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Finance and Investment Management - ECO00106M

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  • Department: Economics and Related Studies
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Peter Smith
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

This module introduces the essential professional, applied and theoretical elements surrounding finance and investment management. The module provides an overview of different roles and functions of finance and investment management in the modern economy.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module introduces the essential professional, applied and theoretical elements surrounding finance and investment management. The module provides an overview of different roles and functions of finance and investment management in the modern economy. The module provides an introduction to financial markets, asset classes, and financial intermediaries; it analyses important topics and key theories related to investment management such as asset pricing models; modern portfolio theory and diversification; market efficiency and behavioral aspects in the financial decision-making process. Portfolio performance and sustainable investing topics are also examined. Emphasis is given on how these topics and theories are applied in practice considering the professional responsibilities and the career development issues associated in this field.

Module learning outcomes

After successful completion of the module students will able to:

Subject content

Explain and critically evaluate the role of financial markets and financial intermediaries in the modern economy

Understand and critically discuss issues related to investment selection and portfolio construction

Value financial securities such as equity, bonds, and options.

Identify the causes of market anomalies, and the behavioral biases along with their effects on finance decisions

Construct portfolios and assess portfolio performance within the perspective of sustainable investing and investors

Critically reflect on the professional role and practices within the financial and investment management context.

Use databases like Datastream and Compustat to Identify, collect and organize some of the financial data which is used in practice by investors.

Academic and graduate skills

  1. Advanced subject specific knowledge and understanding

  2. Cognitive (thinking) skills: through self-study and assessments

  3. Analytical skills required to undertake finance calculations and/or estimations.

  4. Communication: via written assignments, online discussion boards, virtual study groups and tutorials;

  5. Ability to conduct research into financial issues individually through data collection, analysis, synthesis and reporting.

Module content

W1- Introduction to Finance, Financial Markets; and Financial Intermediaries

W2- Asset Classes, Time Value of Money and pricing of money market instruments

W3- Bond Pricing

W4-Equity Pricing

W5- Introduction to Risk, Risk aversion and capital allocation to risky assets

W6-Efficient Diversification

W7- Single index model and the CAPM

W8- Multi factor models and APT

W9- Efficient markets and Behavioural Finance

W10- Introduction to Financial derivatives and Option Trading strategies

W11- Portfolio Performance valuation and Sustainable investing & amp; Revision

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Closed exam : Finance and Investment Management		 3 hours 70
Groupwork
Group work: Finance and Investment Management		 N/A 30

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled)
Closed exam : Finance and Investment Management		 3 hours 70
Essay/coursework
Essay : Finance and Investment Management		 N/A 30

Module feedback

Students have access to feedback on individual assessments. General cohort assessment feedback is posted on the VLE after the marking is complete.

Indicative reading

Bodie, Z. and Kane, A., 2020. Investments. McGraw-Hill

Frank K. Reilly, Keith C. Brown (2015), Analysis of investments & amp; management of portfolios, South-Western Cengage Learning


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.