Dr Sheeja Sivaprasad, Course Leader : My name is Sheeja Sivaprasad. I’m the Course Leader for MSc Global Finance. The primary aim of this postgraduate course is the equip students with the necessary knowledge and skill-set to work in any field of global finance. It specifically caters to students or individuals who would like to get into the field of finance, but do not have a background of finance and also this course imparts a skill-set and knowledge from an investment aspect, behavioural aspect as well as numerical and economics.
Mark Pilkington, Deputy Course Leader : I’m Mark Pilkington. I’m the Deputy Course Leader for the MSc Global Finance and I ran the degree for about five years before Sheeja took over. One of the things I’d like to say about it is, as well as the academic study which you’ll be involved in as a student here, there’s also many other things that make up this course. And one of them is the diversity of students and you learn as much about cultures and the backgrounds of the other students on the course as well as the academic study. And in terms of the academic study we like to think that we have a range of learning and teaching techniques. So it’s not just about lectures and seminars. There’ll be workshops. We’ve got the Bloomberg financial suite. We’ve got all sorts of other computer-based packages. The emphasis is about you working on your own as well as the time we take in terms of the taught time each week.
What advice would you give to new postgraduate students?
Dr Sheeja Sivaprasad: One piece of advice that I would give students who are about to embark on their postgraduate studies is to maintain a well-balanced life. One that encompasses your studies as well as taking time out to chill and take in the sights of the city and that would actually make you a well-rounded individual.
Mark Pilkington: One thing I’d like to say is: don’t forget that we’re in London and there’s a wealth of opportunities out there, a wealth of different cultural, sporting, and academic activities that you can get involved in. Please try and use these opportunities, get involved in these items, and not just in London, but in Britain in general. Make the most of your time here and perhaps try and involve yourself as much as you can in what’s going on outside.
What do you think is special about Westminster Business School?
Dr Sheeja Sivaprasad: WBS offers state-of-the-art facilities to the postgraduate students. Facilities such as the Financial Markets Suite (FMS); it’s one of the largest in Europe. We’ve got about forty Bloomberg-supported terminals there, with huge databases for students to do their research. We’ve also got excellent careers guidance services, dedicated postgraduate study rooms where students can do their group study, or even individual study on their own, excellent library facilities with lots of optionalities and also avenues to access databases and download research articles as well. And in terms of providing an opportunity for MSc Global Finance students to link theory with practice, we also take our students to one of the top investment banks in the world, where they’re given an opportunity to link theory with practice and also observe how an investment bank operates on a day-to-day basis.
Mark Pilkington: And I’d like to add, to when the students come here, whilst London is, of course, one of the world’s finance centres, the jobs market, of course, is still very competitive out there. So one of the things we try and encourage students to do is to enhance their CVs by finding those extra things that would give them a competitive edge. So, it could be perhaps an internship, it could be doing some voluntary work, it could be being course rep, or getting involved with some of the Students’ Union activities. Remember, when you’re applying for jobs, the employer – the potential employer – doesn’t know you. All they’ve got to go on is that CV, so if you can get that edge over other potential applicants, then that will be a great help. So as well as having the Master’s degree, that little extra will make all the difference.
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Global Finance course is one of the best courses offered by the University of Westminster for postgraduate study. The course structure is absolutely clear and modules offered will equip you with the skills and knowledge to flourish in the highly competitive finance job market. The teaching staffs have been carefully selected to provide the best learning experience to the students and the course management is second to none.
Global Finance course is one of the best courses offered by the University of Westminster for postgraduate study. The course structure is absolutely clear and modules offered will equip you with the skills and knowledge to flourish in the highly competitive finance job market. The teaching staffs have been carefully selected to provide the best learning experience to the students and the course management is second to none.
Global Finance course is one of the best poatgraduate courses that the University of Westminster offers. It will provide you with necessary knowledge, skills, and expertise to survive and thrive in the real job market. All the modules are very useful and comprehensive. Teaching staffs are the best and very attentive, providing the most exciting learning environment. Management of the course is also excellent, ensuring every student enjoys their times in the university.
The MSc Global Finance course covers a wide array of areas in finance exposing students to many different aspects of them. The course is designed in a very well manner to help concentrate on one aspect at a time with assignment deadlines and exams spread apart between the two semesters. Furthermore, the course leader and lecturers have been very helpful and supportive providing with pastoral care on a one to one basis.
I would definitely recommend to anyone wanting a background in finance helping you professionally develop yourself to reach your career aims.
I am very happy with choosing MSc Global Finance as my course of study. It has opened up my mind to the world of finance and I feel fully equipped as a finance professional.
The course is very well managed and apart from just the learning aspect we got to take a trip to one of the top investment banks, have access to Bloomberg terminals and subscriptions to online publications.
The course leaders are great very easy to talk to and helpful, when you need their assistance.
The MSc Global Finance course covers almost all the major areas of finance, something that was very crucial for me in beginning a career in the academics.
The core set of courses are very well-designed, and curriculum are regularly updated. Module wise, I found the Data Analysis and International Risk Management to be extremely useful for international students in coping with the practical elements of Finance and Economics. The Financial markets suits with bloomberg terminals provide an exceptional practical experience, something future finance professionals will find highly beneficial. The course leaders are helpful and caring, overall I had the time of my life during my stay at WBS.