Third Year
Compulsory Modules
Derivative Securities/Trading Simulation III
Designed to combine the theoretical and practical approaches to derivatives pricing and trading. You will gain an overview of derivative securities and markets and a thorough understanding of derivatives pricing and trading. You will also be guided on the use of derivatives data and shown how to apply theoretical models and strategies presented in class through a number of case simulations in the dealing room. The trading cases involve both discrete and continuous time models and will require you to both trade and build hedging portfolios using put and call options.
Financial Engineering
Designed to combine theoretical and practical approaches to exotic derivatives in different markets: equity, FX, interest rates and credit. The objectives of the module include providing you with an overview of the exotic products in different markets, familiarising you with the different pricing approaches and models, highlighting the importance of engineering and innovations in financial products and showing how to apply the theoretical models and engineering strategies presented in class through a number of assignments.
Management of Risk
Introduces you to the latest techniques for measuring and managing market, credit and operational risk in financial institutions. Banks and other financial intermediaries invest considerable human and capital resources in trying to assess the risks in their day-to-day business and to increase the wareness of such risks among their employees and business associates. This module will help you to develop critical risk management skills that are now considered indispensable for anyone wanting to undertake a career in the financial sector.
Optional Modules
For the remaining modules you may choose three of the following:
Research Project
The aim of the dissertation is to allow students to define and execute a piece of research in finance on a topic of their choice, with direction from an academic supervisor.
Foreign Exchange and Money Markets
The basic aim of this module is to equip students with a firm understanding of the structure and operation of the foreign exchange and short-term interest rate markets. This will not only provide the technical knowledge required to trade in or use those markets, but will also introduce and illustrate a number of key financial concepts such as balance sheet constraints, liquidity, funding issues, no-arbitrage pricing and arbitrage. The module has a strong practical flavour. Students will be given the opportunity to trade various money market instruments on simulated electronic markets.
Private Equity and Venture Capital
Introduces the characteristics of private equity as an alternative asset class and the different strategies for establishing a private equity or venture capital fund. Students will learn how to prepare a business plan for the purpose of raising finance and to appraise it as an investment executive. Topics include selecting and approaching private equity and venture capital firms; venture capital and the venture capital investment process; management buyouts; the due diligence process; different strategies for investment; exit routes, including IPOs and trade sales.
Topics in Finance
Provides students with an understanding of finance and the ability to place financial innovations within a contemporary and historical framework. Modules will vary from year to year but may include: the history of finance; pensions and the cult of the equity; commodities; current issues in finance; asset pricing; corporate finance; and risk management.
The Practice of Entrepreneurship*
This dynamic and interactive module aims to inspire students and provide them with the entrepreneurial skills and confidence needed to put plans into action. Students will learn from the experience of successful entrepreneurs and are given a solid understanding of the realities of a business start-up. Topics include entrepreneurial forms and behaviour, creativity and innovation, idea development and feasibility testing, understanding market dynamics and satisfying customers, raising finance, intellectual property, networking, writing a business plan and pitching to investors.
Institution Wide Learning Programme (IWLP)*
Choose from a variety of foreign languages (from beginner through to advanced). For more information please visit IWLP (Institute Wide Language Programme).
Please note that students are welcome to take a language on a 'not for credit' basis at any time.
*Please note that you cannot choose both a Language and the Practice of Entrepreneurship.
