Program Overview

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MRes Finance

The MRes Finance is a postgraduate course designed for those wishing to follow a career in research and/or academia. The course has a strong research focus, although there are some taught elements that will support your knowledge of the research field.

Overview

The MRes Finance explores research and financial theory issues, such as research skills, theoretical stances underpinning different approaches to research, and how to design a research proposal. You will learn to use the Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab, which gives you access to the data and analytical tools found in financial institutions across the City of London and throughout the world.

Course Structure

We offer a flexible course structure with a mixture of core/compulsory modules and optional modules chosen from lists. The following modules are based on the current course structure and may change in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.

Components

Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.

• Core: You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
• Core with Options: You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
• Compulsory: You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
• Compulsory with Options: You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
• Optional: You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.

Modules

Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

Year 1

• COMPONENT 01: CORE - Dissertation in Finance (60 credits)
• COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY - Asset Pricing (20 credits)
• COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY - Portfolio Management (20 credits)
• COMPONENT 04: CORE WITH OPTIONS - BE351-7-SP or BE953-7-AU (20 credits)
• COMPONENT 05: COMPULSORY - Financial Time Series: Methods and Applications (20 credits)
• COMPONENT 06: COMPULSORY - Risk Management (20 credits)
• COMPONENT 07: COMPULSORY - Data Analysis: Cross Sectional, Panel and Qualitative Data Methods (20 credits)
• COMPONENT 08: COMPULSORY - Postgraduate Mathematics Preparation (0 credits)

Teaching

Teaching includes a combination of lectures, seminars, and computer-based lab sessions. There will be an emphasis on learner independence, peer- and self-assessment.

Assessment

Your assessed coursework will generally consist of essays, in-class tests, and individual oral presentations. You may be required to sit exams during the third term of your academic year.

Dissertation

You will undertake an individually supervised research project that involves the in-depth study of a specific finance problem or issue.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A 2:2 degree, or international equivalent, in one of the following subjects (with no module requirements):
  • Business
  • Economics
  • Finance

International & EU Entry Requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• £15,750

International Fee

• £24,675

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

Our Expert Staff

Finance research at Essex Business School is world-leading in a number of areas, including:

• Banking
• Corporate finance
• Behavioural finance
• Financial econometrics
• Forecasting
• Commodities markets

Our expert finance researchers work alongside the financial industry, regulators, and policy-makers both in the UK and internationally. This ensures their research is having a genuine impact on people's everyday lives.

Specialist Facilities

MRes Finance is based at our Colchester Campus. You'll be studying at Essex Business School, home to the first zero-carbon business school in the UK. You'll have access to:

• A virtual trading floor with Bloomberg Financial Market Labs
• Modern lecture theatres with 'listen again' recording to aid your study
• Dynamic blended learning provision for uninterrupted study and engaging online lectures with virtual guest speakers
• Study booths in our winter garden and versatile break-out areas for group working throughout the building
• Study skills support provided by the Essex Business School Learning Team
• Networking opportunities with visiting businesses and careers events
• Bonds café and adjacent foyer to enjoy on-site fresh food and drink

Your Future

Essex Business School is helping to create future business leaders who are creative, innovative, and ethically aware. Many of our graduates enjoy careers in financial analysis, management, public administration, and accountancy at some of the world's most well-known organisations.