Undergraduate ICMA Centre Undergraduate degrees in finance

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1 Undergraduate ICMA Centre Undergraduate degrees in finance

2 reasons why Utilise the Centre s affiliations with international financial organisations, including the International Capital Markets Association in Zurich. Experience world-class student facilities, including our three dealing rooms supported by Thomson Reuters and Bloomberg and equipped with the latest trading technology and software. Be taught by experienced finance professionals and academics actively researching in a wide variety of finance-based disciplines. Two of our BSc programmes are recognised by professional organisations, the CFA Institute and the British Psychological Society. Gain from being part of Henley Business School, the world-renowned, triple-accredited leader in business education.

3 Welcome As Europe s first active collaboration between the securities industry and a university finance department, the ICMA Centre s 20 year heritage and international reputation continues to grow. Our mission is to deliver teaching and research in finance of the highest standard and to contribute actively to policy debate. We are part of Henley Business School, one of the largest and most prestigious business schools in Europe, which further enhances our reputation and standing with industry around the world. The ICMA Centre is amongst the largest schools of finance in Europe and our suite of courses, from the undergraduate degrees outlined in this brochure, to our exclusive Masters courses both mainstream and specialist are attracting a growing number of students each year. In all, the ICMA Centre provides an excellent setting in which to study and offers plenty of scope to apply theory to practice. Our reputation, our collaborative links with industry, and not least, our 4,000 strong alumni network from over 115 countries, provide a stimulating and supportive learning environment. To experience all that the ICMA Centre has to offer, why not join us at an upcoming Undergraduate Open Day? You ll have the chance to find out more about our campus and facilities with your family and friends. I sincerely hope that you find our finance degrees to be of interest and look forward to welcoming you to the ICMA Centre at Henley Business School in due course. Please find out more by visiting our website where you can watch video clips and read about other students experiences. Professor Adrian Bell Head of ICMA Centre Henley Business School Undergraduate degree programmes 3

4 I chose to study at the ICMA Centre due to its growing reputation within the industry and also the state-of-the-art trading facilities which enable practical experience of concepts taught in lectures. The BSc Finance & Investment Banking is industry specific and provides a good understanding of the economic drivers behind markets as well as an in-depth knowledge of investment finance. Studying here opened my eyes to the finance industry. Also the trading sessions were my main inspiration behind becoming a trader and these sessions were viewed favourably by employers. Andrew Coles, Futures Trader, Schneider Trading Associates Overview The ICMA Centre offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and executive education programmes tailored for the capital market and corporate finance industry. We are known for our student-focused ethos, which contributes to both high achievement rates and the close relationships we maintain with our alumni. This ongoing relationship with former students provides networking and industry-based opportunities for new graduates and current students. With our alumni based in over 115 countries, these opportunities are global, as well as local. Individual attention is provided to all our students, thanks to experienced administrative staff and highly motivated and engaged academics who can be contacted directly when you need their assistance. The practical application of finance theory is one of the ICMA Centre s key advantages and is why students and financial institutions alike choose us for their education and training needs. This integration of theory with practice is achieved through the use of our three state-of-the-art dealing rooms. Equipped by Thomson Reuters with the latest industry software, as well as our own simulation software platform (ICTrader), the trading rooms have always been an integral part of our teaching and learning. To experience the thrill and pressure of a live market take positions, quote two-way prices and manage the risk of a $ million trading book gives our students an insight and experience unavailable in more traditional finance degrees offered elsewhere in the UK. Our home in the Henley Business School at the University of Reading We are part of Henley Business School, a leading international business school based in the UK and operating around the world, with fully-owned subsidiaries in South Africa, Hong Kong, Finland and Germany. It is one of the world s few business schools to hold triple-accredited status from the major UK, European and US awarding bodies (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB). With its faculty of internationally renowned research-led academics and some of the world s most innovative thought leaders, Henley has a worldclass reputation for the study of international business and drives the research agenda in this field. Its focus is on themes such as globalisation and international business regulation, strategies of multinational enterprises, corporate social responsibility and foreign direct investment. These strengths are combined with over 65 years experience in developing great professionals and outstanding business leaders. Our location in Reading is just 25 minutes by train to the heart of the City of London, and our students enjoy access to the extensive facilities and experiences open to all students on the beautiful 320-acre Whiteknights campus. The University of Reading is ranked as one of the UK s 20 most researchintensive universities and as one of the top 200 universities in the world. Established over 100 years ago, it is one of the UK s largest and bestknown campus-based universities with a world-class reputation for teaching, research and enterprise. 4 Undergraduate degree programmes

