Teaching, learning and assessment methods
The qualification offers an integrated learning experience using a wide range of teaching and learning resources and assessment approaches.
This will include study materials supplied by the OU, online tuition provided by a dedicated subject specialist tutor, activities including practical exercises, literature review, critiquing and collaboration with other students and, finally, assignments and end-of-module assessments.
The study materials will include a comprehensive range of specially written module materials, case studies, original texts, video, audio and interactive software. You will have access to relevant financial databases, such as Refinitiv Eikon and statistical software such as Stata.
The tutor is your first point of contact throughout your study. They will answer questions on materials, mark assignments and run online tutorials.You will be part of an online tutor group, with whom you will undertake learning activities and explore topics as you study them.
You will be expected to engage in a range of activities including reading texts, solving numerical problems and scenarios, researching and using relevant literature on contemporary issues in finance and applying theories to practical situations. Cognitive and practical skills are developed through a range of activities within the modules including prompted and guided search and retrieval of information, literature and databases.
The materials and the tutor support will help you to develop your skills in managing workloads. You will spend a large percentage of time working under your own direction and initiative. Throughout the MSc, your progress and learning are measured by tutor-marked assignments and examinations. Assignments and examinations will demonstrate your understanding of principles and relevant theories and their application to problem-solving situations. In addition, these will demonstrate your ability to critically read and comment on academic literature in cognate areas. They will also require evidence of practical and professional skills as well as demonstrated levels of knowledge and understanding.
The final dissertation module will be an independent piece of academic or applied research that will provide you with the opportunity to learn and demonstrate research skills and to develop a deeper understanding of one or more parts of the qualification's curriculum.