Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Handbook 2026-2027

Module FINN40615: Corporate Finance (MSc Finance)

Department: Finance

FINN40615: Corporate Finance (MSc Finance)

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

Tied To

Pre-requisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations

  • None

Aims

  • To provide a rigorous grounding in the theory and practice of corporate finance at an advanced level and a thorough synthesis of the most important current research in corporate finance, with an emphasis on the applications of the principles. Both normative and positive aspects of the theory are examined, together with supporting descriptive and empirical evidence.

Content

  • Introduction to Corporate Finance;
  • Capital Budgeting;
  • Efficiency Frontier and CAPM
  • Cost of Capital;
  • Capital Structure;
  • Corporate Financing;
  • Payout Policy;
  • Mergers and Acquisitions.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge
  • have advanced knowledge and critical understanding of essential components of modern corporate finance and associated current research;
  • have explored, understood and appreciated the complexity and contradictions of the current relevant academic literature and its implications for professional practice, and be able to identify open questions for their own research.
Subject-specific Skills
  • have the ability to learn and work independently in corporate finance, exercising critical judgement and discrimination in the resolution of complex problematic situations;
  • be able to use highly specialised and advanced technical, professional and academic skills in the analysis of relevant specific problems in corporate finance;
  • be able to apply problem solving and analytical skills to issues in corporate finance 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 examination will enable students to develop their knowledge and critical understanding of the topic as well as their analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • The formative online tests provide students with the opportunity to receive regular feedback on their learning progress.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

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

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Examination 100% On Campus Written Examination 2 hours 100%

Formative Assessment

Formative Online tests provide students with the opportunity to receive regular feedback on their learning progress. In addition, students will receive formative feedback on work they prepare in advance of seminars, as 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.