Banking, Finance and Risk Management

30 credits

Get equipped you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to evaluate corporate financial strategies and make evidence-based investment decisions. You will explore how organisations raise capital, manage financial resources, and assess investment opportunities in both domestic and international contexts.

The module introduces you to financial markets and institutions, short and long-term planning, and valuation methods for corporate bonds and equity. You will then progress to advanced topics such as capital structure decisions, cost of capital estimation, and strategic investment appraisal, using techniques like NPV, IRR, and project risk assessment. Through real-world case studies, you will analyse corporate financial scenarios and propose strategic recommendations that balance financial return with risk.

By the end of this module, you will have the ability to critically evaluate financial data, assess investment opportunities, and make informed strategic recommendations. These skills are directly relevant to roles in corporate finance, investment banking, and consultancy, as well as further academic study in finance-related disciplines.

Teaching and learning

A blended learning approach ensures that you develop both analytical and applied skills. Interactive workshops, case study analysis, and collaborative problem-solving will strengthen your ability to apply theory to practice, while digital resources and simulations will enhance your technical competencies.

Teaching is delivered through weekly workshops supported by 30 minutes of online digital content. In the workshop, you will deepen your understanding of corporate finance principles, financial markets, institutions, valuation techniques, and risk management, with real-world cases providing industry relevance.

Sessions are interactive and practice-focused, including quantitative exercises, case studies, investment appraisal simulations, and risk assessment tasks. You will engage in discussions and problem-solving activities to strengthen your ability to evaluate financial data and make informed decisions in global, technology-driven contexts.

Online resources and Moodle materials complement the workshops, supporting independent study and ensuring a flexible, comprehensive learning experience.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a presentation (30%) and a case study report. (70%).

30 credits

This module explores the intersection of financial innovation and sustainability, preparing you to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of responsible finance. You will study the structure and mechanisms of sustainable finance alongside the disruptive potential of financial technologies (FinTech).

The module introduces you to sustainable finance regulations, ESG disclosure initiatives, and green equity and debt markets, before progressing to advanced FinTech applications such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and AI in finance. You will also examine the risks and opportunities created by digital disruption, including global regulatory perspectives and issues of financial inclusion. By combining sustainability and technology, the module positions you to analyse how finance can contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

By the end of this module, you will be able to critically evaluate sustainable finance strategies, apply emerging technologies to financial problems, and communicate solutions effectively to both professional and academic audiences. These skills will prepare you for careers in financial analysis, ESG investing, and FinTech innovation, as well as further research in the field.

Teaching and learning

Hands-on learning is central to the module, with opportunities to engage with industry-standard tools such as Bloomberg terminals and to pursue Bloomberg certification. You will complete case studies and simulations that require you to integrate financial and non-financial information into investment decision-making, ensuring you gain applied technical skills alongside theoretical understanding.

You will take part in weekly workshops, supported by 30 minutes of online digital content. These sessions combine lectures and seminars to build your knowledge of sustainable finance and financial technologies, using real-world examples to show how concepts apply in practice.

Interactive seminars focus on analysis and application through discussions, quizzes, case studies, and quantitative tasks. You will learn how to integrate financial and non-financial factors, including environmental, social, and governance considerations, into decision-making for diverse and technology-driven contexts.

Online resources and digital tools, including Bloomberg activities, will enhance your skills and provide opportunities to apply your knowledge. Independent study using module resource lists, readings, and Moodle materials is an essential part of the learning process.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a group presentation (30%) and a case study report (70%).

30 credits

This module deepens your understanding of the mechanisms and strategic context of wealth management in contemporary banking and financial services.

You will explore the fundamentals of investment banking alongside advanced valuation tools used to analyse corporate performance and assess target companies. Key activities such as mergers and acquisitions and leveraged buyouts will be examined in detail, enabling you to understand how these strategies deliver long-term growth and value.

You will also learn how to evaluate diverse asset classes and develop personalised investment portfolios that align with specific client risk profiles and objectives.

