MASTER OF PROFESSIONAL FINANCE

STUDENT HANDBOOK

2024—2025

Department of Finance
Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lanka
Contents
01. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 University of Kelaniya .......................................................................................................... 1
1.2 The Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies ........................................................... 1
1.3 The Department of Finance ................................................................................................... 2
1.5 Our Vision ............................................................................................................................. 2
1.6 Our Mission ........................................................................................................................... 2
02. About Master of Professional Finance ...................................................................................... 3
2.1 Graduate Profile .................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Programme Learning Outcomes ........................................................................................... 3
2.3 International Collaboration with the University of Waikato, New Zealand ......................... 4
2.4 Program Structure ................................................................................................................. 5
2.5 Credit structure ...................................................................................................................... 5
2.6 Programme Delivery and Learner Support System............................................................... 6
2.7 Student Assessments and Evaluations .................................................................................. 6
2.8 Grading System ..................................................................................................................... 6
2.9 Award of the Master of Professional Finance ....................................................................... 7
2.10 Entry Qualifications ............................................................................................................ 7
2.11 Admission Process .............................................................................................................. 8
2.12 Course Investment ............................................................................................................... 8
2.13 Selection Process ................................................................................................................. 8
2.14 How to Apply ...................................................................................................................... 8
03. Contact Us ............................................................................................................................... 17
01. Introduction
1.1 University of Kelaniya
The University of Kelaniya has its origin in the historic Vidyalankara Pirivena which was founded
in 1875. Since then, it has been recognized as one of the two great national centers of traditional
higher learning of the country. Then, in 1959, the Vidyalankara Pirivena became the Vidyalankara
University. Later with the University reforms and transformations, it was converted to a university
named the Vidyalankara Campus of the University of Sri Lanka, and ultimately in 1978, it was
named as the University of Kelaniya. This knowledge-creating arm of the nation began with the
aim of producing versatile graduates of high caliber in Sri Lanka and the vision of the University
of Kelaniya is “to become a center of excellence in the creation and dissemination of knowledge
for sustainable development”.
Now, the University of Kelaniya is well recognized as one of the greatest avenues for Higher
Studies in the South Asian region. Currently, the University consists of 07 Faculties, namely,
Commerce and Management Studies, Humanities, Social Science, Science, Medicine, Graduate
Studies, and Computing and Technology. There are 55 academic departments under the above-
mentioned faculties.
1.2 The Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies
The Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies (FCMS) traces back to its origin under the
Faculty of Social Sciences as the Department of Commerce in 1976. And later with the high
degree of commitment and untiring efforts of the academic staff, students, and other stakeholders,
it was able to achieve Faculty status in 1995. Now it is operating as a dynamic faculty with unique
features of fast development strengthened by five academic departments: namely Department of
Commerce and Financial Management, Department of Human Resource Management,
Department of Accountancy, Department of Marketing Management, and Department of Finance.
At present, the FCMS offers globally competitive degree programmes in the broad areas of
Commerce and Business Management.

The FCMS offers fourteen undergraduate degree programmes and so far, it has produced more
than ten thousand (10,000) graduates and most of them are at the forefront of managerial ranks in
public and private sector organizations both nationally and internationally. Further, some of the
graduates of FCMS are eminent entrepreneurs in the country. FCMS always considers quality as
the key force of higher education. Thus, FCMS constantly tries to improve the quality and
relevance of the degree programmes, and the quality of the teaching faculty, and the infrastructure
facilities of the faculty. Winning three quality relevance grants from the World Bank, obtaining
the AACSB membership; receiving ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification, and
acceptance by CFA under the University Recognition programme proves the success of FCMS in
terms of Quality.

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1.3 The Department of Finance
Department of Finance (hereafter referred to as “DFin”) is the youngest department belonging to
the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya. DFin was established
in 2011. Today, DFin is a fast-growing dynamic department achieving various milestones. The
acceptance of [Link]. (Special) The degree in Finance programme by Chartered Financial
Analysts Institute - USA as a CFA-recognized degree programme is one of such milestones. Being
the first-degree programme in Sri Lanka with CFA recognition has enabled DFin to develop and
maintain a healthy partnership with key industry partners which has opened the gateway for
students to local and international job markets. In the academic year 2016/17, the department
received an “A” Grading in Self Evaluation Report. Further, in the academic year 2019/20, the
department is awarded the ISO 9001:2015/SLS ISO 9001:2015” Quality Management System
Certification. At present, the Department of Finance offers four degree programmes in the areas
of Finance, Banking, Insurance, and Financial Engineering.

