Heriot-Watt University

The course

Delivery
Full-time, Part-time, Per course
Course type
Taught
Location
Edinburgh
Entry date
September
Find out how to apply More about this subject area

Contact

Overview

This programme provides a solid understanding of corporate accountability issues involved in international finance and will improve students’ expertise and transferable skills for work in the finance and business sectors.

Through the programme students will develop knowledge of finance, business and corporate accountability, and acquire a critical awareness of current issues in both professional practice and the academic discipline.

The programme will build understanding of, and the ability to evaluate, a comprehensive range of research techniques used in the area of finance and corporate accountability, and illustrate how these techniques are put into practice. It will also develop students’ ability to evaluate critically academic and professional research in the corporate accountability and business environment and gain an opportunity to carry out original research on a relevant topic through a dissertation.

Programme duration

Mode of Study MSc PG Diploma
Full-time 12 months 9 months
Part-time 24 months 21 months

Accreditation

Bloomberg Experiential Learning Partner

Heriot-Watt University is accredited as a Bloomberg Experiential Learning Partner, recognising us as a leader in experiential learning in the area of finance. 

Detailed course information

Course content

Detailed course guide
Semester 1 (Sept - Dec) Semester 2 (Jan - April)
International Finance Emerging Financial Markets
Corporate Social Responsibility Derivatives
Corporate Governance Research Methods
One from:
  • Corporate Finance
  • Capital Markets
 One from:
  • Research in Finance
  • Social Sustainability

The MSc dissertation is then completed between May and August.

International Finance

Semester 1 (mandatory)

This course examines the FOREX market and other key issues in International Finance. Traditional and modern theories of exchange rate determination are reviewed. The problem of financial crises, why they are transmitted across countries and the policy implications of the global financial crisis are also considered.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Semester 1 (mandatory)

Develops understanding of corporate social responsibility within the international business context and also alongside environmental responsibility as part of sustainable business development. Also looks at the conflicts and barriers to implementing corporate social responsibility within global supply chains and the conflicting wants of business and society with regard to issues of globalisation, development and social justice.

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.

Emerging Financial Markets

Semester 2 (mandatory)

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.

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.

Entry requirements

A good Honours degree (first or second class), or its non-UK equivalent, in a relevant subject from a recognised British or overseas university.

Work or project experience in the area of finance will be of further advantage.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we’ll need to see evidence of your English language ability.

The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component lower than 6.0.

If you do not have IELTS 6.5, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies:

  • 14 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with minimum of 5.0 in all skills)
  • 10 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with minimum of 5.5 in reading & writing and minimum of 5.0 in speaking & listening)
  • 6 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with minimum 5.5 in all skills)

Fees

Tuition fees for 2020 entry (by residency status)
Status* Full-time Part-time Per course
Scotland / Non-UK EU £7400 £3700 £925**
England / Northern Ireland / Wales £7400 £3700 £925**
Overseas £16400 £8200 £2050**

* If you are unsure which category you fall in to, you should complete a fee status enquiry form, which allows us to assess your fees.

** Fee per course (module). Refer to the Course Content to see how many courses comprise the full programme.

Scholarships and bursaries

We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.