Course specification and structure
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PMINTRFI - MSc International Trade and Finance

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Master of Science Level Masters
Possible interim awards Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
Total credits for course 180
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School Guildhall School of Business and Law
Subject Area Business and Management
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 1 YEARS  
Part-time 2 YEARS  
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The MSc International Trade and Finance programme is designed to give students the opportunity of developing their skills and understanding of contemporary international trade and finance. Areas to be studied will include the role of international finance with an emphasis on the role of international intermediaries and global markets in relation to trade and finance, economic growth and the theoretical and empirical links between trade, investment and growth.

The course will draw upon existing staff expertise within Guildhall School of Business and Law. The staff team have extensive experience of developing, delivering and examining master’s level courses in international finance and related subjects. There is an established culture of staff collaboration which will support the development of the programme and with it the student experience. Furthermore the development team includes experienced academic course developers with in depth knowledge of learning and teaching and technology enhanced learning. Colleagues will bring their research expertise to enhance the overall teaching content.

During their course, students will participate in both formal and associated informal events in order to develop an understanding of the contemporary international trading and financial environment. This will include outside speakers to address unfolding events and visits to City Institutions. The programme is designed to do this.
There are four core modules which all students will study on the course, and they will also have the opportunity of choosing two optional modules from a range of available options, making up 6 taught modules.

Thus all students will take 4 x 20 credit core modules that will cover the fundamentals of International Trade and Finance. Then in addition, students will have an option choice of 2 more modules, which will allow them to develop an in-depth knowledge in areas such as major exchange-based and over-the-counter financial derivatives, the role of translating for international organisations, and an appreciation of environmental issues in relation to trade and finance.

Within the compulsory set of taught modules all students will study the 20 credit research methods module, designed to familiarise them with business research methods and to prepare them to undertake the final component of the course, the 60 credit dissertation.

Students will be directed and encouraged to develop their understanding of international trade and finance, show their ability to apply their knowledge and to analyse a range of business scenarios, including the application of their own work experience, through case studies, business scenarios, presentations, problem-based learning exercises and study visits.
Lectures and seminars, which constitute the formal face-to-face elements of the course, are essential activities that will support the development of knowledge and understanding. These sessions will provide students with tools of analysis, outline methods for evaluation and give clear guidance on how students may best extend and apply their learning independently. The face to face sessions are action oriented and student-centred to encourage ‘deep’ as opposed to ‘surface’ learning and give students the further opportunity to apply their understanding to various business scenarios, and to test out their ideas.
An important dimension of the skills they must acquire during the programme is the capacity to work successfully with others to achieve a desired objective. Several of their assessments will take the form of group assignments, which are designed to help them to develop their interpersonal skill and personal awareness.

All modules will include the use of the University’s virtual learning environment (Weblearn). Core materials, e.g. handbooks, presentations, reading materials etc. will be made available on Weblearn and the platform will also provide the vehicle for online collaboration and other blended learning activities.
All students will be allocated academic tutors, with whom they will be encouraged to discuss all relevant issues relating to their course.

Course aims

The MSc International Trade and Finance aims to:

1. Develop a critical awareness of issues affecting international trade and finance and an associated understanding of how their learning may be used to develop the operational practices of corporate entities.
2. Develop a critical understanding of economic theory and policy to interpret trends and patterns in international trade and finance.
3. Critically examine how flows in trade and investment between nations, trading associations and blocs, and within major corporations arise, and to be able to assess their impact on growth, trade and development.
4. Demonstrate both a theoretical and practical understanding of the changing patterns of trade and finance and the responses and initiatives of both states and international institutions in the global economy.
5. Critically examine the roles of the key global economic institutions such as the WTO, the World Bank, the OECD, the IMF, as well as the EU, and Chinese, Indian and US governments in international trade.
6. Develop knowledge appropriate to a range of global contexts, so preparing graduates for employment in international organisations, businesses, banking and finance.

Course learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the MSc International Trade and Finance, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate conceptual understanding that enables the critical evaluation of key theories, current research and methodologies relating to the behaviour of international actors in the field of trade and finance, and the nature of the international competitive environment and regulatory framework within which they operate.
2. Demonstrate initiative in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge relating to international trade and finance.
3. Continue to advance their theoretical, quantitative and statistical knowledge and understanding, and to develop analytical skills to a high level to understand international trading and financing practice.
4. Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, use IT to access sources of relevant international trading, economic and financial information, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
5. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.

Principle QAA benchmark statements

The course complies with the QAA Characteristics Statement for Master’s Degrees (2015).http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Masters-Degree-Characteristics-15.pdf, and the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Master’s Degrees in Business and Management (2015) http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/SBS-Business-and%20Management-15.pdf.
Since this is a specialist programme, the benchmark statement and subsequent documents must be interpreted in the context of the trade and finance industry.

Assessment strategy

The MSc International Trade and Finance course enables students to develop an understanding of the key trade and finance issues of today. All students will study four compulsory core modules which will develop understanding of key issues such as corporate finance, international trade, growth and development. Students will then choose two further taught modules from set of available options, giving them 6 taught modules in total. Students will prepare to undertake business research in one of the compulsory taught modules and then carry out a final business research project of their own devising, for the final core module.

All students will be supported to develop on-going self-awareness and develop a range of cognitive and transferable skills that will enable them to progress their career and contribute to their development. The optional modules will allow students to gain knowledge of another specialist area to broaden their horizon.

