BANNER BOX:

By studying this programme you will gain an in-depth understanding of the key theoretical ideas and issues within the finance and economics field and develop the analytical skills you will need to discover the inner workings of the financial world. You will also learn straight from the city with our new Money, Banking and Finance modules, delivered on-site in the heart of Canary Wharf.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS  

The programme delivered at UEL’s Docklands campus differs from similar programmes offered elsewhere in several ways.

First, the programme is delivered by a dedicated and enthusiastic team of permanent and guest lecturers who are experts in their fields. They draw on their experience from a wide range of countries.

Second, our students come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds which enhances classroom discussion and interaction as they contribute their views and experiences from a wide range of countries and cultures. 

Third, in addition to discussing the overarching guiding principles and practice of finance students will be exposed to their application in specific growth sectors such as corporate finance, portfolio analysis and asset management.

Fourth, the programme is taught at the Royal Docks Business School’s state-of-the-art Docklands Campus within easy reach of the City of London and Canary Wharf. This gives us the opportunity to incorporate field trips to financial institutions and businesses. Third year students in the finance programme will have the option of taking the Money, Banking and Finance Module which will be taught in Canary Wharf itself by guest speakers and academics. This module is designed to give students exposure to the dynamic work environment of the financial services sector.

Fifth, students are able to gain international experience and exposure through our study abroad programmes in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

The BSc (HONS) Finance is offered as a Single Honours, Joint, Major or Minor award and is normally completed in three years full-time study. A part-time option over four-and-a-half to five years is also available but only few modules are taught in the evening. It is possible to switch between full-time and part-time mode, subject to timetabling constraints.

In line with all RDBS undergraduate degrees, students undertake eighteen 20 credit modules to complete their degree. A small number of modules are shared with related business degrees broadening the student experience and knowledge base by exposing students to new and alternative viewpoints in related fields of study.

At each level the core modules focus on two broad areas: (1) principles of finance and investment and (2) macro and monetary economics. Optional modules including work-based learning, a project and other finance and economics related subjects are available in Years 2 and 3.

The programme incorporates a range of off-campus lectures, guest speakers and case studies that highlight the practical application of the theoretical concepts covered in class. To further students’ skills in the workplace, an optional placement of 9-12 months’ duration is available between Years 2 and 3.

Details of the programme structure for Single Honours students are outlined below. Details for Combined Honours students can be found in the section ‘what you will study and when’.

Level 1

• Financial Services in the Modern World
• Introduction to Economics
• Global Business Environment
•  Analysing Business
• Developing as a Manager
• Accounting and its Regulatory Framework

Level 2

• Macroeconomics and Money
• Introduction to Econometrics
• Fundamentals of Finance
• Portfolio Analysis and Management
• Research in Business and Management
• One Option (students will receive advice on recommended options)

Level 3

• International Macroeconomics and Finance
• Corporate Finance
• The Business Professional
• Applied Econometrics
• Two Options (students will receive advice on recommended options)

The programme is delivered at our Docklands campus where you can take advantage of our modern lecture theatres and seminar rooms, contemporary and well-stocked library and wireless networking facilities. We will teach students how to maximise their potential and benefit from these powerful resources. Student learning is supported by our virtual learning environment which has the added benefit of improving your technology skills.

We take great pride in assisting students to develop their academic and professional skills including researching, professional writing, team working and presentation techniques.  Our programme encourages students not only to develop theoretical knowledge about marketing but we also emphasise the practical application of that knowledge. Therefore we offer a range of field trips, invite industry guest speakers and discuss case studies to truly base students learning in the ‘real world’ so that students can demonstrate a broad range of skills when they enter employment.

We also provide the opportunity to add an international dimension to the degree. Students can choose to study for one semester in Europe, Asia or the Americas as part of their degree and gain first-hand experience in a foreign learning and work environment.

A range of assessment methods will be used to evaluate students’ learning and progress on the programme. The majority of assignments will be completed individually but some group work will also be undertaken to simulate the requirements of the work environment. Assessment formats include end of year exams, presentations, reports, essays, case analyses and critical reviews of academic literature.

Each module is assessed separately, and assessment requirements and marking criteria are communicated to students at the start of each module.

Students have the opportunity to undertake a placement year between Years 2 and 3. They can also choose to undertake a work-based learning module as an option at Level 3.

In their final year of study, eligible students have the opportunity to undertake a research project under the supervision of a member of staff. This allows them to produce an extended piece of work that is based on independent research in an area that is of particular interest to the student. Students’ eligibility for the project will depend on staff evaluation of their Second Year performance.

