will engage in group work and
presentations and will receive formative feedback from lecturers and peer-support
from fellow students. During the dissertation phase, you will undertake independent
research with supervisor support which include a number of one-to-one meetings to
discuss progress and research plans.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for
Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their
previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our
assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability
to succeed on this particular programme.
Entrance requirements for each
programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this
learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained
within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry
qualifications.
We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the
University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some
adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to
contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these.
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Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the Faculty
of Management and Law provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to
support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own,
and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow
students. Subject librarians for each Faculty provide training sessions and individual
guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you
organise your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in both our libraries and elsewhere on the campus.
Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to
access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our journals are available online
(both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account,
personal information and programme-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7
IT helpline available.
Significant electronic resources are available including journal access to international
journals and access to specialist economic and financial data services through the
University’s electronic subscriptions system, in order to support your research
throughout the programme.
Student Support and Guidance
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by
the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who
is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal
concerns. The Faculty will ensure that there is someone available with whom you
feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive
series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your
programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’
Union, through a system of student representatives and formal staff student liaison
committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students’ Union provide professional academic representation and advice. The
Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect
of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part
of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as
council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can
access a range of additional advice and support services through the Students’
Union.
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Employability and Career Development
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their
employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing
a career plan.
Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your
time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The
support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of
information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a
mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and
help to you find part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes
and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive
seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their
programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development
Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources
available on their web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to
find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the
employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other
information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc.
The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme
information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services’
website www.careers.brad.ac.uk
The specific provision on this programme is through a series of sessions with invited
speakers on different areas of professional practice, research and policy in finance
and economics throughout the year, as well as sessions with employers from both
finance and also government discussing the activities of financial and economic
analysts in a range of professional roles. The Division benefits from good relations
with government employers of economists, as well as its location close to the major
financial centres in Manchester and Leeds, each of which has employment in
financial services industries approaching a quarter of a million workers.
Academic Skills Advice Service
For postgraduate students on taught programmes who are looking to improve their
marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all
regardless of degree discipline. Students can access a programme of interactive
workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to
our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide
range of online and paper based materials for self-study.
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/academic-skills
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to
everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and
equipment to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It is a place where
© University of Bradford
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you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need,
whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information
contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email:
disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching,
research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not
claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading
University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including
teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our
commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this
initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a
clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development,
delivery,
monitoring
and
review.
For
more
details
see
www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity/
Further Information
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Faculty of Social Sciences
Pemberton Building
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233081
ssis-pg-admissions@bradford.ac.uk
http://www.brad.ac.uk/economics
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review procedures.
© University of Bradford
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© University of Bradford
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Appendices: MSc Financial Economics
1. Programme Learning Outcomes
Level Code
Title
Type
LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
7
SE-7001D
Macroeconomic Theory and Policy
Core
A
A
A
A
S
S
7
SE-7002D
Microeconomic Theory and Policy
Core
A
A
A
A
S
S
7
SE-7003D
Econometrics and Applied Research
Core
A
A
A
A
S
S
7
SE-7004D
Financial Markets and Banking
Core
A
A
A
A
A
A
7
SE-7005D
Financial Economics
Core
A
A
A
A
A
Public Policy Analysis and
Option
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
7
SD-7008D
Management
7
SD-7006D
International Economics
Option
7
SE-7006Z
Dissertation in Financial Economics
Core
A
A
A
A
S
S
A
A
A
A
A
Notes
A = this outcome is formally assessed in the module
S = this outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not formally assessed
© University of Bradford
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2. Teaching map
Level
Code
Title
Type
1
2
7
SE-7001D
Macroeconomic Theory and Policy
Core
X
X
7
SE-7002D
Microeconomic Theory and Policy
Core
X
X
Econometrics and Applied
Research
Core
X
X
SE-7003D
7
SE-7004D
Financial Markets and Banking
Core
X
X
7
SE-7005D
Financial Economics
Core
X
X
Public Policy Analysis and
Management
Option
X
X
SD-7008D
7
SD-7006D
International Economics
Option
X
X
7
SE-7006Z
Dissertation in Financial
Economics
Core
7
7
3
4
X
X
5
X
X
X
Teaching and Learning Methods
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Lectures
Seminars
Library / Computer Sessions
Workshops
Supervision / Tutorials
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3. Assessment map
Level
Code
Title
Type
1
7
SE-7001D
Macroeconomic Theory and Policy
Core
X
7
SE-7002D
Microeconomic Theory and Policy
Core
X
7
SE-7003D
Econometrics and Applied Research
Core
7
SE-7004D
Financial Markets and Banking
Core
7
SE-7005D
Financial Economics
Core
Public Policy Analysis and
Management
Option
SD-7008D
7
SD-7006D
International Economics
7
SE-7006Z
Dissertation in Financial Economics
7
2
3
5
6
7
X
X
X
4
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Option
X
X
Core
X
X
Methods of Assessment
1.
Coursework / Essay / Research article ass.
2.
Exam
3.
MCQ Exam / Class test
4.
Report / CV
5.
Presentation
6.
Data Task
7.
Dissertation
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Structure for MSc Financial Economics, part-time route
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Econometrics
and Applied
Research
20
Microeconomic
Theory and
Policy
20
Semester 2
Financial
Markets and
Banking
Total credit
© University of Bradford
Semester 1
Credits
20
60
Postgraduate Certificate Stage (60 credits)
Semester 1
Year 2
Macroeconomic
Theory and
Policy
Credits
20
Semester 2
Financial
Economics
20
Option (from
MSc Financial
Economics
Programme
list)
20
Postgraduate Diploma Stage (120 credits)
Year 1
60
5
Dissertation
Total
cumulative
credit
© University of Bradford
60
MSc Stage (180 credits)
Summer
180
6