International Business and Finance – (M.Sc.)

Contents

The programme is based on core modules in the first and second semester (with one elective course in the second semester), plus a dissertation.
First Semester
Business Economics - this course introduces students to fundamental concepts in economics, and examine ways in which these may be applied to solve real business problems. The course focuses mainly on those aspects of economics vital to a student of business, such as the market mechanism, international competition policy and the business implications of resource allocation, inflation, economic growth, economic policy, international trade, economic integration and exchange rates.
ACCOUNTING - An introduction to Accounting, which enables students to develop technical skills and an understanding of financial statement analysis. Students are also introduced to the relationship between the theory and practice of accounting and contemporary issues in financial accounting. The course offers an appreciation of: the use and control of financial and accounting information; the basic assumptions and conventions applied to financial accounting; the analysis of business transactions and preparation of financial statements; technical accounting skills; financial statement analysis; financial performance and company valuation; issues in accounting practice, governance and standards.
Introduction to Corporate Finance - Knowledge and skills in corporate finance are essential for individuals entering the world of business focussing on the many aspects of corporate finance. Key financial decisions can determine the success (or otherwise) of a company; therefore, knowledge of how to finance investment projects is essential in order to achieve success. This course offers students the opportunity tobecome well equipped in corporate finance puzzles and issues and offers an excellent grounding for the development of a career in corporate finance.
Quantitative Methods - A introduction to statistics and quantitative methods used in economics and finance, where the focus is on the intuitive development of basic quantitative tools. This will enable students to analyse appropriate models, undertake empirical analyses of economic and financial data and will also provide students with practical computer-based skills.
Second Semester (Core courses)
Business Strategy - The course studies the economic and business concepts that form the foundation for strategic business thinking by industrial policy analysts, entrepreneurs, and corporate managers. This course will equip students with an analysis of how the firm is organised, operates, and manages its strategic interfaces and interactions to generate and maintain a competitive advantage. This course will provide a systematic approach to strategic thinking (game theory) and use its concepts to help students understand how businesses interact strategically and develop principles for such interaction.
Real Options and Decision Making - This course will deepen and broaden students´ understanding and develop their analytical skills concerning investment decisions under uncertainty. It will introduce students to methods of analysis of the benefits and costs of investment decisions and provide an appreciation of how these methods may be useful to decision makers in other corporate or government settings who must assess investment opportunities under uncertainty.
Portfolio Analysis And Management - Knowledge and understanding of the predictions of modern finance theory and the evaluation and analyses of actual and potential investments through portfolio analysis techniques. The aim is to develop student´s capacity to interpret and use financial information in an environment where the decision-making process revolves around how investors make choices between
risky assets.
Plus one course chosen from the following three options
Human Resource Economics - This course explores the economic approach to analysing incentives in human resource situations, allowing students are able to see how such incentives work in real situations, and to enable them to use the theoretical ideas to suggest human resource strategies relevant for businesses. A range of situations will be considered from the structuring of team working, individually negotiated packages, promotion procedures and their effect within organisations.
Empirical Methods In Finance - Provides an introduction to empirical issues surrounding the analysis of financial data and to some of the main empirical methods used in the study and practice of finance in order to analyse the time path and volatiltiy of asset prices.
Final Stage
Dissertation - Candidates write on a topic suggested by staff and drawn from areas studied in the programme.