The programme incorporates a distinctive skills curriculum that is specifically designed to develop students’ skills for work and life and to improve their employment prospects after graduation.

To further enhance their attractiveness to future employers, students have the opportunity to obtain academic credits for practical work in finance-related volunteering activity or workplace.

Students can choose to learn a foreign language and /or study overseas for one semester.

Students will discuss current issues of finance in the UK and beyond with classmates from a wide a range of cultural backgrounds under the guidance of lecturers and tutors who have worked in various countries.

You benefit from extensive library resources that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week onsite and online.

• corporate finance and investment
• how businesses make financial decisions by measuring risk and return on their investments
• fundamentals of bond and equity valuation
• the role of Central Banks and other financial institutions and the impact they have on business organisations
• the influence finance has on economic development, social change and the environment
• analysing the role and function of global financial and capital markets with particular focus on risks and returns.
• analysing and interpreting financial information

• the challenges of understanding, synthesising and applying ideas, models and principles from finance related disciplines;
• the challenge of reading, evaluating and discussing concepts, theories and practical applications from different subject areas related to finance, such as economics, accounting  and business research
• listening to and working with others
• communicating and working with people from different countries and cultural backgrounds
• evaluating interactions and relationships between public, private and not-for profit organisations

• to develop a wide range of employment related skills relevant to the financial services sector.
• To be able to intelligently assess the role of finance in the operation of businesses, markets, economies and their interaction. To combine Finance with another programme, please see the UEL Combined Honours site at http://www.uel.ac.uk/combined/programmes/index.htm for details. Finance can be combined as a Major, Joint or Minor programme, subject to availability and timetabling. Typical combinations include Business Management, Human Resource Management, and Journalism and other combinations can be acceptable.

The Finance programme is designed to support future careers in the financial sector. The programme provides a broad understanding of finance and the opportunity to focus on specific areas including corporate finance, portfolio analysis, asset pricing, international financial markets, derivatives, options and risk. It prepares graduates for employment in a wide range of public, private and not-for profit organisations in any industry.

The global nature of finance opens up a wide spectrum of job opportunities for finance graduates. The career opportunities are extensive and finance graduates can work for investment banks, commercial banks and building societies, civil service, finance divisions of large corporations, broking firms, financial regulatory institutions and insurance firms. Job opportunities in the UK and abroad will range from financial managers, bankers, researchers, analysts, agents, civil servants and consultants.

• A personal tutor will be allocated to you for the duration of your degree who can advise you on academic and personal development matters.
• Module leaders and seminar tutors provide feedback on your progress in each module to assist with your learning.
• The programme leader can help if you have any programme-related issues.
• The subject librarian is available for any queries regarding the use oflibrary resources for your research and can advise you on locating sources for relevant materials.
• The student representatives who study Finance in the same year as you can raise any concerns regarding the programme or individual modules with the teaching team on behalf of your student cohort. 

2. Adminstative

The Docklands Campus

The Royal Docks Business School is located at our state of the art Docklands campus near London City Airport and the ExCel exhibition centre. The campus boasts a large range of brand new student facilities including modern lecture theatres, IT labs and library.

 Library

Our library is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the semester, allowing you to undertake your guided and independent research and reading when it is most suitable for you. We hold a wide range of Finance, Financial Management and Risk journals that enable you to engage with relevant materials for your degree and beyond, thus supporting you in developing an extensive knowledge base. Many of the Finance journals and books are available electronically, so that you do not have to rely on hardcopies being available to borrow from the library and you can undertake your studies from home or anywhere you have access to the internet.

 Field Trips

Some modules offered on the programme will include field trips to financial institutions and companies in and around the London area. The Money Banking and Finance Module will be taught in Canary Wharf and will be used to highlight aspects of financial practice and work environment, and serve as examples of the application of finance related concepts. London is one of the most important and influential financial hubs in the world. It is a leading player in the global financial markets. You will be able to experience and discuss issues that are relevant for domestic and international finance.

 Study Abroad

During your second year you can study in Europe, Asia or the Americas. We have links to universities that offer their programmes in English and you will study modules which we have previously agreed. The grades obtained abroad will count towards your degree classification at UEL.

