MSc Finance Banking and Risk Management

at University College Cork

Candidates take taught modules with examinations and coursework over two semesters and then complete a dissertation in the summer term. You are taught in three broad streams: Finance, Financial Economics and Quantitative Finance. The taught modules for each stream are as follows:
 

Finance

• FI6003 - Asset Pricing and Allocation: examines models of asset returns, stock price predictability and market efficiency.

• EC6046 - Fund Management and Evaluation: studies portfolio management, return and risk evaluation in-stock selection, market timing and persistence.

• EC6005 - Derivative Securities: introduces the concepts and mathematical techniques in pricing derivatives including options, swaps, forwards and futures on underlying assets.

• FI6004 - Analysis of Debt Instruments: examines the term structure of interest rates and yield curve analysis, exotic bond valuation, duration, convexity, immunisation, asset-backed securities and bond portfolio management.

• FI6005 - Equity Valuation: develops practical knowledge, skills and abilities in the valuation of equities within international financial markets using a comprehensive range of valuation models.

• FI6001 - Treasury Risk Management: looks at the measurement and management of risks facing banks and corporations arising from volatility in currency and money markets.
   

 Financial Economics

• FI6002 - Regulation and Compliance in Capital Markets: covers the guiding principles behind financial regulation and the main differences between the roles and key legal aspects of different regulatory institutions.

• EC6002 - Financial Institutions and Money Markets: looks at the role of money markets and banks in the economy, focuses on understanding the types of risk facing banks and the management of this risk.

• EC6001 - Macroeconomics for Financial Markets: looks at macroeconomics theories, models and techniques relevant to financial markets. Topics include business cycles, economic growth, uncertainty, monetary policy, inflation and the labour market.

• EC6003 - International Finance: focuses on how economic policy and the behaviour of agents impact international capital flows, exchange rates and global investments. 
   

 Quantitative Finance

• EC6062 - Applied Econometrics: teaches the theory and application of econometrics for finance. This is taught without the need for prior knowledge of econometrics and is all applied throughout the course using Python, a cutting-edge data analysis software in demand throughout the finance industry.

• EC6063 - Applied Time Series Analysis: developing from EC6062 this module introduces you to time series methods in econometrics. It also deals with the application of these methods in finance by providing experience of advanced methods of analysing time-series data sets.

• EC6009 - Research Methods: prepares you to undertake your independent research for your dissertation module in the summer term by developing your writing skills and knowledge of research methods. Lecturers from the programme and guest lecturers present their current research throughout the year.

• EC6010 – Dissertation in Financial Economics
   

The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years. Any modules listed above are indicative of the current set of modules for this course but are subject to change from year to year.

The course is open to applicants with a second class honours grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent in a business subject
 

Or
 

Applicants with a 2.1 degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in a related subject with a quantitative element such as mathematics, statistics, engineering, science, etc. 
 

Minimum Requirements and Accepted English Language Tests & Examinations

The minimum English language entry requirements for admission onto a postgraduate programme at UCC are outlined below. These requirements are for postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English. If Gaeilge (Irish) is your first language these requirements do not apply to you.
 

There are a small number of programmes with a higher minimum English language entry requirement and we list these below under Programmes with a Higher Minimum English Language Requirement.

IELTS*    

• 6.5 Overall

• 6.0 Individual Skills (academic version)
   

TOEFL iBT    
 

• 90 Overall

• Listening 20

• Reading 19

• Speaking 21

• Writing 20

The EU fee for this course is €10,630; €5,380 (Year 1 part-time); €5,380 (Year 2 part-time).
 

The Non-EU fee for this course is €18,500.

Our past graduates have gone on to work in a broad range of areas such as:
 

•  Commercial and Investment Banking

•  Treasury Risk Management

•  Regulation

•  Central Banking

•  Economic Consulting

•  Investment Research

•  Hedge Funds

•  Academia
   

You will be taught by experienced academics, many of whom have experience in financial markets as traders, financial economists, equity analysts, and economic consultants to the industry. Students will also manage their own simulated asset portfolio online during the year, putting theory into practice and reflecting on current financial market events.