Aims and Fit of Module

The candidate should be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the analysis of alternative investments, including hedge funds, private equity, real estate, and commodities.

The candidate should be able to explain and demonstrate the use of fundamentals of portfolio management, including return and risk measurement, and portfolio planning and construction.

Learning outcomes

Students completing the module successfully should have demonstrated:

1.	A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current issues in the area of professional practice related to alternative investments and strategies

2.	Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of established, applied techniques of research and analysis as used to interpret knowledge and practice in the area

3.	Conceptual understanding that enables the student to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, propose new practices 

Method of teaching and learning

This module will be taught using a combination of lectures, tutorial and consultation hours.  Learning will be reinforced by appropriate readings from both the textbook and topical articles in the financial press.