Module FINN3112: Dissertation in Finance

Department: Finance

FINN3112: Dissertation in Finance

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• The dissertation should be a substantial piece of work that provides a detailed and critical examination of a particular topic. Empirical research is encouraged where appropriate to the topic and programme of study, though, is not compulsory.
• Additional aims are:
• to provide students with an opportunity to undertake a substantial research project on an approved topic of interest and present their findings and conclusions in an extended and coherent piece of work.
• to develop students' abilities to plan and manage their own learning.
• to facilitate students' development of research skills and provide the opportunity to apply their knowledge to an appropriate topic associated with their degree.

Content

• The topic and scope of the dissertation will be decided in consultation with an appropriate member of staff, should be of relevance to their degree and is subject to approval.
• Lectures and consultations will address basic issues of methodology and method, data gathering and data analysis, reviewing literature, structure and presentation of argument, academic writing.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students are expected:
• to have acquired in-depth knowledge of a relevant topic in finance and relevant research methods in finance

• The ability to carefully review and identify relevant literature in finance to develop coherent theoretical arguments, research questions and/or hypotheses.
• The ability to identify appropriate research methods in finance and apply them competently.
• The ability to appreciate how different research methods or research contexts might impact on the results and/or the interpretation of the results of research in finance.

• Written communication - through summative assessment.
• Planning, Organisation and Working to deadlines.
• Problem Solving and Analysis - by designing research, manipulating concepts and applying analytical skills.
• Initiative - by gaining access to relevant sources.
• Computer literacy - by production of the dissertation in word processed form, accessing literature and other sources via electronic means and as relevant use of computer-based analysis methods.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Learning is facilitated by lectures, consultations and support for private study.
• Formative assessment is by means of preparation of dissertation outline and draft chapters for discussion at consultations.
• Summative assessment is through the production of a dissertation of 12,000 words. Students will have individual consultation sessions with a named dissertation supervisor throughout the year.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Preparation of dissertation outline for discussion at consultations and submission of a draft chapter in the Epiphany term.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University