2016 ENTRY
‘The MSc in Finance and Investment at Durham University was one of the most impactful, exiting and pleasurable adventures of my life that I will keep in my memory forever. I received high level financial training, obtained the necessary technical as well as soft skills, made a lot of friends around the world and just enjoyed living in a world heritage site, Durham. This adventure has successfully allowed me to start my career in financial consulting.’
Andrey Bogomolov PwC Advisory Team Consultant
DURHAM UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL
CONTENTS 1.
Welcome PAGE 04
2.
Masters in Finance PAGE 05
3.
2016 timetable PAGE 06
4.
Module overview PAGE 07
5.
How to apply PAGE 08
6.
Life in Durham PAGE 09
7.
Career Development Programme PAGE 10 For further information PAGE 12
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DURHAM UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL
One of an elite group of schools worldwide to carry all three international quality kitemarks
WELCOME Our MSc Finance programmes are designed to provide you with rigorous training at the frontier of research, as well as the advanced analytical and technical skills that are highly sought after by global employers and, if you wish to continue your studies, by world-leading PhD programmes. We are committed to tailoring your degree to make you stand out. We offer a range of career enhancing opportunities such as international exchanges, a wide range of software and database facilities, as well as networking events. Alongside these, the international nature of our faculty and students will give you the opportunity to enhance your global network. I look forward to welcoming you to the School.
Durham University is ranked in the top 25 in the World for its reputation with employers. (QS World University Rankings 2014/15)
A top-five university (The Complete University Guide 2016)
Dr Thomas Renstrom Programme Director
We have a strong international reputation for research – 79% of our research is assessed as ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘world leading’ (REF 2014)
Our Masters programmes connect you with some of the world’s leading companies.
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MASTERS IN FINANCE Our MSc Finance programmes are one-year, full time programmes in: •
Accounting and Finance
•
Corporate and International Finance
•
Economics and Finance
•
Finance
•
Finance and Investment
•
International Banking and Finance
•
International Money, Finance and Investment
You can choose from a wide range of modules to tailor your degree to your chosen career path or a specific area of interest. Core modules and examples of past electives are detailed overleaf. For more information please visit www.durham.ac.uk/ business/programmes/masters/finance
INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED Our MSc programmes have partnership status with the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA). The CFA is the world’s premier association for investment professionals and the accepted benchmark for technical excellence in financial markets. It guarantees you benefit from a curriculum of the highest standards and enables you to participate in the CFA Global Investment Research Challenge, as well as CFA employer network events and scholarships.
DISSERTATION OR PROJECT In the third term, you will complete a dissertation which could be undertaken as a consultancy project within an organisation or with one of our international partner institutions. Supervised by a faculty member with relevant experience, you’ll investigate in greater detail a subject that you’ve already studied as part of your programme. This is an opportunity for you to develop your business insight and present your analysis and ideas in a scholarly and professional manner; combine critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the opinions of others.
TERM 1 Modules
JAN
DEC
NOV
OCT
SEP
AUG
JULY
JUN
MAY
APR
MAR
FEB
JAN
DEC
NOV
OCT
DURHAM UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL
TERM 1 Exams TERM 2
Assignments
TERM 2 Exams
GRADUATION
TERM 2 Modules
TERM 3 Dissertation 1 WEEK International Study Tour (optional)
Dissertation Abroad Scheme (optional)
In the summer, you complete a dissertation (in Durham or abroad at one of our international partner universities).
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES We’re proud of our strong international connections. Helping you get an inside perspective on global business is a key part of the programme. That’s why we offer a range of opportunities to help you immerse yourself in a country’s business and academic environment, make new contacts and stand out in a competitive job market. These include: • Dissertation Abroad If your ambitions lie beyond the UK, we offer a number of places on our unique Dissertation Abroad scheme. This will involve writing a dissertation at one of our international partner institutions in the period June to August. A number of scholarships are available. • International Study Tour We organise an optional International Study Tour to a European destination, typically Switzerland. This intensive programme takes place over several days, normally in March/ April, and offers you a great opportunity to get an ‘inside perspective’ on international business, and to network with key staff within organisations.
GUEST SPEAKERS As part of your programme, you have the opportunity to enjoy presentations by academics and practitioners within your chosen area of interest. Past speakers have included representatives of major global multinationals and leading academics, providing an ideal opportunity to gain practical knowledge and progressive insight.
