2017 ENTRY

My year on the MSc Finance (Finance and Investment) programme

proved to be a fantastic experience. I am extremely grateful to Durham
for offering me my place and for fostering an intellectually stimulating
environment that has allowed me to develop immensely within such a
short period of time. It has changed my life.

Brett Saunders
MSc Finance (Finance and Investment) Graduate 2016
DURHAM UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL 03

CONTENTS
1.
Welcome
PAGE 04

2.
Masters in Finance
PAGE 05

3.
2017 timetable
PAGE 06

4.
Module overview
PAGE 07

5.
How to apply
PAGE 08

6.
Life in Durham
PAGE 09

7.
Career Development Programme
PAGE 10

For further information

PAGE 12
DURHAM UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

One of an elite group of schools

worldwide to carry all three
international quality kitemarks.

WELCOME
Our MSc Finance programmes are designed to
provide you with rigorous training at the frontier
of research, as well as the advanced analytical
and technical skills that are highly sought after by
Durham University is
global employers and, if you wish to continue your ranked 31st in the World
studies, by world-leading PhD programmes.
for its reputation with employers.
We are committed to tailoring your degree to
make you stand out. We offer a range of career (QS World University Rankings 2015/16)
enhancing opportunities such as international
exchanges, software and database facilities, as
well as networking events. Alongside these, the
international nature of our faculty and students
will give you the opportunity to enhance your
global network.
A top-ten university.
(The Complete University Guide 2017)
I look forward to welcoming you to the School.

Dr Thomas Renstrom
Programme Director

We have a strong international

reputation for research 79% of our
research is assessed as internationally
excellent or world leading.
(REF 2014)

Our Masters programmes connect you with

some of the worlds leading companies.
 05

MASTERS IN
INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED
Our MSc programmes have partnership status with the

FINANCE
Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA). The CFA is the
worlds premier association for investment professionals and
the accepted benchmark for technical excellence in financial
markets. It guarantees you benefit from a curriculum of
the highest standards and enables you to participate in the
CFA Global Investment Research Challenge, as well as CFA
Our MSc Finance programmes are one-year,
employer network events and scholarships.
full-time programmes in:

Accounting and Finance

Corporate and International Finance

Economics and Finance

Finance
Finance and Investment
International Banking and Finance
International Money, Finance and Investment
DISSERTATION OR PROJECT
In the third term, you will complete a dissertation, which
could be undertaken as a consultancy project within
an organisation or with one of our international partner
institutions. Supervised by a faculty member with relevant
experience, youll investigate in greater detail a subject that
youve already studied as part of your programme.

You can choose from a wide range of modules to tailor
your degree to your chosen career path or a specific area
of interest. Core modules and examples of past electives
are detailed overleaf.
For more information please visit www.durham.ac.uk/
business/masters-finance
This is an opportunity for you to develop your business
insight and present your analysis and ideas in a scholarly and
professional manner; combine critical discrimination and a
sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the opinions
of others.
DURHAM UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

JULY
MAR

AUG
NOV

MAY

NOV
DEC

APR

JUN

DEC
OCT

FEB

SEP

OCT
JAN

JAN
TERM 1 TERM 1
Modules Exams

TERM 2 TERM 2 TERM 2

Modules

GRADUATION
Assignments Exams

TERM 3
Dissertation

1 WEEK Dissertation Abroad

International Scheme (optional)
Study Tour
(optional)

In the summer, you complete a dissertation (in Durham or abroad at one of our international partner universities).

INTERNATIONAL GUEST SPEAKERS movements to build a hypothetical

OPPORTUNITIES
Were proud of our strong international connections.
Helping you get an inside perspective on global
business is a key part of the programme.
Thats why we offer a range of opportunities to
help you immerse yourself in a countrys business
and academic environment, make new contacts
and stand out in a competitive job market.
These include:
Dissertation Abroad
If your ambitions lie beyond the UK, we offer
a number of places on our unique Dissertation
Abroad scheme. This will involve writing a
dissertation at one of our international partner
institutions in the period June to August. A
number of scholarships are available.
International Study Tour
We organise an optional International Study
Tour to a European destination, typically
Switzerland. This intensive programme takes
place over several days, normally in March/
April, and offers you a great opportunity to
get an inside perspective on international
business, and to network with key staff within
organisations.
As part of your programme, you
have the opportunity to enjoy
presentations by academics and
practitioners within your chosen
area of interest. Past speakers
have included representatives of
major global multinationals and
leading academics, providing an
ideal opportunity to gain practical
knowledge and progressive insight.
INVESTMENT CLUB
Ten students are selected to
manage a genuine fund and meet
on a monthly basis to evaluate
their research and place their
trades. At the end of the year, the
monetary fund and a report on its
performance are passed to next
years club. This exciting initiative
gives you the chance to put your
financial skills to the test and
enhance your CV.
TRADING CHALLENGE
This challenge will give you the
opportunity to monitor and analyse
real-time financial market data
portfolio with securities of your
choice. This gives you hands-
on experience and the chance
to improve your investment and
security selection skills. It looks
great on your CV, plus there is a
cash prize for the winner.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The School has made a significant
investment in database resources
to give you access to both live and
historical data from providers,
which include Thomson Reuters,
Datasteam and Orbis. These
state-of-the-art databases give
you the opportunity to interrogate
the financial records of millions
of companies worldwide and add
valuable insight to your research.
TRADING ROOM
As part of our provision of a wide
range of software and databases,
we offer training on our Bloomberg
terminals for accessing economic
and financial data.
 07

ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

FINANCE AND INVESTMENT

FINANCE AND INVESTMENT

ECONOMICS AND FINANCE

INTERNATIONAL BANKING
INTERNATIONAL FINANCE

INTERNATIONAL MONEY,
CORPORATE AND

AND FINANCE
FINANCE
MASTERS IN
FINANCE PROGRAMMES

Advanced Financial Theory

Advanced Macroeconomics

Advanced Microeconomics

You study eight taught modules Auditing and Assurance Services

and complete a dissertation. The Behavioural Finance and Economics
table opposite summarises which
modules are core or elective (i.e. Corporate Finance
optional) for each degree route. Corporate Governance

For module detail, visit: Corporate Reporting

www.durham.ac.uk/business/
Derivative Markets
programmes/masters
Econometric Methods

Econometrics I

Econometrics II
KEY:
Environmental Economics and Policy
Core modules of study Experimental Economics and Finance
Elective module Financial Modelling and
(Modules shown are those
Business Forecasting
typically offered in previous
years.)
Financial Planning and Control
Streamed paired modules:
(Based on prior knowledge and Financial Risk Management
experience you will be streamed
to study either Econometrics
Financial Statement Analysis
I and Econometrics II OR
International Economics
Econometric Methods and
Financial Modelling and
International Finance
Business Forecasting.)
International Financial Asset
Management

Market Microstructure

Mergers and Acquisitions

Monetary Economics
To remain at the forefront of the Money and Banking
latest thinking, we constantly
Portfolio Management
develop our curriculum and
learning methods by drawing Public Economics
on innovative research and
practice. Therefore, not all Security Analysis
optional modules run every year. Dissertation
DURHAM UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL
HOW TO
APPLY
PRE-SESSIONAL PROGRAMMES
Pre-sessional programmes are encouraged for students taking
particular modules or for those who want to brush up on
their knowledge. They are free; you simply need to pay for
accommodation. The programmes are a mixture of lectures and
workshops and are held in the following subjects:
Mathematics and Statistics
You are encouraged to attend our pre-sessional course in
Mathematics and Statistics (typically a week) immediately prior
to commencing the Masters programme.
Introduction to Accounting
If you are commencing a Finance and Accounting programme,
you are encouraged to attend Introduction to Accounting first.
Introduction to Economics
If you are commencing a Finance and Economics programme,
or intend to take the International Finance module, you are
encouraged to attend the Introduction to Economics course first
(typically 3 days).
The programme equipped me
with the advanced technical
and analytical skills sought after
in finance and also helped me
pass CFA Level 1. I have now
joined EY as an auditor and can
say that my time at Durham
was the most unforgettable and
incredible experience of my life.
Ruoxi Fu
MSc Finance (Accounting and Finance)
Graduate 2016
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
For Masters programmes in Finance you will need a UK first or
upper second class honours degree or international equivalent,
including evidence of strong grades in mathematical and
statistical modules in years 2, 3 or 4.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
If your first language is not English, you will need evidence of
competence in written and spoken English (IELTS overall score
of 6.5 with no element under 6.0 or TOEFL IBT 92 with no
element under 23; or Pearsons PTE Academic test, total score
62 with no element below 56).
If you would like to advance your English skills, you may be able
to attend a pre-sessional English language course at Durham
University English Language Centre.
To learn more visit www.durham.ac.uk/englishlanguage.centre
FEES AND FINANCE
For current fees, please visit www.durham.ac.uk/business/
programmes/masters
For information on funding opportunities and Scholarships visit
www.durham.ac.uk/business/masters/scholarships
MAKING YOUR APPLICATION
We strongly advise you to apply as soon as possible, particularly
if you need university accommodation.
Learn more about our application details and apply online at
www.durham.ac.uk/business/programmes/masters
MEET US
We encourage you to attend one of our Masters Open Events,
held throughout the year. These are a great opportunity to see
the facilities, meet our staff, current students and alumni, and
find out more about studying in Durham.
You may wish to visit us at one of the international recruitment
fairs we visit throughout the year, or sign up to an online
information session.
For more information on upcoming events, please visit
www.durham.ac.uk/business/meet-us
 09

