Programme Specification
PgCert Quantitative Finance
Academic Year 2022/23
A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.
Programme Title | PgCert Quantitative Finance | Final Award (exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes) |
Postgraduate Certificate | |||||||||||
Programme Code | FIN-PC-QF | UCAS Code | HECoS Code |
100107 - Finance - 100 |
ATAS Clearance Required | No | |||||||||||||
Mode of Study | Full Time | |||||||||||||
Type of Programme | Postgraduate | Length of Programme |
Full Time - 1 Academic Year |
Total Credits for Programme | 60 | |||||||||
Exit Awards available | No |
Institute Information
Teaching Institution |
Queen's University Belfast |
School/Department |
Queen's Business School |
Quality Code Higher Education Credit Framework for England |
Level 7 |
Subject Benchmark Statements The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies |
Business and Management (2015) |
Accreditations (PSRB) |
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No accreditations (PSRB) found. |
Regulation Information
Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations No |
Programme Specific Regulations The Postgraduate Certificate in Finance is based on the University wide modular framework. The certificate will not be separated into different classes dependent on average marks |
Students with protected characteristics N/A |
Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations (Please see General Regulations) No |
Educational Aims Of Programme
The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance aims to:
•foster a stimulating and supportive learning environment which promotes intellectual, professional and personal development
•encourage critical thinking, independent enquiry, and an international outlook
•develop the skills necessary to undertake independent research and continuing professional development
•develop students' skills base, leadership capacity and connections with practice in ways which will enhance their ability to make valuable contributions to the economy and society
•promote engagement with issues of ethics, responsibility and sustainability, and maintain respect for social and cultural differences and openness, fairness, and equality of opportunity in relation to selection, learning, assessment, and support
•provide students with the opportunity to pursue appropriately demanding programmes of study focused on asset pricing, quantitative methods for finance, research
•methods in finance, computing and statistical skills for finance, trading and portfolio management, the pricing of derivatives and market microstructure, corporate finance
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes: Cognitive SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Problem solve |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Cognitive skills are developed across the modules within the degree programme. The numerical and statistical components of the modules focus particularly on problem solving, logical reasoning and data management and analysis using statistical packages. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements in all modules. Self-assessment and reflection are developed by formative feedback particularly on tutorial presentations and within the group work assignments. Methods of Assessment Assessment of cognitive skills, both summative and formative, occurs in the form of course homework, oral presentations, project work and class tests/exams. |
Reason logically |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Cognitive skills are developed across the modules within the degree programme. The numerical and statistical components of the modules focus particularly on problem solving, logical reasoning and data management and analysis using statistical packages. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements in all modules. Self-assessment and reflection are developed by formative feedback particularly on tutorial presentations and within the group work assignments. Methods of Assessment Assessment of cognitive skills, both summative and formative, occurs in the form of course homework, oral presentations, project work and class tests/exams. |
Conduct independent enquiry |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Cognitive skills are developed across the modules within the degree programme. The numerical and statistical components of the modules focus particularly on problem solving, logical reasoning and data management and analysis using statistical packages. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements in all modules. Self-assessment and reflection are developed by formative feedback particularly on tutorial presentations and within the group work assignments. Methods of Assessment Assessment of cognitive skills, both summative and formative, occurs in the form of course homework, oral presentations, project work and class tests/exams. |
Critically evaluate and interpret |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Cognitive skills are developed across the modules within the degree programme. The numerical and statistical components of the modules focus particularly on problem solving, logical reasoning and data management and analysis using statistical packages. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements in all modules. Self-assessment and reflection are developed by formative feedback particularly on tutorial presentations and within the group work assignments. Methods of Assessment Assessment of cognitive skills, both summative and formative, occurs in the form of course homework, oral presentations, project work and class tests/exams. |
Self-assess and reflect |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Cognitive skills are developed across the modules within the degree programme. The numerical and statistical components of the modules focus particularly on problem solving, logical reasoning and data management and analysis using statistical packages. Independent enquiry, critical evaluation and interpretation, abstraction and assimilation are key elements in all modules. Self-assessment and reflection are developed by formative feedback particularly on tutorial presentations and within the group work assignments. Methods of Assessment Assessment of cognitive skills, both summative and formative, occurs in the form of course homework, oral presentations, project work and class tests/exams. |
