Module FINN41060: Dissertation (MSc Finance)

Department: Finance

FINN41060: Dissertation (MSc Finance)

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• EITHER Econometric Analysis (ECON41515) OR Econometric Methods (FINN41715) OR Quantitative Methods (FINN45615)

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Dissertation (International) (FINN41160)
• Dissertation (MSc Islamic Finance) (FINN45060)

Aims

• To provide students with the opportunity to conduct an in-depth investigation at an advanced level of an issue which is applicable and relevant to their degree subject.
• The dissertation should be theoretically underpinned and involve undertaking empirical research.

Content

• The dissertation and the research process:
• Planning a research project and ethical issues;
• Students review the literature and choose a dissertation topic. The dissertation topic should be suitable for in-depth investigation and relevant to students' degree route. The dissertation topic is discussed with and approved by their allocated supervisor.
• In producing the dissertation, students will make use of and manage library facilities, databases and other learning resources.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students should have:
• a critical understanding of a relevant topic through utilisation of appropriate techniques of research and analysis.

• To be able to effectively organise, structure and manage a research project at an advanced level, including undertaking critical appraisal of relevant literature, and apply critical judgement and discrimination;
• To have developed the ability to operate independently on a research topic and exercise appropriate judgement in the selection of material;
• To have further developed the skills of inquiry, quantitative and qualitative research design, bibliographic search, experimental research, data collection, measurement and analysis, interpretation and presentation of results;
• To have developed advanced skills of research, analysis and scholarly expression in a chosen topic.

• Written Communication;
• Planning and Organising;
• Problem Solving and Analysis;
• Showing Initiative;
• Numeracy;
• Computer Literacy;
• Self-discipline, time management and the ability to work autonomously.

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

• Lectures will be used to cover general aspects of the dissertation process, including ethics. Students work independently on their research, analysis and write up, under the guidance of a supervisor.
• Lectures will be delivered online.
• The student will attend at least three supervision meetings and receive three hours of supervision. The timing and number of sessions will take account of the research topic and students' learning progress.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

There is no formal formative feedback on the whole dissertation, but students will discuss their research proposal in the supervisory meetings, and will receive detailed feedback on one draft chapter of their dissertation.

■ 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.