Law & Finance Timetable and Modules
Note: Modules offered each academic year are subject to change. Listed below are the modules and timetable for 2024/25. This dissertation will be undertaken during the summer months.
| Michaelmas Term | Hilary Term | Trinity Term | Electives |
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Hilary Term
Trinity Term
Electives
select either 10 ECTS in Law and 20 ECTS in Finance or 20 ECTS in Law and 10 ECTS in Finance
- Fintech Regulation and Policy
- International Aviation Law
- International Economic Law
- Law and Risk
- Legal Issues in Sustainable Finance
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Business and Human Rights
- Commercial Litigation
- EU Aviation Law
- International Business Tax Law
- International Trade Law
- Investment Law and Sustainable Development
- Regulation of Alternative Investment Funds
- Credit and Fixed Income Instruments
- Financial Econometrics
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Energy Finance and Trading
- Financial Markets and Institutions
- International Finance
- Private Equity
- Trading Psychology and Behavioural Analysis
- Treasury Management and Derivatives
Module Descriptions
The Finance function is a critical aspect of any organisation. The success or failure of a firm may be influenced significantly by how it manages its’ finances. It is therefore important for managers and employees to understand the principals of financial management. An understanding of the concepts of financial management is useful regardless of what position an employee has within an organisation. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of financial management. It focuses on analysing and evaluating investments using various techniques. It covers several topics related to financial management such as portfolio theory, stock market investing and how to maximise corporate value. The information provided in this module will also be useful in managing your personal finances. Throughout this module, students will become familiar with the concepts of Financial Management and financial language and terms used within the literature and the media.
Having successfully completed this module, the student should be able to:
- Explore the concept of financial management and its importance to organisations.
- Appraise capital investments through the use of appropriate methods and techniques.
- Understand the relation between risk and return and the importance of managing this relation in corporate decision-making.
- Understand alternative theories of stock market investing.
- Explain how businesses create value.
Corporate Finance, Company Law and Governance (5 ECTS)
The module will examine the legal issues pertaining to corporate finance within the business organization. The module will focus in detail on the legal aspects and governance of the capital raising process (debt and equity financing, IPOs, insider information, takeovers, etc.) and its regulation. The course is intended to offer students an overview of the structure of corporations (the dynamics between board of directors, managers and shareholders) under Irish Company Law, with additional focus on governance requirements imposed on ‘listed’ companies and on financial institutions, including requirements with regards to misconduct and accountability, and attempts to influence conduct and culture in regulated financial services providers.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the legal aspects of corporate finance within the business organization.
- Appraise the legal regime governing the capital raising process.
- Critically analyse the dynamics between board of directors, managers, shareholders and other stakeholders in companies generally.
- Critically analyse the rules and requirements applied to ‘listed’ companies.
- Appraise the approach and the regulations seeking to improve corporate governance, conduct and accountability in regulated financial institutions.
