BUSI45I15: THEORY OF FINANCE (ONLINE)

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• To provide a rigorous grounding in the theory of modern finance and a thorough synthesis of the important current research in finance. There will be an emphasis on the applications of the principles and relevance of the theory to the practice of financial management. Both normative and positive aspects of financial theory will be examined, together with supporting descriptive and empirical evidence.

• An introduction to financial theory;
• The valuation of risky future cash flows;
• Stock valuation;
• Bond valuation;
• Risk & return and portfolio theory;
• CAPM, recent developments and applications;
• Market efficiency;
• Introduction to options;
• Introduction to futures contracts.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of the module, students will have:
• an advanced knowledge and critical understanding of essential components of modern finance theory and associated current research;
• a critical appreciation of the complexity and contradictions of the current academic literature and its implications for professional financial management practice.

Subject-specific Skills:

• By the end of the module, students will:
• be able to learn and work independently in finance, exercising critical judgement and discrimination in the resolution of complex situations;
• be able to use highly specialised and advanced technical, professional and academic skills in the analysis of relevant specific problems in financial management;
• be able to apply problem-solving and analytical skills to issues in financial management in a complex specialised context.

Key Skills:

• Written communication;
• planning, organising and time management;
• problem solving and analysis;
• using initiative;
• computer literacy

• The module is delivered via online learning, divided up into study weeks with specially produced resources within each week. Resources vary according to the learning outcomes but normally include: video content, directed reading, reflection through activities, opportunities for self-assessment and peer-to-peer learning within a tutor-facilitated discussion board. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and facilitate discussion board communication as well as being available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email and Skype).
• The summative assessment of the module is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

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