Undergraduate
ICMA Centre
Welcome
As Europe’s fi rst active collaboration between the securities industry
and a University fi nance department, the ICMA Centre’s 20 year
pedigree and international reputation continues to grow. Our mission
was, and continues to be, to deliver teaching and research in fi nance of
the highest standard and to contribute actively to policy debate.
Today, as part of Henley Business School, we are one of the largest and most prestigious business schools in Europe, which only further enhances our reputation and standing with industry around the world.
The ICMA Centre itself is amongst the largest schools of fi nance in Europe and our suite of courses, from the undergraduate degrees outlined in this brochure, to our exclusive Masters courses – both mainstream and specialist – are attracting a growing number of students each year.
In all, the ICMA Centre provides an excellent and stimulating environment in which to study and offers plenty of scope to apply theory to practice.
Our reputation, our collaborative links with industry, and not least, our 3,500 strong alumni network from over 115 countries demonstrate our ability to meet our objectives. I sincerely hope that you fi nd our Finance and Investment Banking degrees to be of interest and look forward to welcoming you to the Centre in due course.
Professor Adrian Bell
ICMA Centre
Henley Business School
5 reasons why
1
Utilise the Centre’s affi liations with international fi nancial centres, including the International Capital Markets Association in Zurich and Thomson Reuters.2
Experience world class student facilities, including our three dealing roomssupported by Thomson Reuters and Bloomberg and equipped with the latest trading technology and software.
3
Be taught by experienced fi nance professionals and academics activelyresearching in a wide variety of fi nance-based disciplines.
4
Receive individual attention thanks to the small class sizes atundergraduate level that ensure the opportunity to academically excel.
5
Gain from being part of Henley Business School, the world-renowned,triple- accredited leader in business education.
3 Undergraduate degree programmes
Henley Business School
University of Reading
The University of Reading is ranked as one of the UK’s 20 most research-intensive universities and as one of the top 200 universities in the world. It enjoys a world-class reputation for teaching, research and enterprise. Established over 100 years ago, it is situated within its own 320 acre landscaped campus near the centre of Reading and remains one of the UK’s largest, best-known and successful campus-based universities. The University of Reading pursues an ambitious and innovative enterprise agenda. The last five years has seen considerable success in collaborative research partnerships, delivering on over 1200 projects. The university’s close links with business and industry are evident right across the campus. Collaborative research projects, the creation of spin-out companies and graduate placement schemes are just some of the many ways day-to-day interaction with enterprise occurs.
For more information on the university, including information on accommodation, campus facilities and the town of Reading itself, go to www.reading.ac.uk
Henley Business School is a leading international business school based in the UK and operating around the world, with fully-owned subsidiaries in South Africa, Hong Kong, Finland and Germany. It is one of the world’s few business schools to hold triple- accredited status from the major UK, European and US awarding bodies (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB).
With its faculty of internationally renowned research-led academics and some of the world’s most innovative thought leaders, Henley has a world-class reputation for the study of international business and has driven the research agenda in this field for over 40 years. Its focus is on themes such as globalisation and international business regulation, strategies of multinational enterprises, corporate social responsibility and foreign direct investment.
These strengths are combined with over 65 years’ experience in developing business leaders. Henley Business School has a strong reputation for the practical application of business ideas and concepts. This is underpinned by the strength in research and academic excellence.
For further information on Henley Business School, please visit
www.henley.ac.uk
The ICMA Centre was Europe’s first active collaboration between the securities industry and a university finance department when, 20 years ago, the International Capital Markets Association (ICMA) established a new relationship with the University of Reading.
Today, as part of the triple accredited Henley Business School, the Centre offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and executive education programmes tailored for the capital markets industry.
The ICMA Centre is known for its student- focused ethos, which contributes to both the high achievement rates and the close relationships the Centre maintains with its alumni. This ongoing relationship with its former students provides networking and industry based opportunities for new graduates and current students. With our alumni, based in over 115 countries, these opportunities are global, as well as local.
