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Corporate Finance (MSc)

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Accounting Masters Virtual Open Day March 2021 MSc (Corporate Finance) at University of Galway Accounting Masters Virtual Open Day March 2021 Accounting Masters Virtual Open Day March 2021 Accounting Masters Virtual Open Day March 2021 Accounting Masters Virtual Open Day March 2021 Accounting Masters Virtual Open Day March 2021

Course Overview

The MSc in Corporate Finance is a one-year, full-time programme that prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in the financial sector. 

This programme is designed to equip you with analytical and decision-making skills relevant to the finance industry. It combines specialist knowledge, practical insight and an advanced understanding of corporate finance theory and practice.

In addition to the core academic modules, students will be exposed to a variety of learning technologies to develop their skills for practice in a global business environment. The MSc in Corporate Finance is accredited by ACCA, Chartered Financial Analysts and Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Potential careers include roles in investment banking, commercial banking, fund management, insurance, corporate finance services, and in finance divisions of firms in other industries and sectors.

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System. 

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

A H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) in:

(a) Business/Commerce to include a number of quantitative subjects such as Economics or Finance: or

(b) A quantitative-based degree such as Engineering, Mathematics, Physics and Economics.

Applicants should have demonstrated strong academic ability (a H1 or H2.1, or equivalent) in a number of quantitative modules in their degree such as mathematics, statistics or econometrics.

IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable.


Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year, full-time

Next start date

September 2023

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

30

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

Offers are made on a rolling basis. Please refer to the review/closing date website.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

Course code

MSC-CFIN

Course Outline

Indicative list of Modules

  • Accounting and Financial Analysis
  • Intermediate Corporate Finance
  • Accounting for Management
  • Intermediate International Financial Reporting and Analysis
  • Business & Society (Ethics)
  • Applied Portfolio Management
  • Advanced Corporate Finance
  • Accounting for Management Control
  • Advanced International Financial Reporting
  • Global Economics for International Managers
  • Derivatives & Risk Management     

Summer Schools X2

  • Managing Organisational Performance
  • Analytical and Communications Skills Development 

Or

  • 12 Week Work Placement*

*We will secure internship opportunities, but it is at the discretion of employers as to whether they shortlist and offer a position to applicants. In case a student cannot secure an internship, two summer schools must be completed.

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (90 Credits)

Required AY5131: International Financial Reporting and Analysis


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

This course is intended to develop in students the skills necessary to prepare, interpret and use accounting and financial information in a business context. It is designed for students who have little or no previous knowledge of accounting. The course will provide a good basic foundation in Financial Accounting and Analysis and will also develop students’ knowledge of the regulatory framework and ethical considerations which apply to international financial reporting. Students will enhance their ability to analyse financial statements by developing a conceptual understanding of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) covered, together with the ability to apply these standards to practical accounting problems and prepare and analyse financial statements.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate a good understanding of double entry book keeping through preparation and posting of journal entries, necessary for the preparation of financial statements and application of relevant accounting standard. Students will be able to prepare financial statements for companies from trial balance, in a form suit suitable for publication.
  2. Appraise the financial performance of a simple company using a set of univariate ratios and evaluate the limitations of ratio analysis.
  3. Understand and be able to summarise the importance ethical considerations have in the work of accountants, and be able to evaluate the conceptual framework for financial reporting issued by IASB.
  4. Discuss the accounting dilemmas and conceptual problems posed by topics covered by the course and understand the approach adopted by International Accounting Standards to address these items.
  5. Select the appropriate accounting treatment under International Accounting Standards for a range of issues and properly apply the appropriate accounting treatment when preparing and analysing a set of financial statements and be able to justify the treatment selected.
  6. Critically evaluate financial reporting quality and the potential for error and misrepresentation of financial statements.
Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Written Assessment (80%)
  • Continuous Assessment (20%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module AY5131: "International Financial Reporting and Analysis" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required AY5108: Intermediate Corporate Finance


