Finance - 2012 entry

Course content

The MSc in Finance is based on the completion of compulsory modules, plus an elective module and a dissertation, you can view the course structure here.

Compulsory module elements:

• Finance in Context provides an understanding of the determinants of financial decisions. These decisions are set in the context of the translation of the overall corporate strategy into strategic decisions. Organisational and motivational issues are explored. Control mechanisms to monitor the effectiveness of decisions are examined.
• Corporate Finance provides a theoretical grasp of the determinants of company value. It focuses on how financial decision making contributes to meeting the objectives of a corporation. The module has a practical focus and concentrates on understanding how financial decisions are commonly taken by companies.
• Financial Markets and Institutions examines the way in which markets and institutions link the users and providers of funds within financial systems. Markets are examined by focusing on issues of asset pricing and market efficiency. The effect on institutions as a result of globalisation, technical innovation and regulatory change is examined. This module focuses on an international and comparative dimension of markets and institutions.
• International Finance gives an understanding of the international financial system. It focuses on the operation of foreign exchange and derivative markets. It examines the main theories of exchange rate determination and considers the issues related to currency risk management and hedging instruments.
• Corporate Governance questions assumptions about the objectives of corporations that impact on financial decisions. It considers the objectives of a range of stakeholders in a corporation, which may impact on the overall objectives of the corporation and the corporate governance structures that monitor their achievement. Issues related to risk management and ethical investment are considered.

• Research Methods and Dissertation incorporates a quantitative research methods module. This is a key component of the master's degree. The dissertation provides an opportunity to explore a specialist area of interest, and students are encouraged to choose topics that will be valuable in their future careers. Students are allocated a supervisor who will work with them, providing guidance and advice throughout the process.

Students are offered a choice of one elective from the four specialisations below:

• Financial Modelling seeks to provide an understanding of the role which finance plays in the development process. It will particularly focus on developing and emerging economies. Issues relating both to domestic finance and international finance will be examined. The module will look both at the operation of the private sector, covering both financial institutions and markets, and also at the role of the public sector, looking both at transfers of funds and at regulatory issues. 
• Finance and Development aims to focus on systematic understanding of financial modelling and techniques of financial analysis, and their applications. It involves an emphasis on the conceptual understanding, empirical application, and critical analysis of a wide range of financial modelling approaches. In particular, the module examines various financial models, critically appraises a range of methodologies and key assumptions, and reflects upon the current issues in practical applications of quantitative and analytical tools in various complex financial decision making contexts.  
• Developing Economies of Asia, Africa and Latin America provides a critical understanding of the importance of the developing and transitional economies within the contemporary global business environment.  
• Regional Studies: Western and Eastern Europe considers various aspects of the European Union and its operations, including relations with other countries and some of the implications for business. The debate about enlargement will be examined as will relationships between EU and non-EU countries with reference to trade and business opportunities.

As our courses are reviewed regularly, course content and module choices may vary from those listed in the course entry.

Faculty

Faculty of Business

Department

Business School

Course length

Full-time: 12 months
Part-time: 2 years

Teaching location

Wheatley Campus

Start date

September 2012

UKPASS code

P033328

Entry requirements

The programme is designed to attract students from a wide range of backgrounds, disciplines and nationalities. Applicants are welcome from any academic discipline including those with accounting and finance degrees. Admission is normally open to those with:

• a minimum of a good second-class honours degree
• or equivalent overseas degree from a recognised institution
• or equivalent professional or other qualification.

If you have a diploma rather than a good second-class degree, you may be eligible for entry provided you have compensatory work experience and can demonstrate career development.

Scholarships and funding

The Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics is pleased to offer scholarships in all disciplines for students wishing to undertake full-time taught postgraduate MSc courses. Some part-time courses may be eligible for scholarships for UK and EU applicants.

Scholarships will be awarded for academic excellence and each award will be paid towards the tuition fee for a taught master's degree. These scholarships do not include a maintenance grant.

For further information, visit: http://business.brookes.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships

For general sources of financial support, see:

• funding for students from the UK and EU
• funding for students from outside the EU

Why Oxford is a great place to study Finance

As a student in Oxford you'll be at the heart of the UK's most successful economic region and in a centre for leading industries which provides you with a host of learning opportunities. As a business student you'll have easy access to London and the 'M4 Corridor' - a hub for technology and financial services - as well as the numerous businesses and hi-tech firms located in the Oxford area.

Because Oxford is one of the world's great academic cities, it is a key centre of debate, with conferences, seminars and forums taking place across education, science, the arts and many other subjects.

In addition to our own excellent libraries and resource centres, our postgraduate students have access to the world-renowned Bodleian Library, the Bodleian Law Library and the Radcliffe Science Library.
 

How Brookes supports postgraduate students

Supporting your learning

From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.

Personal support services

We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.

Research areas and clusters

 The Business School has an active programme of research based around six key research areas:

• accounting, governance and information management
• economics and strategy
• hospitality, leisure and tourism management
• human resource management and organisational behaviour
• marketing and operations management
• pedagogy.

The School maintains a rigorous and dynamic doctoral programme leading to the higher degrees of MPhil and PhD. Postgraduate students join a supportive, friendly and multicultural research environment.