Master of Science in Financial Economics

at University of Bedfordshire - Luton Campus United Kingdom

This course is ideal for computing graduates who want to prepare for a general career in IT without the need to specialise at this stage.
Subjects range from data modelling, embedded systems and systems architecture to intelligent agents, equipping you to fully understand the application of computing technology in real-world situations whilst gaining the practical business skills that employers seek.

Why choose this course?

• Study a broad range of IT disciplines including online database applications, intelligent agents, programming embedded systems, professional project management systems architecture, network systems, distributed and parallel architectures and cryptography and cryptanalysis
• Explore and analyse current trends in the continually expanding area of internet technologies including wireless internet and network configurations and enjoy opportunities to work with innovative distributed environments and architectures
• Develop practical and business skills necessary for a wide range of careers in IT from management to high-level web application development or system administration
• Gain in-depth skills in network management and administration (allowing you to work as a Network Manager) including essential security aspects, grid-computing and fault tolerance
• Benefit from developing expertise equipping you for a career as an IT Consultant, Programmer, Systems/Business Analyst, in web development/web services or in further study on an MSc by Research, MPhil or PhD.

Modern organisations rely upon good information systems in order to survive in the global competitive business environment.

This course will suit graduates who, through their interest in information technology and information systems wish to pursue management roles in charge of information systems. There are six entry points through the year. This allows you to start when it is most suitable.

Why choose this course?

• Learn contemporary approaches to information systems management and develop original approaches to organisations challenges and opportunities
• Study aspects of information systems, digital analytics, marketing and the digital future and strategic management
• Explore how the full benefits of modern technologies can be realised, and address the problems associated with increasingly rapid rates of change in the information technology and business environment
• Benefit from a course that inspires teamwork and engagement to contribute to ethical an innovative practice
• Develop your skills within Information Systems theory, against a context of real business through our employability practice-based teaching and learning approach.
• Gain the ability to make critical high-level managerial and organisational decisions, and learn critical thinking and creativity in analysis, synthesis and appraisal

Offering the in-depth technical and professional training you need for a career as an information technologist, this course is run in collaboration with local companies so you gain real-world experience while studying.

In your first year, you develop the skills to study the specialist topics later in the course including an introduction to software; hardware and how computers are built; how computers work with databases; and Structured Query Language (NoSQL). You will also learn about software applications (such as Microsoft, Oracle and Java) and hardware installation, configuration and maintenance.

In year two, you focus on software design and development; how software and hardware work together; designing secure systems; and approaches for testing software.

Learning in your final year focuses on research methods and emerging technologies as you undertake an independent IT project.

Why choose this course?

• It offers in-depth technical and professional training, including CompTia, Security+ and CCNA, which are required to practise as an information technologist
• Throughout the course, you benefit from work-based learning projects and hands-on experience which prepare you to graduate as a professional
• You learn how a wide range of technology can be deployed to provide systems that support organisations to achieve their business objectives
• You develop the knowledge and skills to draw out user requirements from non-IT experts and transform these into implemented system-level designs
• You will be able to lead an IT project, using transferable skills such as effective collaboration and critical thinking
• Take the course over four years and include a professional placement year (see below) where you can gain experience, build your CV and make contacts for the future

Economies are increasingly global. With this degree - designed to give you the knowledge and skills to manage a business effectively in the global context - show potential employers that you understand how business operates on an international scale.

Alongside traditional business skills and disciplines such as strategy, human resource management, finance, operations and marketing, you will acquire global skills via units such as international economics, global marketing, and Intercultural awareness in business.

In your final year you are supported in finding a placement which delivers invaluable international experience, as well as credit towards your degree, as you apply your learning to project work in a live setting.

Why choose this course?
This innovative and interdisciplinary course will help you to gain the skills and knowledge required in key business disciplines coupled with a broader global business perspective. The course provides you with a deeper appreciation of the roles and relationships of businesses in an international context, together with the specific operational and strategic issues, challenges and opportunities that businesses face when they start operating at an international level.

You will also gain a working understanding of foundational concepts in the key functional and operational areas, including business management, business research, marketing, finance, accounting, operations management, human resource management, interpersonal and collaborative communication skills, covering important aspects of working in an international and multi-cultural environment.