1.4 Department of Finance accredited by ISO 9001:2015/SLS ISO 9001:2015 quality

management system certification.

The gradual increase in the complexity and the size of the Department of Finance led to inspire
the Department to recognize and implement an international quality management system. Out of
the numerous standardizations available, the department initiated working with the latest edition
of ISO 9001; ISO 9001:2015, the flagship Quality Management Standard of ISO in the academic
year 2019/2020.

1.5 Our Vision

To be a powerhouse of financial expertise that can push the boundaries of business thinking by
providing internationally competitive human capital and serving the expectations of stakeholders.

1.6 Our Mission

To deliver first-rate finance education and contribute to the financial and economic development
in Sri Lanka and other regions. In addition, the Department of Finance is looking to prepare future
business leaders and scholars for success in the field of finance. Department of Finance strives to
be at the forefront of knowledge through teaching, research, service, and outreach.

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02. About Master of Professional Finance
2.1 Graduate Profile
The purpose of Master of Professional Finance degree programme is to enhance the capacity of
graduates or holders of professional qualifications to advance their knowledge in the areas of
finance discipline and investigative skills, and other abilities that are relevant and enable them to
convert into a different discipline/profession, forming the basis for academic advancement and
enhancing the managerial, administrative, and technological capacity.

The holders of Master of Professional Finance degree programme should possess the following
attributes.

1. Finance solutionist
2. Professionalism
3. Globally Competitiveness
4. Innovative Leadership

2.2 Programme Learning Outcomes

In achieving these objectives, the Master of Professional Finance Degree programme intends to
develop young executives capable of becoming future leaders. Thus, the holders of the Master of
Professional Finance degree should be able to.
i. Construct multiple knowledge modules by using the key areas of finance and investments
in making finance decisions.
ii. develop a value system by using tools and techniques in finance to stand out as a strong
candidate in the competitive financial industry.
iii. create the right professional finance mindset to cater to the evolving business world.
iv. demonstrate the practical managerial issues faced by modern financial service firms.
v. Integrate multiple skills relevant to financial management, such as critical thinking,
analytical skills, report writing, presentation, negotiation, networking, problem-solving,
and teamwork skills.

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2.3 International Collaboration with the University of Waikato, New Zealand
The students of the Master of Professional Finance Programme have a great opportunity to join
and continue their degree in one of the world-recognized top-ranked universities. The University
of Waikato is a public research university in Hamilton, New Zealand and the university stands
proudly on the world stage as a provider of future-focused, international education and an active
player in global research Placed 331st in the world and the top New Zealand university for
research. The Master of Applied Finance offered by the Waikato Management School is a Triple
Crown Accredited business school.
The students who successfully complete their Trimester I of the Master of Professional Finance
Programme will be eligible to apply for admission with credit to the Master of Applied Finance
(MAppFin) Programme offered by the University of Waikato and their Trimester II and III can be
completed at the University.
Further information on the University of Waikato Master of Applied Finance can be found
online:
[Link]
Kelaniya students (Who follow the Master of Professional Finance) may receive up to a maximum
of 60 points (1 trimester) of credit towards the MAppFin degree and is based on the student's
academic score. Students who meet the admission requirements and achieve a minimum GPA of
B, according to the Waikato Grading Scale, in Trimester I of the University of Kelaniya Master of
Professional Finance Programme, will be eligible to receive up to a maximum of 60 points of credit
(1 trimester). The Waikato Grading Scale can be found online at:
[Link]
Kelaniya students need to Meet the English language entry requirements for Waikato by providing
evidence of English language proficiency which includes, but is not limited to:
- an IELTS Overall score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0), or
- an iBT (Internet-Based TOEFL) score of 90 with a Writing score of 22, or
- a B grade or better at Level 8 in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English, or
- an overall score of C (with at least a C in the Writing band) in the Foundation Certificate in
English for Academic Purposes, or
- a PTE Academic overall score of at least 65, with no less than 58 for each communicative skill.