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

The objectives of this module are to facilitate students in developing and applying a comprehensive understanding of the role of corporate finance in investment and financing decision-making, especially the analysis of complex structured and unstructured decision situations in a strategic context. The module explores the role of finance theory and corporate finance tools and techniques in supporting the strategic capital investment and financing decision-making processes in an organisation.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Analyse current and proposed, structured and unstructured capital investment, working capital, and financing situations in a strategic context and offer corporate financial decision recommendations to senior management teams to facilitate the realisation of corporate strategic goals.
  2. Understand and apply a range of corporate finance tools and techniques to assist in making investment and financing decisions
  3. Critically evaluate the usefulness, relevance and limitations of corporate finance theory in supporting investment and financing business decision-making.
  4. Apply, and critically evaluate the relevance of financial and non-financial information in a range of investment and financing decision-making situations.
Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Written Assessment (80%)
  • Continuous Assessment (20%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module AY5108: "Intermediate Corporate Finance" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required AY5106: Accounting for Management


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

The objective of this module is to facilitate students in developing and applying a comprehensive understanding of the role of management accounting information in business decision-making, especially the analysis of complex and unstructured decision situations in a strategic context. The module explores the role of management accounting information in supporting the strategic management processes in an organisation, including strategic cost management and strategic pricing. The module also addresses the design and application of costing systems (both traditional and innovative) in ways which recognise context-specific considerations of a technical, managerial, and cost-benefit nature.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Analyse structured and unstructured business decision situations in a strategic context.
  2. Apply and critically evaluate the role of systems of standard costing and variance analysis and other approaches to performance management.
  3. Critically evaluate the usefulness of cost management systems (both traditional and activity-based) in business management.
Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Written Assessment (85%)
  • Continuous Assessment (15%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module AY5106: "Accounting for Management " and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required EC5104: Applied Portfolio Management


Semester 1 | Credits: 10

Successful portfolio management requires the development of a broad array of quantitative and qualitative skills, involving an analysis of both the investment instruments available in the capital market and the objectives and constraints of the ultimate investor. In addition, we will explore the linkages between portfolio management and modern risk management. This involves some interaction with the Semester 2 module EC568 Derivatives & Risk Management. We will also explore how to perform some of the quantitative analysis using Excel. This will be integrated into your years work assignment. To facilitate your learning of Excel, a series of laboratory sessions will be scheduled later in the semester. Guest speakers from the financial services industry will give talks on aspects of portfolio management. Further details will be made available as the times and dates for these talks are confirmed.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Explore how to perform some of the quantitative analysis using Excel
  2. On completion of the course, students should be in a position to understand these issues in quantitative financial economics from both an academic and practitioner perspective.
Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Written Assessment (60%)
  • Continuous Assessment (40%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Investments and Portfolio Management" by Bodie, Kane & Marcus,
    Publisher: McGraw-Hill
  2. "Running Money: Professional Portfolio Management" by Stewart, Piros & Heisler
    Publisher: McGraw-Hill
  3. "Quantitative Equity Portfolio Management" by Chincarini & Kim
    Publisher: McGraw-Hill
  4. "Investments" by Cuthbertson & Nitzsche
    Publisher: Wiley
  5. "Modern Porfolio Theory and Investment Analysis" by Elton, Gruber, Brown, Goetzmann
    Publisher: Wiley
  6. "Options, Futures and Other Derivatives" by Hull
The above information outlines module EC5104: "Applied Portfolio Management" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required MG5113: Business & Society


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

The module provides a comprehensive overview of the intersection between business and society, including the challenges facing organisations as they pursue global business activities. Ethics in business has grown to be of increasing importance in the world of today, as companies have been placed in the moral spotlight by shareholders, consumers, employees and governments. The growing complexities of the global economy demand a broader and a deeper view of the interaction between business and society than that offered by current management approaches that focus on reforming corporate behaviour. This module places business ethics in a richer contextual setting, focusing on the challenges that businesses must now confront, and exploring how these issues can be met by a rethinking of business models, goals and strategies. The course enables students to engage with contemporary social issues related to global business, and gain an appreciation of these issues from the perspective of managers, government, citizens and consumers. The module incorporates academic, professional and industry input.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand corporate responsibility in an international context
  2. Integrate ethical theories into leadership practice
  3. Analyse and contrast the goals of organizational stakeholders and corporate managers in the political, legal and economic spheres
  4. Apply ethical principles to corporate governance practices
  5. Implement sustainability principles in contemporary organizations
  6. Analyse the impact of local, national and global contexts shaping employment relations climates.
Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Business Ethics: New Challenges in a Globalised World" by Janet Morrison/Macmillan
The above information outlines module MG5113: "Business & Society" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required AY5109: Advanced Corporate Finance