The course offers a rich learning experience

• Is highly vocational with a focus on knowledge and understanding of business organisations from a global perspective;
• Focuses on both large and small organisational contexts;
• Instils a high level of professionalism from the outset;
• Has a strong theoretical base in each unit;
• Develops interpersonal and collaborative communication skills
• Includes a supervised final year dissertation involving an individually conducted research element;
• Provides further opportunity for professional development in a work placement relevant to international business
• Has small class interactive teaching environments;
• Focuses on hard and soft management skills for the 21st century

Choose International Business at Bedfordshire and

• Learn through lectures, seminars and workshops, plus projects, research exercises, presentations, and case study analyses with a focus on using your knowledge and understanding in practice
• Study business management, business research, marketing, finance, accounting, operations management and human resource management
• Develop your communication and collaborative skills as well as a recognisable high level of professionalism, enabling you to fit in and be effective from day one
• Gain an understanding of the roles and relationships of businesses in the international arena, and the specific operational and strategic issues, challenges and opportunities that they face at an international level
• Explore opportunities for further postgraduate and professional study
• Benefit from a degree which gives you understanding of global business operations, analytical and problem-solving skills, and personal effectiveness and credibility when working across cultures in international teams – attributes which are highly attractive to potential employers

The MSc International Finance and Banking is designed to enable you to become a more effective and enterprising manager in a range of financial organisations in a knowledge-based global economy.

Finance and Banking as a study area is distinct from Accounting in that it is interdisciplinary and draws upon a wide range of soft and hard sciences.

Thus at post graduate level the study must be integrative, blending economic, mathematical and financial theory with analytical approaches to solving complex problems and implementing solutions.

Finance must also be treated as international in context to ensure relevance in the global economy.

The course aims to enable you to critically analyse the role of banking within international financial markets.

Attention is also placed on developing a contemporary empirical understanding of the behaviour of international financial markets that is particularly relevant for the aspects of international banking, alongside providing you with the ICT and research skills required by employers in this highly competitive banking sector.

It is specially designed for those seeking a management career in the international banking system, international corporations or in capital markets.

Our BSc (Hons) Construction Management Top-up course will provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in an exciting career in construction.

This degree will give you the opportunity to expand on your current skills, knowledge and understanding of design and construction, and to advance as a construction professional.

As an industry experiencing major shortages in skilled construction professionals, on completion of this qualification you will be well-positioned as a valuable asset and to continue on the path to senior management positions.

You will be working on real-life scenarios and case studies, and will explore key areas of construction management from a number of perspectives, including contracting and procurement, management of project resources, programmes and teams, as well as managing project finances and economics.

There is a strong focus on employability. As well as bringing a wealth of industry experience to our construction courses, the teaching team also utilise close collaborative relationships within industry, including both regional and national employers, to bring the latest developments, techniques and technologies into the taught curriculum. This typically involves specialist presentations and seminars from industry experts as well as site visits, which in recent years have included visits to individual projects worth over £1bn.

Industry presenters have included project managers and directors, civil engineers, local authority planners and construction professionals, government agency representatives, professional bodies, and have also included past graduates from our courses who have progressed into senior positions in the industry.

The course follows a hands-on practical approach, where you will work on a number of games and related creative technology projects over the duration.

The creation and production of computer games has grown to become a huge industry. According to the Entertainment Researchers Association UK consumers spent over £4.2 million on games in 2020, far more than was spent on video (including streaming services) and more than double that spent on music. As a result, there is a growing need for talented individuals to fill technical and creative positions in the sector.

The course is part of the Creative Technologies cluster in the School of Computer Science and Technology and is closely related to the degree course BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects which shares some of the teaching and technology.

In addition to the £40 million STEM building, you will also have the chance to work in our specialist creative technologies and game development labs, and use a range of cutting edge technologies such as motion capture, green screen, VR and XR to develop your practice and build a professional portfolio.

In the first year, you will learn a variety of relevant techniques including, programming or 2d graphics for games and learn to research the market and generate ideas for original games – you will also be involved in making games from the start and will develop your game ideas into playable demos.

From the second year onwards, you’ll select an area of specialism from Games Programming, Games Design or Games Graphics

Why choose this course?

