Basma Akbar came to Bayes Business School from Kuwait to study on the MSc in Banking and International Finance. In this video she tells us why she loved studying in London and learning from renowned professors.
Overview
Who is it for?
You don’t need experience in finance or accounting to join this course – just a keen interest in finance, and a desire to work in the finance industry. You will have studied or have evidence of skills in quantitative methods or finance, as well as the equivalent of a UK upper second degree.
You’re ambitious, with your sights set on a career in corporate finance, as a finance professional for an investment bank, in a consulting firm, or in a global corporation as a finance manager. And you’re ready to build networks with your classmates – top students from around the world – as well as the senior industry contacts you’ll meet through lectures and events.
Objectives
This Master’s course in Corporate Finance is one of our most popular degrees. You’ll be taking your next step towards a successful career as a hedge fund manager, investment banker, financial analyst or consultant.
In a wide-ranging, practical and up-to-date programme you’ll explore the big issues in corporate finance today including:
- how investors make decisions
- IPOs, mergers and acquisitions
- hedge funds vs investment banks
- private equity & venture capital
- risk management
- company valuations and profitability analysis.
You can work on new skills, including programming Python to data visualisation, develop a deep understanding of the current concerns in corporate finance, apply your knowledge with a business research project and expand it with electives including international options. Learn in highly interactive lectures from staff with many years of practical experience and from guest lecturers from the world of corporate finance.
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Structure
What will you learn
On the Corporate Finance MSc, you will:
- Study at a world-renowned faculty, from staff actively engaged in research and advisory roles.
- Gain exemptions from CIMA and ACCA exams while learning on a degree that’s a Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA) Partner Programme.
- Build international experience on electives in locations such as New York, Spain, Italy and Portugal or add an extra year’s study at LUISS or Bocconi business schools in Italy.
- Develop skills that meet your ambitions with a wide choice of term 3 electives
- Learn from senior finance professionals and business leaders based close by in London’s Square Mile in guest lectures and seminars, and connect with them at networking events.
Induction weeks
All of our MSc courses start with two compulsory induction weeks which include relevant refresher courses, an introduction to the careers services and the annual careers fair.
Term 1
Core modules:
Corporate Finance and Valuation
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
The aim of this course is to introduce you to the field of corporate finance.
This is achieved by familiarising you with the core theoretical principles, and equipping you with the basic and most commonly used practical finance tools.
The material covered in this course is crucial for professional work in the area of corporate finance as well as for further study of more advanced or specialised corporate finance-related courses. It is relevant for financial officers, economists, investment bankers, analysts, and other decision makers.
The course is designed around several overarching principles such as the time value of money, market efficiency, and the goal of value maximisation.
The teaching material puts significant emphasis on relevant theories and their practical applications, and is informed by the pertinent academic research and examples from the corporate world from around the globe.
Financial Markets and Securities
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
The aim of this course is to equip students with critical understanding of the principles and practices of accounting, characteristics and limitations of accounting data.
Students will learn how to prepare and interpret financial statements, to apply and comment on accounting policies and to use accounting information to assess financial performance of the business.The course will make it possible for you to:
- Prepare and interpret financial statements
- Comment on accounting policies and discuss their implications for the financial performance of the business
- Use accounting information to assess the financial situation of a company.
Research Methods in Modern Finance
- 10 credits
- 3 x 3 hour lectures over the ten week term
- 52 hours self directed study over the ten week term
Strong research is a key element of development strategy for companies and institutions, large and small.
This module aims to provide a grounding in financial research, particularly financial modelling and information gathering, which you will be able to use to support your learning on the rest of your course.
Data Analysis for Finance
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
This module is designed to give you knowledge of quantitative methods that can be effectively used to analyse financial data. Although some theory is needed to understand the methods, the emphasis is on a hands-on approach to provide you/students with practical skills.
The module puts emphasis on the foundations of hypothesis testing and estimation of econometric models that can be used for prediction and pricing.
Financial Reporting
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
The course will make it possible for you to:
The module gives you an understanding of the principles and practices of accounting, the characteristics and limitations of accounting data.
You will be able:
- to prepare and interpret financial statements
- to comment on accounting policies and to discuss its implication for the financial performance of the business
- to use accounting information to assess the financial situation of a company.
Term 2
Core modules:
Advanced Corporate Finance
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of modern corporate finance so that the corporate manager, the investment banker and the financial analyst will have the conceptual foundations for making informed corporate assessments of key financial decisions.
This course provides students with an in-depth knowledge of corporate finance, complemented with cases and discussions of real life examples.
Corporate Risk Management
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
The module will make it possible for you to acquire an understanding of the principal objectives and constraints of corporate risk management.
The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the multinational corporation, the global risk management markets and the use of derivatives and other hedges to mitigate risk exposures.
Financial Statement Analysis
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
The ability to understand and analyse financial statement information is a key skill in a wide range of business activities, from managing a corporation to investing in securities.
