Master of Science -Finance
(Registration No. 250210)

Aims and Objectives

• Introduce and develop an understanding of the concepts of finance and the role of financial management in a variety of organisations
• Develop an appreciation of finance in a strategic sense
• Provide student with a stimulating and intellectually challenging management development programme along with a rigorous education in the concepts and techniques of financial management .
• Advance student's career in finance whilst offering scope to pursue academic work in this area

Course Structure

Two electives will normally be undertaken. The following list provides examples of electives currently offered to candidates:

• Public Finance
• Investment and Portfolio Analysis
• International Finance and Globalization
• Fixing Futures: Trading and Other Narratives
• Accounting Representations: Public and Private Sector
• Developments in Business Finance
• Project Management for IT
• Managing Information: Technology and Systems
• International Organizational Behaviour
• Branding and Communication
• Business-to-Business Marketing and Supply Chain Management
• Knowledge Management
• Managing Diversity
• A Critical Inquiry into Consultancy
• Critical Perspectives on Corporations and Consumers
• Critical Approaches to HRM
• Alternative Economies
• The Future of Work
• Marketing of Services
• Consumption, Society and Culture
• Total Quality Management
• Information Technology in Marketing
• International Marketing
• Retail Marketing
• Employee Relations
• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Benchmarking
• Shakespeare and Management
• Performance Measurement: Quantitative Approaches

(Note: The availability of electives may change from year to year)

Year One
Module 1 Foundations of Professional Knowledge and Skills
Provides requisite quantitative awareness, analysis of the production of 'knowledge' within finance, encourages students to begin developing personal skills necessary for academic and business environments.
Module 2 Foundations of Financial Analysis and Investment
This course sets down the fundamental conceptual framework for financial analysis focusing on intertemporal choice; the role and nature of financial markets and institutions; the determination of interest rates; investment and savings decisions and capital budgeting.
Module 3 Financial Statements
Reporting; balance sheets; profit and loss; cash flow statements management; financial forecasting and budgeting.
Module 4 Strategic Financial Management
The application of strategic thinking in the context of financial management; growth/share matrices; shareholder value analysis; corporate restructuring; mergers and acquisitions; management buyouts; and corporate governance.
Module 5 Financial Modelling
Using quantitative techniques to analyse financial information and to assist decision-making through the use of: descriptive statistics; probability and probability distributions; statistical inference; regression analysis; and time series analysis.
Module 6 Financial Risk Management
Overview of risk management, forward and future markets, swaps, options and corporate finance, warrants and convertibles, risk management strategy, interest rate risk and security design
Module 7 Corporate Finance
The firm; equity; issuing shares; cost of issue; rights issues etc.; debt; warrants; convertibles; leasing and quasi-debt; valuation of a company; mergers; growth and failure and disinvestment.
Dissertation
After reviewing a range of alternative research methods candidates will undertake a research project which will provide them with an opportunity to examine, in depth, a topic of particular relevance to their own interests. During the course of the dissertation process you will independently identify an appropriate management issue and apply theoretical knowledge to this area in order to produce realistic, critically informed analysis. This stage of the MSc in Finance provides an opportunity for you to integrate and inter-relate concepts, techniques and competencies acquired in the course of the programme. The dissertation will be of 15,000 words in length. Students completing dissertations will be expected to demonstrate: Initiative and capacity for setting up the problem in a tractable form; An understanding of research methods; Application of relevant analytical and problem solving skills; Logical argument and clear written communication skills.
Course Schedule
The duration of the MSc in Finance programme is 24 months covering 7 core modules, 2 elective modules plus the dissertation. Lectures for each core module are conducted by university associates in 7 days delivering a total of 21 hours in weekday evenings or weekends as follows:
Weekdays 7:00pm - 10:00pm 3hours Saturday 2:00pm - 5:00pm 3hours
Each module follows a standard study pattern:
Provision in-advance of course materials including required textbooks Delivery of lecture over 7 weekday evenings or combination of weekday evenings and Saturdays Follow-up reading and preparation for assignment Submission of assignment
Strengths
Outstanding Program Structure - A stimulating and intellectually challenging management development programme which enhances more professionals, managers and executives to raise their awareness of the application and techniques of financial management in today's fast-changing business world. Innovative Mode of Learning - Face-to-face lectures and revision seminars are conducted by university associates; Comprehensive study materials and readings, virtual web-based learning. Extensive subjects - cover in-depth financial areas which provide pathway to the CFA Exams.
profile
Duration
Minimum is 24 months , and the maximum extension of the programme is 60 months
Assessment
The programme is assessed by a mixture of assignments, examinations and dissertation
Program Fee
The total program fees for this program is ￡ 7,850 payable in 6 installments. (effective date: May 2009
Instalments Plan Instalments Amount Upon Acceptance into the programme 1st instalment GBP1,308.33 Beginning of 5th month from the date of registration into the programme 2nd instalment GBP1,308.33 Beginning of 9th month from the date of registration into the programme 3rd instalment GBP1,308.33 Beginning of 13th month from the date of registration into the programme 4th instalment GBP1,308.33 Beginning of 17th month from the date of registration into the programme 5th instalment GBP1,308.33 Beginning of 21st month from the date of registration into the programme 6th instalment GBP1,308.35 Total   GBP7,850
Admission Requirement
An ability to demonstrate that a contribution can be made to the programme (i.e. practical experience); 2 references, preferably from former University teachers or current employers. For non-graduates with professional qualifications, one reference should be from a person under whom training beyond school level was received. The forms enclosed with the application form should be used; AND possession of a good UK honours degree (or its overseas equivalent) or an acceptable professional qualification; OR possession of the University of Leicester 's Diploma in Management may allow entry.

Application Procedures

The University of Leicester will undertake the selection of MSc candidates. Normally, it takes 3 weeks to process each application. Selected candidates will be officially notified. Thereby, it is advisable for potential students to apply for admission prior to the closing date.

Completed application forms should be accompanied by:

• Original copies of degree and official transcripts
• 2 sets of copies of degree and official transcripts (to be certified by Raffles International College)
• 2 letters of references
• 4 passport size photos
• Proficiency of English e.g. HKAL, TOFEL, IELTS
• A copy of your resume or curriculum vitae
• A non-refundable processing fee of HK$500 payable to RAFFLES INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE (HK) LIMITED

It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize any qualification to which this course may lead.

The University of Leicester and Raffles International College reserves the right to change the information, programme structure, curriculum, assessment, schedule and fees without prior notice.

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