• Learn how computer game assets such as environments, character models and animation are created and integrated into code
• Study in passionate, dynamic groups as you get to grips with commercially relevant software tools such as 3ds Max and Visual Studio
• Develop your team working and project coordinating skills as you produce code and software
• Gain experience with motion capture rigs, facial scanners and 3D sculpting
• Explore the latest developments in mobile, tablet, web and social media gaming
• Challenge yourself by solving complex problems and presenting new game concepts and ideas
• Benefit from personal development planning which will help you research companies, discuss your future plans and apply for jobs

The UK is at the forefront of product design, but for the country to maintain this position, it needs new talent, people with the imagination and drive to create the next generation of industrial and consumer products.

This course is designed to produce industry-ready specialists who can design, prototype, test and improve products.

You will study using a mix of traditional learning and the very latest techniques, including cutting-edge software programmes and 3D printing, and graduate with a fully developed portfolio of work.

Why choose this course?

• Learn the key aspects of design, including how materials behave under load and in different environments, and the purpose and aesthetics of decorative, functional and combined design
• Study the structural integrity, longevity and failure-in-use of a wide range of products
• Develop your understanding of engineering and fluid mechanics, and design process management
• Gain an in-depth appreciation of the importance of team working and project management
• Explore your subject with experienced and professional tutors on an employability-focused course
• Challenge yourself as you produce robust and functional prototypes of your work and a fully-developed portfolio of work
• Benefit from a university location that is close to some of the biggest employers of product designers in the UK.

Models of work are constantly evolving, but one thing does not change: people still need to be recruited, trained, motivated and paid to meet an organisation's requirements. If your interests lie in effective people management, this course puts you on the right path.

You begin your journey with a thorough grounding in business before exploring the many aspects of human resource management (HRM): professional practice; leadership and motivation; creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship; business systems including international business; selection and recruitment; employee relations; and employment law.

Learn from expert tutors as you carry out practical projects that emulate working as a professional manager, and develop your practical experience with an optional year’s paid work placement in a HRM role.

In your final year, study strategic HRM, examining real firms with a view to solving people problems, and carry out an independent research project.

Why choose this course?

• Develop your understanding of how HRM works with other business disciplines, knowledge that will enable you to fit into numerous types of organisation in the future - private, public or not-for-profit
• Learn from experts in their field, active within the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and in both consultancy and research
• Challenge yourself with an optional sandwich year placement after your second year.
• If you want to step up into higher education, we also offer a degree path with an initial Foundation Year (see below)
• Equip yourself with a range of subject-specific and transferable skills suited to a career in specialist human management roles or professional business and management environments, both national and international

“The University has offered me numerous opportunities to develop my skills and expand my network, and has constantly pushed me outside of my comfort zone, helping me become a real HR professional. My lecturers have always been supportive and understanding, and put great effort into communicating with us. All in all, these have been the most important three years of my life!”

We have taught Television Production for over a decade and in this time we have developed close links with the factual and entertainment TV industries. We are proud to say our graduates are now working on some of the top programmes and films in the UK and US.

This is a highly practical course which covers a broad area of television production and is suitable for those who have no prior experience of studying television at university.

You will be hands-on in our multi-camera TV studio and on location using a variety of camera, sound and lighting equipment. You will also be taught the post production process and will be encouraged to develop, produce and screen your own programming as part of your learning at Bedfordshire.

At the end of your time with us, you will be a multi-skilled, industry-ready practitioner. Employability is a core feature of this course. It is our job to help you break into TV and we will help you to develop industry links and find paid work or internships during your time with us.

Why choose this course?

• Our course will give you a solid grounding in all aspects of TV production; from producing to production management, from camerawork to editing. You will be taught by lecturers who have been working at the highest level in the television industry and with their help you will make your own industry contacts and start to make your first steps into the television industry while studying on the course.
• You will have access to thousands of pounds worth of high-end production kit including cameras, lights, sound recorders, rigs, edit suites, O.B. kit and, of course, our multi-camera TV studio. Aside from assignment production work, you will also get the opportunity to produce and broadcast your own programming online and on social-media via our in-house TV station BedsTV.