INVESTMENT CLUB Ten students are selected to manage a genuine fund and meet on a monthly basis to evaluate their research and place their trades. At the end of the year, the monetary fund and a report on its performance are passed to next year’s club. This exciting initiative gives you the chance to put your financial skills to the test and enhance your CV.
TRADING CHALLENGE This challenge will give you the opportunity to monitor and analyse real-time financial market data
movements to build a hypothetical portfolio with securities of your choice. This gives you handson experience and the chance to improve your investment and security selection skills. It looks great on your CV, plus there is a cash prize for the winner.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES The School has made a significant investment in database resources to give you access to both live and historical data from providers which include Thomson Reuters, Datasteam and Orbis. These state-of-the-art databases give you the opportunity to interrogate the financial records of millions of companies worldwide and add valuable insight to your research.
TRADING ROOM As part of our provision of a wide range of software and databases, we offer training on our Bloomberg terminals for accessing economic and financial data.
Advanced Financial Theory Advanced Macroeconomics Advanced Microeconomics Auditing and Assurance Services
You study eight taught modules and complete a dissertation. The table opposite summarises which modules are core or elective (ie optional) for each degree route. For module detail, visit www.durham.ac.uk/business/ programmes/masters
Behavioural Finance and Economics Corporate Finance Corporate Governance Corporate Reporting Derivative Markets Econometric Methods Econometrics I Econometrics II Empirical Topics in Finance
KEY:
Core modules of study Elective module
Environmental Economics and Policy Experimental Economics and Finance
(Modules shown are those typically offered in previous years.)
Financial Modelling and
Streamed paired modules:
Financial Planning and Control
(Based on prior knowledge and experience you will be streamed to study either ‘Econometrics I’ and ‘Econometrics II’ OR ‘Econometric Methods’ and ‘Financial Modelling and Business Forecasting’.)
Business Forecasting
Financial Risk Management Financial Statement Analysis Growth and Finance International Economics International Finance International Financial Asset Management Market Microstructure
To remain at the forefront of the latest thinking, we constantly develop our curriculum and learning methods by drawing on innovative research and practice. Therefore not all optional modules run every year.
Mergers and Acquisitions Monetary Economics Money and Banking Portfolio Management Public Economics Security Analysis Technology, Innovation and Economic Growth Dissertation
INTERNATIONAL MONEY, FINANCE AND INVESTMENT
INTERNATIONAL BANKING AND FINANCE
FINANCE AND INVESTMENT
FINANCE
ECONOMICS AND FINANCE
CORPORATE AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
MASTERS IN FINANCE PROGRAMMES
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE
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DURHAM UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL
HOW TO APPLY We strongly advise you to apply as soon as possible, particularly if you need university accommodation. Learn more about our application details and apply online at www.durham.ac.uk/business/programmes/masters
PRE-SESSIONAL PROGRAMMES Pre-sessional programmes are encouraged for students taking particular modules or to those who want to brush up on their knowledge. They are free; you simply need to pay for accommodation. The programmes are a mixture of lectures and workshops and are held in the following subject: • Mathematics and Statistics You are encouraged to attend our pre-sessional course in Mathematics and Statistics (typically a week) immediately prior to commencing the Masters programme.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS For Masters programmes in Finance you need an upper second class Bachelor’s degree or overseas equivalent in a relevant discipline, including evidence of strong grades in mathematical and statistical modules in years 2, 3 or 4.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS If your first language is not English, you will need evidence of competence in written and spoken English (IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no element under 6.0 or TOEFL IBT 92 with no element under 23; or Pearsons PTE Academic test, total score 62 with no element below 56). If you would like to advance your English skills, you may be able to attend a pre-sessional English language course at Durham University English Language Centre. Please note, applicants requiring a visa may not submit a TOEFL score; you should submit an IELTS or PTE score. To learn more visit www.durham.ac.uk/englishlanguage.centre
• Introduction to Accounting If you are commencing a Finance and Accounting programme, you are encouraged to attend Introduction to Accounting first. • Introduction to Economics If you are commencing a Finance and Economics programme, or intend to take the International Finance module, you are encouraged to attend the Introduction to Economics course first (typically 3 days).
‘The variety of teaching styles and module selection allowed me to widen my scope of study, and as such I have learnt and experienced more than I ever imagined possible.’