For a full list of accepted English language evidence, please refer to the University of Waikato
website:
[Link]

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2.4 Program Structure
Table 1: Program Structure
Trimester

Course Course Name Credit Course

Code
value type

I MFIN 51012 Accounting for Decision Making 2 Core

MFIN 51023 Economics for Managers 3 Core
MFIN 51032 Quantitative Techniques and Analysis 2 Core
MFIN 51043 Corporate Finance 3 Core
II MFIN 52052 Financial Institution and Risk Management 2 Core
MFIN 52062 Financial Reporting and Analysis 2 Core
MFIN 52072 Investment and Portfolio Management 2 Core
MFIN 52082 International Financial Management 2 Core
MFIN52092 Corporate Governance and Business Ethics 2 Core
III MFIN 55106 Research Project in Finance 6 Core
MFIN 55112 Analysis of Equity and Fixed Income Investment 2 Optional
MFIN 55122 Financial Derivatives 2 Optional
MFIN 55132 Behavioural Finance 2 Optional
MFIN 55142 Alternative Investment Analysis 2 Optional
MFIN 55152 Financial Data Sciences 2 Optional
MFIN 55162 Strategic Management 2 Optional

Core Course Units: The Core course units form the minimum subject contents that students are
required to follow as the main subjects of a degree programme.
Optional Course Units: Optional Course units form the subject contents related to the main
subjects required for the development of knowledge and skills of the main subjects.
2.5 Credit structure
Every student is supposed to complete 30 credits to complete the MProfFin Program thus 10 credits
in each trimester. The 30 credits cover 26 core credit units and 04 optional credit units.

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Table 2: Credit Structure

Level Trimester Total Core Optional

I II III
1 10 10 10 30 26 4
Total 30 26 4

2.6 Programme Delivery and Learner Support System

The programme will be based on blended learning including online media and face-to-face
learning. Therefore, students can select either method based on their busy schedules and
convenience. The duration of the Master of Professional Finance programme is one year. The
course units of the programme are delivered on a trimester basis. The duration of a lecture is either
two (02) hours or three (03) hours depending on the course unit and lectures are held during the
weekends. The credit system is carried out during the academic study period and students should
earn a total credit of 30 to obtain the Master of Professional Finance. The course is organized for
one academic year, and it has three trimesters. After each trimester, A week study leave period
will be given followed by written examinations and a one-week break.
2.7 Student Assessments and Evaluations
Assessments and evaluations are mainly composed of continuous assessments and end-trimester
examinations for all the course units. Continuous assessments consist of mid-exams, classroom
discussions and presentations, individual/group assignments, and presentations. A course unit
shall include at least one continuous assessment and the maximum marks that can be allocated to
continuous assessment is 50%. There is an end-trimester examination for all the course units and
the maximum marks allocated for this is 50%.
2.8 Grading System
The table below shows the twelve-tier grading system used by the Kelaniya University. “Grade”
shall be awarded for a course unit by aggregating the marks obtained for continuous assessments
and the final examination. The grade Point Average (GPA) of each student is calculated based on
the Grade Point Value (GPA) assigned to each grade as indicated in Table (02) below. GPA is
calculated by considering all the course units attempted by a student to award the degree.
Table 3: Twelve-tier grading system

Range of marks Grade Grade Point Value

85-100 A+ 4.00
70-84 A 4.00
65-69 A- 3.70
60-64 B+ 3.30

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 55-59 B 3.00
50-54 B- 2.70
45-49 C+ 2.30
40-44 C 2.00
35—39 C- 1.70
30-34 D+ 1.30
25-29 D 1.00
00-24 E 0.00

Grade Point Average

Grade Point Average (GPA) is the credit – weighted arithmetic mean of the Grade point values.
GPA is calculated by dividing the total credit – weighted ‘Grade Point Value’ by the total number
of credits. GPA shall be computed to the second decimal place. Example: A student who has
completed one course unit two credits, three course units each of three credits and two course units
each of one credit with grades A, C, B,D,C+ and A+ respectively would have a GPA of 2.46 as
calculated below.