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

The objectives of this module are to facilitate students in developing and applying a comprehensive understanding of the role of corporate finance in strategic financial decision-making contexts in particular in financing and valuation decisions giving detailed consideration to risk. The module focuses on decision-making under conditions of uncertainty and requires consideration of theoretical and real world conditions in financial decision-making in a strategic context. The module explores the role of finance theory and corporate finance tools and techniques in supporting the strategic investment, financing and related decision-making processes in an organisation.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Analyse current and proposed, structured and unstructured investment, financing and risk management situations in a strategic context and offer corporate financial decision recommendations to senior management teams to facilitate the realisation of corporate strategic goals.
  2. Understand and apply a range of corporate finance tools and techniques to assist in making valuation, financial and strategic decisions under conditions of uncertainty.
  3. Critically evaluate the usefulness, relevance and limitations of corporate finance theory in supporting corporate investment, valuation, risk management and financing decision-making.
  4. Apply, and critically evaluate the relevance of financial and non-financial information in a range of corporate finance decision-making situations.
Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Written Assessment (80%)
  • Continuous Assessment (20%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module AY5109: "Advanced Corporate Finance" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required EC5119: Derivatives and Risk Management


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

• This course is an introduction to modern derivatives and risk management. We begin by exploring the basic features of futures, swaps and options with an emphasis on economic intuition and understanding, although important quantitative techniques are developed. • We use the insights developed in these topics to examine some well-known examples of derivatives mishaps and recent applications of derivatives, including credit derivatives and weather derivatives.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. To understand key concepts, equations and terms
  2. Explore the basic features of futures, swaps and options
  3. To examine some well-known examples of derivatives mishaps and recent applications of derivatives, including credit derivatives and weather derivatives
Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Written Assessment (60%)
  • Continuous Assessment (40%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Options, Futures, & Other Derivatives" by John C. Hull
The above information outlines module EC5119: "Derivatives and Risk Management" and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional AY5126: Analytical and Communication Skills Development


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

The objective of this module is to develop students’ skills for a changing accounting and finance profession. The module focuses on the development of analytical, writing, presentation and employability skills.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Analyse complex data sets and present data professionally using ‘Excel.
  2. Present data in a visually compelling manner using a range of tools, techniques and software.
  3. Analyse data and present written reports in a professional format.
  4. Develop, write and give a professional oral presentation based on complex data sets.
Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module AY5126: "Analytical and Communication Skills Development" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional EC5124: Economics and the Global Economy


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

The aim of this module is to increase students’ understanding of economics and economic issues in the global economy. Topics include the scope of economics, global economic issues, methodology and economic models, role of economic policy and policymakers, economic performance: measurement and analysis, and the economic and business environment.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand the scope of economics
  2. Assess global economic issues
  3. Knowledge and application of methodologies and economic modelling
  4. Appraise economic policy and the role of policymakers
  5. Interpret and analyse economic performance
  6. Evaluate the economic and business environment
Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Written Assessment (80%)
  • Continuous Assessment (20%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
Reading List
  1. "Principles of Economics" by Turley, G., Maloney, M. and O'Toole, F.
    Publisher: Gill and Macmillan
The above information outlines module EC5124: "Economics and the Global Economy" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional AY5107: Accounting for Management Control


