Programme specification
This programme specification is aimed at prospective students and represents the most current course structure.
SECTION A: DETAILS OF THE COURSE AND AWARD
| Programme: | Statistics and Finance |
|---|---|
| Awarding body: | University of Essex |
| Teaching institution: | University of Essex |
| Department: | Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of) |
| Final award: | MSC |
| NQF Level of Qualification: | Master |
| Full / Part Time | Full-time |
| QAA Benchmark Group: | None |
| JACS code: | G3L1 |
| Publication date: | 28/09/2012 |
| Admission criteria:
if the applicant does not meet the specified criteria, he or she may discuss the application with the Head of Undergraduate or Head of Postgraduate admissions. |
BSc degree, of Upper Second class standard or above, in Mathematics or a related subject (or an equivalent qualification). Statistics and economics should form minor components of the degree.Language requirements: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 540 (200) or comparable. |
SECTION B: PROGRAMME AIMS, OUTCOMES, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS
This section provides a concise overview of the programme of study, identifying the aims, learning outcomes and the corresponding methods of learning, teaching and assessment.
Programme: MSC Statistics and Finance
Programme aims:
To enhance the general skills of students (including IT skills, presentation skills, problem solving abilities, numeracy and their ability to retrieve information in an efficient manner.) To offer students the opportunity to study statistics and econometrics to an advanced level within an environment informed by current research. To provide students with advamced training that will be of use in a career as a statistician or econometrician. To provide students with training in the preparation of reports involving mathematical material, including correct referencing, appropriate layout and style. To provide students with a research-type experience that will aid them in their approach to further research activity. To provide students with information that will help them to make an informed judgement as to the appropriate methods to employ when analysing a problem of a statistical or econometric nature.
Programme Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
|
A1 : A range of ideas concerning Statistics and Econometrics including methods appropriate in specialized applications. A2 : Ways in which statistical methods can aid understanding in application areas. A3 : Some of the limitations and assumptions underlying standard methods. A4 : The fact that apparently disparate methods may interconnect. A5 : One or more current areas of research in Statistics or Econometrics, including an awareness of the development of these areas of research. |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
|
B1 : Analyse a mass of information and carry out an appropriate analysis. B2 : Express a problem in mathematical terms and carry out an appropriate analysis. B3 : Reason critically and interpret information in a manner that can be communicated effectively to non-specialists. B4 : Integrate and link information across course components. B5 : Under guidance of a supervisor, plan and carry out a piece of research and present the results in a coherent fashion. |
C: Practical Skills
|
C1 : Show some ability to carry out analyses of complex data sets and design experiments. C2 : Show some ability to use simple algorithms. C3 : Show some ability to use computer programmes and/or packages. C4 : Show some ability to use a mathematical word-processing package. C5 : Show some ability to make an effective literature search. C6 : Show some ability to prepare a technical report. C7 : Give a presentation and defend their ideas in an interview. |
D: Key Skills
|
Communication: D1 : Write clearly and effectively. IT Skills: D2 : Use computer packages and/or programming languages for data analysis and computation, and for presentation of material to others. Numeracy: D3 : Enhance existing numerical ability, including in particular the ability to carry out a statistical analysis. Problem Solving: D4 : Choose the appropriate method of inquiry in order to address a range of practical and theoretical problems. Working with Others: D5 : Learn from feedback and respond appropriately and effectively to supervision and guidance Self Learning: D6 : Work pragmatically to meet deadlines. |
Learning, Teaching & Assessment Methods or Strategies for the following:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
|
Learning Methods A1-A3 are principally acquired through the coherent programmes of lectures, problems and problem classes. These are supplemented by problems requiring, where appropriate, the use of computers, computer packages, textbooks, handouts and on-line material. In most modules there is regular set work. This work is marked and this process informs the course teacher of common difficulties that require extra attention during the subsequent problem classes. A4 and A5 are principally acquired through the preparation of an essay and a dissertation on specialized topics. During the production of their written work, students are expected to extend and enhance the basic course material on internet searching and the production of mathematical texts. The research guidance during the summer is a critical aspect of this training. Assessment Methods Knowledge and understanding are assessed through examinations, essays and the summer dissertation. |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
|
Learning Methods B1-3 These skills are developed through the regular coursework exercises. In seeking to answer these exercises students become accustomed to identifying key facts in a body of information. The problems classes provide back-up as required. B4-5 These skills are initiated during the course of the preparation of the essay and are further developed during the course of the summer dissertation. Assessment Methods The level of attainment of these skills is assessed through the summer examinations, and through examination of the summer dissertation. |
C: Practical Skills
|
Learning Methods C1and C3 are developed through the programme of lectures and regular problems, particularly in MA308 and MA310. C2 is developed through the use of algorithms, particularly in MA308 and MA310. C4-C7 are developed during the course of the preparation of the essay and the dissertation. Assessment Methods C1-C2 are assessed by the regular coursework and examinations. C3 is assessed in this way and also by any computer output that forms part of the summer dissertation C4-C7 are assessed through the essay and summer dissertation. |
D: Key Skills
|
Learning Methods D1 is promoted by the supervisor of the essay and dissertation work. D2 results from the coursework associated with various lecture courses, and with the production of the essay and di3ertation. D3 is a natural consequence of courses with high numeric content. D4 is a consequence of the coursework, problems classes, lectures and laboratory work. D5 and D6 result from a tightly timetabled course of lectures and submission dates that require the student to effectively organise time to meet deadlines. Assessment Methods Key skills are assessed throughout the degree via coursework, examinations, the essay and the summer dissertation. |
SECTION C: COURSE STRUCTURE
Please refer to your option list as issued by the department where necessary,
and view module details in the module directory.
Additional notes on module choices:
Students must have at least 120 credits from the taught modules before proceeding to their dissertation.
Components
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award | Status in PG Diploma | Status in PG Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | MA981-7-FY | Dissertation | Core | Compulsory | |
| 02 | EC501-7-AU | Econometric Methods and Applications | Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| 03 | EC907-7-AU | Economics of Financial Markets | Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| 04 | EC965-7-SP | Time Series Econometrics | Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| 05 | MA308-7-SP | Linear Models | Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| 06 | MA310-7-AU | Experimental Design | Compulsory | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| 07 | MA902-7-SP | Research Methods | Core | Compulsory | Compulsory |
| 08 | OPTION FROM LIST (15 / 20 CREDITS) | Optional | Optional | Optional |
SECTION D: RULES OF ASSESSMENT
Rules of assessment are here: http://www2.essex.ac.uk/academic/students/pgt/pgtrulesmenu.htm
Assessment information for individual modules can be found on the Module Directory at http://www.essex.ac.uk/courses/
See also: details of individual modules in the module directory and links to course materials and resources in the Online Resource Bank.
External Examiner Information
- Name: Dr Prakash Patil
- Institution: The University of Birmingham
- Academic Role: Reader in Statistics
NOTE
The University of Essex Programme Specifications Catalogue is updated annually in April/May. The specifications represent the most current course structures and may be subject to review and change. Should you have any queries about the Catalogue's pages, please contact the Course Records Team, Systems Administration Office, Academic Section; email: crt (non Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk)