Master of Science in Financial Economics

at University of Bedfordshire - Luton Campus United Kingdom

After graduation of this course, you'll be producing quality journalism for audiences from the hyper-local to the global. You will have developed an internationalised approach, and be able to challenge specific cultural perspectives, deepening the quality of your analysis. This course will teach you to evaluate issues of media and international development, such as human rights and media structures and explore the latest academic and journalistic research technique

Why choose this course?

• Articulate your journalism across media platforms
• Produce a final project of your choice, either in the form of a journalistic portfolio or an academic dissertation
• Attend master classes and visit the BBC, The Guardian, Reuters, Bloomberg and others
• Interview top UK politicians, human rights lawyers and others visiting the university
• Data Analytics Units covers a wide range of topics including programming, databases, security, project management and computer networking, giving you both the underpinning theory and the ability to apply it to complex real-world problems, as well as an awareness of emerging technologies and developments

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!”

As the various elements of the mass media converge, it is increasingly appropriate to develop a broader understanding of how different aspects of the media interconnect. This course examines key issues of media and communication, introducing principles of cultural theories and media research methods.

For this course you must complete a series of units that address the central issues and concepts informing the study of the media in a culturally diverse environment as the nowadays society.

The course offers units dealing with fundamental principles and topics of the subject area (e.g. Current research in mass communications; Media institutions, structure and policies; and Research Methods in the area of media); and a core unit focuses on international development.

The course includes a final self-directed independent study project, in the form of a dissertation based on a research project. It is this project work that provides you with the opportunity to tailor the course to your own interests (subject to staff supervisory expertise).

You can start your studies in October and complete the course in 12 months. Alternatively start the course in February and complete it over 15 months

Why choose this course?

• Study the theories, which underpin the practice of media and communication, and discuss theoretical aspects of media through a range of case studies.
• Apply knowledge of the media and its cultural forms to the analysis of contemporary issues
• Employ skills in critical analysis, research, and communication as well as an array of generic and creative skills to propose solutions to contemporary issues in mass communications
• Develop and employ strong academic skills in research and critical thinking, problem-solving and analysis.
• Apply knowledge of cultural and media processes to the examination of policy and ethical issues, whether in the public domain or in other aspects of democratic participation and citizenship.
• Acquire skills needed to continue your studies and progress into MPhil and PhD.

This Postgraduate course gives you the flexibility to develop your own practice, whilst working on cross-disciplinary projects and building a research and practice portfolio.

The MA provides an exciting environment for you to develop your personal practice supported by established practitioner/tutors in your chosen field.

Why choose this course?

• This course has a wide range of facilities with access to technical and digital media such laser-cutting, 3D printing, image processing software, moving image software, high definition photographic equipment and high-quality photo screen-printing.
• A teaching and learning strategy that is aimed at giving a robust focus to your artistic or design practice.
• Dedicated studio space for you to work, access to workshops and technical support
• Collaboration and guiding undergraduate students hands-on practical
• One-to-one contact with staff with an emphasis on your personal creative development.
• Personal tutor in your discipline Data Analytics Units covers a wide range of topics including programming, databases, security, project management and computer networking, giving you both the underpinning theory and the ability to apply it to complex real-world problems, as well as an awareness of emerging technologies and developments.

On this Master’s course, you learn how biotechnology and engineering can be used to treat human disease, exploring areas of biological science that offer clear commercial applications for future healthcare developments.

Biomedical engineering is at the forefront of medical research, advancing our understanding of biology and improving healthcare. As a professional in this field, you will be able to use biotechnology and engineering to create new products and medicines aimed at solving a wide range of medical problems.

When you join this course, you start by learning about new technologies in cell and molecular biology before focusing on genomic and systems’ data; cell visualisation; and protein localisation in cells and tissues. You also study methods to create three-dimensional cultures and tissues.

Why choose this course?

• Benefit from a wide choice of laboratory-based research projects using state-of-the-art technologies and instruments
• Study with a research-active academic team who possess wide-ranging research experience in each subject area
• Benefit from the expertise of visiting specialists from external academic institutions, industry or government agencies
• Develop the ability to synthesise and use information from relevant sources, independently and critically evaluating current research and advanced scholarship
• Gain the practical, hands-on knowledge and expertise that will equip you to work within emerging areas of the biotech and pharmaceutical industries

With its strong emphasis on real-world and real-work experience, this entrepreneurial-focused course gives you the skills you need to achieve success producing first-class television studio and film work.

The degree offers a business-based approach to TV and film production, providing you with the knowledge and expertise you need to establish a successful career in this dynamic industry.

In your first year, you explore creating content; film and TV studio production; and reading the screen. Later units include freelancing; fiction film-making; and writing for the screen. You also work independently on a special film or TV project of your own choosing.

Why choose this course?

• Produce your own work in our industry-standard production and post-production studio facilities, giving you a head-start if you wish to set up your own production company
• Learn from studying with an academic team with key roles in the British film industry, many of whom have made documentaries and dramas for TV, cinema and gallery exhibitions
• Develop your skills and take on live creative briefs through our links with the local film and TV community, including Luton Culture and Clearhead Productions
• Broadcast your own work and assist with the running of a TV studio through BedsTV, the University’s student-run online television channel  
• Build your professional knowledge by exploring the business issues that affect television broadcasting in the UK
• Benefit from learning key transferable skills in communication, team working, critical evaluation and analysis
• If you need a step up into higher education, start with a Foundation Year which guarantees entry to the undergraduate degree

The international tourism industry continues to grow and flourish increasing the need for senior planners and managers with the skills to tackle a broad range of global management issues.