Learning Outcomes: Transferable SkillsOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Organise and manage their time |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines. Methods of Assessment Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g., worked solutions and proofs, essays, Powerpoint presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation. |
Synthesise and evaluate information/data from a variety of sources including from databases, books, journal articles and the internet |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines. Methods of Assessment Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g., worked solutions and proofs, essays, Powerpoint presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation. |
Work both independently and in groups |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines. Methods of Assessment Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g., worked solutions and proofs, essays, Powerpoint presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation. |
Make effective use of information technology including relevant subject-specific packages |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines. Methods of Assessment Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g., worked solutions and proofs, essays, Powerpoint presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation. |
Communicate ideas in both written and presentational forms |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines. Methods of Assessment Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g., worked solutions and proofs, essays, Powerpoint presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation. |
Confidently engage with the world of practice |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Transferable skills development will permeate the teaching and learning on the degree programme. Successful completion of coursework requires students to gather information from a range of sources, select and assimilate relevant information and to complete tasks within deadlines. Methods of Assessment Assessment of coursework requires students to use a range of media (e.g., worked solutions and proofs, essays, Powerpoint presentations, statistical based project work) to demonstrate their learning. Completion of the dissertation develops skills in independent research enquiry, data analysis and presentation. |
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & UnderstandingOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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Appreciate diversity and be capable of placing issues within their local and international contexts |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics. Methods of Assessment Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning. |
Engage with issues around ethics, responsibility and sustainability |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics. Methods of Assessment Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning. |
The theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of finance, information economics, and market structure |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics. Methods of Assessment Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning. |
The fundamental principles of stochastic processes in finance and risk analysis |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics. Methods of Assessment Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning. |
The evaluation and assessment of different types of financial risk |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics. Methods of Assessment Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning. |
The evaluation, assessment and use of financial instruments to mitigate financial risk |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics. Methods of Assessment Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning. |
The principles of asset pricing |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics. Methods of Assessment Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning. |
The relevant computational, quantitative and statistical techniques |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics. Methods of Assessment Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning. |
The key principles of algorithmic trading and investment |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies The Postgraduate Certificate in Quantitative Finance follows a structured curriculum based upon modules in asset pricing, trading and portfolio management, research methods in finance, computational methods, market microstructure, the pricing of derivatives and time-series financial econometrics. Methods of Assessment Class tests/exams, individual and group projects, take-home tests, individual and group oral presentations and case study investigations are used to assess student learning. |
Learning Outcomes: Subject SpecificOn the completion of this course successful students will be able to: |
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The ability to construct arguments and exercise problem solving skills in the context of theories of finance and risk management |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Mathematical skills, through problem solving, and computer application, are at the core of the work undertaken by a specialist in Quantitative Finance. Consequently, these are core elements in each semester of the degree and are built upon across modules and throughout the course of the programme. The economic and financial environment both influences and generates the work in which risk specialists are involved and therefore in these areas problem solving, data analysis and computer application skills are developed and built upon across modules. In addition, in the modules in these two areas, up-to-date finance, economic and risk related literature is integrated into the curriculum, with an important element being the ongoing development of the students’ ability to communicate, debate and critique this literature. Methods of Assessment Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules. |
