OPTIONAL C MODULES (Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)
INNOVATION MANAGEMENT
Code:
NBS-7033B
Credits:
20
The module aims to develop your overall understanding of how a company’s success depends on its innovation strategy and management. Results of both theoretical and empirical research will enable you to understand the central terms and mechanisms in this area and to analyse companies’ innovation strategies in a holistic way. Analysing innovations at the intersection between market needs and technological possibilities, you should be able to develop suggestions for innovation strategies and their implementation. You’ll cover both the economic and managerial aspects of innovation. You will get an in-depth understanding of key aspects of innovation processes and their institutional and strategic implications. Learning that innovation is a cross-functional task involving all corporate functions like R&D, marketing, production and finance is a central objective of the module. Using exemplary innovation case studies students will first acquire knowledge of key terms and definitions of innovation research. The emergence of systematic innovation in the corporate environment will be discussed by studying the history of certain industries. At the organizational level, ways to leverage innovation internally and with external partners will be analysed. You will learn about different sources of innovation as well as roles and functions in the innovation process. Key concepts like open innovation and user innovation will be discussed thoroughly. Your practical applications and implications will be pointed out. Finally, the module will discuss the issue of how to appropriate the returns from innovation, with special focus on patents and markets for technology.
COMPARATIVE COMPANY LAW
Code:
LAW-7020B
Credits:
20
Globalisation, democratisation of information, Europeisation and global competition have been partially responsible for a lot of fundamental changes in Company law and in the way Company law is intended around the world. This module will provide students with a sound understanding of these changes and of comparative Company law in general. This module provides an understanding of the basic concepts, principles, rules and procedures of modern company law in a globalised and international context. It is structured so as to enable students to see their own system of company law in a new and more meaningful light, and to be able to form new views about its future development alongside with the future of an international Company Law. It is designed to develop awareness of some of the aspects of company law, including ‘minimum capital’ and the legal standing of shareholders, directors and creditors around the world, and shall give an overview of the ways in which the various countries are developing their own Company Law within their boundaries, and how that influences the development of company law outside their boundaries. The module aims to do so by a review of the harmonisation programme in Europe, an international comparative study, and an illustration of empirical findings that show new ways in which corporate vehicles can be developed to meet particular policy objectives.
THE LAW OF ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
Code:
LAW-7015B
Credits:
20
The law of electronic commerce is concerned both with the application of existing legal concepts (such as contract formation, taxation, liability and consumer protection) to electronic business and transactions, but also with the development of new legal instruments (at national level, within the EU and internationally) and electronic money to deal with the e-commerce sector. You will explore a range of statutory and judicial approaches, including online dispute resolution (ODR), and also consider the legal and commercial challenges of ‘doing business online’. The module involves some practical, problem-based activities, but also more general questions of international harmonisation.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Code:
NBS-7029B
Credits:
20
This module aspires to provide you with knowledge on the significance of entrepreneurship within the economy, research-led understanding of factors that affect the entrepreneurial process and small business management functions respectively.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT EFFECTIVENESS
Code:
ENV-7021K
Credits:
20
Environmental Assessment is considered to be more effective when conducted at strategic levels of decision making, and is usually perceived to have a goal of achieving sustainable development. This module provides experience of conducting a particular form of strategic assessment, Sustainability Appraisal (SA), which incorporates environmental, social and economic considerations into plan making. Through practice of SA, a field course involving hands-on application of environmental assessment techniques, and consideration of effectiveness theory, this module will examine what makes assessment effective. The School of Environmental Sciences covers the field course costs for students registered on MSc Climate Change, MSc Environmental Science, MSc Environmental Assessment and Management (part-time and full-time), so there is no additional charge.
GLOBALISATION, BUSINESS AND DEVELOPMENT
Code:
DEV-7047B
Credits:
20
This module provides an analysis of the way in which global production is organized and the roles played by the state, business and civil society and the relations between them. It focuses on key business actors such as transnational and looks in depth at issues of resource extraction in developing countries. Various aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility including relations with local communities and workers, as well as the impacts on the environment and human rights, are discussed.
FURTHER QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH AND STATISTICS
Code:
PSY-7005B
Credits:
20
This module will provide teaching on quantitative research methods, data analysis and the use of statistical software. It will provide a grounding in applied statistics which will both develop critical appraisal skills for reading research and enable you to undertake data analysis using the software..