Knowledge

You will be able to :

• demonstrate an appreciation of the nature of the contexts in which finance can be seen as operating, including knowledge of the institutional framework necessary for understanding the role, operation and function of markets and financial institutions.
• develop a knowledge of the major theoretical tools and theories of finance, their relevance and application to theoretical and practical problems
• demonstrate an ability to interpret financial data including that arising in the context of the firm or household from accounting statements and data generated in financial markets. The interpretation may involve analysis using statistical and financial functions and procedures that are available in statistical packages.
• develop an understanding of the relationship between financial theory and empirical testing, and application of this knowledge to the appraisal of empirical evidence in at least one major theoretical area.
• explain the financing arrangements and governance structures of business entities, and an appreciation of how theory and evidence can be combined to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of such arrangements.
• describe the factors influencing the investment behaviour and opportunities of private individuals.
• show an understanding of financial service activity in the economy and an appreciation of how finance theory and evidence can be employed to interpret these services.
• demonstrate an ability to understand financial statements, and basic appreciation of the limitations of financial reporting practices and procedures.

Thinking skills

You will be able to :

• critically evaluate the relevance of diverse theories and concepts for the financial management of businesses both in the UK and abroad.
• apply these theories and concepts in practical management situations.
• discuss the relationship between the wider economic context, government policies and financial management strategy  planning and development on both domestic and global level.
• compare, contrast and evaluate finance and financial management principles employed by different types of businesses and organisations.
• analyse, evaluate and apply theories and models related to financial management .

Subject-Based Practical skills

You will be able to :

• prepare and present solutions to finance based problems or issues through an evaluation of effective case study analyses.
• identify and interpret sources of information that will assist them in solving business problems and making financial management decisions.
• critically evaluate challenges and opportunities of financial markets and financial products.
• design effective financial management  strategies for organisations in the public, private and not-for-profit sector whether they provide products or services.

Skills for life and work (general skills)

You will be able to

• work effectively both as a team player and as an individual meeting strict deadlines and targets.  
• develop high level skills in identifying problem parameters and selecting and implementing solution(s) to financial management dilemmas.
• identify gaps in their own knowledge and proactively undertake steps to fill these.  
• realise that their Finance degree from UEL is just the beginning of their lifelong learning.  
• identify, interpret and synthesise a range of theoretical and empirical data to develop a sophisticated and reasoned argument.
• have confidence in explaining, defending and summarising their views to their peers on complex multidisciplinary issues and problems;
• communicate effectively in written and oral form to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

The expected duration of this programme is three years when attended in full-time mode or four-and-a-half to five years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February. 

A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. A student in a part-time mode of study may register for up to 80 credits in any academic year.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take six 20 credit modules (or fewer, if any are 40 credit modules) per year.  An honours degree student will complete modules totalling 120 credits at level one, modules totalling 120 credits at level 2 and modules totalling 120 credits at level 3.

It is possible to bring together modules from one field with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:

Single            120 credits at levels one, two and three

Major              80 credits at levels one, two and three

Joint               60 credits at levels one, two and three

Minor              40 credits at levels one, two and three.

• Project
• Options, Derivatives and Risk

In order to gain anhonoursdegree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain anordinary degreeyou will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of  60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain aDiploma of Higher Educationyou will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher

In order to gain aCertificate of Higher Educationyou will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher

In order to gain an Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum if 20 credits at level one or higher

In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:

A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher

A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher

(A Foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree)

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Knowledge is developed through

• Class participation
• Guided, directed and general reading
• Guided and independent primary and secondary research

Thinking skills are developed through

• Preparation of tasks for lectures, seminars and workshops
• Seminar discussions
• Group work and peer learning
• Completion of written and oral assignments

Practical skills are developed through

• Case study analysis
• Problem solving exercises
• Use of information technology

Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through

• Developing and defending ideas and arguments in class and assessments in different formats including essays, reports and presentations
• Managing time by meeting deadlines for ongoing work throughout the semester and assignments

Assessments may be conducted individually or in groups.

Before this programme started, the following was checked:

• there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
• adequate resources would be in place;
• the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
• the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
• the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
• the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning  and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.

This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.

The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:

• external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
• statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
• student feedback.

Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation.  The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.

Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists.  The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions.  The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.

This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff).  The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality.  The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.

The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner.  External examiners have two primary responsibilities:

• To ensure the standard of the programme;
• To ensure that justice is done to individual students.

External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:

• Approving exam papers/assignments;
• Attending assessment boards;
• Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
• Ensuring that regulations are followed;
• Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future. 

The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:

• Module evaluations
• Student representation on programme committees

Students are notified of the action taken through:

• circulating the minutes of the programme committee
• notifications on the programme site in the Virtual Learning Environment

The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:

• Annual student satisfaction questionnaire
• The Royal Docks Business School Advisory Board