OVERVIEW

Course Director: Dr.Antoinette Flynn e: antoinette.flynn@ul.ie t: +353-61-202106

Course Administrator: Kathy Ryan e: kathy.ryan@ul.ie t: +353-61-234389

• Exceptional employment prospects

• The MSc in Financial Services won the GradIreland Postgraduate course of the year 2011 – business

• The Kemmy Business School is the only campus in Ireland with a fully equipped Trading Floor offering students the ability to deepen their theoretical understanding and provides valuable market experience

• The MSc in Financial services offers students electives which allow them to tailor their academic programme

• The programme includes valuable professional development and self-positioning skills – an increasingly important ability in today’s competitive job market

• Trading Floor certification and an international business trip are included in the programme

 

 

COURSE STRUCTURE

Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3 (Summer)
AC6061 Financial Analysis & Governance C06001 Professional Development 1 FI6101  Global Finance & Capital Markets FI6131  Trading Floor Certification FI6141  Derivative Markets SG6002 Corporate Responsibility FI6111  Research Methods in Finance 1	C06002 Professional Development 2 FI6091  Wealth & Portfolio Management FI6112  Research Methods in Finance 2	FI6103  Dissertation in Finance 1 FI6113  Dissertation in Finance 2 FI6123  International Business Workshop
	Electives – Choose 2 EC6112 Econometrics FI6022  Financial Engineering IN6012  Financial Regulation IN6022  Insuring Risk in Nature & Industry TX6022  Principles of International Tax IN6052 Risk Analytics & Big Data
	Electives – Choose 1 EC6052  International Economic Issues MN6062  Project Management PM6072  Leadership, Influence & Change Option to Exit with a Graduate Diploma in Financial Services

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants will possess a minimum 2:2 honours primary degree in a relevant discipline (for example, business, finance, economics, social science and mathematics).  However, students from cognate backgrounds are also encouraged to apply. An interview may form part of the application process. Applicants who cannot satisfy the minimum 2:2 honours primary degree requirement may be accepted on the basis of relevant professional experience.

In the case of international students, applicants must hold a qualification that is equivalent to an Irish or UK honours bachelor's degree (NQAI level 8). The degree must be in a discipline relevant to the postgraduate degree sought. To find out if you have the correct qualifications to apply for a programme at UL check the specific requirements for your home country.

Where candidates are non-native English language speakers, the candidate should meet the University’s English Language Requirements. 

DELIVERY

Classes
The programme will be delivered through traditional lectures and tutorials.  Furthermore a live trading floor experience and computer lab workshops make this a very interactive experience. Experts from industry will give guest lectures and students will undertake an international study trip.

Assessments
There will be a mix of continuous assessment and end-of-term exams.  Individual and group projects will also feature on many modules.

Research Methods
To enable students to carry out independent resaerch for their dissertation component of the programme there are two research methods modules.

Professional Development
Students will participate in workshops, seminars and assessment/development programmes to identify their key competencies and development needs.

GRADUATE AND CAREERS

The KBS MSc in Financial Services programme is hard work but always interesting. The teaching faculty have so much industry experience which really helps with our understanding of the material. The faculty are very supportive and very approachable for any issues that we may have. I especially like the mix of lectures and practical assignments, particularly the trading floor experience. Every assignment is relevant not only to each module, but there is also a real ‘work life’ aspect in whatever we are asked to carry out. The on-going feedback is always beneficial to us. Our social life has not been sacrificed, we have a great group and again, the KBS lecturers organise sports and social outings. I have no doubt that this programme will not only prepare us for the challenges of a competitive job market but also differentiate us as candidates.

Erin King – 2011/12 MSc FS Class Representative

 

The MSc in Financial Services has been one of the most challenging and enjoyable years of my life.  There will be times when you will be working crazy hours, but the satisfaction you get from getting through each semester is second to none and you will make friends for life through it.
The lecturers have been a brilliant part of the course, all of whom have a wealth of experience and knowledge around each subject.  Something that really stands out is how approachable and helpful they are throughout.
The Trading Floor has Bloomberg terminals and this has been an invaluable tool throughout the course.  Many of the subjects have projects using Bloomberg and you will get extensive experience of using the interface in the Trading Floor.  The familiarity with Bloomberg really impresses potential employers when it comes to interviews.
Integral to the course is the Professional Development module where you will fine-tune your performance in interviews and assessment centers.   In my experience this gives UL students from this course a competitive edge when examining career options and doing interviews. Ultimately the amount of opportunities this Masters has offered me and my classmates have been incredible.
I am convinced it will give you the tools and experience you need to pursue a career in financial services.  If you are pondering whether you should do this I recommend it 100%!

Nessa Harney, August 2015