EDUCATIONAL POLICY AND PRACTICE FOR DEVELOPMENT
Code:
DEV-7011B
Credits:
20
The aim of this module is to help you understand and critically examine, policy-making processes and specific policies for educational development. You will discover the relationships between policy and practice in a range of international, national and local development contexts. Through this module you will explore different approaches to policy development and familiarise yourself with dominant global policy agendas in education - asking who makes or influences policy, and considering policies as socially situated documents, practices and processes. The module introduces you to educational policy-making to address a range of development challenges and how related strategies are enacted in practice; drawing on policy theory and ethnographic and school-based research, as well as practical sessions to critique policy-related writing, examine models of educational quality and curricula, and explore issues of school-related gender based violence.
RURAL POLICIES & POLITICS
Code:
DEV-7004B
Credits:
20
Around three-quarters of the world's poor live in rural areas and within most developing countries the gap between the rural poor and better off urban residents continues to widen. The lives of the rural poor can be greatly influenced by policies in areas such as agriculture, land, social protection, natural resources, health, education and trade. This module reviews important policies and issues in these and other areas. It also guides students to critically analyse policy choices within specific contexts. Rural Policies & Politics recognises the importance of looking at rural policies with consideration of particular socio-economic and political contexts, as well as in relation to larger-scale trends that are affecting rural areas including globalisation, urbanisation, de-agrarianisation, and rapid technological change.
THE 21ST CENTURY FAMILY
Code:
SOL-7002B
Credits:
20
This module specifically examines the concept of the family within the 21st century and discusses how it has changed as a structural form. Whilst families have generally become more diverse, there are still strong ‘normative’ ideologies present within society that can create significant tensions within individuals, families and communities. We will present research which explores a number of these tensions by examining: the role of fathers in family life; lesbian and gay families; the role of fostering and adoption; an examination of trans families through the life course; the experiences of ethnic minority families, and other contemporary issues. The module will be cotaught with the Level 6 SOL option module SOL-6007B - The 21st Century Family, with appropriate adjustments in learning activities and assessments appropriate to expectations of learning outcomes at level 7.
PATHWAYS TO NET ZERO
Code:
ENV-7122B
Credits:
20
This module with equip you with a broad but detailed knowledge of the multiple challenges of reducing anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions to ‘Net Zero’. It will ensure you understand key energy concepts and processes of system change. Progress and barriers in specific sectors will be explored including harder-to-decarbonise sectors, exploration and appraisal of different carbon dioxide removal options as well as the overall scale of the challenge. The latter part of the module undertakes a more critical appraisal of the concept of net zero - introducing some specific lenses to evaluate it, such environment, justice and equity. Guest lectures from energy sector companies will provide up to the minute insights into the graduate jobs of this sector.
PUBLIC RELATIONS, PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND THE MEDIA
Code:
PPLX7005B
Credits:
20
This module enables students to develop an advanced understanding of the theory and practice of public affairs, interest intermediation, and the strategies used by interest, advocacy groups and others to influence the political process. As well as covering the main debates in the academic literature, it draws directly on the experience of practitioners and offers unique insights into this under-studied area of politics.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Code:
ECO-7016B
Credits:
20
In this module you will develop your understanding of the international economy, specifically international trade. You’ll examine patterns in the global flows of goods using models of international trade theory and ask who benefits from trade and who it can harm, relating your insights to the current debate about globalisation. This module also deals with controversial issues like the effect of trade on the environment and strategic trade policy.
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING
Code:
NBS-7043B
Credits:
20
We live in an increasingly connected and globalised world. How companies report their financial performance and position in today’s economic environment? If you want to understand international accounting and how businesses communicate their profit or their loss, their assets, liabilities and equity to a wide range of users, then this module is for you. Throughout the module you will discover the techniques of financial reporting and the interesting debates that surrounds them. You will gain a firm grounding in the study of international accounting standards which have begun to dominate financial reporting networks throughout the world. The module includes an examination of current professional reporting requirements for single companies and groups of companies. You will begin with an overview of the regulatory framework for international financial reporting and of the efforts towards international harmonisation. You will then explore the stimulating debate of measurement and valuation in the financial accounting process. You will continue with the equally interesting issue of recognition of assets and liabilities in financial statements and conclude with the fascinating part of analysing financial statements. At the end of this module you will be able to present quantitative financial reporting data, to reflect critically on current financial reporting debates and to analyse quantitative and qualitative financial reporting data. These valuable skills will give you an advantage in your future business career.
INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
Code:
ECO-7015B
Credits:
20
Are you interested in the global financial markets? Do you want to know what drives a country’s exchange rate? By taking this module, you will gain a thorough understanding of key issues and challenges surrounding today’s international financial system. You will examine the mechanics of the foreign exchange market, investigate the determinants of a country’s exchange rate, and develop theoretical models to understand the impact policy-makers can have on an open economy’s performance. You will also analyse the important role played by a number of popular financial instruments such as forward contracts, futures, and options. The material developed in weekly lectures will be put into practice in smaller seminar groups with regular intervals for team and individual work and a focus on real-world applications. By the end of the module, you will be able to answer questions such as “Will monetary tightening lead to an appreciation of the domestic currency?” or “What is the appropriate price of an option?”.
MACROECONOMICS
Code:
ECO-7019B
Credits:
20
IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE ECO-7016B IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT STUDENTS TAKE ECO-7003A IN THE AUTUMN SEMESTER. The module is about modern macroeconomic theory where economies and not their parts are studied. The focus is consequently on the overall performance of the economy rather than on the functioning of particular parts of the economy. The module uses dynamic general equilibrium models where consumers, firms and governments are modelled as forward-looking agents who make the best of the economic environment they live in.
APPLIED METHODS FOR IMPACT EVALUATION
Code:
DEV-7037B
Credits:
20
This module will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the most important methods of impact evaluation. For that purpose, it will provide you with instruction in and hands-on experiences of the main quantitative and qualitative impact evaluation methods, with an emphasis on the quantitative.
CORPORATE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Code:
NBS-7045B
Credits:
20
In this module you will explore the principles of corporate finance. The most important topics of this module are the following: goals and governance of the corporation, stakeholders and impact on corporate objectives, valuing bonds and common stocks, risk and cost of capital, corporate performance, agency problems and executive compensation packages, payout policy, capital structure, valuation, debt financing, mergers, corporate restructuring and corporate control around the world.
TOOLS AND SKILLS IN ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
Code:
DEV-7022B
Credits:
20
How can sustainable development be achieved in a way that both protects the environment whilst pursuing development that is fair and equitable? Often those who benefit least from development projects are most vulnerable to the costs of development, such as pollution of rivers and loss of land, yet they have little say in development decisions. This module introduces you to important tools and frameworks used by researchers, government agencies, businesses and non-governmental organisations for managing environmental and natural resources for sustainable development. You will learn to critique and apply a range of the most widely used tools. Examples that are covered in this module include climate vulnerability assessment, livelihoods analysis, Environmental Impact Assessment, participatory decision making and scenarios methods. The module places an emphasis on putting concepts and tools into practice and understanding how environmental assessments influence management actions. The module includes lectures and seminars; including a series of ‘competency skills’ based seminars which will provide an opportunity to experience and develop some of the key skills that are used widely in the environment and development sectors (e.g. writing a government policy brief, or an Expression of Interest for tender). For this module, both individual and team working will be important. You will gain confidence and skills in applying and critiquing the leading tools and frameworks used by sustainable development professionals.
STATISTICS AND MODELLING FOR SCIENTISTS USING R
Code:
ENV-7033B
Credits:
20
How do you test a hypothesis? How do you compare biological traits between wild populations? And how do you best test and visualise differences between samples? Scientists use a wide array of methods for statistical analysis and plotting data, and increasingly, these tasks are carried out using R. R is a free programming language for statistical computing and graphics, including general and generalised linear models, time-series analysis, and community analysis, and also specialised analyses in many scientific subfields. Learning R will equip you with a flexible statistical, modelling, and graphics tool. Learning the basics of running R in the RStudio programming environment, you’ll spend most of your time on general and generalised linear models, which unify the range of statistical tests that are classically taught separately: t-test, ANOVA, regression, logistic regression, and chi-square, plus residuals analysis. Additionally, you’ll learn how to use R to write simple programs and carry out community analyses such as principal components analysis. Finally, throughout the class, you’ll learn R methods for data formatting, graphics, and documentation. On successful completion of this module you’ll be able to use R to carry out and present results from the most widely used statistical tests in current scientific practice, giving you sufficient knowledge to continue learning statistical analysis on your own. A pre-requisite of first and/or second year statistical modules is required.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT II: GOVERNANCE, POLICY AND SOCIETY
Code:
DEV-7051B
Credits:
20
This module critically examines international/national climate change governance, policy and societal impacts from and responses to climate change and climate change policy. The first half of the semester will discuss the history and politics of the international climate change negotiations and then critically examine the way the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change operates. You’ll look in detail at several items under negotiation with significant implications for developing countries and we will discuss global carbon markets. The second half of the semester will turn to the interface of climate change and society. It will discuss participatory governance and urban responses to climate change as well as critically examining ethical/justice related debates, the role of energy demand and lifestyle in tackling climate change. The seminars will be interactive and enable you to understand the international negotiating process and ways to engage positively with climate change.