(2 × 4.00) + (3 × 2.00) + (3 × 3.00) + (3 × 1.00) + (3 × 2.30) + (1 × 4.00)

(2 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 1)
36.9
15
𝐺𝑃𝐴 = 2.46

2.9 Award of the Master of Professional Finance

The minimum Eligibility Criteria to award the Qualification of the Master of Professional Finance
is determined based on the “Evaluation and Grading Guidelines for Postgraduate Programs”
offered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies

2.10 Entry Qualifications

The Department of Finance lays down the following eligible criteria for the admission for Master
of Professional Finance Degree programme. Following is the admission framework for the
postgraduate degree programmes at the University of Kelaniya. Thus, a candidate should have one
of the following qualifications to be eligible for any of the proposed degree programs.

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 i. A Bachelor’s degree, (a) including 30 credits in the area of finance or (b) with prior
learning/work experience equivalent to 30 credits in the area of finance or
ii. A qualification acceptable to the senate of the University of Kelaniya in the subject area of
finance equivalent to 1(a) or 1(b).

2.11 Admission Process

Besides, the minimum qualifications laid down above, DFIN would conduct a selection test and/or
an interview to select the candidates suitable to follow the proposed new degree programme. The
discretion of conducting the selection test and/or an interview lies with DFin and the candidates
meeting minimum eligible requirements would be notified of the selection process and admission
to the proposed degree programme in advance.

2.12 Course Investment

The total investment of the Master of Professional Finance inclusive of amenities and expenses
will be informed by the academic coordinator for the relevant batch in due course.

2.13 Selection Process

- Review and assessment of application and qualification

- An interview

2.14 How to Apply

A candidate seeking to apply for Master of Professional Finance, he/she should submit a completed
application form together with the application processing through online (Faculty of Graduate
Studies website), whenever applications are called. Applications will be assessed by the Board of
Studies of Faculty of Graduate Studies.

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2.15 Course Description

Course Code: MFIN 51012

Course Name: Accounting for Decision Making
Course Description: The course objective is to provide students with the fundamental concepts
and analytical tools to make value-creating financial decisions through the application of the
knowledge of concepts and principles of accounting and finance. This course will enable
students to identify the process of preparing financial statements and the aspects of regulatory
compliances including the Companies Act, Sri Lanka Financial Reporting Framework (SLFRS
/ LKAS), Listing Rules issued by the Colombo Stock Exchange and generally accepted
accounting principles. Further, students will be equipped with the knowledge to identify and
evaluate the investment and financing opportunities available to an organization.

Course Content: Introduction to Business Accounting and the Role of accounting information,
Financial Statements, Financial Reporting Framework, Analysis and Interpretation of Financial
Statements, Role of Management Accounting for business decision-making, Financial
Planning, Forecasting, and Budgeting, Cost Volume Profit Analysis

Course Code: MFIN 51023

Course Name: Economics for Managers
Course Description:
Business Economics is an integral discipline that equips the students with the ability to apply
the knowledge of demand and supply, marginal analysis of the firm and market structures in
managerial decision-making. Moreover, the macro-economic environment including causes
and effects of changes in GDP, macroeconomic equilibrium, effects of monetary policy and
fiscal policy changes and implications for management will be examined along with the policy
options for addressing current economic issues.
Course Content:
Introduction and preliminary concepts; Demand, Supply and Market Equilibrium; Demand and
supply forecasting; Elasticity and applications; Pricing and Output Decision (Perfect
Competition and Monopoly); Pricing and Output Decisions (Monopolistic Competition and
Oligopoly); Macro Environment of Business GDP, Income and Growth; Money, Finance, and
the concepts of Open Economy Macroeconomics; Aggregate Demand and Supply; Fiscal
Policy, Unemployment.