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

To address the grand challenge of sustainable global development and innovation, management need effective decision-making processes and suitable tools to measure the multiple dimensions of performance. Topics covered in this course include the types of management control practices adopted by organisations, key issues in performance measurement incorporating triple bottom line outcomes, the role of financial and nonfinancial data in decision-making processes, divisional performance evaluation and transfer pricing mechanisms.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Apply management accounting techniques to prepare information for decision making.
  2. Critically analyse the usefulness of financial and non-financial information for management decision making.
  3. Appraise the tools available for measuring and managing the multiple dimensions of performance that need to be reported to different stakeholder groups.
Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Written Assessment (80%)
  • Continuous Assessment (20%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module AY5107: "Accounting for Management Control" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional AY5122: Advanced International Financial Reporting and Analysis


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

The objectives of this course are to develop in students an awareness of the methods available for dealing with advanced problems of financial reporting, the ability to apply complex accounting standards to practical situations and to consolidate their ability to prepare and analyse company financial statements.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Prepare consolidated financial statements.
  2. Explain the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) covered on the module and apply them to practical reporting and financial analysis problems.
  3. Discuss the challenges associated with the recognition and measurement of assets in a knowledge economy and evaluate the solutions proposed by relevant IFRS.
  4. Synthesise the requirements of multiple IFRS in the preparation of a set of financial statements.
  5. Explain the challenges faced in the analysis of a complex set of financial statements.
  6. Analyse a complex set of financial statements, including preparation of a univariate ratio analysis and an insightful commentary on the company.
Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Written Assessment (80%)
  • Continuous Assessment (20%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module AY5122: "Advanced International Financial Reporting and Analysis" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional AY5128: Summer Schools in A&F: Contemporary Global Issues


Trimester 3 | Credits: 20

The objective of this module is to familiarise students with a range of contemporary global issues that influence how businesses operate, and how management both accounts for the stewardship of the business, and, assesses the management of organisational performance. This module will involve opportunities for students to gain a deeper understanding of these matters and be able to critically assess the implications these issues have for businesses and performance measurement. The module also aims to broaden students’ skills in assessing organisational performance.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Critically evaluate a range of contemporary global issues in accounting & finance.
  2. Appraise the opportunities and challenges these issues pose to businesses (either generally or specific to the circumstances outlined in a given scenario) in accounting for the stewardship of the business, and, in measuring performance.
  3. Examine and synthesise ways in which businesses (either in general or specific to a set of circumstances outlined in a given scenario) could deal with the opportunities and challenges presented by specific global contemporary issues.
Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module AY5128: "Summer Schools in A&F: Contemporary Global Issues" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional AY5129: Corporate Finance Placement


Trimester 3 | Credits: 20

There is strong evidence to suggest that placements and work experience are extremely valuable to students, both in terms of their academic performance in their chosen profession and enhancing their employability. In the MSc in Corporate Finance we recognise that every student is different thus getting the ‘fit’ right between the student and the host company for placements is a priority for us. As placements are paid, employers regard students on this programme as real employees and expect them to bring value. Consequently, students are guaranteed to be challenged and supported simultaneously as they gain practical experience of working in the world of corporate finance. From the start we encourage students to look within in order to acknowledge who they truly are, what they like to do, what makes them happy, what they are really good at, what they would like to be really good at and to acknowledge their values, desires and ambitions. And then we actively help students to seek and secure a position in a company where they will thrive and grow, both personally and as a finance professional, over a 10 week paid professional placement.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Develop the skills of managing your time effectively and hone your judgement to understand the optimal order in which work tasks should be tackled, recognising the difference between urgent and important tasks versus urgent but not important tasks etc
  2. Learn how to excel in the workplace by developing and enhancing your decision-making ability, through on-going reflection (daily/weekly activity logs) and analysis of your own performance (mid-placement review with your boss)
  3. Develop strong inter-personal and communication skills as you learn to collaborate, persuade and negotiate with colleagues and bosses in the real world of work
  4. Apply the finance and accounting knowledge & skills gained in a practical hands-on environment. Identify, scope and critically evaluate a business issue in a real-world context
  5. Grow in confidence and build resilience as you navigate the challenges and opportunities presented throughout your workplace placement
  6. Evaluate information for decision making and develop analytical skills
  7. Develop a professional network and set medium and longer term career goals
  8. Develop demonstrable competence in technical skills relevant to a career in corporate finance
Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module AY5129: "Corporate Finance Placement" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional EC5126: Financial and Macroeconomic History