PURCHASING AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT
Code:
NBS-7056A
Credits:
20
This module is about to develop a critical understanding and appreciation of key operations and supply management theories and practices. This module provides an overview of operations management in today’s globalized supply network. Current developments in the operations and supply management discipline will be discussed alongside social and technical changes which may impact the future development of operations and supply management. You will gain a sound understanding of operations and supply management in today’s competitive global environment.
GENDER DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Code:
DEV-7024B
Credits:
20
This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to understand and explore relations between social policies, practice and key actors in addressing various forms of difference and diversity, with a particular focus on gender. You will develop analytical and conceptual skills to critically assess social policies - including gender - and social development at the international, national and institutional levels. This module considers current issues of gender and a range of intersecting inequalities (e.g. disability, migrant status) with reference to addressing social exclusion and deficit modes of development. The module has both theoretical and more practical components, and you will have the opportunity to explore frameworks, case studies and implementation challenges through linked sessions
COMPETITION AND IP LAW INTERSECTIONS
Code:
LAW-7023B
Credits:
20
This module is aimed at students who may have an interest in either Intellectual Property (IP) Law and/or Competition Law, as well as students more focussed on Commercial Law. Students will be expected to have taken either or both Globalisation of IP or International Competition Law in the Autumn semester. If not, students will only be permitted to take the module with the consent of the module organiser. The relationship between intellectual property and competition law and policy is not only a very interesting and complex area of law, but also one of major importance to the commercial sector. Although both regimes protect innovation, their approaches and underlying principles are fundamentally different and need to be reconciled. Without a sound understanding of the interface between them, the rights holder runs the risk of infringing competition law by way of exploiting intellectual property rights. The module therefore focuses on the commercially most relevant intellectual property rights (patents, trademarks and copyrights). It provides the student with a sound understanding of the different intellectual property rights, the possible mechanisms of their commercialisation and the relevant restraints posed by competition law. The module critically assesses the most recent case law and decisional practice of the European Commission in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors (including the judgments in Microsoft, FAPL, Generics, Huawei, and the investigations against Samsung, Motorola or Guess) and discusses its impact on commercial practice.
MULTINATIONAL FIRMS
Code:
ECO-7010B
Credits:
20
This module is structured around three main questions: Why do multi-nationals exist? What are their beneficial effects? Why might they sometimes be a cause for concern? In answering these questions we confront a variety of theoretical and empirical methodologies (e.g, oligopoly theory, transactions costs, econometric methods, case studies in corporate strategy) and draw upon various branches of Economics ( e.g. International Economics, Industrial Economics, Labour Economics, Financial Economics and Political Economy).
INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT AND ARBITRATION LAW
FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS
EVIDENCE-BASED GLOBAL CONSERVATION
Code:
ENV-7041B
Credits:
20
This interdisciplinary module focuses on the critical evaluation of scientific evidence as a basis for effective biodiversity conservation policy, strategy and interventions, in a world challenged by climate change, population growth and the need for socio-economic development and environmental justice. You will attend an initial block of lectures examining socio-economic drivers of biodiversity loss and motivations for conservation, challenging common assumptions and outlining conceptual frameworks for conservation interventions. A series of seminars by global conservation practitioners provide insights to implementation and employability. Coursework assessments designed to develop skills of evaluating, synthesising and communicating scientific evidence, are supported by feed-forward formative exercises.
CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY SEA AND MARINE INSURANCE
Code:
LAW-7010B
Credits:
20
This module will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the law and business of the carriage of goods by sea and marine insurance and is key to the International Trade Law masters. It examines carriage documents and their interaction, the general principles of carriage of goods by sea, carriage contracts in the form of charter parties and those evidenced by bills of lading. The module also explores international attempts at harmonisation in the area of international carriage and examines the operation of international carriage regimes (conventions) such as The Hague, Hague-Visby Rules, the Hamburg Rules and the Rotterdam Rules. The module also looks at certain key issues in the law of marine insurance such as the formation of the contract of insurance, the insurable interest, the duty of utmost good faith, warranties, subrogation, contribution and the assignment of interests in an insured policy.
INDEPENDENT STUDIES (MRES)
Code:
EDUR7002B
Credits:
20
The independent studies module will provide the opportunity for students to undertake in-depth and focused study of a topic/theme which is of interest to students, for which appropriate tutorial support and resources are available. This is to fill a gap where student interests may lie outside the existing masters level modules on offer within EDU. This module will therefore be tutorial (rather than lecture or seminar based).
THE PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF PRIVACY AND REPUTATION
Code:
LAW-7004B
Credits:
20
In the intrusive, multi-faceted world that exists today, with 24/7 media and an ever-expanding internet, the potential for damage to reputation and interference with privacy has never been greater. This module focuses on the various ways in which the law protects rights to reputation and privacy and examines ways in which the law can be used to manage reputations in this complex world. You will focus on the law of defamation, the laws relating to the protection of privacy interests, and the developing interplay between law and technology. While the approach taken by English law will form a significant part of the module’s content, comparative study will also be made of the laws of America and other common law jurisdictions as well as the laws of the European Union and some specific European countries.
SUPERVISED STUDY MODULE THREE
Code:
PPLP7006B
Credits:
20
In this module you’ll be trained in research techniques in philosophy and you’ll develop advanced knowledge and understanding in some clearly defined area of the discipline suited to your individual needs and interests, which may be an area previously studied , e.g. at BA level, or a new area to be explored for the first time. You’ll be assigned to work with a tutor with expertise in the selected area. The topics covered, and the manner in which they are covered, will be tailored to your prior experience in the field. Three essay questions, with bibliographical research, will be set for work during the semester, to be submitted as formative work to set deadlines (one essay to be submitted prior to each tutorial). Assessment is by submission of revised versions of two out of the three formative essays.
CONFLICT, CIVIL WARS AND PEACE
Code:
DEV-7015B
Credits:
20
The number of violent intrastate conflicts has outweighed the number of violent interstate conflicts for more than five decades. Yet it was only with the end of the Cold War that academics and policy-makers started paying more attention to the possible causes and consequences of large-scale intrastate violence. Today, questions of effective conflict management, especially of large-scale civil wars, are among the top priorities of international development agencies. The aim of the Conflict, Civil Wars and Peace module is to critically assess the possible causes and consequences of violent intrastate conflicts as well as their implications for the wider development agenda. Key topics to be discussed in the module include causes, dynamics and consequences of different types of violent conflict, strategies and causes of terrorism, the role of gender during and after violent intrastate conflicts, the (contested) relationship(s) between natural resource wealth and civil wars, institutional approaches to conflict management, the rationale and possible effects of third-party intervention in civil wars, and post-conflict reconstruction efforts, including state- and peace-building as well as transitional justice. Throughout the module, you will be expected to assess the strengths and limitations of central concepts and theories from the academic debate by applying them to relevant empirical evidence, such as the role of gender during the Rwandan genocide in 1994 or the performance of Bosnia and Herzegovina's post-civil war power-sharing arrangement.
DIGITAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Code:
NBS-7027B
Credits:
20
You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the nature of e-Business and e-Commerce as well as the Internet infrastructure and the variety of firms competing in e-Business markets. This module also aims to demonstrate the current successes and failures of e-Business ventures in different industries and markets. You will further explore current developments in Business-to-Consumer (B2C) and Business-to-Business (B2B) e-Commerce. In this way, electronic business methods enable companies to link their internal and external data processing systems more efficiently and flexibly, to work more closely with suppliers and partners, to better satisfy the needs of their customers. Lastly, lectures will be supplemented by case studies of e-Business practice, group exercises and exploration of relevant Internet based companies and sites.
MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING
Code:
NBS-7044B
Credits:
20
This module is concerned with the design and functioning of accounting information for decision making, control and performance management in various organisations from a theoretical, applied and strategic context. It aims to encourage students to: (1) appreciate the contribution and value of management accountants and their various inputs into the strategic planning process; (2) interpret and evaluate financial and non-financial management accounting information and to be able to comprehend the managerial implications arising; (3) understand the difficulties, limitations and problems associated with using management accounting information; and (4) be able to apply management accounting techniques in a manner that is transferable into employment (work situations).
SCIENCE, SOCIETY AND SUSTAINABILITY
Code:
ENV-7038B
Credits:
20
How can science and society work better together to solve sustainability challenges? How can society be properly engaged and accounted for in addressing pressing issues like climate change, energy transitions and natural hazards? These questions, that lie at the core of this module, have become major concerns for scientists, governments, businesses, NGOs, and citizens the world over and will prepare you for careers with these sorts of organisation to work on challenges such as these. Throughout the module you will gain a rich appreciation of key theories, approaches, and practical methods for understanding and improving relations between science, technology, and society in sustainability settings. You’ll explore the nature of science and how it relates to society. You’ll discover a wealth of approaches for public engagement with science and consider how sustainability can be more effectively governed. You’ll also learn how to critically evaluate and communicate these ideas through written, oral and self-reflective means. You’ll begin the module by considering how relations between science and society have evolved over time and are viewed differently by different disciplines. The fascinating interdisciplinary field called science and technology studies (STS) will provide a key resource that you will become an expert in as you progress. The module’s three main parts will take you on a journey to develop your own critical insights. In part 1 you will consider the nature of science and its relation to society, through examining science controversies like ‘Climategate’ and GM crops. In part 2 you will explore new forms of public engagement with science and technology, such as science communication, deliberative democracy, citizen science, and smart technologies in the home. In part 3 you will study pioneering new ways of governing science and sustainability in fairer and more socially responsible ways, through responsible innovation of climate geoengineering for example. You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, practical classes, in-class debates, and self-directed study. Your new knowledge and skills will be put into practice by creating a blog to communicate your ideas, as well as through written work and presentations. You’ll also benefit from the module being taught by staff in the Science, Society and Sustainability (3S) Research Group, which houses some of the world’s leading experts on societal engagement with sustainability. stainability.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS
Code:
ENV-7116B
Credits:
20
Environmental economics provides a set of tools and principles which can be useful in understanding natural resource management issues. This module introduces you to key principles and tools of environmental economics for students who have not studied the subject previously. It then explores how these principles can be applied to address complex economy-environment problems including climate change, over-fishing, and water resources management. In this module you will have the opportunity to practically apply cost-benefit analysis as a framework for decision-making and will gain knowledge on the key non-market valuation techniques that are used to monetarily value environmental goods and services. At the end of the module, you will have gained insights into how environmental economics is used in developing natural resource management and pollution abatement policy as well practical, applied experience on environmental economic tools. This module equips students to contribute to improving the protection and management of natural resources and the wider environment, with career opportunities in national and local government, environmental regulation, environmental consultancy and charities, and research organisations.
MANAGING ACROSS THE GLOBE
Code:
NBS-7037B
Credits:
20
This module is designed to sensitise you to the context specific nature of the discipline of management and help you uncover the diversity among managerial values and practices across the world. It seeks to equip you with the knowledge and skills that will give them the confidence to be members of organisations anywhere on the globe.
ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Code:
ENV-7029B
Credits:
20
The majority of greenhouse gas emissions are the result of how we supply and use energy. In this module you will explore climate change from an energy perspective. You will learn about key relationships between energy, the economy, and society. The module draws on historical analyses to understand how energy systems have evolved in the past, as well as examining the role that scenarios play in understanding energy futures. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the complexities of changing energy systems, enabling you to engage critically with debates around future “energy transitions”, the role that innovation and emergent technologies might play, and the various challenges of shifting towards renewable based energy systems
GLOBALISED AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS
Code:
DEV-7045B
Credits:
20
The aim of this module is to understand how forces operating at the global scale affect food and agriculture. These forces include trends in farming and trade, environmental change, policy developments, and social movements. Food security is a central theme: we explore different ways food security is defined, and how it is contested internationally, considering global institutions like FAO, interest groups, and diverse policy agendas (e.g. food sufficiency, nutrition, sustainability). The module considers a range of issues currently affecting food and farming systems: environmental change, changing diets (more meat, processed foods), `post-production' concerns with food safety or farming’s impact on ecosystems, global agribusiness, agricultural innovation systems, and global-scale changes in food prices. Students will gain critical understanding of debates around these issues and of how different policy actors engage with them. These actors include firms, public R&D institutions, farmers' movements, and major donors and philanthropic organizations. An abiding concern is understanding impacts for the poor and vulnerable, particularly smallholder farmers, but also consumers in the North and South, and those involved in value chains. The module will help students develop a critical and inter-disciplinary understanding of key international policy debates that have relevance to agriculture.
