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Overview
- Start date28 September 2020
- Duration1 year
- DeliveryTaught modules 60%, Dissertation 40%
- QualificationMSc
- Study typeFull-time
- CampusCranfield campus
Who is it for?
- Graduates with a desire to develop their knowledge and skills in finance and management before seeking their first professional role
- Professionals with work experience in the area of finance or management who are seeking to take their career to the next level
- Individuals who want to be taught by faculty who have experience of business and industry and can bring their knowledge to the programme
Rankings
This course is recognised in International Business Rankings, consistently ranking top 10 in the UK and top 40 in the world across them all. These include:
- 6th in the UK and 32nd in the world: The Financial Times Master’s in Finance Pre-experience ranking 2018
- 2nd in the UK and 6th in the world: The Times Higher Education/Wall Street Journal World University Rankings 2019 – Master’s in Finance
- 9th in the UK and 35th in the world: QS World University Rankings: Masters in Finance ranking 2019
Class profile 2019/20*
Gender: |
Male 51% - Female 49% |
Age range: |
21 - 37 years |
Average age: |
24 years |
Number of nationalities: | 20 |
Nationality: | UK/EU: 27% - International: 73% |
Cohort size: | 89 |
Average class size: | 45 |
*The above data combines the 2019/20 class profiles for the Finance and Management MSc and Investment Management MSc.
Why this course?
- Our Finance and Management MSc is recognised in international business rankings, consistently ranking top 10 in the UK and top 40 in the world across them all.
- The course is distinctive in covering the principles, tools and techniques of both finance and management, as well as how to apply them in real work situations.
- You will gain an in-depth understanding of financial and management accounting, economics, international financial markets, statistical analysis, financial modelling and corporate financial management.
- Modules focus on real-world challenges, and include a combination of case studies, participative exercises, interactive lectures and group projects
- You may also have the opportunity to take part in activities, including the CFA Institute UK Research Challenge
- You will be taught by faculty with experience of the real world of finance and business, as well as having the opportunity to listen to guest speakers
- You will have access to highly effective infrastructure including Bloomberg live financial data via our Bloomberg Suite.
- You will have the opportunity to study within a truly international environment, with students and academics coming from over 50 countries.
Cranfield offers a unique mix of lecturers. We had theoretical courses with outstanding academic faculty, but also practical courses like financial markets taught by practitioners that gave us the perfect mixture of perspectives on a specific topic.
We have guest speaker sessions on Fridays where established professionals in the industry come and talk to us about topical issues that they are facing. We have been visited by individuals that work in Asset Management and Private Equity. Alumni have even come back to campus to talk to us about their journey. The course has been very practical and that’s what I have found really interesting.
Informed by Industry
An external advisory panel informs the design and development of the course, and comprises senior finance practitioners, reinforcing its relevance to the modern financial world. Our faculty are also supported by a team of international visiting industry speakers and professors who bring the latest thinking and best practice into the classroom.
Course details
The course comprises 10 core modules and four elective modules. This enables you to tailor the programme of study to suit your personal career plan. Throughout the course you will have access to a highly effective infrastructure including Bloomberg live financial news and data, BoardEx, CRSP data, DataStream, EBSCO, FAME, Fitch Connect, SDC Platinum and Thomson One resources. You will use real-world, international case studies to support your learning. The culmination of the learning process is your opportunity to undertake research for your individual thesis.
Course delivery
Taught modules 60%, Dissertation 40%
Dissertation
You will undertake research for your individual thesis, enabling you to apply the knowledge and skills you have learnt during the course. This provides the opportunity to work in an original way.
Pre-sessional Course
If you do not have a background in finance and accounting, you may be required to attend the Introduction to Accounting pre-session course prior to the start of the your MSc. Please note that the Statistics and the Basic Finance lectures are compulsory for all students.
