Module Directory

This module seeks to bring together knowledge and skills gained in earlier core and compulsory finance modules and enable students to apply and integrate their research skills, with a view to (i) critically investigate a contemporary issue in the broad area of finance, (ii) develop a deep understanding of a finance issue that is of interest to academia, companies, organisations, government and/or society more broadly, and (iii) reinforce the research-led and critical mind-set that is a hallmark of Essex graduates.

In their final year, students undertake an individual, independent and self-directed research project under the supervision of a member of staff. Students will be provided with a list of suitable topics and be allocated a supervisor accordingly.

The aims of this module are:

• To enable students to synthesise, integrate, and apply previously acquired knowledge.


• To develop students' critical and analytical skills.


• To encourage the acquisition of autonomous study skills in the learning process, as a vital foundation for subsequent academic study, employment, professional and personal development, and participation in society.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. A capacity to synthesise, integrate, and apply previously acquired knowledge.


2. An ability to locate, manipulate, and analyse numerical (including financial) data, critically evaluate arguments and empirical evidence, develop an argument (in writing), and present ideas in a coherent and effective manner.


3. An ability to work autonomously and design a realistic and effective personal plan to achieve a final outcome.

Skills for Your Professional Life (Transferable Skills)

1. Improve your academic skills, such as literacy, numeracy, and ICT skills.


2. Develop your research skills through independent data collection and analysis and the use of econometrics and statistics.


3. Further your problem solving skills by setting a research question and independently devising a research plan to tackle it.


4. Enhance your written skills through the development of an independent piece of research project.


5. Improve your professional working skills, such as adaptability, flexibility, and adoption of new techniques.


6. Broaden your personal development planning through target setting and action planning.
   
   

In the autumn term, students will attend a series of lectures designed to equip them with the tools to undertake the project. At the end of the autumn term, students are expected to produce a first draft, outlining the structure of their dissertation and key relevant literature, that will be marked. The final submission of the complete dissertation is at the end of the Spring term.

By the end of this module, students will have developed their research skills, competencies and knowledge, which will enable them to engage in situations simulating real-life professional tasks and assignments. The project provides the opportunity to final year students to reflect on the application of finance theories and to develop a critical understanding of the contemporary issues in the finance area.

This module will be delivered via:

• One 1-hour lecture (autumn term).
• Four 2-hour lectures (autumn term).
• Two 2-hour drop-in sessions per week (spring term).
• Two meetings with supervisor (autumn term).
• One meeting with supervisor (spring term).

The drop-in sessions for additional support with databases, data collection, and econometric packages.

Structured supervision meetings are allocated to students according to the topic of their project in the autumn term.

There is an informal supervisory meeting to provide detailed feedback on the dissertation draft prior to final submission in the spring term.