Undergraduate ICMA Centre BSc Finance and Investment Banking
1 2 3 4 5 5 reasons why Utilise the Centre s affiliations with international financial centres, including the International Capital Markets Association in Zurich and Thomson Reuters. 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. Receive individual attention thanks to the small class sizes at undergraduate level that ensure the opportunity to academically excel. Gain from being part of Henley Business School, the world-renowned, triple- accredited leader in business education. Welcome As Europe s first active collaboration between the securities industry and a University finance department, the ICMA Centre s 20 year pedigree and international reputation continues to grow. Our mission was, and continues to be, to deliver teaching and research in finance of the highest standard and to contribute actively to policy debate. Today, as part of Henley Business School, we are one of the largest and most prestigious business schools in Europe, which only further enhances our reputation and standing with industry around the world. The ICMA Centre itself 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 and stimulating environment 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 3,500 strong alumni network from over 115 countries demonstrate our ability to meet our objectives. I sincerely hope that you find our Finance and Investment Banking degrees to be of interest and look forward to welcoming you to the Centre in due course. Professor Adrian Bell ICMA Centre Henley Business School Undergraduate degree programmes 3
I chose to study at the ICMA Centre due to its growing reputation within the industry and also the state-of-art trading facilities which enable practical experience of concepts taught in lectures. The BSc Finance and 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. Overview Andrew Coles, Class of 2010, Futures Trader, Schneider Trading Associates Henley Business School Henley Business School is 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 tripleaccredited 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 world-class reputation for the study of international business and has driven the research agenda in this field for over 40 years. 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 business leaders. Henley Business School has a strong reputation for the practical application of business ideas and concepts. This is underpinned by the strength in research and academic excellence. For further information on Henley Business School, please visit www.henley.ac.uk The ICMA Centre was Europe s first active collaboration between the securities industry and a university finance department when, 20 years ago, the International Capital Markets Association (ICMA) established a new relationship with the University of Reading. Today, as part of the triple accredited Henley Business School, the Centre offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and executive education programmes tailored for the capital markets industry. The ICMA Centre is known for its student- focused ethos, which contributes to both the high achievement rates and the close relationships the Centre maintains with its alumni. This ongoing relationship with its 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 smaller class sizes 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 the Centre for their education and training needs. This integration of theory with practice is achieved through the use of the Centre s three state-of-the-art dealing rooms. Equipped by Thomson Reuters with the latest industry simulation software, as well as the Centre s own simulation software platform; ICTrader, the trading rooms have always been an integral part of the teaching and learning style of the Centre. To experience the thrill and pressure of a live market take positions, quote two-way prices and manage the risk of a $50 100 million trading book gives our students an insight and experience unavailable in more traditional finance degrees offered elsewhere in the UK. University of Reading The University of Reading is ranked as one of the UK s 20 most research-intensive universities and as one of the top 200 universities in the world. It enjoys a world-class reputation for teaching, research and enterprise. Established over 100 years ago, it is situated within its own 320 acre landscaped campus near the centre of Reading and remains one of the UK s largest, best-known and successful campus-based universities. The University of Reading pursues an ambitious and innovative enterprise agenda. The last five years has seen considerable success in collaborative research partnerships, delivering on over 1200 projects. The university s close links with business and industry are evident right across the campus. Collaborative research projects, the creation of spin-out companies and graduate placement schemes are just some of the many ways day-to-day interaction with enterprise occurs. For more information on the university, including information on accommodation, campus facilities and the town of Reading itself, go to www.reading.ac.uk Our location, only 25 minutes by train to the heart of the City of London, provides our students with the advantage of access to all of the facilities, experiences and amenities open to the students of University of Reading and Henley Business School. The 320-acre Whiteknights campus in Reading provides a wonderful environment conducive for learning. 4 Undergraduate degree programmes 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, Class of 2007, PwC, London BSc Finance and Investment Banking The ICMA Centre s BSc Finance and 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. The degree includes finance theory combined 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 Graduates of the BSc Finance and Investment Banking continue to be highly soughtafter by international securities houses, including BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley. What you will study In the first year you 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 opportunity for specialisation in fields such as risk management and financial engineering. Modules Year 1 Introductory Securities and Markets Introductory Finance/Trading Simulation I Introductory Financial Accounting Assurance, Governance and Ethics Introductory Economics for Business and Finance Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance Year 2 Portfolio Management Corporate Finance Financial Modelling/Trading Simulation II/CMS Debt Markets and Instruments Introductory Econometrics for Finance + 1 optional module, either Corporate Financial Reporting or a language Year 3 Derivative Securities/Trading Simulation III Management of Risk + 4 optional modules Optional modules include: Financial Engineering Foreign Exchange and Money Markets Private Equity and Venture Capital Research Project Topics in Finance The Practice of Entrepreneurship or a language Key Facts UCAS programme code: N302 Duration: 3 years full-time Entry Requirements: GCSE: Mathematics and English grade C 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 Undergraduate degree programmes 7
