Aims and Fit of Module

The aim of this dissertation module is to enable students to
undertake a significant piece of independent research in the
field of finance and its related disciplines. In many ways
serving as the culmination of the MSc Finance programme, this
module provides students with opportunities to: (i) apply their
learning from other parts of the programme to analyse
contemporary and ‘cutting edge’ problems and issues of
relevance to scholars or practitioners (or both); (ii) deepen
their knowledge and understanding of a particular finance
related topic of interest to them; (iii) produce a complete
piece of scholarly work from conception through to a final
thesis; (iv) augment their independent research, analysis,
project management, writing and presenting skills; (v) enhance
their intellectual, transferable and employability skills and,
it follows, their career prospects, and (iv) make an original
contribution to knowledge that could potentially serve as a
basis for more advanced study. Students should identify, define
and explore one or more problems or issues at the forefront of
finance as an academic discipline. This may be achieved by
means of either an in-organisation project, through surveys or
other methods of obtaining primary data, through collection and
analysis of secondary data, or by a library-based study. The
final thesis should demonstrate: (i) an analytical and critical
approach to problem definition; (ii) the derivation of
appropriate research questions and/or hypotheses; (iii) skills
in designing and implementing a suitable methodology for
gathering, analysing and interpreting data and information that
address the research problem, questions and/or hypotheses; (iv)
knowledge and understanding of literature and theory relevant
to the area of inquiry, and the ability to apply it
appropriately, and (v) the ability to write up and present the
research as a dissertation in a way that combines academic
depth and good scholarship with an appreciation of relevant
practical and policy issues (as appropriate) in finance and its
related disciplines.;Students should identify, define and
explore one or more problems or issues at the forefront of
finance as an academic discipline. This may be achieved by
means of either an in-organisation project, through surveys or
other methods of obtaining primary data, through collection and
analysis of secondary data, or by a library-based study. The
final thesis should demonstrate: (i) an analytical and critical
approach to problem definition; (ii) the derivation of
appropriate research questions and/or hypotheses; (iii) skills
in designing and implementing a suitable methodology for
gathering, analysing and interpreting data and information that
address the research problem, questions and/or hypotheses; (iv)
knowledge and understanding of literature and theory relevant
to the area of inquiry, and the ability to apply it
appropriately, and (v) the ability to write up and present the
research as a dissertation in a way that combines academic
depth and good scholarship with an appreciation of relevant
practical and policy issues (as appropriate) in finance and its
related disciplines.

Learning outcomes

Students completing the module successfully should be able to:

A	Demonstrate a substantial and systematic understanding of current and recent research, theory and advanced scholarship in the areas of finance and its related disciples that are of relevance to their research topic. 

B	Critically evaluate and apply knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme to the identification and framing of specific research questions at the forefront of the finance discipline.

C	Investigate questions and problems through the design and implementation of a research strategy and methodology appropriate to advanced study in their field.

D	Demonstrate appropriate academic rigour in the acquisition, organisation, critical analysis and presentation of conceptual and empirical materials obtain from primary and secondary sources. 

E	Accurately, coherently and persuasively communicate the research project, methodology and findings in an oral presentation.

F	Successfully produce a well-written, coherent and well-presented piece of work that makes an original and reflective contribution to knowledge whilst demonstrating good scholarship and conforming fully to standard academic conventions in the field of finance and its related disciplines.

G	Demonstrate a sound understanding of research ethics appropriate to the research topic.

H	Think, learn and work independently whilst demonstrating initiative, responsibility, self-discipline, self-motivation, self-direction and originality in tackling and solving research problems in finance.

Method of teaching and learning

At the beginning of the semester, a workshop will take place in
which the Module Leader provides guidance to students on the
overall process, research methods, and possible topics
necessary for the successful completion of the module. In
addition to this, there are several components to the teaching
and learning methods employed in this module.
First, private and independent research is undertaken by the
student, supported by regular meetings and consultations with a
supervisor from the IBSS faculty. Supervisors are allocated by
the Programme Director or Module Leader. In Semester 1 of Year
2, students are expected to devote at least 30 hours per week
of unsupervised time to private study for this module.
Second, students are expected to meet with their supervisors at
the beginning of Semester 1 of Year 2 to discuss the current
status of their research project. This meeting provides an
opportunity for students to outline the progress made over the
summer, clarify their research direction, identify any
challenges encountered, and receive preliminary guidance on the
next steps. It also enables the supervisors to ensure that each
student is on track and appropriately supported as they move
into the more advanced stages of their research.
Third, students will be required to make an unassessed oral
presentation on the interim progress of their research during
regular seminar meetings (the precise number of which depends
on student enrolment). These presentations are designed to
elicit formative feedback, comments, and advice from the
Programme Director, supervisors, other IBSS faculty members,
and fellow students. Attendance at these seminars is compulsory
for all students.
Together, these elements help ensure that all parties remain
informed about the student's research progress. They also
establish several formal checkpoint mechanisms, allowing the
supervisor and Programme Director to provide timely support,
troubleshooting, and feedback whenever necessary