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Course Code: MFIN 51032
Course Name: Quantitative Techniques and Analysis
Course Description:
This course provides students with a strong foundation of the statistical knowledge required for
effective management decisions through the evaluation of types of data, data collection methods
and data visualization through appropriate descriptive statistics. The course intends to provide
the knowledge to conclude within a business context with the application of probability rules
and concepts, regression models, inferential statistical tests, and forecasting data through
statistical software.
Course Content:
Introduction to Statistics; Measure of variation and Relative measures of dispersion;
Probability; Probability Distribution; Sampling and Statistical Estimations; Hypothesis Testing;
Correlation and Regression; Analysis of Time Series; Index Numbers.

Course Code: MFIN 51043

Course Name: Corporate Finance
Course Description: This course provides advanced in-depth knowledge about the way of
planning and controlling finance in the corporate world which provides a framework for
understanding a broad range of corporate investment and financial decisions related to corporate
financial planning and management. The course unit covers capital structure and cost of capital,
dividend policies, valuation, capital budgeting, working capital, risk-return analysis, mergers,
acquisitions, and restructuring, leases and hire purchases, and initial public offerings.

Course Content:
The overview of Corporate Finance, Time value of money, Risk and Return, Capital Budgeting,
Capital structure Decisions and Company Valuation

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Course Code: MFIN 52052
Course Name: Financial Institutions and Risk Management
Course Description:
Business organizations throughout the world use risk management to reduce risks and manage
any negative effects that may result. This course is aimed at equipping students with the
knowledge to explain Enterprise Risk Management models, tools, methodologies and
techniques; develop risk architecture, strategy and protocols and their practical application in
modern day organisations; carry out a risk assessment; develop risk appetite, risk tolerances and
key risk indicators; discuss the applications of business continuity planning; apply the financial
risk management strategies and tools; explain risk based capital and Basel accords.
Course Content:
Introduction to Enterprise Risk management; Risk architecture, strategy and protocols; Risk
Assessment; Risk appetite, Risk Tolerances and Key Risk Indicators; Business continuity
planning; Financial Risk Management; Introduction to Risk Based Capital; Bank Risk,
Management, Financial crime compliances.

Course Code: MFIN 52062

Course Name: Financial Reporting and Analysis
Course Description: This course unit covers financial information analysis methods for fruitful
financial decisions. There are challenges in financial information analysis in Different
companies, even the same company at different time periods. Hence, they prepare financial
reports based on diverse assumptions/methods. Therefore, bringing them to a common platform
is essential for meaningful interpretation of information. Further forecasting is an integral part
of financial decisions. In order to support decision-making, this unit covers short-term and long-
term forecasting tetchiness and survival prediction models of business organizations.
Course Content: Introduction to financial analysis, Techniques of financial statements
analysis, Inventory analysis, Impact of off-balance sheet Financing, Business Strategy in
financial Information, Projecting financials, red flags and accounting warning signs, corporate
bankruptcy and distress Analysis, Qualitative financial information

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Course Code: MFIN 52072
Course Name: Investment and Portfolio Management
Course Description:
This course endows the students with the ability to effectively make decisions related to the
challenges faced by investment analysts and portfolio managers operating in the current
financial environment. Upon completing this course, students will be able to explain the impact
of dynamics in the environment to the investments and the price formation of securities;
portfolio management process and the elements in IPS; constructing and managing a portfolio;
and evaluating the performance of a portfolio.
Course Content: Introduction to investment Environment and portfolio management; Portfolio
Theory and Capital Allocation; The Portfolio Management Process and the Investment Policy
Statement; Capital Market Expectations (CME); Asset Allocation; Equity Portfolio
Management; Bond Portfolio Management; Risk Management; Evaluating Portfolio
Performance.

Course Code: MFIN 52082

Course Name: International Financial Management
Course Description:
As business organisations operate in an increasingly competitive global business environment,
this course equips the students with the ability to explain and evaluate international financial
markets, different exchange rate systems and determine the exchange rate, parity condition and
their relevance in decision making; and critically analyze the international monetary systems
and their failures. The students will also be able to analyze the process and techniques used to
make international investment decisions in a global business context.
Course Content:
Multinational Enterprise and Multinational Financial Management; The Determination of
Exchange Rates; The International Monetary System; Parity Conditions in International
Finance and Currency Forecasting; Exchange Rate Risk Management; Foreign Direct
Investments (FDI); Managing Political Risk; Government Relations; Country Risk and
Alliances.

