MBA in
Finance

The module is designed to help students understand, evaluate and apply the principles and practice of Strategic Leadership. Future leaders must craft a vision to address the complexities of the business environment and apply various analytical frameworks to synthesise a myriad of information. It is also the leader’s role to address external business challenges by developing internal strategic capabilities of the organisation to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage. Strategic leadership focuses on integrating theories and concepts to formulate and implement a strategy that supports the firm's business objectives in a sustainable, ethical, and effective manner.

Assessment: The first assessment coursework is an individual written report assessing students' ability to analyse leader’s vision and style and examine its impact on the strategic goals of the organisation. The students will be required to perform internal and external strategic analysis of the company and demonstrate an understanding of the leader’s influence on dealing with issues posed by the external environment by strategizing and building internal capabilities of the organization.

The module covers essential data analytics skills, techniques, and tools for analysing financial data. The module will utilise widely-used Data Analytics software tools, such as Excel, R, and Python, commonly employed by finance professionals, and will enhance students' comprehension of Data Analysis functions, supplemented by other analytics tools. The module then progresses to more advanced analytics, including descriptive analytics, data visualisation, and basic data mining/machine learning for both real-time and offline financial data. By completing this module, students will acquire the skills to apply and interpret data-driven initiatives that tackle real-world issues across various financial activities.

Assessment: The module assessment consists of an individual coursework and a closed-book exam. The coursework evaluates students' grasp of essential concepts in data analytics and statistical analysis. The closed-book exam offers a broader evaluation of students' ability to analyse and discuss key concepts and issues in data analytics and business intelligence in finance.

This module aims to make managers converse with accounting. To help managers understand the language of accounting, it is essential to focus on a few key areas covered by the module, grounded in financial and management accounting concepts, methods, and techniques. Financial accounting plays a crucial role in understanding financial reports by providing a structured, standardised framework for recording, summarising, and presenting financial information. Management accounting techniques support management in planning, controlling and monitoring performance in a variety of business contexts. By focusing on these areas, managers can develop a solid understanding of accounting principles and practices, enabling them to make informed financial decisions and effectively communicate with accounting professionals.

Assessment: This module is assessed entirely through coursework. Students complete a group-written report, which assesses their ability to apply financial and management accounting principles to practical business scenarios. The report assesses both theoretical understanding and the effective use of appropriate analytical tools, while also considering legal, ethical, social, and professional issues. In addition, students deliver a 25–30-minute group presentation during which they discuss and defend their approach and findings. The presentation assesses their ability to communicate financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences.

The module will deliver financial management perspectives on the strategic and day-to-day operations of Finance Departments at real-economy companies, emphasising financial concepts, international and national accounting, and legal knowledge to shape decisions across the comprehensive domains of investments, financing, and dividend policies at corporations. The approach pursued will be through the employment of comprehensive financial models and real-life case studies, thereby emphasising the “Applied” facet of the subject.

Assessment: Formative assessments in the module are represented by student performance on quizzes and tests administered during the seminar hours, as well as the supervision of financial modelling deliverables to be developed by students individually during the workshop hours. Summative assessments for this module will comprise group coursework and its presentation, with an individual assessment component, which will be the result of a viva presentation.

The module aims to familiarise students with the financial management of new ventures and small businesses. After successfully completing this module, students will be able to find an unconventional finance route for funding innovative start-ups. The module emphasises the development of theoretical concepts and tools of entrepreneurial finance, in particular in the context of valuation, risk assessment, deal structure, and governance issues. The use of case studies of successful firms at different stages of their life cycle helps to address the issues that arise when applying these principles in practice. This module considers encouraging entrepreneurship and the formalisation and growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services and by increasing the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises, in particular in developing countries, to affordable credit, and by integrating them into value chains and markets.