Introduction to Accounting – 4 October 2019
This course will introduce you to the basic elements of financial and management accounting techniques to prepare you for the core accounting module. The sessions cover:
- Accounting information, concepts and standards
- Preparing financial statements
- Preparing financial statements - cash flows and adjustments
- Cost-Volume-Profit analysis
- Budgeting
Orientation - compulsory for all students to attend
Week 1 – Statistics and Basic Finance – 3 October 2019
The Statistics sessions will help you revise or update your understanding of some statistical concepts that you will use during the Finance and Management MSc and Investment Management MSc. These will cover:
- Introduction to matrix algebra and descriptive statistics
- Introduction to basic linear regression analysis
The Basic Finance sessions will introduce you to two essential concepts in finance. You will have the opportunity to update your understanding of how to value assets given forecasts of future cash flows. You will then explore the different sources of finance available to business and discuss their relative importance. The sessions cover:
- Time value of money
- Investment and financing
Course modules
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course
Accounting
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The module looks at both financial and management accounting. You will be provided with a thorough understanding of company accounts, how they are construed and how to interpret them. Further to this, you will look at and understand the key issues in management accounting from the point of view of business leaders needing to make practical decisions in their organisation. |
Syllabus |
The module covers: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Economics for Financial Markets
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To introduce the concepts and techniques of Microeconomics (e.g. market analysis, price theory, rationality) and Macroeconomics (e.g. inflation, exchange rates and interest rates) in a way which provides a core foundation for later applied financial analysis in a range of other core and elective courses on the MSc in Finance and Management and MSc in Investment Management. In the Context of the Financial markets, it is imperative that students be aware of the fundamental principles and concepts pertaining to Economic Theory per se. Studying economics not only does it provide knowledge for making decisions but it also offers a tool with which to approach questions such as the desirability of a particular financial investment opportunity, the benefits and costs of alternative careers, or the likely impacts of public policies. |
Syllabus |
The initial few sessions are spent on discussion of the concept of equilibrium as it applies to the micro and macro structures of a broad range of financial markets. In next four sessions, an understanding of choice theory and rational economic decision making as it applies to the levels and structure of prices of assets in a broad range of financial markets is developed. Finally, remaining sessions are devoted to discussion of the concepts and ideas in macroeconomics which have a direct relevance to financial markets. Particularly, discussion is centered on understanding of monetary economics and the institutional context to which it applies. Discussion of structure of money and capital markets rounds up this module. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Financial Markets Regulation and Ethics
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The course begins in Part I with an overview of the international financial markets, the major financial institution participants and product types. Students will understand the roles, motivations and behaviours of market players including the importance of risk-taking. The role of regulation will be highlighted and examined in Part II. This will include the aims and structures of regulation. In Part III, students will examine using a seminal textbook on business ethics the role and limitations of ethics in financial markets, ethical decision-making frameworks, and evaluate real world cases of lapses in culture and impact upon society and the markets. The challenge of identifying and promoting ethical behaviour will be acknowledged.
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Organisational Management
Module Leader |
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Aim |
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Syllabus |
The module covers: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Research Methods in Finance
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This module is designed to impart greater understanding of empirical methods in finance and develop important skills in the assessment, analysis and interpretation of published financial research. The module also discusses some of the “unresolved” issues in finance and some of the paradigms in financial research methodology. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Statistical Analysis for Finance
Module Leader |
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Aim |
Finance is a highly quantitative subject and this core programme provides the relevant mathematical and statistical training necessary to be able to conduct appropriate empirical studies and apply theoretical financial models in practice. |
Syllabus |
The module will cover probability theory, sampling and estimation, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, regression analysis, and logistic regression. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Strategic Management
Module Leader |
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Aim |
Strategic Management is concerned with the direction and scope of the organisation. This involves determining the purpose of the organisation, establishing objectives and formulating strategies to achieve the objectives. It predominantly explores how an organisation positions itself with regard to its changing environment and in particular its competitors, in order to gain and sustain competitive advantage. This means that strategic management considers how an organisation’s internal resources and capabilities can be developed to meet the changing demands of customers, in such a way as to achieve the expectations and objectives of its stakeholders. |
Syllabus |
The module begins by focusing on strategy at the strategic business unit level. It is orientated around five key questions 1) where to compete? 2) how to gain competitive advantage? 3) what capabilities are required? 4) what capabilities do we have? 5) how do we change? The module then explores corporate level strategy and the issue of strategy implementation and change. Throughout the module a range of tools and techniques for strategic analysis and choice will be introduced. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Valuation and Financial Modelling
Module Leader |
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Aim |
A good understanding of techniques of valuation of firms as well as the different securities issued by firms is vital for managers and financial analysts. This understanding has a bearing on both financing decisions (issue of equity or debt) and investment decisions (identifying securities for inclusion in a portfolio, acquisitions, buy-backs, divestitures etc.). In addition, building sound financial models is critical for understanding and communicating valuations. This course provides the framework for valuing equity and firms as well as financial modelling to aid decision making. |
Syllabus |
The module covers: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will understand:/p>
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International Corporate Finance
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This module aims to develop a solid understanding of foreign exchange and interest rate risks that multinational corporation encounter. The main focus is on developing insights on how and why these risks arise and what can be done to manage these risks. The other aim is to provide students with commonly used applications of derivatives in managing exchange rate and interest rate risks.