This module leverages many materials from bulge bracket and boutique investment banks to showcase how various techniques covered in the module are used by professionals from the Wall Street, providing students with hands-on experience in analysing and interpreting financial information disclosed by firms listed on major stock exchanges.
Topics in Mergers and Acquisitions
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
Students will learn how companies use M&A transactions to implement their strategic plans and how such transactions are structured and analysed.
Emphasis is given to applied financial analysis, case studies are used throughout the module and lectures are complemented by guest presentations given by M&A practitioners.
Term 3
You may choose from these three options in your final term.
- Option 1: Students can opt to write a 10,000 word business research project (40 credits) and take one specialist elective module (1 x 10 credits).
- Option 2: Students can take five specialist elective modules (5 x 10 credits).
- Option 3: Students can opt to write a 3,000-5,000 words Applied Research Project (20 credits) and take three specialist elective modules.
Electives offered in 2022
- Advanced Company Valuation
- Corporate Restructuring
- Ethics, Society and the Finance Sector
- Hedge Funds
- Intro to Python
- Investment Banking in Corporate Finance
- Private Equity Investment
- Technical Analysis and Trading Systems
- VBA with Application for Finance.
International electives
- FinTech (taught in Italy)
- International Real Estate Markets (taught in Dubai, UAE)
- Investment Banking in Corporate Finance (Portugal)
- Investment Strategy (taught in New York, USA)
- Project Finance and Infrastructure Investment (taught in Madrid, Spain).
Please note that electives are subject to change and availability.
Projects
Business Research Project
It is important for aspiring professionals to demonstrate, on an individual basis, their ability to apply concepts and techniques they have learned in an in-depth study of a topic of their choice and to organise their findings in a report, all conducted within a given time limit.
To train you to undertake individual research and provide you with an opportunity to specialise in a contemporary business or finance topic related to your future career aspirations.
You are required to submit a project of approximately 10,000 words on any subject area covered in the rest of the programme.
Typical projects can involve any of the following: extracting data from electronic databases or by hand; statistical analysis of large or small populations; interviews; case studies of an industry or a sector or of a business / finance issue in a particular country setting.
Applied Research Project
The aim of this module is to enable you to demonstrate how to integrate your learning in core and elective modules and then apply this to the formulation and completion of an applied research project.
You will be required to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that you have acquired throughout your MSc study.
You will undertake a short piece of applied research on a question of academic and/or practical relevance. Guidelines will be provided in order to help you identify the research question.
Based on your chosen topic, you must write a report of around 3,000–5,000 words that summarises and critically evaluates your method and your findings.
Assessment methods
Assessment
We review all our courses regularly to keep them up-to-date on issues of both theory and practice.
To satisfy the requirements of the degree course students must complete:
- nine core courses (15 credits each)
and either
- five electives (10 credits each)
- three electives (10 credits each) and an Applied Research Project (20 credits)
- one elective (10 credits) and a Business Research Project (40 credits)
Assessment of modules on the MSc in Corporate Finance, in most cases, is by means of coursework and examination. Coursework may consist of standard essays, individual and group presentations, group reports, classwork, tests and problem sets. Please note that any group work may include an element of peer assessment.
Term dates
Term dates 2023/24
- Induction: 11th September 2023 - 22nd September 2023
- Term one: 25th September 2023 - 8th December 2023
- Term one exams: 8th January 2024 - 19th January 2024
- Term two: 22nd January 2024 - 5th April 2024
- Term two exams: 22nd April 2024 - 3rd May 2024
- Term three - international electives: 6th May 2024 - 17th May 2024
- Term three: 20th May 2024 - 5th July 2024
- Term three exams: 8th July 2024 - 19th July 2024
- Resits: 12th August 2024 - 23rd August 2024
- Additional resit week - tests only: 26th August 2024 - 30th August 2024.
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available from July and can be accessed from our timetabling pages. These pages also provide timetables for the current academic year, though this information should be viewed as indicative and details may vary from year to year.
Please note that all academic timetables are subject to change.
Teaching staff
Course Director
Reader in Finance
The teaching staff on the MSc in Corporate Finance have many years of practical experience working in industry and are also active researchers in their fields
This knowledge and experience inform the highly interactive lectures that make up the master's degree.
Other module leaders include:
Dr Ivana Raonic
Dr Ivana Raonic on Financial Reporting: “The aim of this course is to equip students with critical understanding of the principles and practices of accounting, characteristics and limitations of accounting data. Students will learn how to prepare and interpret financial statements, to apply and comment on accounting policies and to use accounting information to assess financial performance of the business.”
Professor Ana Maria Fuertes
Professor Ana Maria Fuertes on Data Analysis for Finance: “This module is designed to give you knowledge of quantitative methods that can be effectively used to analyse financial data. Although some theory is needed to understand the methods, the emphasis is on a hands-on approach to provide you/students with practical skills.”
