Employer Guide - Centre for Financial & Management Studies

Centre for
Financial and
Management Studies
Employer
Guide
For entry in 2012/2013
www.cefims.ac.uk

2
‘ The Master’s degree gave me that additional asset
that any employer is looking for when recruiting their
professional staff.
The distance learning mode is a very efficient way
to study, especially for someone like me who had a
full-time job and a family to look after. It allowed me
the flexibility to arrange my time to do my studies
and balance my work and personal life.’
Olimpia Dumitru
MSc Public Policy & Management
‘ For me, CeFiMS was an easy and obvious choice –
it had the history, prestige and affordability to match
my requirements.
Soon after enrolling, my job description changed
and I started travelling a lot. But the online access
helped me stay in touch with my studies wherever
I went. I managed to complete this programme
in the minimum time of two years because of the
way it was structured and the skilful way in which
it was delivered.’
Archard A. M. Kalugendo
MSc Finance & Financial Law

Centre for Financial and Management Studies 3
Maximise staff potential
Develop the capabilities
of your staff by investing
in the right qualifications
Your commitment to the development of key
staff will help you to build and retain their
skills and capabilities within your organisation.
Sponsoring academic development is one way of
investing in these talented individuals. The right
qualifications can help personnel to develop
their skills and expertise by underpinning their
professional abilities and experience with a
stronger academic foundation.
At the Centre for Financial and Management
Studies, we offer specialist Masters and
postgraduate programmes by distance learning
in the fields of finance, banking, financial law,
international management, public financial
management and public policy and management.
Our programmes, with their rigorous theoretical
frameworks and practical focus on current
issues, are designed to be relevant to businesses,
international organisations, government
institutions and NGOs.
Learning at a distance offers a flexible and costeffective
solution for both your organisation and
your employees. Participants can integrate their
studies into their working lives, without having
to take a career break, and they can immediately
apply their new skills and knowledge, enabling
them to realise their full potential within your
organisation while you retain their talents.

Employer Guide 4
Our global reputation
Find out who we are and
what we can do for you
The Centre for Financial and Management
Studies is part of SOAS, a lead college of
the University of London. The Centre offers
postgraduate programmes by distance learning.
We have developed specialist programmes
which are focussed on two fields.
Our programmes in finance, banking, financial
law, and international management are designed
for those who work in the global financial,
investment and consultancy sectors.
The programmes in public financial management
and public policy and management are tailored
to meet the needs of national and sub-national
government sectors, international organisations
and NGOs.
Why study with us?
Experience
With 2,400 students enrolled on our programmes,
the Centre is one of the largest providers of
distance learning postgraduate programmes
offered by the University of London. Established
20 years ago, you can be confident that the
Centre has the experience and expertise to
deliver specialised programmes designed to
meet your needs.
Global reach
Through our flexible mode of learning you and
your employees can benefit from the reputation
and expertise of the University of London
wherever you are based in the world. Students
currently studying in 155 countries around the
world are confirmation of this.
Academic excellence
We provide a challenging, rigorous and focused
learning experience. Research provides the
foundations for all of our teaching. Our academic
staff have international reputations and are at
the forefront of their field, publishing their work
and sharing globally with other academics,
decision-makers and opinion-formers.
Supported distance learning
Support and advice is available to students
from our administrative staff and from online
academic tutors, who are available for the
duration of study for each module. Students
are able to network with their fellow students
throughout the world.
An all-inclusive package
We provide everything students need to complete
the modules: the core text, key articles, textbooks,
academic tutor support, Online Study Centre
access – a complete package – all within the fee.
There are no subsequent costs charged by us,
providing good value for your organisation and
convenience for your employees.

Centre for Financial and Management Studies 5
The credibility of the institution
… and the ability to specialise
in a Masters qualification was
of great importance.
Stuart Leigh-Davies
MBA Banking
The reason why I selected the MBA Banking
programme through CeFiMS was based
on a combination of factors. Initially, it was
the credibility of the institution. Degrees
from the University of London International
Programmes are globally recognised so I
knew that I would graduate with a valuable
academic qualification. Also, the ability to
specialise in a Masters qualification was of
great importance.
…I was working full-time and so the prospect
of studying on-campus was out of the question.
The ability to have the flexibility to study around
my work and social life was a big attraction,
especially with a young family to consider.
With regards to my career, the course has
benefitted me in my current role as a Portfolio
Manager at one of the UK’s leading firms of
stockbrokers. …I would have no hesitation in
recommending the programme.