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Syllabus |
The first four sessions are used to introduce students to the world of foreign exchange markets, how exchange rates are quoted and interpreted and what role FOREX markets play in the international finance. The next six sessions are devoted to the detailed discussion of underlying theoretical models which explain the relationship between interest rates, inflation, and other macro economic variables and the exchange rates. How forward rates are determined in the market and why covered interest rate arbitrage and carry trades occur and how they are used by investors to exploit disequilibrium in the foreign exchange rates. This is followed by the discussion of why and how multinational corporations invest in foreign markets. The key determinants of FDI with a particular emphasis on emerging markets are explored in detail. The next three sessions are used to introduce basics of currency derivatives and how they work. Next four sessions are devoted to the discussion of different types of foreign exchange exposures and how they affect market value. How transaction and operating exposure are managed by both internal hedging techniques and derivatives are discussed in detail using case studies. In the following four sessions, a detailed discussion of how interest rate risks arise and how it affects the multinational corporations is followed by how these risks are managed. Students learn about interest rate and currency swaps, how they are set up and how they are valued. The final four sessions are used for discussion of international capital budgeting process, how it is done and how key risks need to be considered and managed.
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Corporate Finance
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This core module provides a basic foundation in the essentials of corporate financial management. The course focuses on three principal aspects of corporate finance: the investment decision; the cost of capital; and the financing and payout decisions. Emphasis is put on empirical research in order to provide participants with a solid understanding of underlying theory and principles of corporate finance. |
Syllabus |
The module will cover the following: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Elective modules
A selection of modules from the following list need to be taken as part of this course
Applied Financial Econometrics
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide the participants with a solid knowledge of a variety of econometric techniques, useful in modelling and solving financial problems. |
Syllabus |
The module covers: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Corporate Restructuring
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This elective is concerned with firms that for a variety of reasons experience serious performance decline and begin to destroy value rather than create it. Such firms are generally described as financially distressed firms although the causes of their decline are not entirely financial. The course focuses on some of the most prominent types of corporate restructuring such as debt restructuring, equity restructuring, and corporate spin-offs. The course will also focus on transactions significantly affecting the corporation’s assets, liabilities and/or equity claims and will stress the economic motives for undertaking them. Transactions will be examined from the perspective of the corporation (e.g., firm managers), from the perspective of capital markets (e.g., investors, stockholders, creditors) as well as from the perspective of the society. |
Syllabus |
The module covers: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Entrepreneurial Finance
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This module focuses on financing issues facing small business ventures from the perspective of both the entrepreneur and the investors. The ultimate goal is to provide students with awareness and understanding of the key issues related to the evaluation and financing of entrepreneurial ventures. The students will also explore aspects of deal negotiations and deal structures. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Infrastructure Finance
Aim |
Many countries, especially in developing part of the world are targeting to invest heavily for creating and improving their infrastructure. Those countries that have a well-developed infrastructure are faced with the challenges of maintaining and making further qualitative improvements to their infrastructure. The capital requirements for infrastructure investment are estimated to be huge running into trillions of US dollars. There is an increasing need for people who have the required project management skills with sound knowledge of finance and investment issues. This is particularly relevant since though record levels of investments are required, many governments lack the funding resources due to high level budget deficits especially in emerging economies. This limits governments’ ability to fund infrastructure investment. Thus there is an urgent need for developing innovative investment and financing models to bridge the gap in infrastructure financing. The module aims to fulfil these aims by providing students with an applied knowledge of infrastructure financing models that will help them gain necessary skills for applying these in real world environment. The insights gained from the module will provide students career opportunities in infrastructure finance management. |
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Syllabus |
This module covers: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Private Equity
Module Leader |
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Aim |
Private equity, as opposed to public equity markets, has become a major source of capital for innovation, growth and corporate restructuring. It now accounts for billions of pounds of investments and has become a global phenomenon. The module will cover topics on the nature of private equity, the spectrum of PEQ activities, the rationale for PEQ, performance record and measurement issues, the importance of PEQ markets and public policy issues.
