The module offers a comprehensive exploration of cutting-edge advancements in big data analytics and their transformative impact on business operations and strategy. Throughout the course, you’ll delve into key topics such as data mining techniques, machine learning fundamentals, real-time data analytics, and advanced analytics techniques. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of these concepts through case studies highlighting innovative business applications across various industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and telecommunications. Additionally, the module addresses ethical considerations, privacy protection, infrastructure, and future trends in big data analytics. By the end of the module, you’ll have gained a deep understanding of how big data analytics drives innovation and competitive advantage in the evolving landscape of business.
View the full module definitionThis module introduces you to programming using ‘Python for finance’. No prior knowledge or coding experience in Python is assumed. Python has emerged as an industry- standard language and is extensively used to develop innovative financial products and services. This course covers foundational programming concepts such as conditional statements and loops, data processing from files, receiving input, and displaying relevant output. At the end of the module, you should be proficient in writing basic Python functions, manipulate data files - including reading, modifying, and writing to external files - and performing tasks such as reading and writing to Excel and CSV, connecting to databases, retrieving and processing web data, and employing Python for Finance applications. These applications include developing event-based trading strategies and back testing and optimising them using historical data.
View the full module definitionThis module will give you a conceptual and analytical framework for looking at organisations operating in capital, financial and operational markets, with a focus on applied corporate finance and financial strategy in international and global considerations, both quantitative and qualitative. We'll begin by considering the availability of financial information that may be relevant to decision making and how this fits with that needed for the informed decision. This is further developed to the type of decision and differing requirements, leading to a more bespoke deliverable information set that meets the context of the decision. You'll gain an appreciation of core themes prevalent throughout corporate finance and financial strategy. Strategic financial decision making areas covered include raising finance (both short and long term), efficient allocation and utilisation of financial resources (including investment decisions), international operations and investment, financial risk management using various hedging strategies, financial strategies from start-up to growth and maturity, mergers and restricting, etc. You'll develop knowledge and skills required in accounting and finance, business analysis and banking related professions in this module or start your own business through practical tasks involving developing financial strategies, conducting a financial analysis, managing foreign currency risks and conduct acquisition analysis, among others using professional database such as Bloomberg and Osiris, etc.
View the full module definitionFinancial markets have recently been experiencing radical transformation because of new product development, changing technologies, and market structure due to financial technologies (fintech). In recent years, financial institutions have increasingly begun to rely on fintech to provide more efficient and convenient services. Adapting to Fintech innovations brings new challenges and opportunities. At the same time, sustainable finance has become a subject of interest and how fintech can be used directly and indirectly to improve sustainability and influence policies and regulations. Issues such as climate change, water pollution and non-renewable resource management can be addressed in innovative ways with fintech. The successful completion of this module will ensure that you are up to date with this ever-evolving landscape and provide a better understanding of current topics such as fintech, blockchain, crypto assets, and sustainable finance concepts to enhance your employability. Additionally, you’ll be able to analyse how Fintech will influence the future of sustainable finance.
View the full module definitionIn this module, you'll cover both theoretical and practical areas of international financial markets, with a special focus on investment analysis and portfolio management. There is an international approach and you'll study the subject from an international perspective, alongside students of diverse backgrounds and learning from academics with international reputations. You'll learn modern finance and investment theory alongside practical skills and knowledge of the finance and investment industry, with a strong focus on employability and activities designed to develop your transferable skills. You will be able to work with your peers and module tutors in the University's Bloomberg trading room to develop analytical and trading skills and as teams conduct financial investment analysis and make investment decisions in international financial markets. You will be guided to carry out independent research and critically evaluate key theoretical concepts and practical applications in finance and investment.
View the full module definitionThis major project module allows you to engage in a substantial individual primary and/or secondary research project focussed on a topic relevant to your business degree and specialist subject area under the supervision and guidance of a member of academic staff. Supervisors will discuss with you the contemporary research problems and issues based on your research and practice, and you will conduct literature reviews, evaluate and critically appraise a range of information, investigate and adopt suitable theoretical frameworks, research methodologies and methods, and process and analyse data to produce a coherent and justified solution to the problem(s) identified. Throughout the module your supervisor will support you in terms of content and skills development so that you can work semi-autonomously on your individual research project. This is achieved through regular supervisory meetings throughout the year, which will allow for individual discussion of the tasks that will have to be completed in order to develop the project smoothly.
View the full module definitionEntering third level education is exciting; but it can also be a daunting experience. At ARU, we want all students to make the most of the opportunities Higher Education provides, so they reach their potential, become lifelong learners and find fulfilling careers. However, we appreciate that the shift from secondary education, or a return to formal education is, in itself, quite a journey. This module is designed to ease that transition. You'll be enrolled on it as soon as you receive an offer from ARU so you can begin to learn about university life before your course starts. Through Into ARU, you'll explore a virtual land modelled around ARU values: Courage, Innovation, Community, Integrity, Responsibility, and Ambition. This innovative module is designed as a game, where you collect knowledge and various complete mini tasks. You'll proceed at your own pace, though we expect all students to have completed their Into ARU exploration by week 6. Students who, for whatever reason, are unable to complete by that date, will be signposted to existing services so that we can be confident that they are supported.
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