Finance (MSc)

How will I be taught?

An active learning approach is embedded in the MSc Finance. We believe that effective learning is founded on two things - your involvement in diverse experiences, and the way you make sense of those experiences, both individually and with others. 

Each block of learning includes a variety of activities such as case studies, videos, mini team challenges, role-play, and industry speakers, all designed to introduce new ideas and develop your understanding.

We will help you to enhance the technical and critical analysis skills that you were introduced to during your first degree to build your capability and profile as a finance expert. We will also support you to work with other students to reflect on your existing knowledge and skills and build new insights into the nature of finance in a variety of contexts. You will be encouraged to work collaboratively in diverse teams to consider a range of alternative understandings and practices.

Trying out new learning is important too. You will integrate and apply new understandings, together with new finance skills, in practical tasks embedded in each learning block, and in formal coursework activities.

How will I be assessed?

The block programme structure provides plenty of opportunities for you to reflect on your learning and development informally. Short knowledge/skill review activities are built into each module to help you check your progress and improve your approach to learning. This will build your confidence and enhance your approach to formal assessment tasks.

A variety of formal assessment tasks provide the opportunity to explore concepts and models in creative and practical ways. These include poster presentations, case studies, group presentations, reports, and videos. You will work individually and as part of a team, just as you would in the workplace.

All formal assessments are completed within each module block. This enables more in-depth consolidation and application required for successful performance in assessment tasks based on the complex work undertaken by finance professionals. For example, in-class tests and exams reflect realistic workplace timescales for the completion of tasks.

How will I be supported?

We provide a range of support to keep your studies on track, focussing on your learning, well-being and career.  We recognise that some of you will be transitioning to a different country and different approach to learning, and of course all of you will all be taking a step up in meeting the expectations of postgraduate study.

To enhance your learning, we provide easy access to all course materials using Learning Central, a virtual learning environment. A variety of hard and electronic copies of books, journals and databases are available in libraries across campus.  The development of key academic skills and clarification of assessment expectation are embedded in your programme.  Additional English Language classes are available during term time for students wanting to enhance their spoken and written communication.

Each module is carefully designed to help you explore new concepts and practice in a supportive environment.  This includes opportunities for you to try out your new knowledge in a variety of tasks where you will gain informal individual and all-class feedback.  This will help you identify strengths and areas for development, in anticipation of formal assessment.  We also try to include a formal assessment early in the programme to help you manage your level of achievement as soon as possible. The Programme Director is keen to provide extra support to anyone who needs a helping hand and sign-posting you to sources of additional University support regarding academic content, academic skills and pastoral care, where required.  Each student also has a Personal Tutor. This member of academic staff will maintain an overview of your learning and educational experiences.  If you are experiencing difficulties, your Personal Tutor will be there to listen and where possible provide professional guidance or direct you to the appropriate source of support.

To help you make the most of your time with us, the Postgraduate Student Hub is the first point of call for all your queries about the programme, personal tutoring, your student record, student case queries and the collection of marked assignments. The School’s Student Cases Team provides guidance and support to individuals on Extenuating Circumstances, Interruption of Study, Extensions, Unfair Practice, Appeals, Complaints, Specific Provision.

To enhance your wellbeing, we have a dedicated Student Support Officer, and her dog ‘Winnie’ can provide impartial, non-judgemental and confidential support to students on a wide range of personal, financial and academic matters (e.g., Housing/Accommodation, Student Finance, Immigration, Personal & Course Issues). You can also take advantage of the University’s confidential and free Counselling Service to help you examine issues that may be preventing you for from maximising your full potential. The University also has a Disability and Dyslexia Service providing confidential advice and support is provided for students who are disabled or who have a specific learning difficulty (e.g., dyslexia) or long-term medical condition.

To enhance your career options, we have dedicated Career and Employability Consultants who have developed a package of support for job applications, interviews and job opportunities. Our Placements team also offer advice on available work placements, internships, work experience and opportunities to enhance your CV and broaden your horizons.

When undertaking the dissertation/project you are expected to meet regularly with your supervisor to review progress and discuss any questions. Your supervisor will be able to provide feedback on your research plan and drafts of your work as you progress.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will be able to do as a result of your study at Cardiff University. They will help you to understand what is expected of you. 

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme can be found below:

Knowledge & Understanding:    

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:
•    Evaluate the links between theory, principles and practice of finance.
•    Critically evaluate contemporary issues in finance by drawing on current research and identifying the potential implications for future research and practice.
•    Discriminate between complementary analytical approaches, statistical and econometric techniques for exploring a range of financial problems.
•    Critically evaluate the relevance of modern theoretical concepts in the context of the dynamic financial environment.
•    Apply finance research and professional knowledge to solve real-world business scenarios.

Intellectual Skills:    

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:
•    Define a business or research-based problem clearly.
•    Review and select an appropriate research approach.
•    Use appropriate tools to investigate business or research-based problems.
•    Critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate contrasting perspectives and supporting evidence.
•    Generate and communicate well-evidenced conclusions and recommendations for theory and practice.

Professional Practical Skills:    

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:
•    Analyse data, identify current situation and predict future trends.
•    Select and interrogate appropriate databases and relevant econometric software packages.
•    Apply relevant financial knowledge for effective day-to-day decision making.
•    Develop effective working relationships with peers.
•    Respond to changes in financial information for effective decision making.
•    Complete a task on time, to brief and with original insight.

Transferable/Key Skills:    

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to:
•    Respond flexibly to different scenarios.
•    Communicate to diverse audiences through a range of media.
•    Challenge assumptions based on robust evidence.
•    Work independently/collaboratively.
•    Take the initiative and be proactive.
•    Use technology to solve problems.