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Syllabus |
The module covers: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Strategic Management Accounting and Control
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The module is designed to give the students a thorough understanding of what is meant by organisational performance and the theories of control, performance measurement and management. The module will encourage students to consider the applications of direction setting and management control systems, why organisations measure, how performance measure set direction and how performance is delivered. The aims of this module are twofold: |
Syllabus |
Managing Performance
Measuring Performance
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
Demonstrate a critical awareness of : The different categories of performance and what is meant by performance measurement, management, direction setting and control. How different functions, such as HR, Finance and Marketing, view organisational performance. The effects control systems can have on an organisation. The ontology of performance, theories of control and measurement.
Critically assess:
The difference between quantifying performance and viewing performance as a holistic system. The differences between efficiency and effectiveness. The different techniques used to direct and control performance at different levels within the organisation. How managing risk can improve organisational performance. The role of corporate governance in the management of organisational performance. Financial measures, qualitative measures and their application to intangible resources. The underpinnings of control theory. Apply the key principles taught to the design of control systems, goal setting and the measures employed. Contribute to planning and budgeting cycles within an organisation. Contribute to risk management policies within an organisation. |
Mergers and Acquisitions
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The module is designed to introduce students to the issues raised by corporate mergers and acquisitions. The subject is one that calls on the services of many professionals including company executives involved in the initial search and screening of candidates, investment bankers and stockbrokers who may advise on bid tactics, dealing with regulations and raising finance. The module integrates various technical skills learned earlier in the MSc programme such as accounting, corporate finance, and valuation.
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Syllabus |
The module covers:
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Fund Management
Aim |
This elective aims to take students beyond security analysis and into the broader topic of investment management, and how portfolios can be constructed to meet client objectives. Students will come away with a deeper understanding of how investment managers differ from each other, how to assess them, and an appreciation of the issues involved in setting realistic risk and return objectives. We look at how managers design their decision making processes, including asset allocation, risk budgeting, and implementation and trading. The investment management industry has often appeared opaque to outsiders, in spite of the fact that most of us are or will be its clients in one way or another. The purpose of this elective is to shed light into the workings of an industry that affects us all, and to look at how theory is actually implemented in practice, and consider the latest developments in the industry.
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Syllabus |
This module will cover: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
Through the use of lectures and case studies, students following the module will gain a solid understanding of the theory and practice of fund management.
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Fixed Interest Securities
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The global bond market exceeds $36 trillion which is more than the world’s stock markets. The market has become increasingly quantitative due to the proliferation of new products. Combined with increased volatility of financial prices and exposure to new sources of risk, there are now greater risks and opportunities for fixed income portfolio management. This module provides the participants with a solid grounding in the mechanics of fixed income markets and introduces them to bond portfolio management techniques. |
Syllabus |
The module will cover bond mathematics, product fundamentals, the structure of the yield curve and yield spreads, risks of investing in bonds, bonds with embedded options, securitisation, interest rate derivatives and basics of bond portfolio management. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will understand:
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Technical Analysis and Trading Systems
Aim |
Technical analysis is the method of identifying investment opportunities by analysing historical price and volume data. Quantitative methods for evaluating price movements have become the dominant method used for short term forecasting of prices of all traded assets including stocks, bonds, currency and commodities. Technical analysis has become much more than simply identifying trends from charts, it encompasses inter-market analysis, complex indicators, aspects of portfolio construction and multilevel risk control. It is estimated that well over half the managed money uses algorithmic trading. This module covers the basic building blocks of Technical analysis and allows students to develop their own trading strategies by recognising recurring patterns in price movement and determining the most likely result.
