Bsc Finance (Special)
Degree Program.

Acadamic Staff

Evolution

B.Sc. Business Administration (Finance) is one of the new specialized degree programs offered by the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce starting in the 2001/2002 academic year. In 2001, the Faculty split-up then existing Department of Accountancy and Financial Management into two departments, namely the Department of Accounting and Department of Finance, thus creating a separate department for the subject of finance. Although the old Department of Accountancy and Financial Management did not offer a degree in finance, starting in 1995, the Department of Business Administration offered a very successful degree in business administration with finance as a concentration subject. Now, the subject of finance has been elevated to a fully-fledged degree program in recognition of the growing demand for finance specialists, which has been created by the unprecedented growth in financial markets and institutions in Sri Lanka over the past decade.

The Nature of the Program

The program of studies consists of a carefully integrated combination of subjects in the key areas of corporate finance, investments, portfolio management, and international financial management.  The curriculum is challenging and has been designed to meet the aspirations of essential knowledge and skills necessary for success in the growing and interesting field of finance. The program is suited for those who possess a strong competency in accounting, economics and mathematics. Instructional methodologies include lectures, case studies, individual and group assignments, and seminars. The program is rich in content, and intends to develop graduates for a career in finance in the corporate sector. 

The program also includes a research content. The students will have opportunity to learn about contributions from major research on both Sri Lankan and international capital markets.  Unlike many other degree programs, the degree in finance does not have a specific practical training component. The program has been designed to include an empirical content in each subject. The Department will also strive to incorporate current developments in the field through a guest speaker series that runs throughout the year.

Employment Opportunities

Finance graduates have excellent career prospects. The typical entry-level positions will be research and financial analysts, corporate finance executives, junior portfolio and fund managers, and investment banking executives. The target job market includes the finance companies, commercial banks, investment and merchant banks, stock brokers, primary dealers, insurance companies, development finance institutions, venture capital firms, fund management companies and unit trusts, and pension funds.  

It should however be noted that finance job market is highly correlated with the economy and hence the performance of the economy is the key determining factor in job prospects for finance graduates. The prospective employers tend to look for progress toward a professional qualification in addition to a degree. Therefore, finance graduates are strongly encouraged to engage in professional studies towards becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst, a Chartered Accountant, or a Management Accountant. The Departments expects to work very closely with the corporate sector in finding job opportunities for finance graduates.