LIFE IN
DURHAM
ACCOMMODATION
We offer good quality, reasonably priced accommodation at Durham
University. Alternatively, if you prefer, we can help you find local
private accommodation to suit your needs. Well provide you with
more specific details on application. In the meantime,
visit www.durham.ac.uk/postgraduate/accommodation

COLLEGES AND SOCIETIES

All full-time postgraduates have the opportunity to become a
member of one of our colleges or societies. As well as offering a
wide range of social and cultural activities, the colleges provide
support and a sense of belonging during your time in Durham.
For more information visit www.durham.ac.uk/colleges

SPORT FACILITIES
Sport is an important part of Durham life and our facilities are
second to none. From our British Rowing Performance Centre to
the British Fencing Centre and boasting teams which compete in
the England Hockey National Leagues and the FA Womens Super
League, we can offer something for everyone.
For more information visit www.teamdurham.ac.uk

GLOBAL ALUMNI NETWORK

When you enrol, you join our alumni association. The network
serves around 18,000 graduates in over 150 countries. It facilitates
friendship and business connections, and sits at the heart of the
Durham Experience. Our online alumni community offers members
a range of benefits:
Continuous skills sharpening through webinars and careers
workshops
Access to our online career resources, video library and eBooks
Network building via our global events, including continuous
professional development, social and networking through the
Durham Speaker Series and Corporate Forum
Access to our journals and business database.
Contact our dedicated alumni team for more information,
email business.alumni@durham.ac.uk
or visit www.durham.ac.uk/business/alumni
DURHAM UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

7. 96% of students
found employment
within 3 months

CAREER (2016 Graduate Destinations

survey Finance Masters graduates)

DEVELOPMENT You will be given information about the Career Development

PROGRAMME
Programme during your first few weeks at Durham, including
access to your personalised online Career Development portal.
Our service provides the opportunity to:

Hear from top employers

BEGIN YOUR GLOBAL CAREER HERE Network with businesses
Our Career Development Programme has been designed
Develop interpersonal skills
to help you to develop the skills necessary for a global
career. Durham University Business School has its own Create a CV that stands out
dedicated Masters Careers team and provides a full
Gain access to the latest jobs in your sector and
range of careers services. This bespoke programme
geographical region
complements the events, workshops and fairs that are
organised by the central University Careers Employability Understand international business etiquette.
and Enterprise Centre.
 11

Average salary
3 years after
graduating $54,687
(Financial Times Masters in Finance
Ranking 2016)

A FLAVOUR OF WHAT TO EXPECT

The Career Development Weekend
This weekend will provide insight and
enable the development of essential
career management skills. Covering
a wide range of topics, the event will
support career planning, facilitate
skills development and enhance your
knowledge of the full recruitment
cycle. The weekend will be actively THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
focused on identifying, preparing and
WILL GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
securing employment opportunities
throughout your studies.
Develop the career skills demanded
by international recruiters through
Individual Career Appointments interactive workshops tailored to your
Career appointments with our programme of study
Masters Careers Consultants give you Benefit from tailored, individual
the opportunity to develop your CV, career consultations to support you in
improve your job search strategy and achieving your career aspirations
prepare for interviews. The team can
also offer practice interviews and Engage with international recruiters,
assessment centre exercises to help from a range of sectors, in simulated
you with your preparation. interviews and assessment centres,
presentations and events.

Connecting with Business

There are opportunities throughout
the year to engage with organisations
The careers support was excellent.
and alumni to further enhance
Career workshops provided the tools to
your knowledge and skills such as
succeed, with opportunities to attend
our Opportunities in Series, skills
simulated interviews and assessment
workshops, recruiter presentations
centres, as well as one-to-one sessions
and fairs. Recruiter events in the
with a Careers Consultant. And with
past have included presentations and
opportunities to undertake a business
workshops delivered by employers
project, an industry placement or the dissertation abroad
such as Unilever, EY, Deloitte, HSBC
-my personal highlight - Durham offers a unique and
and IBM.
valuable experience to all its students.
Sebastian Seidens
MSc Finance (International Money, Finance and Investment) Graduate 2016
Durham University Business School
Mill Hill Lane, Durham DH1 3LB, UK

T +44 (0) 191 334 5439

E pgadmissions.economics@durham.ac.uk
W www.durham.ac.uk/business/masters-finance

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