5 The great thing about the ICMA Centre is that many of the faculty work, or have worked, in industry meaning you are learning from both the academic and the practical side of how the markets really work. It s been a great experience. I enjoyed every year at the ICMA Centre and I gained really valuable skills and experience. Eva Sajbenova, PwC, London Undergraduate degree programmes 5

6 BSc Finance & Investment Banking The ICMA Centre s BSc Finance & Investment Banking can provide you with a unique skill set, making you a valuable asset to companies from your first day. The degree, a three-year honours programme, attracts students from all over the world with an interest in finance. It combines finance theory with solid practical trading and financial modelling skills to make you work-ready at the conclusion of your studies. The integration of theory with practice is enhanced through the use of the Centre s state-of-the-art dealing rooms, home to more than 100 terminals equipped by Thomson Reuters. The ICMA Centre was the first financial school in Europe to introduce dealing rooms and we remain the only university in the region with a facility on such a scale. Who should apply Students come from a wide range of backgrounds, from all over the globe, and have studied a wide variety of subjects, but all share an aptitude for mathematics. Career opportunities In recent years graduates from this programme have entered a variety of careers in the financial services sector, principally in the City of London but also in other international financial centres and the wider corporate finance industry. Examples include jobs in the various departments of banks and securities firms but also in the financing, strategy and treasury departments of multinational corporations in a plethora of different industries. What you will study In the first year students will study the core subjects of economics, accounting and finance and gain an introduction to the computer simulation of securities dealing and spreadsheet modelling. In the second year, you cover areas of specialisation, including portfolio management, debt markets and instruments, and corporate finance as well as undertake practical market making and hedging in the dealing rooms. The third year offers more opportunities for specialisation in fields such as risk management and financial engineering. Programme content Year 1 Introductory securities & markets Introductory finance/trading simulation I Introductory financial accounting Assurance, governance & ethics Introductory economics for business & finance Introductory quantitative techniques for business & finance Year 2 Portfolio management Corporate finance Financial modelling/trading simulation II/Career management skills Debt markets & instruments Introductory econometrics for finance + one optional module, either Corporate financial reporting or a language Year 3 Derivative securities/trading simulation III Management of risk + four optional modules Optional modules include: Financial engineering Foreign exchange & money markets Private equity & venture capital Research project Topics in finance The practice of entrepreneurship or a language Alternative investments Key facts UCAS code: N302 Duration: 3 years full time Entry requirements: GCSE: English grade B or above A Level: AAB from 3 A Levels. Must include AS Level Mathematics grade B or above International Baccalaureate: Achieve 35 overall. Must also include grade 6 in standard level Mathematics For further information please see the How to Apply page or admissions@icmacentre.ac.uk The BSc Finance & Investment Banking is an official CFA program partner. In the words of the CFA Institute itself: CFA partners with globally diverse, high profile institutions who cover a significant portion of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge and who embrace the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct in their degree programs. Recognition as a CFA Program Partner provides a signal to potential students, current students, and the marketplace that the university curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and is well suited to preparing students to sit for the CFA exams. The partnership comes with a series of benefits to the ICMA Centre and its undergraduate students, including scholarships to final year students who want to sit the CFA Level 1 exam. 6 Undergraduate degree programmes