Individual attention is provided to all our students, thanks to smaller class sizes and highly motivated and engaged academics who can be contacted directly when you need their assistance.
The practical application of finance theory is one of the ICMA Centre’s key advantages and is why students and financial institutions alike choose the Centre for their education and training needs. This integration of theory with practice is achieved through the use of the Centre’s three state-of-the-art dealing rooms. Equipped by Thomson Reuters with the latest industry simulation software, as well as the Centre’s own simulation software platform; ICTrader, the trading rooms have always been an integral part of the teaching and learning style of the Centre. To experience the thrill and pressure of a live market – take positions, quote two-way prices and manage the risk of a $50–100 million trading book – gives our students an insight and experience unavailable in more traditional finance degrees offered elsewhere in the UK.
Our location, only 25 minutes by train to the heart of the City of London, provides our students with the advantage of access to all of the facilities, experiences and amenities open to the students of University of Reading and Henley Business School. The 320-acre Whiteknights campus in Reading provides a wonderful environment conducive for learning.
Overview
‘
I chose to study at the ICMA Centre due to its growing reputation within the industry
and also the state-of-art trading facilities which enable practical experience of
concepts taught in lectures. The BSc Finance and Investment Banking is industry
specific and provides a good understanding of the economic drivers behind markets
as well as an in-depth knowledge of investment finance. Studying here opened my
eyes to the finance industry. Also the trading sessions were my main inspiration behind
becoming a trader and these sessions were viewed favourably by employers.’
Key Facts
UCAS programme code: N302 Duration: 3 years full-time Entry Requirements:
GCSE: Mathematics and English
grade C or above
A level: AAB from 3 A levels. Must
include AS level Mathematics grade B or above
International Baccalaureate: Achieve
35 overall. Must also include grade 6 in standard level Mathematics
The ICMA Centre’s BSc Finance and Investment Banking can provide you with a unique skill set, making you a valuable asset to companies from your fi rst day.
The degree, a three year honours programme, attracts students from all over the world with an interest in fi nance. The degree includes fi nance theory combined with solid practical trading and fi nancial modelling skills to make you work-ready at the conclusion of your studies.
The integration of theory with practice is enhanced through the use of the Centre’s state-of-the-art dealing rooms, home to more than 100 terminals equipped by Thomson Reuters. The ICMA Centre was the fi rst fi nancial school in Europe to introduce dealing rooms and we remain the only university in the region with a facility on such a scale.
Who should apply
Students come from a wide range of backgrounds, from all over the globe, and have studied a wide variety of subjects, but all share an aptitude for mathematics.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the BSc Finance and Investment Banking continue to be highly sought-after by international securities houses, including BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley.
What you will study
In the fi rst year you will study the core subjects of economics, accounting and fi nance and gain an introduction to the computer simulation of securities dealing and spreadsheet modelling. In the second year, you cover areas of specialisation, including portfolio management, debt markets and instruments, and corporate fi nance as well as undertake practical market making and hedging in the dealing rooms. The third year offers more opportunity for specialisation in fi elds such as risk management and fi nancial engineering.
BSc Finance and
Investment Banking
‘The great thing about the
ICMA Centre is that many
of the faculty work, or have
worked, in industry - meaning
you are learning from both the
academic and the practical side
of how the markets really work.
It’s been a great experience.
I enjoyed every year at the
ICMA Centre and I gained really
valuable skills and experience.’