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Economists and financial market participants increasingly value the perspectives and insights offered by historical approaches. This module surveys the evolution of financial markets and institutions, and their relationships to the evolving global macroeconomic environment. Focussing initially on Europe and Atlantic economies, we survey the development of equity, foreign exchange, and government debt markets over historical time, exploring the availability of empirical evidence from diverse sources. There is a particular emphasis on how modern finance theory and time series econometrics are both useful in, and challenged by, historical financial data.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify and use a range of historical financial data from diverse sources
  2. Relate the evolution of key financial markets and institutions to historical and contemporary macroeconomic environments
  3. Apply a range of empirical techniques (including core time-series econometrics methods) to the analysis of historical financial data
  4. Assess the usefulness of contemporary theoretical models in interpreting historical financial data in a variety of contexts
Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Written Assessment (70%)
  • Continuous Assessment (30%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module EC5126: "Financial and Macroeconomic History" and is valid from 2020 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional AY5132: Sustainable Finance and Accounting


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

The objectives of the module are twofold: (1) to provide students with a knowledge of sustainability issues within a professional accounting and finance context; and (2) to stimulate in students an interest in future research that responds to the global challenge of climate change and sustainability. Students will explore common frameworks for measuring and reporting sustainable corporate performance. The module will consider how to integrate sustainability-related risks and opportunities into corporate financial decision-making. Students will learn how to critique academic research in the field of sustainable accounting and finance to identify gaps in current knowledge. The module will also introduce students to established research methods in accounting and finance.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Evaluate different approaches to the measurement of sustainable corporate performance.
  2. Identify the regulatory and voluntary frameworks within which sustainability reporting operates.
  3. Examine how investment and financing decisions can integrate sustainability considerations.
  4. Determine the impact of sustainability on corporate governance mechanisms and structures.
  5. Critically appraise current academic literature in the field of sustainable accounting and finance.
  6. Devise a research proposal that aims to investigate a research question of significance to the sustainable accounting and finance field.
Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module AY5132: "Sustainable Finance and Accounting" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional AY5134: Ethics, Data Analytics and Statistics


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

The objective of this module is to develop students’ analytical skills for a transformed accounting and finance profession. The module will focus on statistical analysis, professional standards of conduct, and general data analysis technology skills. In particular, students will explore how to analyse quantitative data for the purpose of making informed decisions.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Develop a strong understanding of the professional standards that apply to chartered financial analysts.
  2. Develop professional presentation & analysis based on complex data sets.
  3. Select and apply appropriate charting techniques to complex data.
  4. Choose appropriate statistical analyses.
  5. Apply appropriate statistical techniques to analyse quantitative data.
  6. Interpret results from statistical analysis.
  7. Present (in written form) results from statistical analysis.
  8. Develop awareness of the importance of communication, networking and other “soft” skills in starting and building a professional career.
Assessments

This module's usual assessment procedures, outlined below, may be affected by COVID-19 countermeasures. Current students should check Blackboard for up-to-date assessment information.

  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Module Director
Lecturers / Tutors
The above information outlines module AY5134: "Ethics, Data Analytics and Statistics" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Careers include roles in investment banking, commercial banking, fund management, insurance, corporate finance services, and in finance divisions of firms in other industries and sectors.

Chartered Accountants Ireland - Professional Examination Exemptions

CAI have granted CAP 1 exemptions in three CAP 1 papers*:

  • Paper 1—Finance
  • Paper 2—Management Accounting
  • Paper 3—Financial Accounting

*Subject to achieving a minimum overall degree award of a 2.2 (second class honours grade two) and minimum examination performance in specified subjects.