From heritage, cultural, social, environmental and political matters, to questions concerning strategic management and sustainable development, this course will provide you with a critical overview of the subject.

You will gain the knowledge and skills to understand the role of critical evaluation techniques and decision-making strategies necessary to establish yourself and thrive in a senior management role.

There are six entry points through the year. This allows you to start when it is most suitable.

Why choose this course?

• Study major aspects and developments in international tourism and how these may be positively reflected in management practice
• Explore the interconnectedness of international tourism within its economic, technological, socio-cultural, psychological and political contexts, and deepen your knowledge of the effects of tourism on the environment
• Develop your knowledge of academic frameworks, theories and understandings within the policy and professional practice environment of tourist enterprises and business
• Gain access to high-quality research through our Institute for Tourism Research (INTOUR) and draw on numerous practical projects and case studies from a range of national and international organisations in the commercial, public and third sectors
• Benefit from our extensive links with industry, many of which provide opportunities for internships and possible employment.
• The University of Bedfordshire is a member of The Association for Tourism in Higher Education (ATHE). ATHE is the subject association for tourism in higher education in the UK. It represents universities that are leading providers of tourism programs.

The growth and commercialisation of sport and rapid development of digital and social media tools makes sports journalism an exciting and fast-moving branch of the industry. This specialist course gives you the skills you need to be a 21st-century sports journalist.

Learn the core practical skills of journalism and how to apply them to a sports specialism using traditional research and writing as well as new and developing media forms.

Sharpen these skills with an in-depth understanding of the political, social, historical and economic sporting environment - as well as the legal and ethical frameworks journalists work within - adding depth and authority to your reporting.

You benefit from studying with a team of industry specialists in both sports reporting and general journalism, across a range of platforms, and have opportunities to hear from leading academics, sports participants and masterclass speakers from the worlds of both sport and media.

Why choose this course?

• Gain core communication and multimedia skills that are highly valued across a range of graduate industries
• Put your skills into practice via real-life sports reporting assignments
• Explore opportunities for work experience within radio, television, print and online journalism
• Develop a portfolio of work and contacts while honing your skills through regular news days
• Report from your first year for our news website and present your own show on our community radio station, Radio Lab
• There’s the option to take this course over four years and benefit from a fee-free industry placement (see below) where you gain experience, build your CV and make contacts for the future
• If you need a step into the full degree, you can start with a Foundation Year (see below) which guarantees entry to the Undergraduate course

This course will further develop the knowledge and skills acquired during your undergraduate studies by enhancing your ability to understand the financial risk frameworks within a business and management context.

Along with the knowledge of financial markets, financial regulation and risk management required comprehending the operations and assessing the risks facing businesses, you will also further develop the necessary quantitative, research, and presentation skills required for a successful career.

Besides focusing on specific areas of financial markets, financial regulation and risk management, this course offers you a contextual understanding of the environment in which businesses operate and the place of financial risk management within a business.

There are six entry points through the year. This allows you to start at a time when it is most suitable for you.

In its structure this course recognises the importance of regulation in underpinning the world of financial reporting and its varied impact on published results and capital markets.

At the same time we realise that although knowledge of economic and finance is a necessary condition when trying to understand the world we live in, it needs to be applied in a concrete way in order to avoid consuming itself in analysing theoretical models.

Therefore, this course is structured in a way that uses risk management and financial theory as the driving force and at the same time it links its concepts with other pillars of knowledge through the holistic approach the global economic and financial environment require.

As the science of life and living organisms, there’s never been a more important time to study Biological Science. It touches almost every aspect of modern life, from developing drug and immune treatments to cloning and climate change.

This course gives you a wide understanding and knowledge of this exciting specialist field. You begin with a foundation in microbiology, cellular chemistry and anatomy before progressing to biochemistry and biotechnology; human health and environment; the application of biology in industry; and the impact of human population growth on our environment. In your final year, you develop your knowledge of the biochemical and biological mechanisms related to health and disease, exploring areas such as pathopharmacology, immunology, and cell and molecular biology.

The course also helps you evaluate and confidently discuss the ethical issues around biological developments like cloning and the Human Genome Project.

In your final year, you undertake your own research project, under the guidance of the Biological Science team, all of whom are actively involved in research themselves.

Why choose this course?

• It’s a leading-edge course, exploring the impact of the latest advances in areas such as biotechnology and medicine
• You are taught in our state-of-the-art laboratories, within the University’s new, centrally placed STEM building
• Our Biological Science team has over 30 years’ experience and are involved in a range of research projects from environmental science and cancer treatment to biophysical analysis of proteins and drug interactions
• The course offers a broad-based training so you’ll graduate with key transferable skills like critical thinking, review writing, data interpretation and communication
• It opens up a variety of possible career paths, not only in science-related industries but in education, scientific sales and marketing, and technical media