Finance (Graduate Diploma) - 2013/2014 entry

This course offers an introduction to financial economics and preparation for advanced work in the field. No prior knowledge of finance or economics is assumed, and it offers an intensive introduction to the essentials of the subject. It can be studied either as a stand-alone programme or as preparation for entry to an MSc programme in finance.

The course will teach you the basic principles of financial economics and the ability to understand and apply quantitative and statistical techniques to financial problems of a practical nature. You will also be provided with the necessary mathematical and statistical toolkit for studying this subject – with pre-sessional courses beginning in late September – and will be introduced to the interpretation and analysis of data.

Our Graduate Diploma courses fill a crucial gap in the market for training in finance and economics. Most MSc degrees are tailored to students proceeding out of an undergraduate training in economics or finance, but there are many able students from other backgrounds who wish to switch into economics and finance, and who would be able to cope with the intellectual rigour of such an MSc, but lack the prior knowledge and training. These degrees offer such students the opportunity to compete on equal terms with students with undergraduate degrees. Those who continue onto our MSc degrees, or to MSc degrees elsewhere, typically perform on equal terms with students with relevant undergraduate degrees.

• Ideal conversion programme if you have a degree in another subject and want to study finance at Master's level, or if you graduated in economics or finance some time ago.
• Excellent reputation for the quality of our teaching, providing training for employers such as the Treasury and the Bank of England.
• Students who achieve marks of 60% or above in four modules are guaranteed a place on the MSc Financial Economics. Students who achieve this standard and who show particular strength in mathematical components will also be considered for entry to the MSc Financial Engineering.
• Watch our video of Professor Ron Smith talking about studying in the Department of Economics, Mathematics and Statistics.

You take the following modules:

• Microeconomics
• Financial Markets
• Applied Statistics and Econometrics
• Quantitative Techniques
• Introduction to Mathematical Finance.

Computer laboratories and the College library.

We also offer Master's degrees in Economics, Financial Economics, Finance and Financial Engineering. Students proposing to enter an MSc programme require a pass with Merit.

Graduates go on to careers in banking and finance, the public sector, in industry, or in research and analysis. See our website for examples of what our students have gone on to do.

• You should apply as early as possible. We need to receive your supporting documents, i.e. your transcript, before we can proceed with your application.