CFA Institute Affiliation

The MSc (Corporate Finance ) is participating in the University Affiliation Program (UAP) run by the CFA Institute. This affiliation demonstrates that our curriculum is closely tied to the practice of investment management and is helpful to students preparing for the CFA Program exams

ACCA Exemptions

MSC in Corporate Finance has been awarded exemptions from six ACCA subjects:

Accountant in Business, Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, Performance Management, Financial Reporting and Financial Management.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Apply effective decision making to global business problems.

Identify, analyse and solve applied problems in individual and team-based settings.     

Evaluate and apply tools in the core business disciplines of Finance, Accounting and Economics to solve technical problems and contribute to solving strategic problems.

Analyse and evaluate corporate finance and investment problems using appropriate techniques, practices, and theories.

Critically analyse and interpret how global financial markets and investment firms operate.

Develop analytical, ethical, and communication skills to contribute to both personal and organisational development.

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€10,290 p.a. 2023/24

Fees: Tuition

€10,150 p.a. 2023/24

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2023/24

Fees: Non EU

€18,590 p.a. 2023/24


Note to no-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Find out More

Programme Director
Dr Patricia Martyn
E: msccorporatefinance@universityofgalway.ie

Programme Administrator
Ms Melissa O’Hea
T: +353 91 492308
E: accounting@universityofgalway.ie

Quick Links

What our Students Say

David

David Doherty |   MSc Corporate Finance Scholar 2022-23

I would highly recommend the MSc Corporate Finance Program to anyone with a keen interest in Finance. Individuals looking to pursue a career in this field will leave the MSc Corporate Finance program with the necessary skill set to succeed in the workplace. The MSc Corporate Finance program provides access to world-class faculty, resources, and research, providing an opportunity to build a strong foundation for a successful career in the field. Having studied at the University of Galway this year and for three years during my undergraduate degree, I can say the faculty at the University is outstanding. I was fortunate to be a recipient of the Business Postgraduate Merit Scholarship and I know this motivated me to achieve excellence in my studies. The University has many Scholarship opportunities available enabling students to pursue their academic goals without worrying about the financial burden. I would encourage the reader to take this amazing opportunity at the University of Galway and open up a world of possibilities!
Blessing

Blessing Omoya |   MSc Corporate Finance Scholar 2022-23

Starting the MSc in Corporate Finance programme at The University of Galway has been a wonderful experience for me. From my arrival In Ireland to date, the school has provided me with information and guidance to overcome all my worries as an international student. The MSc in Corporate Finance programme offers a combination of qualitative and quantitative modules which have helped me to develop analytical skills. The programme is very flexible, and I can customize my modules in a way that suits my career aspirations. There is also an optional 12-week work placement which would avail me the opportunity to gain work experience in Ireland before my graduation and build networks within the finance industry. The course modules include interactive sessions and I get to work with my class colleagues in teams. We also get lectures from industry experts, and mock interviews to help us prepare for the job market. As an international student, the scholarship eased some of my financial burdens and I was able to settle in Galway better. The University of Galway has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend prospective students to come here.
Hiral

Hiral Metha |   MSc Corporate Finance Scholar 2021-22

The MSc in Corporate Finance at NUI Galway provides a perfect combination of technical and practical knowledge. It has provided multiple opportunities for career development since, along with the knowledge of the core modules, one also has an option for a 12-week work placement, the unique selling point of this course. The curriculum offers global exposure providing exemptions from ACCA which is globally recognised. The programme size is small with a mix of national and international students in the class giving an opportunity to bond with our classmates and make good connections. The teaching faculty of the programme is very professional, friendly and easily approachable. The transition from applying to the course, getting accepted, being a scholarship recipient to arriving in Galway to attending in-person classes in the middle of the pandemic was very smooth. The scholarship provided eased away some of the financial burden I had as an international masters student. The campus has a beautiful, friendly environment with top-notch facilities. Galway is a fantastic location to study and gives a wholesome Irish experience!
Amal