FEES AND FINANCE For current fees, please visit www.durham.ac.uk/business/ programmes/masters For information on funding opportunities and Scholarships visit www.durham.ac.uk/business/programmes/masters/scholarships
MEET US We encourage you to attend one of our Masters Open Events, held throughout the year. These are a great opportunity to see the facilities, meet our staff, current students and alumni, and find out more about studying in Durham.
Laura Stewart
You may wish to visit us at one of the international recruitment fairs we visit throughout the year, or sign up to an online information session.
Senior Account Manager Royal Bank of Canada MSc Economics and Finance Graduate
For more information on upcoming events, please visit www.durham. ac.uk/business/news-and-events/events
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LIFE IN DURHAM ACCOMMODATION We offer good quality, reasonably priced accommodation at Durham University. Alternatively, if you prefer, we can help you find local private accommodation to suit your needs. We’ll provide you with more specific details on application. In the meantime, visit www.durham.ac.uk/postgraduate/accommodation
COLLEGES AND SOCIETIES All full-time postgraduates have the opportunity to become a member of one of our colleges or societies. As well as offering a wide range of social and cultural activities, the colleges provide support and a sense of belonging during your time in Durham. For more information visit www.durham.ac.uk/colleges
GLOBAL ALUMNI NETWORK When you enrol, you join our alumni association. The network serves around 13,000 graduates across 100 countries. It facilitates friendship and business connections, and sits at the heart of the ‘Durham Experience’. Our online alumni community offers members a range of benefits: • Continuous skills sharpening through webinars and careers workshops •
Access to our online career resources, video library and eBooks
•
Network building via our global events, including continuous professional development, social and networking through the Durham Speaker Series and Corporate Forum
• Access to our journals and business database. Contact our dedicated alumni team for more information, email business.alumni@durham.ac.uk or visit www.durham.ac.uk/business/alumni
DURHAM UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL
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CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
86% of students found employment within 3 months (2015 Graduate Destinations survey – Finance Masters graduates)
You will be given information about the Career Development Programme during your first few weeks at Durham, including access to your personalised online Career Development portal. Our service provides the opportunity to: • Hear from top employers
BEGIN YOUR GLOBAL CAREER HERE Our Career Development Programme has been designed to help you to develop the skills necessary for a global career. Durham University Business School has its own dedicated Masters Careers team and provides a full range of careers services. This bespoke programme complements the events, workshops and fairs that are organised by the central University Careers Employability and Enterprise Centre.
• Network with businesses • Develop interpersonal skills • Create a CV that stands out • Gain access to the latest jobs in your sector and geographical region • Understand international business etiquette.
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Average salary 3 years after graduating $51,723
A FLAVOUR OF WHAT TO EXPECT The Career Development Conference This one-day conference in London has helped students to gather insight into getting that top job, provided opportunities for networking with recruiters and the chance to hear from alumni who have already been through the recruitment process.
Individual Career Appointments Career appointments with our Masters Careers Advisors give you the opportunity to develop your CV, improve your job search strategy and prepare for interviews. The team can also offer practice interviews and assessment centre exercises to help you with your preparation.
Connecting with Business There are opportunities throughout the year to engage with organisations and alumni to further enhance your knowledge and skills such as our Career Insights Series, skills workshops, recruiter presentations and fairs. Recruiter events in the past have included presentations and workshops delivered by employers such as Unilever, EY, Deloitte, HSBC and IBM.
THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WILL GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO: • Develop the career skills demanded by international recruiters through interactive workshops tailored to your programme of study • Benefit from tailored, individual career consultations to support you in achieving your career aspirations • Engage with international recruiters from a range of sectors in mock interviews and assessment centres, presentations and events.
‘I found the career service to be a great help for understanding the stages of the recruitment process, such as online assessments and assessment days. Seeing a Masters Careers Adviser for one to one feedback on my CV and cover letter gave me a great start, and being able to apply direct to recruiters for opportunities promoted by the School enabled me to practice my new career development skills. When it came to applying for my position at Kempen, I was ready for the application process.’
Jacob Tattam
MSc Finance Graduate, 2013-2014
Durham University Business School Mill Hill Lane, Durham DH1 3LB, UK T +44 (0) 191 334 5295 E pgadmissions.economics@durham.ac.uk
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For those with mobile devices, this QR code will link you to our website for further programme information.
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