TOPICS IN FINANCE - 2020/1

Module Overview

The module discusses a wide range of recent topics in finance and presents the theory behind these topics as well as the empirical/anecdotal evidence related to these theories through recent research papers and articles in the press.

Module provider

Surrey Business School

Module Leader

MALEKPOURKOLBADINEJAD Soheila (SBS)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

Financial Management (MAN3080) is a pre-requisite for this module

Module content

Topics include, but not exhausted to:

• Corporate Governance


•  Economic and Industry Analysis


• Firm Valuation


• Bonds


• Behavioural Finance

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Not applicable

Assessment Strategy

The module has a number of learning outcomes that are directly related to the topics delivered in various weeks. The assessments are designed to capture learning in all the topics and will be mainly in two parts; the Midterm test (30%) and the Closed-book exam (70%). Both types of examination are designed to assess the student’s ability to comprehend and critically discuss the relevant theoretical concepts.

Thus the summative assessment for this module will consist of:

• A midterm test which assesses students on the theories and practical aspects of the first part of the course and will consist of short questions. The final exam consists of longer questions where students have to answer theoretical questions and solve practical problems from topics covered during the course of the module. Once again this will assess the students in various theoretical and practical competencies in finance.

Formative assessment and feedback

Tutorials provide a platform of frequent feedback in the topics covered preparing, thus, the student for his/her success in the Midterm test and final examination. Additionally, the module offers a platform for students to give and receive feedback via SurreyLearn. Finally, weekly office hours aim to provide additional feedback and assist students with the workload.

Module aims

• Provide adequate knowledge of various topics in finance
• Cover the main theoretical concepts as well as their practical aspects
• Highlight the recent trends and the managerial implications of these topics

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The teaching and learning strategy is designed to allow students to come to grips with an essential mix of theory and practice in various topics in finance.

• Two-hour lecture held each week introducing the topic of discussion.


• Lectures will lay down the theoretical framework of each topic mainly through the core textbooks and various research papers.


• One-hour tutorial held after each topic.


• Tutorials will mainly focus on the practical application and the empirical evidence of each topic through practical examples, cases studies and articles from academic and practitioner journals. Tutorials are an integral part of the module as they provide a critical review and an empirical assessment of each topic.


• Lectures and Tutorials will be supported by directed reading in selected textbooks and relevant journal articles.


• Feedback will be provided on a regular basis during lectures and tutorials as well as during weekly office hours.

Total student learning time 150 hours.

• In class = 33 hours


• 117 h independent study (reading of essential text book, tutorial material, academic and practictitioner articles)

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MAN3103

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.