MA (Hons) Business Management: Financial Services

During the first year, the apprentice will be provided the foundations of management that include: finance and economics; a knowledge of different management and business functions; the enterprise in the context of its environment. The apprentice will also develop business skills that include: questioning and interviewing techniques; presentation skills; and design thinking.

At the end of year 1, the apprentice will be aware of the skills required within business and show an understanding of both the internal and external influences on the organisation. Additionally, they will have gained introductory organisational skills for working as managers.

During year 2, building upon the basic business knowledge and skills gained in year 1, the apprentice will develop an understanding of human behaviour in the workplace, basic accounting, and understand themes, theories and concepts of organisational behaviour.

Projects will be undertaken to consider improvements that can be made to an operational element within the organisation and taking greater responsibility for personal development. The apprentice will also gain an understanding of contemporary marketing issues and problems faced by organisations, and learn legal principles within the context of public-, private-, and third-sector organisations.

The apprentice will be introduced to the financial services sector including understanding the role of central banking and the structure of the banking system, loan and deposit institutions, financial intermediaries, and financial regulation and markets. The apprentice will also learn about the sector’s potential and impact on related industries and international competitiveness.

Year 3 will build up on the knowledge and skills gained in year 2. The apprentice will have had experience of project management and be able to discuss the theoretical and practical issues involved in the strategic management of organisations.

After gaining an understanding of how to carry out research in the business context, the apprentice will undertake a business analysis and consultancy project and present findings within their organisation.

The apprentice will also gain an understanding of financial regulation including domestic and global regulatory structures; regulatory tools and the importance of interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and system risk; and national and international supervision.

The apprentice will also gain an appreciation for the current trends in fintech, blockchain and digital instruments and currencies and contextualise the role of emerging markets and the social impact of fintech.

The final honours year will see the apprentice taking full responsibility for a major work-based Capstone Project throughout the year. This project will be supported by the workplace mentor and an academic supervisor matched with the chosen topic. The apprentice will also consider the impact of various global political, economic, social and technological trends on the way we manage organisations, leading to an increased global awareness for managing international business.

Building on the operational excellence, quality management course, the apprentice will acquire the  methods, tools and techniques for measuring and managing performance as well as analysing and troubleshooting existing performance measurement and management systems.

Finally, the apprentice will gain an understanding of processes, techniques, challenges and opportunities associated with digital marketing.

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of organisational strategy
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of project management
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of business finance
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of digital business and new technologies

• Demonstrate effective communication skills
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively lead people
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively manage people
• Demonstrate the ability to develop collaborative relationships

• Demonstrate an awareness of self and others
• Demonstrate effective management of self
• Demonstrate effective decision making skills

• Demonstrate behaviour that shows the ability to take responsibility
• Demonstrate behaviour that shows the ability to be inclusive
• Demonstrate behaviour that shows the ability to be agile
• Demonstrate behaviour that shows professionalism

• Demonstrate knowledge of regulatory requirements
• Demonstrate knowledge of the financial services sector
• Demonstrate knowledge of technological change and its application
• Demonstrate knowledge of client management

• Retail banking
• Commercial / business banking
• Investment banking
• Investment management
• Operations
• Insurance
• Workplace pensions
• Client segmentation
• Market segmentation