Assessment: The first assessment is individual coursework. The coursework requires students to produce a comprehensive written analysis based on key concepts and theoretical frameworks in entrepreneurial finance and its application in the real world. The essay assesses students' understanding of fundamental principles of new venture funding and their ability to apply these concepts to real business deals. The second assessment is a group project presentation. Students will present their findings on a real-world case study, showcasing their ability to synthesise complex information and articulate strategic decisions.

The module offers a practical exploration of financial risk management, focusing on identifying, assessing and mitigating credit, market, operational and liquidity risks. Students will engage with real-world case studies, industry-standard tools and regulatory frameworks to develop effective risk strategies. Delivered through interactive lectures, seminars, and workshops with simulations, the module bridges theory with industry application, equipping students to master professional practice. The module allows students to develop risk-focused, analytical, and problem-solving skills in risk management across local and global financial markets and institutions.

Assessment: The assessment for this module consists of an individual project and a final exam, designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical application of financial risk management concepts. The individual project enables students to evaluate financial risks, apply industry-standard tools, and design mitigation strategies. The final exam tests students' understanding of regulatory requirements, risk frameworks, and technology's role in risk management.

The module explores the advanced principles of portfolio management and investment analysis. It emphasises equity and fixed-income portfolio management while integrating contemporary investment strategies, risk analysis, and performance evaluation techniques. The focus will be on the practical application of theoretical concepts using financial tools and platforms, preparing students to address real-world portfolio management challenges.

Assessment: The assessments are designed to test both theoretical knowledge and its practical application. The Individual Portfolio Management Project requires constructing and managing a simulated equity and fixed-income portfolio. Students can use tools like Bloomberg, TradingView, or equivalent platforms. It is also required to prepare a report analysing strategy, performance, and adjustments. The final Examination will evaluate the extent to which students have demonstrated the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, critically analyse investment strategies, effectively manage portfolios, utilise financial tools, and assess risk while achieving the desired outcomes.

The MBA Project Module is the culminating academic and professional experience for MBA in Finance students. The module integrates theoretical and applied finance knowledge, enabling students to tackle real-world financial challenges through critical analysis, strategic decision-making, and ethical considerations. The module aims to enhance students’ ability to analyse complex financial issues, apply financial theories, and evaluate regulatory and ethical considerations in financial decision-making. It encourages advanced problem-solving through financial modelling, risk management, and market analysis, while emphasising sustainability, corporate governance, and financial innovation.

Assessment: Students select an MBA project topic by identifying a real-world issue and debating its merits before producing a plan that will guide the rest of the MBA project. At the end of the second semester, students will submit the summative final report that will show student’s results in the way of achieving the MBA project’s objectives set against the original plan as required. The final project report will demonstrate students’ attainment and application of the knowledge and skills learnt through the course in completing the project.

The Sustainable Finance and Banking module explores the integration of environmental, social, and governance factors into financial decision-making. The module covers sustainable investment strategies, risk management, and the role of financial institutions in promoting sustainability. In addition, it examines global regulations, green finance, and ethical banking practices, offering practical insights into driving positive environmental and social outcomes.

Assessment: There are two assessments: Individual Coursework that analyses a real-world case study on the implementation of sustainable finance practices within a financial institution. The report should address key sustainability challenges, propose solutions, and assess the effectiveness of the institution's strategies in promoting environmental, social, and governance factors. In-class Test assesses students' knowledge of sustainable finance principles, ESG integration, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable investment strategies covered throughout the module.

The module gives students an in-depth understanding of mergers, acquisitions, and corporate restructurings as strategic tools for business growth and value creation. It covers the theoretical underpinnings, valuation techniques, legal and regulatory frameworks, and practical challenges associated with M&A transactions. The module also emphasises the integration process and examines the strategic, financial, and organisational considerations in restructuring efforts.

Assessment: The assessment consists of written coursework and presentation. The coursework assessment is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application by requiring students to analyse a real-world M&A transaction. The individual presentation assessment enhances communication skills by exhibiting M&A information clearly and effectively. This assessment helps the students effectively communicate and engage in professional debates with various financial and nonfinancial audiences.