I chose the ICMA Centre because it is one of the very few places in the UK offering a tailored finance course for those who aim to break into the financial industry. In such a highly competitive environment, with the ever-changing financial markets, I believe financial knowledge is of the utmost importance to differentiate oneself from others. Chestnut Luk, Class of 2011 BSc Mathematics with Finance and Investment Banking The study of Finance and 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 nearmarket 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 and Investment Banking please contact the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. ugmaths@reading.ac.uk Ph. +44 (0) 118 378 7585 www.reading.ac.uk/maths For the most up to date entry requirements for this degree, check online at the department website. Modules Year 1 Analysis I Calculus Methods Vectors and Matrices Ordinary Differential Equations I Statistics for Finance Introductory Securities and 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 Derivatives Securities/Trading Simulation II + 4 optional modules Key Facts UCAS programme code: G1N3 Duration: 3 years full-time Entry Requirements: GCSE: English grade C or above A level: A, A, B including grade A in A Level Mathematics International Baccalaureate: 35 overall including 6 in higher level Mathematics Undergraduate degree programmes 9
Careers, Internships, Alumni How to apply 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 investment banking and securities industries. The Centre s 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. With a rank of 4th in the UK for careers in Accounting and Finance with the Times Good University Guide 2012 and a 96% overall satisfaction ranking with the National Student Survey in 2011, ICMA Centre graduates continue to be well placed to enter the investment banking and securities industries. 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; we are a CFA Program Partner and recognised by The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment as a Centre of Excellence. 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. 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. 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 30,000 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 invaluable networking opportunities for professionals working in finance and related areas. All applications, whether UK, EU or international, must go through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). UCAS programme codes: BSc Finance and Investment Banking N302 BSc Mathematics with Finance and Investment Banking G1N3 Academic Entry Requirements: BSc Finance and Investment Banking A and AS levels: AAB from 3 A levels. Subjects must include a minimum B grade in AS level Mathematics. GCSE: Mathematics and English grade C or above. International Baccalaureate: Achieve 35 overall. Must also include grade 6 in standard level Mathematics. International Foundation Programme: Overall average of Distinction level results. (Please note that the foundation programme must contain a core element of Mathematics). BSC Mathematics with Finance and Investment Banking A and AS levels: AAB including grade A in A level Mathematics. GCSE: English grade C or above. International Baccalaureate: 35 points including 6 in Higher Mathematics. Other qualifications: We welcome students with other qualifications eg. Scottish Highers, Irish Highers, BTEC National Diploma etc. You will be expected to attain an equivalent standard to an A level applicant. English requirements: Proficiency is required for international students. TOEFL: (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Score of 570, with TWE of 5 for the paper-based version of the test, 230 for the computer-based and 88 for the Internet-based test. IELTS: (British Council International English Language Test) Score of 6.5 overall with no significant weaknesses in any component of the test. ICMA Centre Undergraduate Academic Achievement Prize: Each year the Centre awards a prize of at least 500 to the final year BSc student who achieves the highest mark for their degree. University Open Days The University runs undergraduate Open Days in June, September and October. Please contact the Student Recruitment and Schools Liaison Office on +44 (0) 118 378 8619 for information about these or visit www.reading.ac.uk/life/life-visit.aspx Independent Visit We welcome visitors to the Centre throughout the year, but please contact us in advance to arrange an appointment. BSc Taster Days These take place throughout the year to coincide with the University s Open Days and Visit Days. They are designed to give students an enjoyable and informative introduction to the exciting field of world finance and the opportunity to get a feel for the ICMA Centre, the University and our innovative BSc Finance and Investment Banking degree. Visit www.icmacentre.ac.uk/opendays to find dates and to register. 10 Undergraduate degree programmes Undergraduate degree programmes 11
Start thinking about your future today While you consider our unique undergraduate programme, why not also think ahead and look at our postgraduate options that will enhance your future financial career. We offer: MSc Capital Markets, Regulation and Compliance MSc Corporate Finance MSc Financial Engineering MSc Financial Risk Management MSc International Securities, Investment and Banking MSc International Shipping and Finance MSc Investment Banking and Islamic Finance MSc Investment Management PhD programme ICMA Centre Henley Business School University of Reading Whiteknights Reading, RG6 6BA United Kingdom Tel +44 (0) 118 378 8239 Fax +44 (0) 118 931 4741 admissions@icmacentre.ac.uk www.icmacentre.ac.uk facebook.com/icmacentre @ICMACentre All information in this brochure is correct at the time of going to print. Henley Business School reserves the right to amend any aspects of this information. For the very latest information, please see our website. 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.