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Course Code: MFIN 52092
Course Name: Corporate Governance and Business Ethics
Course Description: This course outlines different regulatory processes and ethical practices
essential to an understanding of the principles of corporate governance and ethics in the
contemporary business environment. It is designed to facilitate analysis of the regulatory
influences on the behaviour of corporate executives, information disclosure and board
functions/structures and to foster the growth and integration of candidates' knowledge of the
ethical influences on the economic, financial, managerial, and environmental aspects of
management. This course also critically analyses stakeholder participation in decision-making
and the moral obligations of corporate managers.
Course Content: Introduction to Corporate Governance, Models and Mechanisms of Corporate
Governance, Shareholders and Stakeholders, Board of Directors, Audit Committee, Banking
Corporate Governance, Corporate Scandals, Best Practices, Corporate Responsibility, Ethical
Relationships in Business & Social Responsibility.

Course Code: MFIN 55106

Course Name: Research project in Finance
Course Description:
This course is aimed at broadening the knowledge and exposure to theory and practice of
research in Finance. By completing this course, students will be able to locate, through
discursive writing regarding relevant theoretical frameworks, influences and intentions.
Further, the course will equip students to undertake comprehensive research and contribute to
critique, discussion, and peer review by offering cogent critical analysis on their work and that
of their peers.
Course Content:
A student pursuing the degree must complete a research project that demonstrates their
proficiency in every section of the curriculum. Any of these subjects will fill that requirement
if researched and appropriately written. Students will research a selected subject, or subjects,
related to their practice and interests in the field of finance, subject to approval by the
department, the work undertaken will be initiated by the student. Students are required to write
a research project of approximately 5,000 to 7,000 words after completing business research
seminar series at the beginning of this course unit.

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Course Code: MFIN 55112
Course Name: Analysis of Equity and Fixed Income Investment
Course Description:
Possessing a working knowledge of both equity and fixed-income investments is vital for
today’s finance professionals to sufficiently advise investors. This course will capacitate
students to identify equity securities, local and global equity markets, and market indices;
distinguish between technical analysis and fundamental analysis; explain the valuation process;
calculate required rate of return on equity using asset pricing models; calculate the intrinsic
value of a stock using different valuation techniques. The students will also be able to list down
investment opportunities available in fixed income securities, carry out valuation of fixed
income securities; assess the risks associated and recommend types of fixed-income investment
strategies suitable for an investor.
Course Content:
Equity securities and their characteristics; Sri Lankan equity market and global markets &
market indices; Equity valuation - Technical Analysis and Fundamental Analysis; Equity
Valuation Process; Fundamental Valuation techniques: Dividend-based valuation, Free cash
flow based valuation, Residual income valuation, Market-based valuation; Features of the Debt
Securities, Types of Bonds; Risks Associated with Investing in Bonds; Yield Curve and Spread;
Measurement of Interest Rate Risk; Valuing Bond and Callable Bonds.

Course Code: MFIN 55122

Course Name: Analysis of Derivatives
Course Description:
In the current global financial markets, derivative financial instruments are one of the rapidly
growing areas. As such, this course is aimed at equipping the students with the knowledge and
skills to define a derivative and distinguish between exchange-traded and over-the counter
derivatives; define forward contracts, futures contracts, options (calls and puts), and swaps;
compare their basic characteristics and the procedure in settling; explain arbitrage theory and
its role in promoting market efficiency; value derivatives and use derivatives to alter risk return
characteristics of a portfolio.
Course Content:
Introduction to derivatives; Valuation of forwards, futures contracts; Forward Rate Agreements
and Swaps; Introduction to options; Valuation of options; Option Greeks and Implied Volatility;
Derivatives Strategies; Risk Management Applications of Forward and Futures Strategies,
Derivatives in practice.

