Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
BSc (Hons) Finance: Investment Banking with Industrial Experience
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Finance: Investment Banking with Industrial Experience | Programme code | UFS4SBESBE60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Level 1 |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
Our BSc Finance: Investment Banking WIE programme is designed for diverse learners who are interested in following a wide range of career destinations within the banking and financial services, private and public sectors, and the broader corporate world, as well as specialist postgraduate studies. Flexibility is embedded in the programme to provide a rigorous balance of core knowledge and skills in finance together with practical application in a variety of contexts. Students will develop a well-balanced understanding across finance, accounting, economics, econometrics, management and data science and gain insight into recent technological developments in the industry.
The programme is an innovative interdisciplinary course designed with the industry employability needs in mind. Students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge in financial decision-making and commercial awareness in environmental sustainability, responsible leadership and technological transformation.
The programme combines the academic rigour of Exeter’s long tradition of teaching and research excellence with the achievement of industry-recognised professional qualifications. Modules are delivered with research-led curriculum combined with practical learning elements embedded throughout each stage of the programme. Environmental sustainability principles and ethos will be embedded throughout the curriculum.
Using principles of research-led and problem-based learning, students are supported to demonstrate cognitive abilities and generic skills, such as critical evaluation of arguments and evidence, independent and self-managed learning, problem-solving and decision-making, communication and presentation, teamwork and collaboration, and enhanced technical abilities. Students also develop well-rounded core behaviours, including honesty and integrity, self-awareness, resilience and enthusiasm, innovation and creativity, and inclusive collaboration. Students will apply new knowledge to deepen their understanding and engage with economic, social and environmental principles of sustainable decision-making.
Each stage of study is structured to incorporate lectures, seminars, workshops and independent guided self-study hours. The learning, assessment and feedback activities are designed to achieve an appropriate balance between the conceptual (including theoretical) and applied aspects of the subject. The extent to which the degree course reflects current research and contemporary debate in the subject are embedded in a variety of problem-based assignments, including the applied finance project in the final year.
Students will study modules that are closely aligned to the curriculum of professional bodies, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute and the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI). Graduates of this programme are able to work towards certain qualifications by applying to the relevant professional body, depending on the modules taken during the programme and the marks attained.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme has been designed to ensure all aspects of the QAA Subject Benchmark standard are met. In line with the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Finance, this degree is:
Awarded to learners who have demonstrated:
Subject-Specific Knowledge and Skills
1) An appreciation of the nature of the contexts in which finance can be seen as operating, including knowledge of the institutional framework necessary for understanding the role, operation and function of markets and financial institutions (for example, the economic, ethical, legal, political, regulatory, social and tax environment, both national and international; the firm; the capital markets; and the public sector).
2) Knowledge of the major theoretical tools and theories of finance, and their relevance and application to theoretical and practical problems (for example, the concept of arbitrage and examples of its use; financial mathematics; informational efficiency; optimal risk sharing; portfolio theory; asset pricing models and the valuation of securities; cost of capital; derivative pricing; risk management; information asymmetry; principal-agent relationships; signalling; Fisher separation and capital budgeting criteria; behavioural finance; term structure and the movement of interest rates; determination of exchange rates; and financial intermediation).
3) An understanding of the relationship between financial theory and empirical testing, and application of this knowledge to the appraisal of the empirical evidence in at least one major theoretical area. The appraisal should involve some recognition of the limitations and evolution of empirical tests and theory (for example, the efficient markets hypothesis; anomalies; risk management; pricing of derivatives and other securities; portfolio management; interest rates; exchange rates; raising capital and capital structure).
4) An ability to interpret financial data, including that arising in the context of the firm or household from accounting statements and data generated in financial markets. The interpretation should involve analysis using statistical and financial functions and procedures such as are routinely available in spreadsheets and other statistical/econometric software packages. It may involve the skills necessary to manipulate financial data and carry out statistical and econometric tests (for example, estimation and interpretation of asset pricing models; financial modelling and projections; event studies and residuals analysis; elements of time series analysis, such as serial correlation, mean reversion, and stochastic volatility).
5) An understanding of the financing arrangements and governance mechanisms and structures of business entities, and an appreciation of how theory and evidence can be combined to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of such arrangements (for example, decisions as to sources of finance and financial structure; the pricing of corporate securities; the market for corporate control; corporate governance; financial planning; and international dimensions of finance).
6) An understanding of the factors influencing the investment behaviour and opportunities of private individuals (for example, bonds, equities, and derivatives; risk aversion; risk/return trade-offs; portfolio management and performance measurement; pensions and long-term savings; the tax treatment of savings and investments; international diversification; foreign exchange risk; objectives of, and constraints on, institutional investors and advisers).
