MSc Banking and Finance

This programme is subject to validation.

Entry standards

Applicants should usually hold a Bachelors degree (UK Upper Second/2.1 or above) or equivalent qualification from a recognised British or overseas university in a related subject including accountancy, finance, economics, business administration, management, mathematics, physics, science and engineering.

If an applicant’s Bachelors degree is not in a subject related to this MSc, some relevant work experience would be an advantage. Each applicant is assessed on their own merit. Higher level professional qualifications may also be accepted.

As a result of their high popularity, we have successfully secured further places for our postgraduate programmes in this area. We are therefore extending our deadline for submission of applications to 31 May 2012. Applications received after this date will only be considered subject to availability of places.

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

MSc Banking and Finance - structure and modules

Module Titles

Semester 1 - Compulsory Modules

Money and Banking (15 credits)
Foundations of Finance (15 credits)
Quantitative Methods (15 credits)
Research Methods (15 credits)

Semester 2 – Compulsory Modules

Corporate Finance (15 credits)
Investment Analysis (15 credits)

Semester 2 – Optional Modules

International Financial Reporting (15 credits)
International Corporate Governance (15 credits)
Derivative Securities (15 credits)
Risk Management (15 credits)
International Finance (15 credits)

Semester 2 – Dissertation

The dissertation carries a weight of 60 credits.

Compulsory Modules

Money and Banking

This module introduces money and banks (microfoundations) and the implications for allocative efficiency and regulation whilst looking at the complex roles of asymmetric information, signaling, adverse selection, risk aversion, agency and moral hazard in banking activities.

Foundations of Finance

This module aims to provide a complete introduction to financial theory through a study of the problems of investing capital, specifically valuation of securities both as individual investments and their contribution to risk and return in a portfolio context.

Quantitative Methods

Finance is regarded as applied economics. A good grasp of quantitative methods in economics is essential for finance and accounting-related studies. This module is an introduction to the techniques of econometrics and the use of an econometric package.

Research Methods

Introducing the process of research project formulation and the key elements of research design, this module should prepare you to execute your research study for your dissertation in a systematic and scientific manner.

Corporate Finance

The aim of this module is to provide a substantial course in corporate finance following the Foundations of Finance module. This exposure will help you understand some of the more difficult materials in corporate finance and also present corporate finance as the working of a number of integrated and powerful institutions.

Investment Analysis

The module studies the various stages of the investment analysis and management process from the award of an investment sponsor’s mandate through investment manager selection to the portfolio and performance outcome of that selection. Consideration is made at each stage of who makes the decisions and what those decisions are based upon. This includes asset allocation and comprises equity investment, active versus passive investment, drivers of value, security selection, investment style and investment performance.

Optional Modules

International Financial Reporting

This module builds on the Principles of Accounting module and aims to address issues that arise for complex business entities from both conceptual and technical angles within the context of international financial reporting standards and national GAAPS.

International Corporate Governance

This module builds on financial economics theories to encompass the latest developments in corporate governance worldwide. The theoretical study is supported by empirical evidence in which corporate governance develops by examining the legal structure and capital market for various countries at macro level, and the firm's structure which influences the effectiveness of corporate governance at macro level. It takes an international approach by contextualising its development and providing a stimulating range of academic and practitioner research, and topical case studies. The module is designed as a substantial course in finance at Masters level appropriate to degrees in accounting and finance, generic business and management studies, and the MBA.

Derivative Securities

This module is targeted at students interested in understanding the purpose and use of derivative securities, specifically forwards, futures, swaps and options. Applications in hedging and speculating in corporate and funds management are used to reinforce a rigorous development of arbitrage theory that underpins the pricing behaviour of derivative securities.

Risk Management

Risk management focuses on the types of risk that arise for a business including; market risk, credit risk and interest risk. This module considers financial risk management strategies; how risk is evaluated; the methods that are available to hedge against risk and the strategies that are employed to mitigate risk.  This is complemented by consideration of operational risk and key risk management issues for financial institutions including regulatory issues such as Basel II.

International Finance

The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of worldwide financial markets and the main types of securities traded in these markets, as well as how to use these securities to hedge risks in world financial markets.

