SFRA Special Topics Courses

Each year, the SFRA puts together a portfolio of "Special Topics" courses at MSc level. These are courses led by industrial companies that aim to expose students to topical issues affecting the industry as well as to methods and solutions used by industry. They are also referred to as "guided reading" courses as a large element of self-study is expected of the students.

Courses Delivered to Date

View details of the special topic courses delivered in the 2010/2011 academic session here.

Special Topics courses delivered to postgraduate students during the spring semester of 2010:

• Retail Credit Risk, led by Alan Forrest, RBS
• Economic Scenario Generation, led by David Antonio, Barrie & Hibbert

Format of a Special Topics Course

• Courses take place in winter or spring semesters (September - December or January - March).
• Company's nominated lecturer gives one or more lectures, typically 2-4 hours in total, and suggests a course of further reading and an assignment.
• The assignment is generally assessed by means of either a student presentation or an essay.
• Assessment is carried out by an academic member of staff.

Why Get Involved?

• Help shape the postgraduate curriculum and keep it relevant.
• Help create a virtuous circle that attracts top students to Scottish MSc courses and enhances the talent pool available to the financial services sector.
• Present the work of your company to postgraduate students, possibly as part of your recruitment strategy.