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Teaching
The normal coursework component for the MPhil in Finance consists of nine modules covering research methodology (e.g. econometrics) and foundation courses (e.g. microeconomics, corporate finance, asset pricing). Students may request permission to submit a dissertation in place of three of these modules, but this option is normally only available to those who have the requisite level of research training.
The elective courses are drawn from Cambridge Judge Business School, the Faculty of Economics or the Faculty of Mathematics.
One to one supervision | The dissertation option is available only to those who already have the requisite level of research training. Eligible students taking the dissertation option will be allocated a supervisor towards the end of the Michaelmas Term. Students will engage with dissertation supervisors over the Lent and Easter Term. Students and supervisors normally meet about once a month to discuss progress, but meetings may be more or less frequent depending on the project's progression. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
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Seminars & classes | Students will normally attend an average of 12 hours of classes and/or seminars per week. Students are normally expected to do pre-reading in order to participate in classes and seminars, contribute to group work, and deliver individual or group presentations where required. While this is non-compulsory, MPhil in Finance students are encouraged to attend the research seminar series of the Finance and Accounting Group in which outstanding scholars will present their current research papers. |
Lectures | Students will normally attend an average of ten hours of lectures per week, although this will vary depending on the choice of modules. |
Feedback
Every effort is made to provide students with provisional marks and feedback on their coursework performance. Marks will be given as a percentage.
The nature and extent of the feedback given will vary from lecturer to lecturer, but students may reasonably expect to receive some indication of the strengths and weaknesses of any work submitted. All marks and feedback provided during the year are informal and provisional. Final marks are only determined at the end of the degree by the Board of Examiners.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
If the dissertation option is chosen, a dissertation of 12,000 words is required (in place of three modules). An oral examination is not normally held, but may be given at the discretion of the examiners.
Essays
Assessment across the nine courses will be by written examination, project, or coursework, each of which may be either an essay of not more than 4,000 words or an equivalent exercise or exercises depending upon the nature of the particular course.
Written examination
Faculty of Economics and Faculty of Mathematics courses offered on the MPhil in Finance are normally assessed by written examination.
Practical assessment
Presentation features as an assessment component in a number of CJBS modules offered on the MPhil in Finance.