MSc Finance and Strategy Unit Information
The MSc Finance and Strategy commences with a 15 credit Critical Reading, Writing and Literature Research unit, followed by eight 15 credit units, finishing with a 15 credit Methodological Approaches to Research and 30 credit Professional Project.
Please see below for more unit information or download the unit factsheet.
CRITICAL READING, WRITING AND LITERATURE RESEARCH
This unit develops critical thinking, reflective writing and other study skills, including analysis and referencing, to study at masters level and in particular to introduce students to research skills needed to successfully produce a literature review as well as unit essays. You will pick a topic area, perhaps related to the professional project that you might intend to study to further research and apply the tools learned in the sessions.
CORPORATE FINANCE
This unit focuses on financial decision-making and strategy in the modern corporation. Students will work in groups, pick a company of their own choice and apply the financial tools and strategic approaches that they will learn in the sessions to develop a detailed financial strategy.
FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGIES
Technological advances in recent years have meant that data analysis and computer-processing power are no longer prohibitively expensive to implement in a small business. As a result, many large financial institutions are finding their traditional business models under threat by the disruptive application of technology led by smaller competitors. The unit is intended to give the student a foundation in financial technologies and their most promising applications within the financial sector. As part of this, the student will critically examine the disruptive impact of these technologies as well the potential risks they entail.
STRATEGY AND LEADERSHIP
This unit develops a knowledge and critical appreciation of a range of strategic analysis techniques with a view to evaluating the internal and external business environment, exploring competitive forces when setting strategy and the challenges of strategic change. In order to achieve this aim, a variety of relevant theoretical issues and developments are identified and their practical application to, and significance for, an assortment of ‘real-world’ situations considered.
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL
This unit develops an understanding and critical appreciation of a range of core management accounting controls with a view to enhancing business performance. In order to achieve this aim, a variety of relevant theoretical issues and developments are identified and their practical application to, and significance for, an assortment of ‘real-world’ situations considered.
INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
This unit will explore the nature of strategy and develop strategic thinking. Furthermore, students will examine the latest strategic management theories and practical tools that can help organisations succeed in the contemporary international business environment.
GOVERNANCE, RISK AND CONTROL
This unit is designed to develop a conceptual understanding of international ethical and corporate governance principles and codes in order to facilitate a critical appraisal of strategies and techniques used to bring about stability in financial markets while not stifling innovation, competition and prosperity at a local level. It specifically explores governance, risk and ethics, their inter-relationship and international variations and includes a critical appreciation of corporate governance, the importance of risk considerations, risk management and ethical considerations in corporate governance.
CORPORATE REPORTING
The unit considers the impact of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on corporate reports across a number of different business situations and the impact of the move to harmonisation of accounting standards globally.
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
This unit covers international, comparative and cross–cultural HRM. Academic theory and practical cases from across the globe are central discussion points. Globalisation and the Global Political Economy set the scene and context before key debates in IHRM are reviewed including National Models of HRM, HRM in developing countries and International Mergers and Acquisitions. The unit evaluates various external influences on HRM practice and includes an exploration of the strategic context, structure, roles and cultural dimensions that affect the management and integration of global HRM practices into business.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO RESEARCH
This unit develops critical thinking, reflective writing and other study skills to study at masters level and in particular introduces students to general research methods needed to successfully develop a project proposal or research brief. You will pick a topic area, perhaps related to the professional project that you might intend to study, to further research and apply the tools learned in the sessions.
PROFESSIONAL PROJECT
This unit provides students with a chance to conduct a research project on their chosen area of study. It is envisaged students will choose a professional area they enjoy to investigate in-depth. The unit expects students to bring together and employ all the skills they have learnt via previous online units. Indicative content includes key research concepts, critical literature review, research methods, case studies and policy recommendations. Students will be able to undertake either a desk-bound project using secondary data or a ‘live’ empirical project, using their own workplace or carrying out fieldwork.