7) An understanding of financial service activities in the economy, and the factors that are changing these activities over time, and an appreciation of how finance theory and evidence can be employed to aid such understanding (for example, ideas of information asymmetry, moral hazard and risk sharing could be employed to analyse the fundamental nature of services, such as insurance, pensions, bank lending and consumer credit, and also explore fundamental problems arising in such financial service provision; the efficient market hypothesis could be used to explore the value added by investment and financial services).
8) An ability to understand financial statements, and a reasonable appreciation of the limitations of financial reporting and disclosure practices and procedures (for example, financial statement analysis; the relation between cash flow accounting and accrual accounting; discretionary accounting practices; and financial statement derived measures of financial performance, including risk).
On completion of a degree covered by this Subject Benchmark Statement, a student is generally expected to have the following abilities and skills:
Cognitive Abilities and Generic Skills
1) critical evaluation of arguments and evidence.
2) independent and self-managed learning.
3) analysis, filtering and evaluation of data, and drawing reasoned conclusions concerning structured and, to a more limited extent, unstructured problems from a given set of data and from data acquired by the student.
4) location, extraction and analysis of data from multiple sources, including acknowledging and referencing of sources.
5) numeracy, including the processing and analysis of financial and other numerical data and the appreciation of statistical concepts at an appropriate level.
6) using contemporary information and communications technology for the acquisition, analysis and communication of financial information.
7) communication, including presenting quantitative and qualitative information, together with analysis, argument and commentary, in a form appropriate to the intended audience, and oral as well as written presentation.
8) working with others (such as through small group projects).
Threshold graduates will be able to:
1) demonstrate a reasonable appreciation of the nature of the context and institutional framework in which finance operates.
2) demonstrate a reasonable knowledge of the main theories used in finance and a reasonable ability to apply them in straightforward structured situations from given data generated for the purpose
3) reveal a reasonable ability to interpret financial data and carry out straightforward statistical and financial analysis.
4) relate empirical evidence to finance theory in at least one of the main areas of finance with a reasonable understanding of the significance and limitations of such evidence
5) demonstrate an understanding of the financial needs of business entities, a reasonable appreciation and understanding of how theory and evidence may be used to guide practice; the workings of capital markets; the relationship between risk and return; and the nature and use of financial derivatives.
6) demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the principles of personal investment.
7) demonstrate a reasonable ability to use and interpret the information in financial statements.
8) demonstrate possession of the required cognitive abilities and non-subject specific skills to a reasonable level of attainment.
9) demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the economic, political, regulatory and social environments in which finance and financial services operates, and the ethical considerations embedded in these operations.
4. Programme Structure
BSc Finance: Investment Banking WIE programme is a four-year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into four ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. Stage 3 becomes Stage 4, and Stage 3 is replaced with 120 credits of alternative work and assessment. The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
5. Programme Modules
Stage 1
Stage 1: 120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEF1015 | Finance and Investment | 15 | Yes |
| BEA1014 | Statistical Methods for Accounting and Finance | 15 | Yes |
| BEA1008 | Introduction to Financial Accounting | 15 | Yes |
| BEE1029 | Economic Principles | 30 | No |
| BEM1028 | Introduction to Business and Management | 15 | Yes |
| BEE1023 | Introduction to Econometrics | 15 | Yes |
| BEE1038 | Introduction to Data Science in Economics | 15 | No |
Stage 2
Stage 2: 120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEF2012 | Ethics and Corporate Governance | 15 | No |
| BEA2018 | Corporate Finance | 15 | Yes |
| BEF2013 | Investment Practice | 15 | No |
| BEF2014 | Financial Reporting and Analysis | 15 | Yes |
| BEF2016 | FinTech in Investment Management | 15 | No |
| BEF2015 | Quantitative Methods | 30 | No |
| BEE2040 | The Economics of Financial Crises | 15 | No |
Stage 3
Stage 3: 120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUS3002 | Business School Industrial Experience | 120 | No |
Stage 4
Stage 4: 120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEF3009 | Financial Institutions' Risk Management | 15 | No |
| BEA3018 | Advanced Corporate Finance | 15 | Yes |
| BEA3028 | Sustainable and Responsible Finance | 15 | No |
| BEF3010 | Applied Finance Project | 30 | Yes |
| BEA3026 | Financial Modelling | 15 | No |
| BEF3008 | Equity and Fixed Income | 15 | No |