Eva Sajbenova,
Class of 2007, PwC, London
Modules
Year 1
• Introductory Securities and Markets • Introductory Finance/Trading
Simulation I
• Introductory Financial Accounting • Assurance, Governance and Ethics • Introductory Economics for Business
and Finance
• Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance
Year 2
• Portfolio Management • Corporate Finance
• Financial Modelling/Trading Simulation II/CMS
• Debt Markets and Instruments • Introductory Econometrics for Finance
+ 1 optional module, either Corporate Financial Reporting or a language
Year 3
• Derivative Securities/Trading Simulation III
• Management of Risk
+ 4 optional modules
Optional modules include: • Financial Engineering
• Foreign Exchange and Money Markets • Private Equity and Venture Capital • Research Project
• Topics in Finance
• The Practice of Entrepreneurship or a language
7 Undergraduate degree programmes
Key Facts
UCAS programme code: G1N3 Duration: 3 years full-time Entry Requirements:
GCSE: English grade C or above A level: A, A, B including grade A in
A Level Mathematics
International Baccalaureate:
35 overall including 6 in higher level Mathematics
The study of Finance and Investment Banking can also be undertaken within a BSc in Mathematics. Managed by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, the core of the mathematical content includes differential equations and analysis, while in fi nance the main areas include securities and fi nancial modelling.
Who should apply
This degree is designed for those who wish to develop their mathematical skills alongside skills in fi nance and investment banking.
What you will study
Within the study of this degree the ICMA Centre provides an up-to-date and near-market education in fi nancial engineering, utilising its world-leading facilities and longstanding experience in running trading simulations.
Further information
For more information regarding the BSc Mathematics with Finance and Investment Banking please contact the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
ugmaths@reading.ac.uk Ph. +44 (0) 118 378 7585 www.reading.ac.uk/maths
For the most up to date entry requirements for this degree, check online at the department website.
BSc Mathematics with Finance
and Investment Banking
Modules
Year 1 • Analysis I • Calculus Methods • Vectors and Matrices
• Ordinary Differential Equations I • Statistics for Finance
• Introductory Securities and Markets • Introductory Finance/Trading
Simulation I Year 2 • Analysis II
• Ordinary Differential Equations II • Vector Calculus
• Partial Differential Equations I • Numerical Methods • Linear Algebra • Financial Modelling/Trading Simulation II • Portfolio Management Year 3 • Complex Analysis I
• Applied Stochastic Processes • Mathematics for the Digital Economy • Derivatives Securities/Trading
Simulation II
+ 4 optional modules
‘I chose the ICMA Centre because it is one of the very few places in the
UK offering a tailored fi nance course for those who aim to break into
the fi nancial industry. In such a highly competitive environment, with
the ever-changing fi nancial markets, I believe fi nancial knowledge is of
the utmost importance to differentiate oneself from others.’
Chestnut Luk,
All applications, whether UK, EU or international, must go through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
UCAS programme codes:
BSc Finance and Investment Banking – N302
BSc Mathematics with Finance and Investment Banking – G1N3
Academic Entry Requirements:
BSc Finance and Investment
Banking
A and AS levels: AAB from 3 A levels.
Subjects must include a minimum B grade in AS level Mathematics.
GCSE: Mathematics and English grade C
or above.
International Baccalaureate: Achieve
35 overall. Must also include grade 6 in standard level Mathematics.
International Foundation Programme:
Overall average of Distinction level results. (Please note that the foundation programme must contain a core element of Mathematics).
BSC Mathematics with Finance and
Investment Banking
A and AS levels: AAB including grade A in
A level Mathematics.
GCSE: English grade C or above. International Baccalaureate: 35 points
including 6 in Higher Mathematics.
Other qualifi cations:
We welcome students with other qualifi cations eg. Scottish Highers, Irish Highers, BTEC National Diploma etc. You will be expected to attain an equivalent standard to an A level applicant.
English requirements: Profi ciency is
required for international students.
TOEFL: (Test of English as a Foreign
Language) – Score of 570, with TWE of 5 for the paper-based version of the test, 230 for the computer-based and 88 for the Internet-based test.
IELTS: (British Council International
English Language Test) – Score of 6.5 overall with no signifi cant weaknesses in any component of the test.
ICMA Centre Undergraduate Academic Achievement Prize:
Each year the Centre awards a prize of at least £500 to the fi nal year BSc student who achieves the highest mark for their degree.