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Syllabus |
This module covers: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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International Investment and Emerging Markets
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The landscape of international investing has been constantly evolving. The historical dominance of the developed countries has been declining whilst the relative importance of developing countries with their emerging economies has been on the rise. The high rates of economic growth and access to their large markets have attracted international investors to invest in emerging markets. However, despite these trends, there is not enough known or understood about the opportunities and challenges that international investors face while investing in emerging markets. The aim of this elective is to provide students with a good understanding of rewards and risks of investing in emerging markets. The module aims to offer both academic research and practical guidance on investing in emerging markets. The module also aims to explain why policies and regulations matter and how to risks can be managed. |
Syllabus |
This module will cover: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will understand:
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Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This module covers three aspects of FinTech: The aim of the module is to explain how technology is revolutionising the financial context in particular. The first part of the module provides a short technical introduction to the blockchain technology and explains the principles of its operation. In addition, this part investigates the disruptive potential of this technology with respect to the current structure of the financial system and the regulatory context. The second part of the module builds on the application of blockchain technology to cryptocurrencies and tokens and how they work. In particular, it explores their current popularity, advantages and risks; ethical implications in terms of fraudulent or criminal use; and the use of cryptocurrencies as an investment tool. The last part of the module explores the application of blockchain technology to smart contracts. In particular, it introduces the principles of smart contracts; examines their advantages and risks; and discusses the implications of smart contracts for business and finance. |
Syllabus |
The module covers: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Modules
Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff. As a result, they may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have listed above the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
Teaching team
The programme is taught by faculty experts who have extensive industry experience and who regularly work with major global financial services organisations, multinationals and government agencies around the world.
Accreditation
The course content covers much of the syllabus of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification, giving you the opportunity to work towards an additional professional qualification while you are studying with us through the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program. If you choose this option, you will receive revision support from our faculty ahead of sitting the first examination in term three of your course. You can then sit parts two and three of the qualification after completing your course. More information about the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program and associated CFA Program Awareness Scholarships can be found on the CFA website.
Your career
95% of School of Management students were employed within 3 months of graduation*.
The Cranfield Career Development Service offers a comprehensive service to help you develop a set of career management skills that will remain with you throughout your career.
During your course you will receive support and guidance to help you plan an effective strategy for your personal and professional development, whether you are looking to secure your first management role, or wanting take your career to the next level.
Cranfield graduates are highly valued in the job market and aim for careers in investment banking, financial services or the financial function of a diverse range of global corporations. Our Finance and Management MSc graduates have secured jobs with organisations including PricewaterhouseCoopers, Barclays Investment Bank, Bloomberg, Bank Indonesia, Lloyds Banking Group, Credit Agricole, Diageo, Ernst & Young, Thomson Reuters, Toyota, UBS and Morgan Stanley. Their roles have included Data Analyst, Financial Planner, Consultant, Private Equity Analyst and Financial Risk Manager.
*based on data we hold from our latest School of Management Employability Survey.
How to apply
Our students do not always fit traditional academic or career paths. We consider this to be a positive aspect of diversity, not a hurdle. We are looking for a body of professional learners who have a wide range of experiences to share. If you are unsure of your suitability for our Finance and Management MSc programme we are happy to review your details and give you feedback before you make a formal application.
To apply you will need to register to use our online system. Once you have set up an account you will be able to create, save and amend your application form before submitting it.
Application deadlines
There is a high demand for places on our courses and we recommend you submit your application as early as possible. The following application deadlines apply.
Entry for September 2020
- Applicants domiciled in mainland China must submit their applications by 28 February 2020
- Applications from all other international students requiring a visa to study in the UK must submit their application by 31 July 2020
- There is no application deadline for Home/EU applicants, but places are limited so we recommend you submit your application as early as possible.
Once your online application has been submitted together with your supporting documentation, it will be processed by our admissions team. You will then be advised by email if you are successful, unsuccessful, or whether the course director would like to interview you before a decision is made. Applicants based outside of the UK may be interviewed either by telephone or video conference.