A range of assessment methods are used through the compulsory core modules and within the remainder of the course, reflecting the range of outcomes and diversity of learning approaches adopted by students. The assessment methods are designed to measure achievement and to foster the development of the range of learning outcomes given in Section 11 of this document. The assessment strategy is designed to support the development of effective and responsible practitioners.

The development of skills of communicating information coherently and effectively in writing will be supported. This will be done, for example, through individual and collaborative report writing, group work and formal seen and unseen exams. Communicating orally will be supported through assessments that involve individual and group presentations.

Priority is given to methods of assessment consistent with timely feedback so that the advice can contribute effectively to student development. This may mean that such ‘feed forward’ is given for example, on drafts, in seminar discussions, or on formal presentations. ‘Feed forward’ may be given in a variety of formats and involve individuals or groups. It is anticipated that students will act on advice given both within and between modules in order to maximise possible achievement.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

An optional Business Work Placement module is available in the autumn and spring semesters.

The module requires students to obtain a minimum of 20 days / 140 hours in a business project role, relevant to the course discipline. The assessment strategy will encourage students to articulate their skills and knowledge gains obtained from the professional experience.

Students must have a suitable work experience project secured at the outset of the module and will be fully supported in their search for relevant employment by the University’s Placements and Employability Office.

Course specific regulations

The course conforms with the Regulations of the University Postgraduate Scheme and there are no additional regulations.

Modules required for interim awards

PG Diploma
Any combination of modules to the value of 120 credit points

PG Certificate
Any combination of modules to the value of 60 credit points

All core modules must be taken to gain the highest award.

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

At the beginning of the course students will be taken through an induction programme which is designed to promote an active approach to learning and development from the outset. This will include the principles of individual and team learning and development and preparation for academic study at master’s level. This aims to ensure that the students will understanding the need to work not only independently but the great benefits in collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

It is expected that the two research modules, Research Methods for Global Business and the Dissertation, will lead students to reflect upon their learning throughout the course and prompt them to bring together different interests stimulated by the course, so identifying an area for independent study. The research report will include a statement of personal progress in learning philosophy, techniques and styles achieved by undertaking the report.

Other external links providing expertise and experience

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) (2014)

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

Students will be encouraged to attend meetings with the University’s Careers Service.
Additional activities including networking events, master classes, workshops, guest lectures and other events will also support career development and employability. Continuous support is also provided via academic mentors, academic tutors, and course leaders. All students are advised of the services available via our Placements and Employability Office and encouraged to seek advice from them.

The course integrates work experience into academic study by offering an optional half-year work placement in the autumn or spring semester. The course content and embedded skills development provide students an excellent platform for entry into the employment market in financial services.

By the end of the course students will have developed knowledge and transferable skills that will enhance their employability internationally. Engagement with the alumni network and events that enable students to meet with employers will support their capacity to progress their careers.

Students are also reminded that they have access to our Careers and Employability service for careers and employability related advice guidance for three years after graduation.

Career opportunities

The knowledge and skills you’ll develop will enable you to enter a variety of careers in UK and international organisations including a wide range of public, private and third sector organisations.

As well as providing a firm base for securing employment, our MSc provides the opportunity to enhance your current career. You’ll find many of our master's alumni working in a diverse mix of industries around the world, including a large number in finance and international trade roles.

Entry requirements

You will be required to have:

  • a minimum classification of second class, lower division (2.2) undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any subject discipline
  • GSCE Maths at grade C (grade 4 from 2017) or above (or equivalent)


A full university application form will need to be submitted including a detailed statement to support your application to the course. You should also submit an up-to-date CV and copies of award certificates.

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2017/18 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 30 May 2017 Last validation date 30 May 2017  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes 100107 (finance): 100%
Route code INTRFI

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 07 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
FE7052 International Corporate Finance Core 20 NORTH AUT WED EV
FE7054 Economics of International Trade Core 20 NORTH AUT THU EV
FE7055 Growth, Trade and Development Core 20 NORTH AUT MON EV
FE7065 Research Methods for Global Business Core 20        
FE7P64 Dissertation Core 60 NORTH SUM WED EV
          NORTH AUT FRI EV
          NORTH SPR WED EV
FE7053 Financial Derivatives and Risk Management Option 20 NORTH SPR MON EV
FE7057 Practical Sustainability Option 20 NORTH SPR WED PM
FE7058 Consultancy Option 20        
FE7060 Environmental Economics and Investment Option 20 NORTH AUT TUE EV
FE7061 International Logistics Option 20 NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
          NORTH SUM MON AM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
          NORTH SUM MON PM
MN7W89 Business Work Placement Project Option 20        
TR7084 Translating for International Organisations Option 20 NORTH SPR WED EV

Stage 1 Level 07 January start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
FE7052 International Corporate Finance Core 20        
FE7054 Economics of International Trade Core 20        
FE7055 Growth, Trade and Development Core 20        
FE7065 Research Methods for Global Business Core 20        
FE7P64 Dissertation Core 60 NORTH SUM WED EV
          NORTH SPR WED EV
FE7053 Financial Derivatives and Risk Management Option 20 NORTH SPR MON EV
FE7057 Practical Sustainability Option 20 NORTH SPR WED PM
FE7058 Consultancy Option 20        
FE7060 Environmental Economics and Investment Option 20        
FE7061 International Logistics Option 20 NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SUM MON PM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
          NORTH SUM MON AM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
MN7W89 Business Work Placement Project Option 20        
TR7084 Translating for International Organisations Option 20 NORTH SPR WED EV