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Course Code: MFIN 55132
Course Name: Behavioural Finance
Course Description:
This course is designed to introduce students to a fast-growing area of finance to demonstrate
the behaviour of actual investors and markets as opposed to rational agents described in standard
finance. Upon the successful completion of this course students will be able to identify new
fields of behavioural finance, effect of psychological factors on individual investment decision
making and financial markets; explain investor behaviour on financial decision makings;
explain behavioural assets pricing theories; compare and contrast modern finance theory and
behavioural finance; explain investment risks associated with a concentrated position in a single
asset and discuss the appropriateness of using goal based investing approach.
Course Content:
The behavioral Finance perspective; The Behavioural Biases of Individuals, Behavioural
Finance, and Investment Processes; Managing concentrated single - Asset Positions – An
approach to goal-based investing.

Course Code: MFIN 55142

Course Name: Alternative Investment Analysis
Course Description:
Investors must look beyond conventional investments such and equity and fixed income
securities in a time of considerable institutional and individual market turmoil. Thus, the
purpose of this course is to provide thorough knowledge to students to identify alternative
investments and their characteristics; analyze and evaluate the benefits and cost of alternative
investments; appraise and evaluate alternative investments; describe hedge funds, private
equity, real estate, commodities, infrastructure, other alternative investments, including, as
applicable, the strategies, sub-categories, potential benefits and risks, fee structures, and due
diligence. Further, students will gain the knowledge to describe issues in valuing, calculating
returns and risk management of alternative investments.
Course Content:
Introduction to alternative investments; Real Estate; Private Equity/Venture Capital; Hedge
Funds; Closely Held Companies and Inactively Traded Securities, Distressed
Securities/Bankruptcies; Commodities; Alternative Investments Portfolio Management;
Contemporary Practices and Issues in Alternative Investments.

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Course Code: MFIN 55152
Course Name: Financial Data Science
Course Description:
The way of carrying out business is being transformed, due to new and emerging technologies.
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic foundations in data science and
programming, receive an overview of state-of-the-art data science and machine learning
methods, discover the usage of data science to solve real-world problems by finance
professionals, identify the advantages of data science and specific analytical methods, obtain
hands-on R programming experience and apply effective data visualization techniques using R
software.
Course Content:
Introduction to data science; Financial data analytics, Hands-on Introduction to R Programming
for Data Science; Financial Statistics; Financial securities; Financial Time Series Analysis in
R; Linear Regression for Finance; Data Science Problem Solving Process; Visualization of Data
Science Results; Clustering of Financial Data.

Course Code: MFIN 55162

Course Name: Strategic Management
Course Description: This is an advanced course unit which aims at enlightening the strategic
orientation among the participants which is the primary concern of managing organizations for
their long-term survival and growth. This course intends to address the process of strategic
management and the emerging strategic issues in a complex and dynamic business environment.
It provides the opportunity to learn and aster the art of gaining and retaining strategic advantage
in a turbulent business environment.

Course Content: Introduction to Strategy and Strategic Management, Mind of the Strategist:
Strategic planning and thinking, Setting the strategic direction; Corporate Philosophy, Vision,
Mission, Goals and Objectives, Analysing and Understanding the Strategic position of an
organisation through SWOT analysis, Understanding the Strategic Position of an Organisation,
Formulating Strategic Options, Strategy Implementation; Strategy and Culture Strategy and
Structure, Strategy and Leadership, Strategic Review and control.

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03. Contact Us
Prof. Susima Weligamage
Coordinator (Academic) – Master of Professional Finance
PhD (Panjab), MBA (AIT - Thailand), MEB (ESCP-EAP-UK), B. Com (Ruhuna). PGD in
Counselling (UOC), CBA (CA- SL)
Email: susima@[Link] / mpf@[Link]

Ms. Ganga Madhushani

Coordinator (Technical) – Master of Professional Finance
[Link] in Applied Finance (USJP), [Link] Finance (Special), USJP, ACMA (UK), CGMA.
Email: gangam@[Link] / mpf@[Link]

Faculty of Graduate Studies Weblink - [Link]

Department of Finance Weblink - [Link]

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 Department of Finance
Faculty of Commerce & Management Studies
University of Kelaniya
Kelaniya, Sri Lanka