Finance MSc Dissertation module (BU52708)

This module will give you the independent research and evaluation skills needed to analyse a complex issue or problem in finance. You will define, conduct, and report on a substantial piece of empirical research. 

Your dissertation will be based on either primary or secondary research. It may involve analysing a current issue in your chosen area, or developing a solution to a specific finance problem. 

You will draw on the knowledge and skills gained across your course, bringing them together in the dissertation. 

You will choose your topic, and then plan your research and complete your dissertation with the support and guidance of your supervisor.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• apply theory to real-world problems faced by finance professionals, policy makers, financial institutions, and/or investors and gain an understanding of the difficulties involved in applying academic theories to real-world finance areas
• solve quantitative and/or qualitative problems using financial data and be able to analyse and interpret this data
• manage your time effectively, work independently of other people, and communicate orally and in writing in a clear and concise manner

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• write a dissertation in an engaging manner
• read, understand, and critically evaluate research and articles in leading finance journals
• discriminate between material that is central to an issue and that which is auxiliary, and synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of the theory and practice in finance areas

Assignments / assessment

• Final dissertation (100%)
• Due in August
• 15,000 words

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

You will have a two-hour long introductory session from the module organiser, followed by a number of supervisory meetings during the summer semester.