I have chosen to study MSc Applied Finance programme because I believe from the study I will develop an in-depth understanding of finance to apply latest thinking on finance and management to the analysis of the key problems being experienced by the world's major businesses and to develop the research skills necessary to tackle financial and business management problems and issues.

Unlike my current qualification MBA, I will have the opportunity to gain knowledge in newer but essential areas including quantitative methods for financial markets, corporate financial reporting, financial management techniques, corporate governance, Research methods for finance and accounting, investment and portfolio analysis. These domains of finance study areas would enable me to attain crucial related aspects of knowledge in Economics, Financial Market, Institutions and Operations, Financial Regulation, Quantitative Methods, Fund Accounting, Derivatives and Alternative Investments, Fund Management etc. Additionally, the dissertation will allow me to research in the area and gain specialised knowledge and skills in depth.

These vital areas, which I missed in my MBA study, will develop my skills to adapt appropriate strategic responses to different financial markets through the study of organisations. I will develop my knowledge of the financing of organisations including the sources, uses and management of finance and the use of accounting for managerial and financial reporting.

While my MBA was too generic a degree and provided me with common knowledge like any other students of business administration – the accomplishments were typical business management knowledge without any focus in any particular area; and I have gained bit of knowledge on everything without much depth – that is to say jack of all trades master of none.

My career vision is to find a career in the financial market or in investment banking sector, the MBA degree is not helping me much to enter the market in decent position. Obviously, I admit my gap in knowledge in this very special and delicate area that I must acquire advanced level knowledge and skills before I can see myself with a great start in the sector.

I am convinced after thorough research that the study of this MSc in Finance will give this special edge and enhance my current knowledge; and I will achieve advanced knowledge and skills in the finance - I will be able to understand the foundations of finance and the operation of financial markets and provision of financial services; financial regulations, portfolio analysis, derivatives, options, capital markets, insurance products, stocks, hedge funds, banking products, loans and other related products and services.

Needless to say that MSc is a higher level qualification that would lead me to higher level of academic progressions since I will accomplish advanced knowledge and enhanced skills academically and professionally.

This Programme will equip me to understand how and why companies report on their financial performance and position in the way they do I will learn to analyse real-world financial situations faced by business organisations. From the study, I will develop the ability to effectively interpret and make decisions based on accounting and financial information which is a valuable tool for a manager in any organisation, regardless of its size or the sector in which it operates - I will develop a strong understanding of how financial information is used for decision making purposes and how the subsequent outcomes are effectively communicated and evaluated and tackle  practical challenges firms encounter in an international context with governance and ethical dilemmas.

The study will enhance my ability enabling me to analyse financial statements and to show the links between accounting statements, valuation methods and investment analysis. I will gain knowledge of global financial markets and the finance and investment industry – how different organisations interact, their roles, and factors behind success or failure. I will learn how to estimate the fair value for an investment, to test assumptions and sensitivities, and to compare different investments, gain an understanding of the role of different asset classes, their behaviour in isolation and in relation to other asset classes, and an understanding of how portfolios of investments can be constructed and analysed.

Therefore, there are wide range of opportunities to acquire advanced level knowledge and skills along with professional discourses from the MSc – the course, in fact, will raise my capabilities to enviable standard in academic attainments and for career developments. The study would be true progressions of knowledge, skills, professionalism and above all for higher roles in career ladder.

On successful completion of the MSc Applied Finance, I will be well-placed to pursue a career in accounting, banking, financial market, fund management, insurance and the stock market. I will have acquired the knowledge and skills to become an effective manager in the public or private sector and are likely to establish a career path in companies that are listed on stock exchanges around the world. The study, indeed, will be a turning point of my journey towards a successful career destination. I will be glad to have University of South Wales as my mentor for making my aspirations a true success. 

I am pleased that my previous studies will complement the MSc Finance programme since its learning outcomes cover areas of previous studies though I gained lesser levels of knowledge in those, but I will be able to transfer those towards this study and get the maximum out of the MSc. I can also bring in my 3.5 year work experience as a Finance Manager at the StudiO Furniture & Design to enrich the study and complement the applied aspects of the learning outcome of this MSc Programme. I look forward to start this great programme at the Celebrity University of South Wales at the very earliest opportunity.

I have chosen the University of South Wales (USW) for this programme because the university also provide transferable skills to add value to the tuition with transferable skills and ‘soft skills’ for employment. They help with personal and professional development with training on critical analysis ability, leadership skills, effective communication competences, employability and career skills.

The university integrate latest modules and techniques from industry and commerce in the teaching since they maintain constant links with contemporary business and employers – the tuitions are adjusted and adapted to employers’ demands and global challenges. The goal here is deliver professional graduates with teaching by professional tutors who have vast experience in related and relevant fields. It is probably one of the main reasons big companies send their delegates here to train from USW – this make the classrooms more attached and intense. It also raises the learning and teaching standards while develop all students ability to highest level. What an opportunity this would be for me to be among those intellectual learners and professionals!