How to apply
University Open Days
The University runs undergraduate Open Days in June, September and October. Please contact the Student Recruitment and Schools Liaison Offi ce on +44 (0) 118 378 8619 for information about these or visit
www.reading.ac.uk/life/life-visit.aspx
Independent Visit
We welcome visitors to the Centre throughout the year, but please contact us in advance to arrange an appointment.
BSc Taster Days
These take place throughout the year to coincide with the University’s Open Days and Visit Days. They are designed to give students an enjoyable and informative introduction to the exciting fi eld of world fi nance and the opportunity to get a feel for the ICMA Centre, the University and our innovative BSc Finance and Investment Banking degree. Visit www.icmacentre.ac.uk/opendays to fi nd dates and to register.
Careers, Internships, Alumni
At the ICMA Centre we offer the full range of career advisory and professional development services to all our students through our dedicated Career Development Unit. We provide highly focused support, including individual coaching to give our graduates the edge when applying for career opportunities within the extremely competitive investment banking and securities industries.
The Centre’s dedicated Career Development Unit is staffed by professionals with extensive experience in the City and graduate recruitment. A variety of workshops, presentations and events are offered throughout the year designed to help students make an informed choice of future career. Many events will be led by industry professionals, employers - or our own alumni. Students will also attend workshops specially designed to help them develop the personal qualities that all graduate recruiters seek.
With a rank of 4th in the UK for careers in ‘Accounting and Finance’ with the Times Good University Guide 2012 and a 96% overall satisfaction ranking with the National Student Survey in 2011, ICMA Centre graduates continue to be well placed to enter the investment banking and securities industries.
Our graduates go on to work for a wide range of leading employers both in the UK and internationally. Just some of the graduate destinations include: Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Barclays Capital, BNP Paribas, Citigroup, Credit Suisse, Fidelity Investments, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Morgan Stanley and Rabobank.
Close links with industry
Supported by the securities industry through the International Capital Market Association (ICMA), the Centre maintains close links with the investment banking community. Throughout your studies you will benefi t from lectures and presentations by senior professionals working within the banking and securities industries. The Centre is highly regarded by leading professional associations; we are a CFA ‘Program Partner’ and recognised by The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment as a ‘Centre of Excellence’. Our graduates therefore enjoy all the benefi ts of being associated with world-class professional bodies.
Internships
Students are encouraged to undertake an internship during the summer vacation between the second and third years. We offer a dedicated taught programme of ‘career management skills’ for undergraduates to help them in this process. This invaluable experience will enhance your CV and future graduate employment prospects, help you to build a professional network and provide an outstanding opportunity to apply and further develop your knowledge and skills. Students have recently gained internships at leading graduate employers including Barclays Capital, HSBC, Societe Generale and Standard Chartered Bank.
ICMA Centre alumni network
As a graduate you will become a member of the ICMA Centre’s dedicated alumni association, as well as part of Henley Business School’s 30,000 strong global alumni network. Alumni receive invitations to a wide range of annual events and continue to engage with news and events in the School via regular e-newsletters and social media. Alumni are also welcome to join the Henley Finance Club – a specialist community providing invaluable networking
opportunities for professionals working in fi nance and related areas.
The ICMA Centre is supported by the International Capital Market Association, the trade association ICMA Centre
Henley Business School University of Reading Whiteknights Reading, RG6 6BA United Kingdom Tel +44 (0) 118 378 8239 Fax +44 (0) 118 931 4741 admissions@icmacentre.ac.uk www.icmacentre.ac.uk facebook.com/ICMACentre @ICMACentre
All information in this brochure is correct at the time of going to print. Henley Business
While you consider our unique undergraduate programme, why not also think ahead and look at our postgraduate options that will enhance your future financial career.
We offer: MSc Capital Markets, Regulation and Compliance
MSc Corporate Finance MSc Financial Engineering MSc Financial Risk Management MSc International Securities, Investment and Banking MSc International Shipping and Finance MSc Investment Banking
and Islamic Finance MSc Investment Management PhD programme