7 BSc Finance & Psychology This is an innovative programme lying in the expanding field that brings together finance and psychology, taught jointly by Henley Business School and the School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences. It is a unique undergraduate degree in the UK with a thorough and balanced curriculum with regard to both disciplines and has been accredited by the British Psychological Society. Students are equipped with knowledge and skills to launch their career in an area relative to either discipline, drawing on the expertise of academic staff of both schools. Who should apply Students come from a wide range of backgrounds, from all over the globe, and have studied a wide variety of subjects, but all share an interest in psychology and the financial markets. Career opportunities Here at the ICMA Centre, we recognise the importance of career development and have integrated specialist career management into the programme, thereby providing our students with a tool kit to help them achieve their career aspirations. Our graduates enter the market with knowledge and skills to enable them to gain excellent careers in areas such as sales and trading, asset management, operations and risk management. Our statistics show that typically more than 90% of graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduating. Students who are schooled in both subject areas will become priority hires in the competitive investment banking recruitment market. Because the degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society, graduates are also qualified to enter professional training as, for example, clinical or educational psychologists. Psychology graduates generally move into an extremely wide range of careers with some bias towards health and education, but extending to many other professional roles. As numerate scientists they also enter a wide variety of other commercial and business occupations. What you will study The area of finance and psychology is one of growth as financial markets look for explanations for recent crises and episodes of contagion outside of mainstream economics and finance. It is clear that issues commonly discussed in psychology impact upon financial market behaviour. The study of finance and psychology progresses through the programme so that students obtain a critical grasp of core theory along with thorough knowledge, skills of application and analysis. Programme content Year 1 Introductory securities & markets Introductory finance/ Trading simulation I Introductory economics for business & finance Cognition & learning Introduction to neuroscience Developmental psychology Perception Psychological research Year 2 Portfolio management Corporate finance Financial modelling/trading simulation II/Career management skills Development & social psychology Research methods Cognition & neuroscience Key facts UCAS code: 4F00 Duration: 3 years full time Entry requirements: GCSE: Mathematics and English, grade B or above A Level: AAB from 3 A Levels International Baccalaureate: Achieve 35 overall For further information please see the How to Apply page or admissions@icmacentre.ac.uk Year 3 Derivative securities/ Trading simulation III Project Either Contemporary issues in psychology Or Public engagement Optional modules Foreign exchange & money markets Private equity & venture capital Topics in finance Adaptive control of thought Behavioural economics Cognitive & affective neuroscience Human motivation Brain mechanisms of learning & decision-making Social cognition Science of emotion Institution wide language programme (IWLP) Undergraduate degree programmes 7

8 BSc in Finance & Management with the University of Venice To navigate today s complex business environment anyone wishing to undertake a career in the finance industry, large corporations or as an entrepreneur needs in-depth knowledge across a broad spectrum of disciplines. This degree offers a unique opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the key aspects of corporate financing, business management, accounting, economics and business law. The curriculum includes one year of study at the University of Venice, a prestigious institution with a long tradition in teaching management, finance and economics, which will give students a truly international experience. Who should apply Students come from a wide range of backgrounds and share an aptitude for mathematics and an interest in business, management and finance. Career opportunities Students interdisciplinary and international studies will enable them to meet their goals, ambitions and interests by preparing them for managerial roles in a variety of sectors including banking, investment and insurance industries or in the finance functions of large enterprises. What you will study In the first year you will study the core subjects of finance, economics and accounting and will be introduced to computer simulations of securities dealing and spreadsheet modelling. The second year will be spent at the University of Venice where you will undertake a wide range of management modules including human resource management, international business strategy, marketing, management accounting and business law together with a research project in a finance related area. The third year offers a blend of finance and management modules and more opportunities for specialisation. You will be able to choose modules from a broad selection of options which will allow you to tailor your degree towards your own needs, interests and aims. At the time of going to print, this programme was subject to final approval. Please see the website for further information. Programme content Year 1 in Reading Introductory securities & markets Introductory finance/ Trading simulation I Introductory financial accounting Introductory economics for business & finance Introductory quantitative techniques for business & finance Assurance, governance & ethics Year 2 in Venice Human resource management International business strategy International management accounting Introduction to the modern firm Marketing Business & labour law Introduction to econometrics Research project Year 3 in Reading Corporate finance Portfolio management Optional modules: International human resource management Evolution of entrepreneurship Derivative securities/trading simulation III Management of risk Key facts UCAS code: NN23 TBC Duration: 3 years full time Entry requirements: GCSE: English grade B or above A Level: AAB from 3 A Levels. Must include AS Level Mathematics grade B or above International Baccalaureate: Achieve 35 overall. Must also include grade 6 in standard level Mathematics. For further information please see the How to Apply page or admissions@icmacentre.ac.uk Debt markets & instruments Foreign exchange & money markets Topics in finance Private equity & venture capital Alternative investments in the 21st century 8 Undergraduate degree programmes