Amal Nada |   Audit Trainee at Grant Thornton

I was very lucky to be accepted MSc Corporate Finance, J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, NUI Galway. MSc corporate finance is very exciting me because it provides practical insight to what is happening in the real world! Personally, I need such practical study because all my previous experience is academic. But after participating in this course, I feel that I can touch the application of theory in the industry world. Moreover, it is very nice when you find a continuous support from your instructors who are interested to arrange guest speakers' sessions to encourage us to participate and to keep us deeply understanding what is happening in the real world. Also, I am very happy with our weekly over coffee meeting with our program coordinator, in which we can discuss any concerns and listen to guest speakers from different disciplines, as well. A remarkable advantage that deserves to be mentioned is, at the end of this programme, there will be a work placement opportunity which will qualify you to be a part of the industry afterwards. Trust me, this programme is inclusive, you can learn so many things by doing.
Jason

Jason Rochford |   MSc Corporate Finance Scholar 2020-21

"I cannot recommend the MSc in Corporate Finance or the NUIG faculty enough to prospective students, in what was an extremely challenging year to deliver educational content the staff consistently over-delivered. Despite the online learning environment, the course proved extremely interactive and engaging throughout the term, at a pace suitable for all backgrounds, combining both theoretical and practical perspectives. A big emphasis was placed on regular check-ins, one to one meetings and virtual coffees which showcased NUIG’s commitment to delivering high quality education no matter what the environment – physical or virtual which I found particularly valuable. Working in finance for 3 years prior, I felt the course provided a strong bedrock across key finance, asset management and accounting principles on which to further build on my career. The class comprised of a diverse set of backgrounds which truly enforced the global nature of the programme adding to the learning environment via team projects and discussion. The alignment of studies to professional exam bodies providing exemptions is also a super benefit."
Emma

Emma Gillespie |   Mayo Local Enterprise Office Graduate Programme

As a student in the MSc Corporate Finance course I gained both the skills and confidence necessary for a rewarding future career. The smaller class size allowed us to develop and engage in all the elements, albeit in a virtual sense, due to Covid restrictions. The lecturers are patient, approachable and highly-skilled and additionally their agility in being able to deliver the course in the virtual environment has to be commended. The modules are both challenging and rewarding, with the ability to somewhat customize your modules to direct your learning to areas that you are interested in. The course itself is a mix of quantitative and qualitative modules. The analytics elements are delivered by world-leading providers like SAP and offer separate certification that is highly desirable to employers. The work placement element of the course offers real-world experience and an opportunity to transform learning into actions. It enables the creation and cultivation of a network of industry peers that will serve well in the future. It has been a wholly positive experience and I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in a career in the finance field.
Conor

Conor Flynn |   EY Turnaround and Restructuring Analyst

I chose the MSc Corporate Finance Program as it offers students the opportunity to develop their technical and analytical skills that are now so often sought by employers. In my experience lecturers were engaging, patient and understanding of student’s individual circumstances. As students come from a variety of backgrounds requiring no previous knowledge of module content, lecturers provide clear concise learning material in addition to extra resources across a variety of platforms including videos, websites, readings and podcasts. In my opinion, student diversity within the program is advantageous particularly in group discussion and/or projects as students draw upon different real-world experiences. The analytical elements of the degree are provided in conjunction with international institutions such as SAP allowing students to increase their employability prospects in the current competitive labour market. Finally, alignment with professional accountancy bodies mean the degree is well suited to students seeking to pursue a career in accountancy or professional services.
Ellen

Ellen Coleman |   Valuation, Modelling & Economics Analyst at EY

I would highly recommend the MSc in Corporate Finance to anyone looking to pursue career opportunities in this area. This masters programme focuses on developing both analytical and decision making skills through modules such as accounting, finance and portfolio management. The scholarship opportunities available at NUIG for postgraduate taught courses are second to none and provide many students with financial support that can aid in many ways. As a recipient of the Business Postgraduate Merit Scholarship, I believe that this drove me to achieve top results in Semester 1 and gave me the confidence to take part in finance related competitions and events throughout the year. My experience so far on the MSc in Corporate Finance programme has been very positive and I would strongly recommend that anyone interested explores this fantastic opportunity.

