Financial Economics MSc

University of Bedfordshire

The assessment strategy for this course is designed in a way that will contribute to student development and will help them achieve their goals and enhance their employability. An essential element of this process is that feedback will be provided in due time so it is integrated in the learning process. When group work is required, the marks given will be individual following the University of Bedfordshire's regulatory scheme. The different kinds of assessment are listed below and in some cases they will be used in combination, making sure however that there are no hidden tasks. In addition to the assessment strategies followed in each Unit, student knowledge and skills will be also formatively assessed through problem solving sessions or case study discussions, in order to ensure that development of their comprehension of the underlying concepts is appropriate to the level of studies and continuously supports the overall student achievement. A full list of how each Unit will be assessed is presented in the previous section. Please refer to the relevant section of this form regarding Academic Integrity. The intensive character of this Course's delivery as it is outlined in its Teaching and Learning philosophy is consistent with the needs of today's world for graduates who accumulate knowledge fast and are able to express the outcome of this process in a way that is meaningful and comprehensive. After induction, a week of intensive direct contact time followed by students own contribution through individual learning, will take them to the first assessment point. The process will repeat and at the end of the six-week block, the final assessment will be due. This will be a demanding but very rewarding experience. As mentioned above, the MSc Financial Economics is designed to develop a number of transferable skills which along with the knowledge and understanding of the relevant theories and concepts will provide our graduates with all those abilities required for a successful career. The different methods used to assess student performance are designed to evaluate the following: Research and literature review skills, data handling, application, numeracy, computer literacy, ability to contextualize and evaluate, presentation skills and professionalism, and collaboration. ****The Course's Assessment Strategy includes:** ** **Written Examination or Class Test:** Questions in these exams always promote critical thinking and help gradually develop student ability to apply, analyse, synthesize and evaluate. **Individual Written Report or Essays:** The ability to perform literature informed research, to review and evaluate the relevant sources and to use an appropriate methodology in order to analyze, and evaluate the relevant concepts is being assessed. At the same time, student academic integrity is developed. **Case Study Examination:** Students will apply their knowledge in the context of specific cases. Oral Presentation: A number of transferable skills will be developed **Reflective Report:** Own work and that of peers will be evaluated **Dissertation / Professional Placement / Internship / Live Project:** Regardless of which masters capstone experience students opt for, they will have to produce an individual, independent piece of work. They will be asked to identify the research question or problem under investigation, review the relevant literature, develop a sound methodology in order to explore the problem, proceed with the analysis, discuss their findings and make recommendations. It is the capstone of this course and builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in all Units. It will be one of the most challenging but yet enjoyable and rewarding experiences they will encounter.