9 BSc Mathematics with Finance & Investment Banking The study of Finance & Investment Banking can also be undertaken within a BSc in Mathematics. Managed by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the core of the mathematical content includes differential equations and analysis, while in finance the main areas include securities and financial modelling. Who should apply This degree is designed for those who wish to develop their mathematical skills alongside skills in finance and investment banking. What you will study Within the study of this degree the ICMA Centre provides an up-to-date and near-market education in financial engineering, utilising its world-leading facilities and longstanding experience in running trading simulations. Further information For more information regarding the BSc Mathematics with Finance & Investment Banking please contact the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. ugmaths@reading.ac.uk Tel +44 (0) For the most up-to-date entry requirements for this degree, check online at the department website. Programme content Year 1 Analysis I Calculus methods Vectors & matrices Ordinary differential equations I Statistics for finance Introductory securities & markets Introductory finance/ Trading simulation I Year 2 Analysis II Ordinary differential equations II Vector calculus Partial differential equations I Numerical methods Linear algebra Financial modelling/trading simulation II Portfolio management Year 3 Complex analysis I Applied stochastic processes Mathematics for the digital economy Derivative securities/ Trading simulation III + four optional modules from a varied selection of mathematics and finance/investment banking topics. Key facts UCAS code: G1N3 Duration: 3 years full time Entry requirements: GCSE: English grade C or above A Level: AAB including grade A in A Level Mathematics International Baccalaureate: Achieve 35 overall including 6 in higher level Mathematics For further information ugmaths@reading.ac.uk Undergraduate degree programmes 9

10 Careers, internships & alumni At the ICMA Centre we offer the full range of career advisory and professional development services to all our students through our dedicated Career Development Unit. We provide highly focused support, including individual coaching, to give our graduates the edge when applying for career opportunities within the extremely competitive financial services industry. Our dedicated Career Development Unit is staffed by professionals with extensive experience in the City and graduate recruitment. A variety of workshops, presentations and events are offered throughout the year designed to help students make an informed choice of future career. Many events will be led by industry professionals, employers or our own alumni. Students will also attend workshops specially designed to help them develop the personal qualities that all graduate recruiters seek. Our graduates go on to work for a wide range of leading employers both in the UK and internationally. Just some of the graduate destinations include: Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Barclays Capital, BNP Paribas, Citigroup, Credit Suisse, Fidelity Investments, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Morgan Stanley and Rabobank. With a rank of 12th in the UK for careers in Accounting and Finance with the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2014 and a 92% overall satisfaction ranking with the National Student Survey in 2013, ICMA Centre graduates continue to be well placed to enter the business world. Close links with industry Supported by the securities industry through the International Capital Market Association (ICMA), the Centre maintains close links with the investment banking community. Throughout your studies you will benefit from lectures and presentations by senior professionals working within the banking and securities industries. The Centre is highly regarded by leading professional associations; our BSc Finance & Investment Banking is a CFA Program Partner and the ICMA Centre is recognised by The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment as a Centre of Excellence, while the BSc Finance & Psychology is accredited by the British Psychological Society, making our students qualified to enter professional training. Our graduates therefore enjoy all the benefits of being associated with world-class professional bodies. Internships Students are encouraged to undertake an internship during the summer vacation between the second and third years. We offer a dedicated taught programme of career management skills for undergraduates to help them in this process. This invaluable experience will enhance your CV and future graduate employment prospects, help you to build a professional network and provide an outstanding opportunity to apply and further develop your knowledge and skills. Students have recently gained internships at leading graduate employers including Barclays Capital, HSBC, Societe Generale and Standard Chartered Bank. ICMA Centre alumni network As a graduate you will become a member of the ICMA Centre s dedicated alumni association, as well as part of Henley Business School s 60,000 strong global alumni network. Alumni receive invitations to a wide range of annual events and continue to engage with news and events in the School via regular e-newsletters and social media. Alumni are also welcome to join the Henley Finance Club a specialist community providing networking opportunities for professionals working in finance and related areas. 10 Undergraduate degree programmes