Employer Guide 6
Specialist programmes
Our Masters and Diploma
programmes are tailored
to meet your needs
Opting for our specialist Masters programmes
or Postgraduate Diplomas enables you to
provide staff with a greater depth of academic
development and training specifically suited
to your organisation’s needs.
The structure of our programmes gives you the
opportunity to offer staff an individual module
to fill a skills gap, or four modules to make up
a specialist Postgraduate Diploma. If they then
decide to continue studying beyond the specific
requirements they can credit their modules
towards an MSc.
MBA Banking
Tailored for banking-sector professionals
wanting to strengthen their understanding of
the principles underlying good banking practice
and the current issues facing bankers who work
at an intermediate and high level.
MSc Finance
(major: Economic Policy)
Designed for employees requiring a deeper
understanding of the principles, applications,
and context underlying economic policy with a
focus on the financial aspects of policy making.
MSc Finance
(major: Financial Sector Management)
Designed for managers within banks and other
financial firms who want to build upon their
understanding of the principles, applications,
and the context underlying management
decision-making in the financial sector.
MSc Finance
(major: Quantitative Finance)
Specifically created for professionals within
banks and other financial institutions who want
to strengthen their knowledge of statistical
(particularly econometric) and quantitative
approaches to risk and derivatives.
MSc Finance & Financial Law
Meeting the increasing need for employees to
have an expertise in both finance and financial
law, this programme uniquely combines a
strengthened knowledge of financial principles
and applications with current financial law
and regulation.
MSc International Management (China)
Designed for managers and employees wanting
to understand contemporary developments in
China’s economy and obtain a greater depth
of knowledge of the Chinese business and
economic environment, as well as develop
international management skills that can be
applied worldwide.

Centre for Financial and Management Studies 7
MSc International Business Administration
This innovative programme responds to
the needs of employers and their increasing
demand to develop and harness regional
knowledge and international business
skills, in order to understand and respond
to global business development opportunities
and challenges.
MSc Public Policy & Management
Designed for managers within public sector
organisations and agencies wanting to
strengthen their understanding of the principles
and methods of modern policy management
and enhance their ability to make informed
management decisions and policy choices.
MSc Public Financial Management
Developed specifically for managers needing
to strengthen their understanding of public
finance, this programme will enable employees
to make informed decisions about investment
projects and the design and operations of
financial systems within the public sector.
PG Dip Public Management
Specifically tailored for employees managing
and advising public sector organisations,
who want to enhance their ability to effectively
manage people, change, and design and use
information systems.
PG Dip Policy Studies
Formulated for people working in policy making
and advisory capacities, this programme covers
a range of policy issues and a variety of socioeconomic
contexts, levels of government and
regime types, informing employees on the
techniques of policy analysis and implementation.
PG Dip Public Financial Management
Developed specifically for managers needing
to strengthen their understanding of public
finance, this programme will enable employees
to make informed decisions about investment
projects and the design and operations of
financial systems within the public sector.
This programme is endorsed by ACCA.
If employees are already ACCA members,
this qualification is a useful way for them
to improve their expertise and practice in
government finance.
Individual Professional Award
To benefit from a specialist module or as a
prelude to taking one of our programmes,
any of our modules can be taken individually.
The Individual Professional Award programme
offers a very effective form of flexible professional
education. Each of our modules are designed
to rigorously explore themes in depth and taking
one or two modules can be a useful way of
assessing whether our programmes, and
learning via distance learning, suit your needs.

Employer Guide 8
Our flexible approach
Your staff can study with
us at a time and place
that suits them
Study anywhere in the world
Delivery of our modules is flexible and
straightforward. Wherever your organisation
is based, your employees can study with us.
If staff are posted to another country or travel on
business, they can take their studies with them.
A mode of learning that works around you
Each module is studied in intensive eight-week
sessions. Typically the year is divided into five
study sessions per year, in which we offer
the modules that make up the programmes.
In 2013 we will run four sessions to enable us
to phase in new technology which will enhance
the student experience. Each module is typically
available in at least two of the year’s sessions
and students can take up to four modules in
2013. This gives your employees the flexibility
to plan how they study, enabling them to fit
their study in with their professional, family
and personal commitments.
A Masters can be completed in two years and
a Postgraduate Diploma can be completed
in one year. However, most students take, on
average, three years to complete a Masters and
two years to complete a Postgraduate Diploma.
The programme duration varies according to
decisions that students take about how quickly
they would like to progress.
Module assessment
Each module is assessed by a three-hour
exam during the October examination period.
Students can arrange to take their exams in
their own country or wherever they plan to
be in October. An important part of learning
and assessment is the requirement to submit
two assignments on specified dates during the
module session. Examinations and assignments
are weighted 70:30.
Session Calendar
Session
One
Session
Two
Session
Three
Session
Four
Exams
Session start 3 Dec 2012 18 Feb 2013 20 May 2013 22 Jul 2013
Assignment One
submission
15 Jan 2013 19 Mar 2013 19 Jun 2013 20 Aug 2013
Session end 10 Feb 2013 14 Apr 2013 14 Jul 2013 15 Sep 2013
Oct
2013
Assignment Two
submission
12 Feb 2013 16 Apr 2013 16 Jul 2013 17 Sep 2013