Feedback from Industry

Austin

Austin Sammon |   Partner, Audit & Business Advisory, Mazars

We live in a world where non-traditional sources of finance are becoming mainstream in developed economies – the ability to speak their language and interpret financial information is paramount to accessing this finance. Knowledge of a company’s industry to decide on the ideal debt / equity mix and building of a network gained from colleagues taking part in the MSc in Corporate Finance are valuable tools which will elevate you from a traditional accountant and ensure your progression to executive level with key strategic decision making powers
Bruce

Bruce Waldron |   Investment Banking - Goodbody

I was delighted to hear of the introduction of the MSc in Corporate Finance at NUIG. Corporate Finance is an extremely rewarding career path where you will learn fast, develop a strong network and help clients fulfil their financial and strategic goals. Corporate Finance professionals are often at the centre of a deal, liaising with all parties invoved from bankers to lawyers and thereofre it is critical to have a strong mix of technical and non-technical skills. No two days are the same and you will often be preparing Information Memorandums, Valuations, Business Plans, Financial Modelling, and Pre/Post Contract Due Diligence reports. Due to the growing economic acitivty here in Ireland, oppourtunities in the Finance indusry are on the rise and the MSc in Coporate Finance at NUIG will equip graduates with an excellent skill-set to seize these oppourtunies.
Kathy

Kathy Joyce |   Senior Associate, Talent Team, EY

We at EY are delighted to hear about NUI Galway’s unique new MSc in Corporate Finance launching this year. We have worked closely with NUIG and their masters' students over the last number of years and it is very evident that the skills these students learn and built upon through studying at NUI Galway are highly transferable in today's working world. This new MSc in Corporate Finance is coming at a great time where we here at EY need trusted business advisers in our Corporate Finance sector due to the incredible growth in the area and numerous opportunities arising from this.
Aengus

Aengus Burns |   Partner, Advisory Services, Grant Thornton

At Grant Thornton we offer hands-on commercial and strategic advice for businesses, working with management teams to deliver sustainable improvements and accelerated growth in shareholder value. The NUI Galway MSc in Corporate Finance comes at a time when Corporate Finance professionals are in increased demand for M&A, Fundraising, Transaction Advisory and Valuation support. We welcome the MSc in Corporate Finance and recommend it to those interested in pursuing opportunities in this area."
Ronan

Ronan Murray |   Partner, Corporate Finance, Deloitte

At Deloitte, success is about protecting, enhancing and realising value for our clients. That is how our Corporate Finance team makes a lasting impact that matters. Our market-leading team offers a full range of services from M&A advisory to due diligence, valuation, debt advisory and restructuring services. Our team has been growing strongly over the last number of years, and we have been at the forefront of a number of significant transactions with major Irish clients. We seek Corporate Finance trainees eager to develop their analytical and decision making skills to deliver innovative, effective solutions tailored towards our clients’ specific requirements. The new MSc in Corporate Finance offered by NUI Galway will offer graduates an opportunity to equip themselves with the essential tools and techniques necessary to develop a career in Corporate Finance.
Chris

Chris Ball |   Corporate Finance Partner, RBK Chartered Accountants

Developing a career in Corporate Finance involves so much more than the technical application of accounting standards and reporting. Being able to make a positive difference to clients in their decision making means being able to absorb and analyse data across the business, the industry sector and the wider economy, whilst also being aware of the global macro-economic factors that affect a client’s business. Applying this analysis to practical business and investment decisions, which are becoming more and more complex, is a critical skill for our team. The programme and course content of the MSc in Corporate Finance offered by NUIG contains the tools and learning points that will give graduates a head start in pursuing a career in this field.

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  • Postgraduate Prospectus 2023

    Postgraduate Prospectus 2023 PDF (20.6MB)

  • Business Postgraduate Programmes 2023

    Business Postgraduate Programmes 2023 PDF (4.7 MB)

  • MSc in Corporate Finance

    MSc in Corporate Finance PDF (4.7MB)