Business - Economics & Finance Stream - Waterford

The course was developed in response to demand from financial service companies for specialist graduates with advanced skills and knowledge in areas such as econometrics, financial derivatives, data analytics and advanced financial analysis and interpretation. The course was developed in collaboration with companies in the financial services sector with the aim of producing high quality graduates with quantitative and analytical skills who would have a capability to work in specialist roles in economics and finance.

The delivery of the programme incorporates lectures, workshops by leading financial experts, a dedicated seminar programme on topics relating to finance and economics and visits to financial services companies. Additional practice-based training is provided in key skills areas such as econometrics, derivatives, analytics and corporate financial interpretation. Students receive specialised training in quantitative financial methods, business simulation and monetary economics and use the full range of financial software that is available to students within the Business School including Thomson One Banker, StockTrak and Financial Times.

Unique features
" Unique mix of core Business modules and more specialist modules in Economics and Finance.

" Research led and informed curriculum with an opportunity to undertake both academic and applied research.

" Opportunity to work on a real life consulting and contemporary international business projects.

" Exposure to the unique blend of theoretical and practical concepts in business formation and development as well as reflective practice.

" Opportunity to learn from business leaders through our Contemporary Issues in Business which is designed to facilitate an in-depth understanding of contemporary aspects of business and the application to practice. " Access to our new state of the art Finance lab kindly sponsored by AIB Plc.

" Hands on experience in constructing a portfolio of securities and trading in the financial markets. " Opportunity to acquire Certification in the REFINITIV Eikon software, illustrating proficiency in the use of this extensive financial data platform which will add value to your CV.

" Engage in the analysis of real live company and market data and report writing.

" Modules are flexibly delivered at a time that suits students, for those taking the course full time, they can attend on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons/evenings and for the part-time cohort, they can attend on Thursday afternoon/evening.

Who is the Master of Business (Economics and Finance Stream) for?
The programme will provide you with a challenging experience; help to expand your knowledge and skill-set whilst at the same time develop new mindsets and attitudes to prepare you for the demands of the business environment. The MBS programme provides students with the opportunity to enhance their specialist subject knowledge, experience innovative learning methods and explore opportunities arising from innovation, entrepreneurship, and business development.

Equally, the programme allows for rational and reflective observation across the spectrum of subjects, scrutinising and appreciating the norms and inter-relationships in business. Furthermore, you will acquire competencies to undertake both standard and specialised research over the duration of the programme that will enhance your independent learning and organisation skills.

Course Objectives
The course aims to equip graduates with modern tools for effective decision making and to provide them with the ability to evaluate their decisions in the context of complex institutional frameworks.

The specific objectives are:

To equip students with an advanced level of knowledge of the theories, models and practice in their subject specialisation together with an understanding of how each integrates within the wider business environment.

To foster a learning environment that stimulates the personal and professional development of students in an interdisciplinary format.

To develop high levels of proficiency in research through the undertaking of a dissertation project in a chosen area.

To focus on an exploration of the interrelationships across business functions using case studies with a view towards documenting best practice.

To facilitate the transition from college to the world of work.

If you have a degree in finance or economics or a general business degree with a finance and economics major/specialisation and you would like to pursue a career in finance or in economics, then this programme has been designed with you in mind.

Modules:
Semester 1
Innovation Management & Design
Business Simulation 1
Contemporary Issues in Business
Research Methods
Trading the Financial Markets
Statistics for Data Analytics

Semester 2
International Study Trip
Business Simulation 2
Applied Consultancy
Financial Risk and Compliance Management
Corporate Financial Interpretation
Monetary Economics

Semester 3
Dissertation
or
Applied Business Project
or
Research Paper Series 1: Applied Research Methods Paper
Research Paper Series 2: International Business and Politics Paper
Research Paper Series 3: Governance and Ethics Paper

Please note: In semester 3 students will complete a dissertation or applied business project or the 3 research papers.

• A H1 or 2.1 overall award in a strong specialist business/economics and finance undergraduate degree or a general business undergraduate degree with an economics and/or finance major/specialism.

• Students from a non-business degree (example – BA or a BSc) but with relevant economics/finance related modules may also be eligible.

• Graduates who have achieved a 2nd class honours grade 2 in the degrees listed above and who can demonstrate a high level of performance in the economics/finance related subjects may be considered.

• Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see WIT's English Language Requirements for details.

• If you wish to pursue this programme in a part time capacity please contact the programme director Dr. Cormac O'Keeffe cokeeffe@wit.ie who will discuss this in more detail with you.

APPLICATIONS CLOSING 25 Aug 23

1 year Full-time, 2 years Part-time option available.

Part-time Schedule:
Flexible over two years, taking 2-3 modules per semester.

Career Opportunities
he course addresses a clear need for graduates skilled in the application of specialist financial techniques including econometrics and data analysis techniques. The programme provides graduates with practical and quantitative skills in financial analysis, corporate financial interpretation, financial derivatives and risk management The learning and assessment approach is heavily informed by industry with participation from leading financial service companies in the delivery of the programme. The MBS (Economics and Finance Stream) is closely aligned with the AIB Centre for Finance and Business Research. The Centre provides updates to students on current ideas, thinking and employment opportunities in the financial services industry. SETU Waterford also has a well established Careers Centre and website providing support and advice to students.

Graduates are now in employment in positions such as investment banking, corporate banking, trading/dealing, portfolio management, asset pricing, treasury, capital markets (equity, money, bond, FX and derivatives markets), risk management and financial analysis. There is a growing demand from a cluster of financial service companies in the south east for finance and economics graduates and the relevance and transferability of the skills developed on the programme ensures that graduates are in demand from companies outside of Ireland such as Barclays Capital (London), Accenture (London), UBS (London).

A graduate may also apply for further postgraduate Level 10 studies, such as a PhD by Research in SETU Waterford or to other third level institutions, either nationally or internationally.