| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | - |
| 2024-09-16 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
This course is for you if you have an interest in financial markets, institutions and financial decision making. You want a career in the financial services sector or in academia. You want to be taught and supervised by leading academics.
You will explore how company managers and investors make financial decisions, how they manage their risk and how financial markets function. Your background may not necessarily be in finance, so this is a great opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and practical understanding of financial markets and financial decision making.
Finance highlights
Queen’s University is ranked first in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Accounting and Finance. (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023)
Professional Accreditations
Career Development
World Class Facilities
Internationally Renowned Experts
Student Experience
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Course content
Program Outline
Course Structure
The MSc Finance is a full-time postgraduate programme aimed primarily at students with undergraduate degrees from the disciplines of finance, maths, statistics, or any other programme with a high quantitative content.
This programme offers a wide range of in-depth modules that provide students with core knowledge of financial markets, financial instruments, and financial decision making both from an institutional as well as corporate perspective. Eight taught modules aim to equip students with the necessary skillset to foster responsible decision making and to promote sustainable economic growth. These modules align with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals and map directly to a selection of these goals.
| Semester 1 |
Asset Pricing - FIN7026
This module offers an introduction to the field of financial economics and provides an understanding of the development of advanced pricing theory. The module starts by examining rational investor behaviour; how investors allocate resources both in certain and uncertain environments, building towards an understanding of how prices are rationally determined in asset markets. Apparent violations of rational behaviour and pricing are then examined to understand better how traders and markets function. Students will also explore portfolio allocation and examine a range of anomalies including the equity premium puzzle. The course concludes with an examination of the efficient market hypothesis and throughout, we shall critique key financial models and economic theory.
Corporate Finance - FIN9005 The purpose of this course is to analyse how corporations make major financial decisions. The theory of corporate behaviour is discussed and the relevance of each theoretical model is examined by an empirical analysis of actual corporate decision making. The aims of this module are to familiarise students with the issues of confronting corporations when making investments and financing decisions and to develop the ability of students to obtain corporate information from the Bloomberg database.
Market Microstructure - FIN7027 The first part of this module provides a detailed analysis of the contemporary structure of global finance including key market participants and markets, focusing on fixed income and foreign exchange markets. We will then explore the economic issues and structures underlying trading on these markets. The aim of this module is to ensure that students understand the structure, dynamics and trading mechanisms of global financial markets, as well as appreciate the role of key institutions involved in these markets.
Financial Data Analytics - FIN9008 The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to econometric techniques used in finance. It contains a treatment of classical regression and an introduction to time series techniques. There will be an emphasis on applied work using econometric packages. The course is designed to give students both theoretical and practical experience of statistical and econometric techniques. A wide range of topics is typically covered including the basic regression model, which includes a discussion of the classical violations of this model and methods for their correction. Students will learn a computer statistical software package (R). |
|---|---|
| Semester 2 |
Derivatives - FIN9007
The aim of this course is to develop in students a theoretical and practical knowledge of derivative instruments. The learning outcomes include understanding the mechanisms of futures and forward markets, pricing futures and forward instruments, constructing hedges using futures, and understanding the mechanisms of option markets. Additionally, the concepts of stochastic processes and its applications in financial modelling is addressed.
International Finance - FIN9004 The main goal of this course is to understand the complexities involved in conducting finance across more than one country. It aims to provide students with both practical skills for working in this area and a broader understanding of the role of finance within the international economy. The majority of the course will involve the description of key analytical concepts and theories involved in international finance. These theories are then used to help understand the international elements of important economic and financial phenomena.
Advanced Financial Data Analytics - FIN7028 Statistics is the science of uncertainty and variation. Econometrics is the application of statistics to economic and finance problems. The aim of this course is to teach students to apply time series financial econometrics techniques sensibly in the context of real-world empirical problems. Use R statistical programming software and RStudio, students will be taught statistical techniques which underpin quantitative investigation in the finance.
Money and Banking - FIN9003 This module examines the theory of money and banking. The course considers the main banking and monetary institutions and monetary policy. The overall aim is to provide students with an understanding of monetary and banking institutions and promote a good appreciation of the economic functions and workings of financial those institutions. |
| Semester 3 |
Dissertation
The aim of the dissertation is to provide students with the skills needed for conducting theoretical and/or empirical research in finance.
OR
Applied Research Project |
“The MSc Finance programme is academically demanding and intellectually challenging. It places strong emphasis on both theory and practical application. The lecturers are not only the best in their field but constantly inspiring. I gained in-depth knowledge on asset pricing, corporate finance, econometrics, and Bloomberg workstation. I also made some life-long friends and I highly recommend this programme to anyone considering a career in finance and investment.
Tong Chen
People teaching you
Dr Tony KleinProgramme Director
Queen's Management School
Career Prospects
Introduction
Successful students will have the necessary skills to have career opportunities in finance, including investment banking, commercial banking, investment management, or other financial intermediaries.
For recent examples of where our alumni have secured employment, please see the School website.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/
Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities:
You will gain an in-depth knowledge and practical understanding of financial markets and financial decision making.
Modules are taught morning/afternoon/evening.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
Assessment is by a variety of methods,
including individual coursework, group work, presentations, simulations, case studies,
class tests, examinations and dissertation
or applied research project.
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Overview
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Modules
Modules
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2022/23). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Core Modules
Asset Pricing
(15 credits)Market Microstructure
(15 credits)Times-Series Financial Econometrics
(15 credits)Applied Research Project
(60 credits)Research Methods in Finance
(15 credits)Corporate Finance
(15 credits)Derivatives
(15 credits)Dissertation - MSc Finance
(60 credits)Money and Banking
(15 credits)International Finance
(15 credits)PREV
Course content
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Entry Requirements
Career Prospects
Introduction
Successful students will have the necessary skills to have career opportunities in finance, including investment banking, commercial banking, investment management, or other financial intermediaries.
For recent examples of where our alumni have secured employment, please see the School website.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/
Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
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Entry requirements
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Fees and Funding
Queen's University Belfast
Overview:
Queen's University Belfast is a leading research-intensive university with a global reputation for excellence. Established in 1845, it is located in Belfast, the vibrant capital city of Northern Ireland. The university is known for its strong academic programs, world-class research, and commitment to shaping a better world.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options are available.Library:
The university library provides access to a vast collection of resources, including books, journals, and databases.Sport:
Queen's Sport offers a variety of sports and fitness activities for students.Student Support:
The university provides support services for students in areas such as academic advising, career counseling, and mental health.Open Learning:
The university offers a range of online and distance learning programs.Short Courses:
The university offers a variety of short courses for professional development.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at Queen's University Belfast can expect a vibrant and welcoming campus experience. The university is located in a friendly, affordable, and safe city, with plenty of opportunities for social interaction and cultural exploration. The university also offers a range of clubs and societies for students to join.
Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class research:
Queen's University Belfast is a leading research-intensive university, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.Global reputation:
The university has a global reputation for excellence in teaching and research.Vibrant campus life:
The university offers a vibrant and welcoming campus experience, with plenty of opportunities for social interaction and cultural exploration.Strong academic programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines.Affordable tuition fees:
The university offers competitive tuition fees for both domestic and international students.Academic Programs:
Queen's University Belfast offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including:
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Business and Economics
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Law
Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences
Nursing and Midwifery
Science
Other:
Entrance requirements
Graduate
Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Finance, Mathematics, Economics, or in another relevant quantitative subject. Performance in relevant modules must be of the required standard.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 11th August 2023 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note: international applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure a place on this course.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
Please Select Your Country/Region
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English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
INTO - English Language Course(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
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Modules
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Fees and Funding