11 How to apply Competition for places on our undergraduate degree programmes is strong, so we advise that you apply as early as possible. If you have any questions at any stage of your application, please don t hesitate to contact us. UCAS All applications, whether you are from the UK, EU or overseas, should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Please apply online using the University of Reading s UCAS code, READG R12. You should aim to submit your completed application between 1 September and 15 January for admission in October of that year. We don t normally interview individual applicants, so please ensure that your UCAS application features appropriate information highlighting your academic and extracurricular achievements. A strong personal statement is also essential. This should demonstrate an informed interest in the degree programme you have applied for, explain why you have chosen a particular programme, provide examples of your past achievements and reflect on how you will use and further develop your knowledge and skills throughout your time at university. International students Henley Business School is home to a diverse and inclusive international community. Last year the University of Reading welcomed over 5,000 international students from 140 countries, building on its history of providing international education which dates back over 100 years. The University s International Office provides support and advice to students including pre-departure briefings, an airport meet and greet service, welcome events and an orientation programme, and specialist advice on matters ranging from student finance to accommodation. Academic entry requirements Entry requirements vary depending on your chosen degree programme but generally you are expected to achieve grades AAB from 3 A Levels (excluding General Studies and Key Skills). Please see individual programmes for any GCSE requirements. Unless otherwise stated, applicants completing the International Baccalaureate must pass the Diploma and achieve 35 points. Please see the information on each of our degree programmes for specific entry requirements. We also welcome applicants with equivalent UK and international qualifications. Further information UCAS For enquiries about applying through UCAS Admissions For admissions enquiries admissions@icmacentre.ac.uk International Office For enquiries from students outside the EU and information on where you can meet us international@reading.ac.uk Undergraduate degree programmes 11

12 Start thinking about your future today While you consider our unique undergraduate programmes, why not also think ahead and look at our postgraduate options which will enhance your future financial career. We offer: MSc Behavioural Finance MSc Capital Markets, Regulation & Compliance MSc Corporate Finance MSc Energy, Finance & Investment MSc Financial Engineering MSc Financial Risk Management MSc International Securities, Investment & Banking MSc International Shipping & Finance MSc Investment Banking & Islamic Finance ICMA Centre Henley Business School University of Reading Whiteknights Reading, RG6 6BA United Kingdom MSc Investment Management PhD programme Tel +44 (0) Fax +44 (0) ICMACentre ICMACentre EFMD The ICMA Centre is supported by the International Capital Market Association, the trade association and market regulator for member organisations active in the global securities market. This brochure is correct at the time of going to print (2014). Henley Business School reserves the right to amend any aspects of this information. For the latest information please see our website. HEN_2493UGICMA APR14