UNIVERSITY OF KENT
MODULE SPECIFICATION
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1.
Title of the module: Corporate Finance for Financial Mathematicians (MA517)
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the module
School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science
3.
Start date of the module: September 2014
4.
The number of students expected to take the module: 50 (2014/15)
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other
relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
MA311 (Finance 1)
6.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate [M]): I
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents : 15 (ECTS 7.5)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern): 3 hours in Autumn Term
(probably in Weeks 10-11) and Spring Term (Weeks 13-24)
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules:
None
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
BSc (Hons) Financial Mathematics (including programme with a year in industry)
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will have:
a) knowledge of the concepts and elements of finance;
b) ability to use appropriate techniques in mathematics to represent and solve problems in
finance;
c) understanding of the basic financial management issues and processes in a corporate entity.
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this module will have:
a) developed a logical mathematical approach to solving problems and will be able to solve
problems in finance using appropriate methods;
b) enhanced their computer skills in the selection and use of electronic sources to search for and
retrieve information online;
c) improved their ability to manage their time and work independently;
d) improved their key skills in numeracy, problem solving, and written communication.
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13. A synopsis of the curriculum
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An introduction to accounting concepts
Types of business entity
Agency theory and principal/agent problems
The structure and methods of financing a joint stock company
The issue of securities and the securities markets.
Basic principles of personal and corporate taxation. Use of swaps
Company capital structure and dividend policy
Cost of capital and its interaction with investment projects
Capital project appraisal techniques
14. Indicative Reading List
The material is covered by the Actuarial Education Company’s notes for Subject CT2, chapters 1 to
7, 15 to 18.
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total
study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended
module learning outcomes.
No of contact hours: 46 to 51 (22 to 27 lectures and 24 example classes/supervised problem solving
sessions)
Independent study hours: 99 to 104
Total study hours: 150
Teaching methods will comprise a mix of lectures and example classes/supervised problem solving
sessions. Subject specific learning outcomes 11(a)-(c) and generic learning outcomes 12(a),(d) will
be addressed by the lectures and classes/problem solving sessions. The skills listed as generic
learning outcomes 12(b)-(d) will be developed by work on the coursework assessments.
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended module learning
outcomes
This module is assessed by coursework (20%) and by examination (80%).
Coursework: This will normally consist of class tests (assessing learning outcomes 11(a)-(c) and
12(a),(d)) and open-book written assignments mostly completed by students outside contact hours
(assessing learning outcomes 11(a)-(c) and 12(a)-(d)).
Examination: A 2-hour unseen written examination in the Summer Term that consists of a mix of
short and long answers that test to varying levels of proficiency learning outcomes 11(a)-(c) and
12(a), (c),(d).
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
This module will replace MA526 in the BSc in Financial Mathematics programme. It will be largely
co-taught and co-examined with the module MA527 Corporate Finance for Actuaries which is being
introduced to replace MA526 in the BSc Actuarial Science programme. Thus the resource
requirement in terms of teaching staff is quite small. There are not expected to be any additional IT
or Library resource requirements.
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability equality legislation,
and supports students with a declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within
this module we will make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or
substitute materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and
discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared disabilities will be
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made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s disability/dyslexia support service,
and specialist support will be provided where needed.
19. Campus where module will be delivered: Canterbury
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of Graduate Studies
(as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice
on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"
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Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of
Graduate Studies (delete as applicable)
Date
…………………………………………………
Print Name
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the
module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"
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Head of School
Date
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Print Name
Module Specification Template
Last updated February 2013
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