Dissertation

The dissertation is the final element of the programme and it provides an opportunity for a sustained period of research. It allows you to concentrate on topics that are of particular interest to you and it draws upon a range of different aspects of the taught programme, particularly the Research Methods module. It also gives you an opportunity for you to work on your own with individual supervision.

The module is designed to allow you to:
• Undertake an original piece of research adding to existing knowledge
• Demonstrate an ability to select, define and focus upon an issue at an appropriate level
• Develop and apply relevant and sound methodologies
• Analyse the issue; develop recommendations and logical conclusions
• Be aware of the limitations of research work

You will also be expected to demonstrate an awareness of any ethical dilemmas that arise in your research.

The programme consists of six compulsory modules, two optional modules from a range of five, and a dissertation.

MSc Banking and Finance - entry standards

Entry standards

Applicants should usually hold a Bachelors degree (UK Upper Second/2.1 or above) or equivalent qualification from a recognised British or overseas university in a related subject including accountancy, finance, economics, business administration, management, mathematics, physics, science and engineering.

If an applicant’s Bachelors degree is not in a subject related to this MSc, some relevant work experience would be an advantage. Each applicant is assessed on their own merit. Higher level professional qualifications may also be accepted.

As a result of their high popularity, we have successfully secured further places for our postgraduate programmes in this area. We are therefore extending our deadline for submission of applications to 31 May 2012. Applications received after this date will only be considered subject to availability of places.

English language requirements

Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).

Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.

Application procedure

You can apply for this programme online using the link(s) below. We recommend making an application as soon as you can, even if you do not have all the necessary supporting information ready at that time.

Start date

September

Programme director

• Professor Dimitris Petmezas

MSc Banking and Finance - fees and funding

Fees

UK/EU - £9190 
Overseas - £14,830

www.surrey.ac.uk/pgfees/2012

MSc Banking and Finance - professional context

Professional recognition

The Surrey Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and by the Association of MBA (AMBA).

MSc Banking and Finance - teaching

Teaching

Surrey Business School Masters degree will help you gain a competitive edge in an overcrowded job market. Take your skills and knowledge to the next level with one of the best banking and finance groups in the world. Whether you want to further your professional career, or go on to study for a PhD, this course gives you the qualification you need to succeed. If you are a recent graduate it will help you develop skills and knowledge directly relevant to your employers' needs. For those already in a career it will build on existing experience to help give your career a boost, or provide you with a platform for career change.

You will be taught by world-class faculty, who possess up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge in the key areas of business, management, economics and finance.  By exposing students to the frontiers of the subject and training them in relevant research skills, these degrees can be used as a successful platform from which to progress to further study at PhD level.

We warmly welcome international students and, with over 90% non-UK postgraduate students from all over the world currently studying at Surrey Business School, we are committed to maintaining a diverse and multicultural working environment.

MSc Banking and Finance - learning

MSc Banking and Finance - graduate profile

MSc Banking and Finance - more

Why choose the MSc in Banking and Finance at the University of Surrey?

• This innovative programme combines banking and finance with applications in international business  
• There are opportunities to develop skills in specialised areas through a wide choice of optional modules  
• The programme develops a finance and banking education with an international outlook
• The programme is delivered by dedicated staff in a research-led environment
• The University of Surrey is one of only ten UK universities accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and one of 34 UK universities accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA)
• Surrey is ranked among only five per cent of UK universities with double international accreditations  

Facilities, Equipment, Academic Support

The Surrey Business School prides itself on its high teaching standards, research excellence, employment record, international reputation and flexible teaching methods and has an outstanding group of academics committed to education.

Throughout your time at Surrey you will have access to a range of services and support. The School is committed to developing your study skills through a variety of different teaching methods and tutorials.

In addition, our learning resources are second to none. You will work in the new state-of-the-art School of Management building which is wireless networked and has well-equipped computer laboratories, dedicated high-quality seminar rooms and a 400- seat auditorium.

When you wish to relax and meet friends, the School offers a purpose-built student common room, its own coffee shop and the Lakeside Restaurant which operates as a professional business but is also a fundamental part of the School’s Hospitality Management programmes.

MSc Banking and Finance - apply

You can apply for this programme online using the link(s) below. We recommend making an application as soon as you can, even if you do not have all the necessary supporting information ready at that time.

• MSc Banking and Finance - Full-time - Starting Sep 2012