The ability to use computer-based mathematical / statistical / econometric packages to analyse and evaluate relevant data |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Mathematical skills, through problem solving, and computer application, are at the core of the work undertaken by a specialist in Quantitative Finance. Consequently, these are core elements in each semester of the degree and are built upon across modules and throughout the course of the programme. The economic and financial environment both influences and generates the work in which risk specialists are involved and therefore in these areas problem solving, data analysis and computer application skills are developed and built upon across modules. In addition, in the modules in these two areas, up-to-date finance, economic and risk related literature is integrated into the curriculum, with an important element being the ongoing development of the students’ ability to communicate, debate and critique this literature. Methods of Assessment Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules. |
The ability to read and evaluate finance academic literature |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Mathematical skills, through problem solving, and computer application, are at the core of the work undertaken by a specialist in Quantitative Finance. Consequently, these are core elements in each semester of the degree and are built upon across modules and throughout the course of the programme. The economic and financial environment both influences and generates the work in which risk specialists are involved and therefore in these areas problem solving, data analysis and computer application skills are developed and built upon across modules. In addition, in the modules in these two areas, up-to-date finance, economic and risk related literature is integrated into the curriculum, with an important element being the ongoing development of the students’ ability to communicate, debate and critique this literature. Methods of Assessment Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules. |
The ability to appreciate, construct and analyse mathematical, statistical, financial and economic models of trading |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Mathematical skills, through problem solving, and computer application, are at the core of the work undertaken by a specialist in Quantitative Finance. Consequently, these are core elements in each semester of the degree and are built upon across modules and throughout the course of the programme. The economic and financial environment both influences and generates the work in which risk specialists are involved and therefore in these areas problem solving, data analysis and computer application skills are developed and built upon across modules. In addition, in the modules in these two areas, up-to-date finance, economic and risk related literature is integrated into the curriculum, with an important element being the ongoing development of the students’ ability to communicate, debate and critique this literature. Methods of Assessment Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules. |
The ability to understand the principles of computer programming |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Mathematical skills, through problem solving, and computer application, are at the core of the work undertaken by a specialist in Quantitative Finance. Consequently, these are core elements in each semester of the degree and are built upon across modules and throughout the course of the programme. The economic and financial environment both influences and generates the work in which risk specialists are involved and therefore in these areas problem solving, data analysis and computer application skills are developed and built upon across modules. In addition, in the modules in these two areas, up-to-date finance, economic and risk related literature is integrated into the curriculum, with an important element being the ongoing development of the students’ ability to communicate, debate and critique this literature. Methods of Assessment Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules. |
The ability to use the trading room and the Bloomberg database |
Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies Mathematical skills, through problem solving, and computer application, are at the core of the work undertaken by a specialist in Quantitative Finance. Consequently, these are core elements in each semester of the degree and are built upon across modules and throughout the course of the programme. The economic and financial environment both influences and generates the work in which risk specialists are involved and therefore in these areas problem solving, data analysis and computer application skills are developed and built upon across modules. In addition, in the modules in these two areas, up-to-date finance, economic and risk related literature is integrated into the curriculum, with an important element being the ongoing development of the students’ ability to communicate, debate and critique this literature. Methods of Assessment Both summative and formative assessment methods are used throughout all modules. |
Module Information
Stages and Modules
Module Title | Module Code | Level/ stage | Credits | Availability |
Duration | Pre-requisite | Assessment |
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S1 | S2 | Core | Option | Coursework % | Practical % | Examination % | ||||||
Algorithmic Trading and Investment | FIN7030 | 7 | 15 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Data Management | MGT7178 | 7 | 15 | YES | -- | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Advanced Analytics & Machine Learning | MGT7179 | 7 | 15 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Computational Methods in Finance | FIN7029 | 7 | 15 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
Times-Series Financial Econometrics | FIN7028 | 7 | 15 | -- | YES | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Research Methods in Finance | FIN9008 | 7 | 15 | YES | -- | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 30% | 0% | 70% |
Asset Pricing | FIN7026 | 7 | 15 | YES | -- | 15 weeks | N | YES | -- | 40% | 0% | 60% |
Market Microstructure | FIN7027 | 7 | 15 | YES | -- | 15 weeks | N | -- | YES | 100% | 0% | 0% |
Corporate Finance | FIN9005 | 7 | 15 | YES | -- | 15 weeks | N | -- | YES | 40% | 0% | 60% |
Notes
Note: A minimum of 60 CATS points across any of the listed modules is required for the postgraduate certificate.