MSc Finance
The course
- Delivery type
- Evenings
- Duration
- 1 year (full-time) / 2 years (part-time)
- Intake date
- September, January
- Location
- Dubai
Contact
-
Contact
Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus
-
Telephone
+971 4 571 7000
Overview
This programme combines the core principles and techniques of international finance. It develops student knowledge and understanding of academic finance and of the financial sector, including theory, empirical research and practical issues. It is designed for those who wish to pursue a professional career which calls for familiarity with the financial world.
The programme is also designed to provide the knowledge base and the analytical and research skills necessary for doctoral study in finance. Many graduates pursue careers in the financial sector, some within Edinburgh, a major centre for fund management, and home to two of the world's largest banks.
The programme enables students to understand core theories and concepts in finance; understand and use a range analytical techniques, for example the analysis of a company's financial statements or the application of models to value financial assets; evaluate methods of empirical research and empirical findings; develop practical knowledge of financial markets and institutions and financial decisions within companies; carry out original research via a dissertation; and develop transferable skills, particularly in analytical techniques, communication and teamwork, relevant to employment in the financial sector or in academic research.
Programme duration
- MSc: 12 months (full time), 24 months (part-time)
- PG Diploma: 9 months (full time), 21 months (part-time)
September 2023 entry
The deadline for applications from Scottish and RUK students is 31st August 2023. For EU and overseas applicants, we guarantee to consider applications submitted by 1st August 2023.
Accreditation
Read more about the UAE Federal Accreditation.
Heriot-Watt University is accredited as a Bloomberg Experiential Learning Partner, recognising us as a leader in experiential learning in the area of finance.
Course content
| Semester 1 (Sept - Dec) | Semester 2 (Jan - April) |
|---|---|
| Corporate Finance | Derivatives |
| Corporate Governance | Research Methods |
| Financial Analysis | Research in Finance |
| Capital Markets | One from:
|
Between May and August students undertake their MSc dissertation.
Corporate Finance
Semester 1 (mandatory)
This course introduces contemporary topics in corporate finance and looks at the major decisions facing a firm in this area.
Corporate Governance
Semester 1 (mandatory)
Develops understanding of issues relating to corporate governance and the financial research methods used to approach them including principal-agent theory, ownership structure and control, board of directors, CEO turnover, mergers and acquisitions and state versus private ownership.
Financial Analysis
Semester 1 (mandatory)
This course examines how to analyse the financial performance of an organisation through the use of published financial information.
Capital Markets
Semester 1 (mandatory)
Examines the way financial markets and institutions function in practice, with particular emphasis on equities and bonds.
Derivatives
Semester 2 (mandatory)
Develops a thorough understanding of financial derivative instruments, and be able to appraise their application in risk management.
Research Methods
Semester 2 (mandatory)
Looking at both qualitative and quantitative techniques this course will equip students with the means to develop and carry out their own research projects and to evaluate the contributions of others.
Research in Finance
Semester 2 (mandatory)
Covers quantitative methods used in research in the area of finance and financial markets. It will extend knowledge from the main Research Methods course by equipping students with modern methodology applied for the time series analysis. The first part of the course is focused on the theory and the second one on practical applications in the computer lab.
Students will build models of stock and currency prices, evaluate them using different criteria and use them for the forecasts and formulation of trading strategies. They should perform their own work using real data from financial markets. By applying modern econometric methods, students will prepare themselves for their dissertation as well as for further research, either in academia or in the non-academic world.
Comparative Financial Reporting
Semester 2 (optional)
Provides an international perspective to the study of accounting by looking at the reasons for national differences, the tendencies towards harmonisation, the problems of multinational companies, as well as analysis and evaluation of financial reports prepared in other countries.
Emerging Financial Markets
Semester 2 (optional)
Supplements understanding of mainstream finance during the year, and applies it to the specific circumstances of emerging financial markets. This exposure is also designed to assist you with identifying possible dissertation topics and data sources.
International Managerial Accounting
Semester 2 (optional)
Develops understanding and analytical skills of management accounting in an international and comparative context. Includes the changing roles of accountants in a global environment, culture and complexity in management accounting, and managerial accounting in the strategic environment.
Dissertation
Over the summer months students undertake a dissertation.
Entry requirements
For MSc entry, a good relevant Honours degree (first or second class) or equivalent overseas qualifications will be considered. Given the clear practical element of the programmes, we will also consider non-graduate candidates holding less than a good Honours degree, or its equivalent, but with compensating qualifications or experience may be admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma programme. Transfer to the MSc will be possible later on if exams and course work are at MSc level.
To find out about the entry requirements for this programme, please send an email to dubaienquiries@hw.ac.uk
English language requirements
Where English was not the medium of instruction at secondary school, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (with all elements passed at 6.0 or above). Applicants who have completed secondary and tertiary education will need to provide documentary evidence. A minimum of one year full-time study in English will be required.
Fees and funding
- AED 85176*
* All tuition fees inclusive of VAT
Scholarships and bursaries
See our range of degree entry, undergraduate, postgraduate taught and PhD scholarships and discounts.