Simulation exercises and case studies will allow you to apply portfolio management principles in practice, developing your ability to balance risk and return in a dynamic financial environment. Sustainability and technology will also play a central role, with the module embedding ESG considerations and financial innovation into your analysis.

By the end of the module, you will be able to apply advanced tools and techniques to construct and manage effective portfolios, evaluate corporate transactions, and integrate sustainability into wealth management decisions. You will be prepared for professional roles that demand both technical expertise and strategic insight in rapidly evolving financial contexts.

Teaching and learning

Weekly workshops, supported by digital platforms such as Bloomberg, will provide you with opportunities to engage with real-world financial data and evidence. You will develop analytical and decision-making skills directly relevant to careers in investment banking, wealth management, and portfolio consultancy.

Teaching is delivered through a weekly workshops supported by 30 minutes of online digital content. In the workshops, you will develop your understanding of key concepts, theories, and principles in investment banking and wealth management, using real-world cases to see how they apply in practice.

Sessions are interactive, combining short lectures with activities such as quantitative tasks, discussions, quizzes, and case studies to build analytical skills and confidence in decision-making. You will also learn how to integrate financial and non-financial information, including ESG factors, to address challenges in diverse and technology-driven contexts.

The online content and Moodle resources will enhance your learning and support independent study, ensuring you are prepared for professional success in a fast-changing industry.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a case study report (70%) and a group presentation (30%).

30 credits

You will gain a comprehensive understanding of risk management frameworks and organisational resilience. The module integrates perspectives from both financial institutions and corporations, helping you to address the challenges of uncertainty in dynamic global markets. 

You will examine financial risks such as interest rate, market, and credit risks, using tools like Value-at-Risk and stress testing, alongside regulatory frameworks including Basel.

Beyond the financial domain, you will learn about enterprise risk management, risk appetite, governance structures, and disclosure practices. The module also covers resilience, focusing on frameworks, measurement tools, and sustainability strategies to help organisations withstand climate-related and operational shocks.

Throughout the module, you will develop the ability to critically analyse risk scenarios, evaluate mitigation strategies, and propose integrated resilience plans. Real-world case studies and global regulatory perspectives will provide professional context, while group discussions and problem-solving tasks will enhance your collaborative and analytical skills.

By the end, you will be able to apply advanced tools and techniques to assess risks, integrate resilience strategies into governance frameworks, and communicate recommendations effectively to diverse stakeholders. This aligns with the Institute of Risk Management accreditation pathway, preparing you for professional qualifications and careers in risk management, corporate governance, and financial services.

Teaching and learning

You will take part in a weekly workshops, supported by 30 minutes of online digital content. Workshops combine lectures and interactive sessions to build your understanding of core concepts and their real-world applications. Lectures will introduce key theories and frameworks, using examples from business practice, and will be recorded for later access on Moodle.

The interactive element focuses on applying knowledge to practice through discussions, teamwork, case analysis, and problem-solving. You will work on topics such as risk management, corporate governance, and resilience frameworks, bridging theory with professional contexts.

Online resources and independent study are essential, with guided readings, journal articles, reports, and digital tools to extend your learning. The module is student-centered, encouraging you to engage actively, ask questions, and explore different perspectives to strengthen your critical thinking and communication skills.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a group assignment and presentation (30%) and an individual report (70%).

60 credits

You will apply your knowledge to a real-world business setting.

You will choose from three career pathways:

1. Consultancy challenge – collaborating with international businesses, NGOs, and community organisations, through a structured consultancy challenge, you will work in teams to tackle real-world business problems. This hands-on experience not only strengthens your professional skill set but also enhances your professional and social capital and competitiveness in the global marketplace.
   
   
2. Research internship - as a research intern, you will undertake a small research project under the supervision of experienced researchers from our Centre for Sustainability and Responsible Management. You will experience projects that are beneficial for a wide range of stakeholders, including local and central governments, businesses and charitable organisations.
   
   
3. Start-up pathway - if you're interested in becoming a entrepreneur, this pathway is specifically designed to support you with developing of a new venture idea.