Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Handbook 2026-2027

Module FINN40415: Portfolio Management

Department: Finance

FINN40415: Portfolio Management

Type Level Credits Availability Module Cap Location
Tied 4 15 Available in 2026/2027 None. Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • Advanced Financial Theory (FINN40515)

Excluded Combinations

  • None

Aims

  • develop students' knowledge and understanding of key issues in asset allocation and portfolio composition and management at an advanced level;
  • provide students with the opportunity to develop the ability to critically understand current theoretical and empirical research in the field of portfolio theories and their implications on alternative portfolio composition and management strategies.
  • Equip students with practical skills in data-driven portfolio construction, including estimation error management, robust optimisation, and institutional constraints.

Content

  • Investment objectives, constraints and policy frameworks
  • Strategic and tactical asset allocation
  • Portfolio construction techniques and diversification
  • Risk measurement and risk budgeting
  • Portfolio optimisation and robustness considerations
  • Performance evaluation and attribution
  • Use of fixed income and derivatives in portfolio management

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge
  • have explored, understood and appreciated the complexity and diversity of the current relevant academic literature and its implications for professional practice, and be able to identify open questions for their own research;
  • have demonstrated ability to learn and work independently in this area, exercising critical judgement and discrimination in the resolution of complex problematic situations.
Subject-specific Skills
  • have used highly specialised and advanced technical, professional and academic skills in asset allocation and composition and management of portfolios;
  • have practised problem solving and analytical skills in a complex specialised context.
Key Skills
  • Written Communication;
  • Planning, Organising and Time Management;
  • Problem solving and analysis;
  • Using initiative;
  • Numeracy;
  • Computer Literacy.

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

  • A combination of lectures, seminars and guided reading will contribute to achieving the aims and learning outcomes of this module.
  • The summative written assignment will test students' knowledge and critical understanding of the material covered in the module, their analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • The formative assignment aims to help students develop their knowledge and skills and receive feedback on their learning progress.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotal HoursAttendance Monitored
Lectures 10 1 per week 2 hours 20 Yes
Seminars 4 1 per fortnight 1 hour 4 Yes
Preparation and Reading 126
Total 150

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Assignment 100% Written Assignment 2500 words (max) 100%

Formative Assessment

Students will receive written comments on formative written assignments. Work prepared by students for seminars; answers to questions either discussed during a seminar or posted on Blackboard.


Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.