Centre for Financial and Management Studies 9
Benefit from your investment
Sponsoring your staffs’ academic
development benefits both your
organisation and your staff
Here’s how it can work for you:
Organisation benefits
- Personnel with enhanced capabilities,
expertise and confidence in their field
- Immediate and direct application of new ideas,
strategies and skills to your organisation
- Development of managers with a greater
international and organisational awareness
- Retention of talented staff members and
heightened commitment to your organisation.
Individual benefits
- Career enhancement without having to
take a career break
- An enriched understanding and knowledge
within the field of expertise
- Flexibility to select study periods,
accommodating professional, family and
personal commitments
- The opportunity to build up a global network
of professional contacts
- An internationally recognised qualification.
‘ I believe this programme is designed perfectly for
people already working in the financial industry,
who either want to develop skills to progress in
their careers or update their knowledge in the field.
Overall, the experience of studying at CeFiMS was
academically challenging and very rewarding.’
Esha Mendiratta
MSc Finance
(major: Financial Sector Management)

Employer Guide 10
Our students and alumni
work in 155 countries
CeFiMS students and alumni are employed in a wide range of sectors across finance,
government, industry and international organisations, some of which are listed here.
25 central banks
- Banco de Mozambique
- Bank of Canada
- Bank of Japan
- European Central Bank
- National Bank of Abu Dhabi
- Reserve Bank of Vanuatu
160 companies in the
finance sector
- AIG
- Citigroup
- JP Morgan
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Rand Merchant Bank
- Standard Chartered Bank
30 universities &
research institutes
- Chinese University of
Hong Kong
- Institute of International
Finance
- Max Planck Institut
- University of Washington
35 media & telecoms
companies
- BBC World Service
- Thomson Reuters
- Verizon
- Vodafone
65 energy, mining &
manufacturing companies
- BP
- Ford Motor Company
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Nigerian National Petroleum
Corporation
- Mitsui & Co
- Proctor and Gamble
Embassies in 14 countries
- British Embassy in Brazil
- Embassy of Ireland
in Ethiopia
- Embassy of Italy in China
- Embassy of Japan in Nigeria
- Embassy of Kenya in Japan
- Embassy of Sri Lanka
in Austria
185 national & sub-national
governments
- Federal Ministry of Finance,
Ghana
- Fukushima Prefecture
- Lagos State Government
- National Treasury of
South Africa
- Office of the Attorney
General, Bahamas
- U.S. Agency for International
Development
16 international financial
institutions
- African Development Bank
- Asian Development Bank
- IMF
- Inter-American
Development Bank
- World Bank
- World Trade Organization
40 United Nations agencies &
European Union organisations
- Council of the European Union
- European Commission
- International Atomic Energy
Agency
- UNICEF
- United Nations, Department
of Economic and Social Affairs
- United Nations
Development Group
32 aid & development charities
- Habitat for Humanity
International
- International Federation
of the Red Cross
- Medecins Sans Frontieres
- Oxfam
- SOS-Kinderdorf International
- WaterAid

Centre for Financial and Management Studies 11
Freedom of expression
On and off campus, SOAS is committed to the pursuit
and dissemination of knowledge. This can only be
conducted effectively in an atmosphere of open enquiry,
mutual tolerance and intellectual freedom. In practice,
this means that we acknowledge the paramount
importance of freedom of expression. Freedom of
expression may not be exercised to threaten the
freedom of expression of others. In making this
assertion, the School endorses the principles of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and related
international covenants. Furthermore, the School of
Oriental and African Studies does not tolerate any
form of discrimination based upon race, religion,
gender, ethnicity, nationality or intellectual conviction.
Membership of the School is predicated upon the
acceptance of these principles. In accepting this
Statement and the predication of membership of
the School based upon these principles, the School
reserves the right to take action against individuals
or groups who violate these principles.
Disclaimer
All aspects of the University of London degrees
and diplomas described in this brochure, including
examinations, assessment and progression, are
governed by the regulations of the University and its
Schools for the degree and the diploma. Nothing in
this brochure or other communications supersedes
the Regulations. Every care has been taken to ensure
that the information contained in this brochure
is accurate at the time of printing. Errors and
omissions have no force. Applicants should note
that the content of the programmes is subject to
continuing development. Changing circumstances
may necessitate the cancellation of modules or
alterations to the programmes’ content. CeFiMS
reserves the right to make changes at any time,
before the student’s admission. Where possible,
notice will be given about such changes but the
University and its Schools cannot accept any liability
arising out of or in connection with them.
Design by Marc Avery
www.marcavery.com
Photography:
Page 5 – hermionehodgson.com
Printed on UPM Fine, which is produced using
FSC certified virgin fibre, sourced from well
managed forests. Produced at a mill that has
been awarded the ISO14001 certificate for
environmental management.

Contact us
Find out how we can
accommodate your needs
To find out more, visit our website www.cefims.ac.uk
where details of all of our programmes, fees, application
deadlines, and admissions procedures can be found.
We can arrange a meeting with you to discuss in detail
what we can offer your organisation and how we can
accommodate your needs.
Contact
Norman Flynn, Director, CeFiMS
tel +44 (0) 20 7898 4050
email Mr.N.Flynn@soas.ac.uk
Centre for Financial and Management Studies
SOAS | University of London
Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square
London, WC1H 0XG, UK
www.cefims.ac.uk