TOPICS IN FINANCE - 2024/5

Module code: MAN3103

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

MAVROVITIS Christos (SBS)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

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

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 117

Tutorial Hours: 22

Captured Content: 11

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

  • Behavioural Finance


Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Online Scheduled Summative Class Test ONLINE TEST (50 mins) 30
Coursework GROUP REPORT 50
Oral exam or presentation GROUP PRESENTATION 20

Alternative Assessment

Individual Report instead of Group Report. Individual Video Presentation instead of Group Presentation.

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 topics and will be in two parts; the individual assessment and the group assessment (report and presentation). These types of assessments are designed to assess the student’s ability to comprehend and critically discuss the relevant theoretical concepts in various topics in finance, and present their work.

Thus, the summative assessments for this module will consist of:


  • An individual assessment.

  • A group report.

  • A group presentation.



Formative assessment and feedback

Live sessions provide a platform of frequent feedback in the topics covered, therefore, preparing students for their success in the assessments. Additionally, the module offers a platform for students to give and receive feedback via SurreyLearn. Finally, weekly feedback and consultations hours aim to provide additional feedback and assist students with their queries.

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

Attributes Developed
004 Evaluate the theoretical background and empirical and anecdotal evidence for the topics covered in finance KCPT
003 Identify the objectives of the firm and describe the conflicts of interest arising in corporations KCPT
002 Analyse and evaluate the value of the company's equity using different estimation models KCPT
001 Underline the fundamentals of the economy and industry KCPT
005 Develop practical skills in presenting findings. PT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

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.


  • A 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.

  • Tutorial sessions held after each topic.

  • Tutorials will mainly focus on the theory and empirical evidence of each topic through 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.

  • Students can ask for Feedback on a regular basis during lectures and tutorials as well as during weekly consultation and feedback hours.



Total student learning time 150 hours

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

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 2024/5 academic year.