| BEE3032 | Futures and Options | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. An understanding of the institutional framework necessary for understanding the role, operation and function of markets and financial institutions. | Teaching is centred on problem-based and inquiry-led learning. There are three main components to the teaching methods: 1. Lectures/Seminars/Tutorials These sessions contain three elements:
2. Online Learning Platform All lectures/seminars/tutorials are supported by online resources. Each student has the benefit of both a module lead (subject specialist) and an academic mentor, with whom they can develop their study skills, critical thinking skills, application of new knowledge, evaluate own progress and plan own development. 3. Final Year Project This final year project is based on the knowledge built up over the academic years and is submitted in the final year. Students will be assigned a supervisor at the beginning of the final year to guide the completion of the project. | There will be a range of regular formative assessment which seeks to build the skills and confidence of students whilst keeping them engaged with the programme. Summative assessment will include, but is not limited to: written examinations, applied exercise, case studies, presentations, portfolios, reflective essays, position papers, business improvement projects, proposals, problem-based essays, book and article reviews, visual images, videos, infographics, academic essays, reports, groupwork and peer assessment. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
13. Illustrate arguments using reflections upon own practice and drawing from own reading of assigned academic texts. | See details in Section A Learning and Teaching Activities. | See details in Section A Assessment Methods. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
23. Confident Communicator: Able to adapt and adjust both written and verbal communication styles, to meet the needs of diverse audiences. | ILO 1 BEM1028 requires students to have regular group presentation peer to peer feedback sessions to develop own communication skills and learn from those of others. The module addresses critical writing, academic sources, and reports use within business. BEE1029 expects students to produce group report assignments in both terms. BEA3018 expects students to develop written communication skills in debating discussion topics and producing team solutions to problems. BEA3028 requires students to present arguments related to the module content to an audience. BEF2012 expects students to develop effective written communication skills, together with analysis, argument and commentary. BEF3008 expects students to develop written communication skills in producing solutions to problems. BEF3010 requires students to plan, manage significant individual research or applied exercise from conception through to design, execution and delivery. ILO 2 BEA1008 requires students to identify, synthesise, analyse and present appropriate information to assist management with taking financial decisions. Students are required to work through key scenario applications. BEM01028 requires students to address multiple aspects of forming a new business and produce presentation recordings – solving a problem or improving and existing solution. BEE1038 requires students to demonstrate logical problem-solving skills. BEA2018 requires students to critically assess comments, suggestions, and practice in the context of finance. BEF1015 requires students to use mathematical concepts to solve finance problems and apply investment principles in practical situations. BEF2013 requires students to apply statistical and financial mathematics techniques in decision making process. BEF2015 requires students to demonstrate written communication, technical, analytical and problem-solving skills. BEF3009 requires students to acquire and use data to analyse and solve international case studies. BEF3010 requires students to apply skills of critical thinking, problem-formulation, problem solving, and rigorous scientific data/information analysis to finance practice. ILO 3 BEM1028 requires students to have regular group presentation. BEE1029 expects students to work positively and collaboratively in groups, managing any conflict arising. BEA3028 requires students to work effectively in a group. ILO 4 BEA1014 requires students to analyse data using Excel spreadsheet software with a variety of data types and statistical models. BEE1023 requires students to demonstrate understanding of how software is used in econometric analysis. BEM1028 - students are required to adopt and develop new practices with digital technologies, and work across a range of tools and applications to prepare and record presentations. BEE1038 requires students to recognise the differences and similarities among various data science techniques using a variety of software. BEF2015 requires students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of various statistical methods which are used to investigate financial data. BEF2013 requires students to apply statistical and financial mathematics techniques in decision making process. BEF2016 requires students to apply FinTech applications to investment management and to control costs and risks effectively. ILO 5 Students in this programme are expected to manage time and tasks (submission of group work, presentations, mid-term assessments, final written exams); work independently (using resources to plan own learning, review answers and identify own learning points); adapt to change (reflecting the core difference between thought, critical analysis, use of evidence; management of ever-changing circumstances related to group work); seek and use feedback (using formative and summative feedback to develop); drive towards personal goals (reflect on input and align to personal goals). ILO 6 BEA1008 asks students to aggregate accounting data for companies, non-for-profit entities and other business forms into meaningful statements. BEE1038 requires students to critically evaluate alternative approaches for collecting, managing and analysing data and how this data is used to support decision-making. BEA2018 requires students to interpret financial data in the light of established theories and apply and criticise finance models in a real-world context. BEA3018 requires students to apply and criticise finance models in a real-world context. BEF2012 requires students to exercise diligence, independence, and thoroughness in making ethical investment decisions. BEF3008 – requires students to work independently and develop effective and efficient self-study techniques. BEF3009 – requires students to apply independent research and study skills in the exploration of contemporary real-world issues. BEF3010 requires students to critically evaluate aspects of current research in finance discipline. ILO 7 BEM1028 covers differences relating to the international dimensions of business and management. In addition, it considers the wider impact of business upon environment, communities and society as a whole. BEA3028 expects students to develop an understanding of the principles underlying sustainable and responsible decision-making in finance, their theoretical underpinning, and the guidelines on how to apply them in business and investment practice. BEF1015 requires students to evidence a sound understanding of the financial services sector, corporate finance, and main investment products. BEF2012 requires students to understand the importance of ethical conduct in the investment industry and the ethical responsibilities required by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. BEF2014 requires students to develop a sound knowledge of reporting and accounting principles. BEF3009 requires students to acquire and use data to analyse and solve international case studies. | ILO 1 BEM1028 – Business idea presentation (ILOs 1-9) BEE1029 – Two written group assignments (ILOs 2-4, 6-10), Examination (ILOs 1-8) BEA3018 – In class test (ILOs 1-5, 8-13), Examination (ILOs 1-13) BEA3028 – Presentation of real-life cases (group) (ILOs 1-6) BEF2012 – Written assignment (ILOs 1-8) BEF3008 – Written assignment (ILOs 1-10) BEF3010 – Research project (ILOs 1-8) ILO 2 BEA1008 – Two in class tests (ILOs 1-15), Examination (ILOs 1-15) BEM1028 – Business idea presentation (ILOs 1-9), Examination (ILOs 5-9) BEE1038 – Assignments (ILOs 1-6), Empirical project (ILOs 1-6) BEA2018 – In Term Exam (ILOs 1-5 and 8-13), Examination (ILOs 1-13) BEF1015 – In term exam (ILOs 1-5, 7-10) BEF2013 – Assignments (ILOs 1-11), Examination (ILOs 1-6) BEF2015 – Assignment (ILOs 1-9), Examination (ILOs 1-9) BEF3009 – In class test (ILOs 1-4), Assignments (ILOs 1-6) BEF3010 – Research project (ILOs 1-8) ILO 3 BEM1028 – Business idea presentation (ILOs 1-9) BEE1029 – Two written group assignments (ILOs 2-4, 6-10), Examination (ILO 1-8) BEA3028 – Presentation of real-life cases (group) (ILOs 1-6) ILO 4 BEA1014 – In-class assessment (ILOs 1-8), Examination (ILOs 1-8) BEE1023 – Five online homework quizzes (ILOs 1-9), Mid-term Exam (ILOs 4-9), Examination (ILOs 1-9) BEM1028 - Business idea presentation (ILOs 1-9), Examination (ILOs 5-9) BEE1038 – Assignments (ILOs 1-6), Empirical project (ILOs 1-6) BEF2015 – Assignments (ILOs 1-9), Examination (ILOs 1-9) BEF2103 – Assignments (ILOs 1-11), Examination (ILOs 1-6) BEF2016 – Assignments (ILOs 1-13), Examination (ILOs 1-7) ILO 5 This ILO is very general, and across the programme it is assessed through a mixture of individual/group essays/reports, presentations, MCQ exams, and written examinations. ILO 6 BEA1008 – Two in class tests (ILOs 1-15), Examination (ILOs 1-15) BEE1038 – Assignments (ILOs 1-6), Empirical project (ILOs 1-6) BEA2018 – In Term Exam (ILOs 1-5 and 8-13), Examination (ILOs 1-13) BEA3018 – In class test (ILOs 1-5, 8-13), Examination (ILOs 1-13) BEF2012 – Assignment (ILOs 1-8) BEF3008 – Assignment (ILOs 1-10), Examination (ILOs 1-10) BEF3009 – Assignment (ILOs 1-6) BEF3010 – Research project (ILOs 1-8) ILO 7 BEM1028 – Business idea presentation (ILOs 1-9), Examination (ILOs 5-9) BEA3028 – Examination (ILOs 1-4, 6) BEF2012 – Assignment (ILOs 1-8), Examination (ILOs 1-5) BEF1015 – Examination (ILOs 1-10) BEF2014 – Assignments (ILOs 1-13), Examination (ILOs 1-7) BEF3009 – In class test (ILOs 1-4), Assignments (ILOs 1-6) |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
10. Admissions Criteria
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy (ESE)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
Not applicable to this programme.
18. Final Award
BSc (Hons) Finance: Investment Banking with Industrial Experience
19. UCAS Code
Not applicable to this programme.
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 360 |
ECTS credits | 180 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
Level 1
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 17/11/2022 |
Date of last revision | 15/02/2024 |
|---|