RISK MANAGEMENT AND TRADING
Code:
ECO-7017B
Credits:
20
The first part of the module begins by introducing concepts such as risk in financial markets, and discusses the stylised facts of financial returns. With the aid of the econometric computer package STATA and using real data, we test models in empirical finance. Students will learn how to calculate risk using daily and high-frequency data, and how to calculate realised volatility. The second part of the module introduces algorithmic trading using Excel VBA, as well as the role of behavioural finance in financial markets.
INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Code:
NBS-7048B
Credits:
20
This module provides the knowledge required to understand the critical role that corporate governance plays in helping to ensure confidence in financial markets. It will cover the following topics: the main corporate governance issues and the two dominant approaches to corporate governance (i.e. concentrated versus dispersed ownership structures and their related agency problems, shareholders and stakeholders view); roles of institutional investors, individual investors and stakeholders; shareholder activism; board structures including board independence and board diversity; the remuneration of CEOs and other board directors including stock option plans; regulatory aspects of corporate governance; practice and effectiveness of corporate governance both in the UK and in other selected countries; the debate on the convergence or divergence of corporate governance national systems (including the role of supra-national economic institutions as driving forces towards a convergence process). The effect of the global financial crisis in re-shaping the current debate on corporate governance and the perceived failures of corporate governance will also be taken into account.
INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION
Code:
LAW-7007B
Credits:
20
International arbitration has become the established method of determining disputes between international commercial businesses, with new arbitral centres emerging and the law and practice of international commercial arbitration evolving rapidly. This module examines the legal theory and practice of international commercial arbitration. The module’s focus is on understanding the nature and operation of the arbitral process in the context of international commercial relationships, as a means of resolving disputes that arise in international commercial transactions. In addition to providing an overview of the arbitral process, the module also focuses on key problems and issues that arise in arbitral practice, such as the interaction and application of the various relevant laws, and the application and interpretation of the most important international legal instruments relevant to international commercial arbitration such as the New York Convention and the UNCITRAL Model Law. We also engage with national case law and undertake problem solving, and adopt a comparative approach.
CONTEMPORARY WORLD DEVELOPMENT
Code:
DEV-7000B
Credits:
20
The objective of Contemporary World Development is to examine key debates around development objectives, processes and agencies. While issues discussed here are of contemporary significance, references will be made to the historical contexts in which these debates have arisen. Concerns central to development policy making will be reviewed through theoretically grounded critical perspectives. Topics covered include the Millennium Development Goals, donors and aid politics, state and NGOs, and poverty.
PROJECT DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT
Code:
DEV-7058B
Credits:
20
This module will provide the environment for the student to gain a strong practical and grounding in the key tools and analytical techniques needed for the design and management of development projects. It does this by providing an intensive introduction to a number of key development tools, from the analysis of evidence and context to the design of a theory of change and results framework that reacts to complexity, to the design of the appropriate monitoring, evaluation and learning architecture, to the proper resourcing. Students are supported to engage with worked examples of these tools themselves and will be assessed through their preparation of a fully-developed project proposal that they will prepare in a team. The module also encourages student to think critically about development projects, the role that they play – and their own roles in the sector.
RESEARCH PLACEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Code:
PSY-7014B
Credits:
20
This module brings together UEA expert researchers, host research organisations and the careers service, offering you advanced knowledge of practical field and employability skills. In particular, the module provides the opportunity to gain hands on skills in real life settings. You will gain valuable employment skills and networks for their future career. You will seek placement organisations with Module leader help and guidance. The type of organisation can be flexible as long as you can demonstrate that you are using research skills. Placement admin and coordination takes place within the school.
FURTHER QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Code:
PSY-7004B
Credits:
20
The course offers an overview of foundational qualitative methods with a focus on gathering and analysing qualitative data, including experience of qualitative data collection and analysis.