Dr Dirk Nitzsche
Dr Dirk Nitzsche on Financial Markets and Securities: “an introduction to different financial instrument as well as the they theoretical concepts used in finance. The emphasis in the module is very much on the practical applications of those theoretical concepts and issues such as should we really invest in the optimum weights or what can we expect from the stock market in the long term are being discussed.”
Dr Francisco Urzua
Dr Francisco Urzua on Advanced Corporate Finance: “This course provides students with an in-depth knowledge of corporate finance, complemented with cases and discussions of real life examples.”
Application
How to apply
Apply for MSc Corporate Finance
Documents required for decision-making
- Transcript/interim transcript
- Grading system used by your university
- Current module list if still studying
- CV
- Personal statement - this should be around 500 words in length and answer the following:
- Why have you selected this course? What are your motivating factors?
- What are your areas of interest within the course?
- What contributions do you feel you can make to the course?
- How do you see the course affecting your career plans?
Documents which may follow at later date
- English language test result if applicable
- GMAT result if applicable
- Confirmation of professional qualification examinations/exemptions/passes, if applicable
- Two references
- For a successful application to receive an unconditional status, all award documents must be verified, and should be provided to the relevant Admissions Officer via one of the methods stated in your offer.
We cannot comment on individual eligibility before you apply and we can only process your application once it is fully complete, with all requested information received.
Individual Appointments
If you would like to arrange an individual appointment to discuss the application process and be given a tour of the facilities, please complete this form.
Please note - these are subject to availability.
Ask a student
Chat to one of our current master's students now about applying for a MSc at Bayes.
Terms and conditions
Students applying to study at Bayes Business School are subject to City, University of London's terms and conditions.
Entry requirements
- A UK upper second class degree or above, or the equivalent from an overseas institution.
- Some level of previous study or evidence of skills in finance or quantitative methods is essential.
- Work experience is not a requirement of this course.
GMAT
- GMAT is not required for application, but may be requested as a condition of offer at the discretion of the Admissions Panel.
English language requirements
If you have been studying in the UK for the last three years it is unlikely that you will have to take an English language test.
If you have studied in the UK at degree level for less than three years (e.g. 3+1, 2+1, 2+2, etc.) you will be required to provide the results of an approved English language test and possibly resit the test to meet our academic entry requirements.
Full list of approved English language tests/qualifications and minimum requirements.
Fees
Fees in each subsequent year of study (where applicable) will be subject to an annual increase of 2%. We will confirm any change to the annual tuition fee to you in writing prior to you commencing each subsequent year of study for continuing students (where applicable).
Deposit: £2,000 (usually paid within 1 month of receiving offer and non-refundable unless conditions of offer are not met)
First installment: Half fees less deposit (payable during on-line registration which should be completed at least 5 days before the start of the induction period)
Second installment: Half fees (paid in January following start of course)
Career pathways
Career destinations for MSc Corporate Finance
The MSc in Corporate Finance prepares you for a successful career working for a hedge fund, a private equity firm, an investment bank or one of top accounting firms, an M&A boutique or a finance department at a global corporation. Recent graduates are now working as associates in wealth management, investment banking analysts, M&A analysts and corporate finance analysts for international banks, corporations and professional services firms.
You’ll get support and advice on your career from our specialist team, who will encourage you to make the most of our close relationships with the biggest names in corporate finance.
Class of 2021 profile
Recent graduates have secured positions such as
- Graduate Talent Programme, Investment Banking - UBS
- Analyst, Investment Banking - Lazard
- Analyst, EMEA Hotels Capital Market - JLL
- Analyst, Restructuring - Kroll
- Investment Banking Analyst, EMEA Consumer, Retail, Real Estate and Healthcare team - Credit Suisse
Alumni stories
Hear from our alumni. Discover the real experiences of learning at Bayes and how Bayes helped to boost our graduates' careers.
Read Roger’s storyCourse information and statistics (2022/23 cohort)
Accreditation
Successfully obtaining the MSc allows exemption from the exams of CIMA and ACCA. MSc in Corporate Finance also has the CFA Programme Partner status
*Please note that all accreditations and exemptions are subject to change. Please check if you have specific requirements
See accreditation details
CIMA
CIMA is the world’s leading, and largest, professional body of management accountants.
Students successfully completing the MSc in Corporate Finance will be awarded exemptions from the following modules:
- BA3: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
- F2: Advanced Financial Reporting
- F3: Financial Strategy
ACCA
ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants.
Students successfully completing the MSc in Corporate Finance will be awarded exemptions from the following modules:
- F1: Accountant in Business
- F2: Management Accounting
- F3: Financial Accounting
CFA Program Partner
The CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, recognises the rigour and the relevance of the MSc in Corporate Finance and has awarded this course partner status. CFA Program Partner status is awarded to a select number of universities around the world whose degree courses incorporate at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge. The CFA Program is the essential qualification for those wishing to pursue a career in the finance sector and the CFA Institute recognises the MSc in Corporate Finance as strong preparation for their professional exams.
Each year a number of CFA scholarships are available to Bayes students, offering financial assistance with the CFA exam registration fees.
