2012/13 Finance and Investment Analysis

This professionally relevant course has been designed to meet the needs of the wholesale financial services segment of the financial services sector. Graduates will have an in-depth knowledge of the core finance principles with a practical understanding of how theory informs professional practice in preparation for a career in wholesale financial services and/or postgraduate studies in finance or cognate disciplines. Year 1 is introductory and is focused on the acquisition and development of personal skills recognised as foundation skills by the Financial Services Skills Council. In the induction period, students complete a study skills module designed to equip students with the necessary key communication skills, soft skills and learning strategies to enhance their learning and employability. Building on year 1, at year 2 students will develop the ability to work effectively in teams and in the analysis of more complex operational issues, and continue to develop their IT skills in respect of online financial databases, for example Datastream, and econometric software essential for employment in the finance and investment environment. After successful completion of year 2, students have the option to complete a placement year in a financial services environment. In final year, five compulsory modules and one optional module build on the core themes to give students an appreciation of the contemporary issues relevant to finance and investment analysis.

You must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass in English Language at grade C or above (or equivalent). You must also hold a pass in GCSE Mathematics at grade B or above (or equivalent).

A level
A minimum of 300 UCAS Tariff Points to include grades BBB.

Irish Leaving Certificate
A minimum of 300 UCAS Tariff Points to include grades BBBBB.

Applications from International students, which are considered on a case-by-case basis, should have an IELTS score of 6.0 or above.

The first year comprises six compulsory modules. Subject areas including financial institutions and markets, microeconomics, quantitative methods, and accounting establish the academic foundation for the second year of the programme with a study skills module equipping students with the necessary key communication skills, soft skills and learning strategies to enhance their learning and employability.

In second year you develop subject specialism. You will take six specialist finance modules which develop knowledge and skills in areas including corporate finance, money and the economy, financial econometrics, further financial accounting and two modules which introduce students to derivative and cash market securities.

Students have the option of a placement year. This will provide a link between the subjects you have been studying and their application in a 'real world' setting, as well as allowing you to further develop your personal profile and finance skills base. Satisfactory completion of the placement year will lead to the award of the Diploma in Professional Practice.

You spend your final year developing specialist in-depth knowledge of portfolio management, international investment, financial statement analysis, corporate governance, quantitative analysis and the fundamental principles underpinning risk management.

Three years / full-time – BSc Hons
Four years / full-time – BSc Hons with DPP

This programme has been specifically developed to meet the needs of the wholesale financial services sector and to significantly contribute to achieving the stated policy objective to further develop the wholesale financial services sector in Northern Ireland. Graduates will be well placed to gain employment in financial centres such as London and Dublin. As mentioned above, a diverse set of career opportunities are open to suitably qualified graduates. More generally, the skill set embodied in the degree are in high demand by employers. Graduates could also pursue careers in general business or the public sector and would be prepared for postgraduate study in finance or cognate disciplines.

The CFA Society of the UK recognises that the BSc Hons Finance and Investment Analysis at Ulster Business School provides significant cover of the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) syllabus. The IMC is the investment profession’s benchmark entry-level qualification. The BSc Hons Finance and Investment Analysis was designed after consultation with the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) and has maintained strong professional links with this professional body. Graduates with the appropriate modules are also eligible to obtain exemptions from certain examinations of professional bodies such as the Chartered Insurance Institute.

Most students enter Year 1 of the programme. Applicants who can provide evidence of previous relevant study, awarded in accordance with the Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme, (CATS), may be considered for entry to Year 2. In appropriate cases opportunities exist at the end of Year 1 for reciprocal transfer between this programme and other first-degree programmes in the School.

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
• CFA Institute
• Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
• Professional Bodies
• Programme Specification
• School webpage