Assessment: Coursework 100%
EU Financial Services Law (10 ECTS)
This module is a survey of the primary principles driving the regulation of financial service providers within the EU (and Ireland). We will look at past, current and future development of banking, securities, occupational pension and insurance regulation, such as:
- rationale for, and impact of, regulation on the provision of financial services;
- standardisation and harmonisation of law;
- coordination and cooperation among Member States; and
- comingling of sectors and resultant issues
with regards to the following subject matter:
- Major Concepts — The Single Market; Freedom of Movement of Capital; Authorisation, Mutual Recognition, Risk and Risk Management; Capital Adequacy; Prudential Supervision; Recovery and Resolution; Misconduct and Accountability; and Consumer Protection
- Regulation of EU Banking — Introduction to the Banking Directives/Regulations; the Single Supervisory Mechanism; the Single Resolution Mechanism
- Regulation of EU Capital Markets — Introduction to the Securities, Derivatives and Collective Investment Scheme Directives; Regulated Markets & Trading; Market Integrity; Market Abuse
- Regulation of Pensions — Introduction to Occupational Pension Directives/Regulations; Pan-European Personal Pension Products, Portability
- Regulation of Insurance — Introduction to Insurance Directives/Regulations
- Cross-sectoral issues
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Explain in general terms the major directives and regulations governing financial services in the EU
- Critically examine the principles behind authorization, regulation and enforcement related to financial services in Ireland and the EU
- Critically analyse the need for regulation to protect consumers/ investors, financial stability, and market integrity
- Identify and critically examine specific EU and Irish financial services' issues related to the European system of regulation of financial services
- Assess the impact of regulation on financial services in the EU
Assessment: Coursework - 100%
Business Ethics (5 ECTS)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to core theoretical concepts of business ethics as well as corporate sustainability and responsibility (CSR). This includes understanding the relation between business and ethics, defining relevant terms and constructs as well as distinguishing between multiple levels of analysis in an international context. Next, the course focuses on a critical discussion of several theoretical approaches to business ethics and CSR. Ethics in business for CFA will also be mentioned, including the moral obligations of professionals in the investment industry, such as acting with integrity, competence, diligence, respect, and putting the interests of clients and the profession above their own personal interests. Since business ethics ultimately aims at influencing business practice, the course then focuses on the practical implementation of business ethics in multinational corporations.
Having successfully completed this module, the student should understand and apply the core principles of business ethics, which are relevant to today's industries, as outlined below:
- Understand the critical role and fundamental concepts of business ethics including corporate sustainability and responsibility, stakeholder management and value creation.
- Develop innovative approaches to new and existing business problems. (i.e., solving ethical challenges through stakeholder-oriented, responsible management practices)
- Identify relevant business problems and opportunities including ethical, economic, social, environmental and political aspects of global business, and then employ appropriate methodologies to solve decision problems (i.e., tools and frameworks for ethical decision-making and problem-solving)
- Demonstrate effective fundamental professional oral and written communications skills through group presentations and class discussions.
- Work effectively in a diverse team environment to generate an appropriate solution for a real-world business problem through group projects as well as case studies in class.
Investments & Sustainability (5 ECTS)
Allocating money from savers to borrowers provides capital for firms and governments, and allows individuals to achieve on their investment objectives over the investment cycle. In this module we will assess the opportunity set of different asset classes, and how to evaluate their risk and performance. We will investigate how assets are best combined to build portfolios, using methods from portfolio theory and practice. We will discuss the role of derivatives, mechanics of investing, and the behavioural aspects of investing. Finally, we will look at how sustainable finance and investing brings a new dimension to the investment world.
- Compare the main categories of financial assets (traditional and alternative), and their role in providing diversification to a portfolio.
- Assess the core concepts of investment theory and the mechanics of investing
- Evaluate the relationship between risk, return and the covariance of asset returns, and how these contribute to overall portfolio risk and performance.
- Calculate the optimal allocation of investment capital between risky assets.
- Critique the theory underlying asset pricing models such as Markowitz Model, Single Index Model (“SIM”) and the Capital Asset Pricing Model (“CAPM”)
- Critique different asset allocation models in particular Total Portfolio Approach (TPA) and Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA)
- Assess the role of sustainable finance in bringing a new dimension to the role of investing in society.
Dissertation (30 ECTS)
The objective of the project is to allow students to demonstrate and apply the techniques and knowledge acquired from the taught courses to a problem of real-world academic or managerial concern. To complete this module, which is worth 30 ECTS credits and is compulsory, students should:
- Demonstrate that they have a good knowledge of the relevant literature on their chosen topic
- Identify an interesting question associated with that topic and analyse this question using the techniques and tools learned, showing that they have a good grasp of the applicability of these techniques (statistical, numerical or theoretical);
- Present the results of their analysis in a clear and convincing manner, within the word limit of no more than 12,000 words;
- Show their ability to communicate their work to a broad audience via the creation of an executive summary which should be 1500 words or less and which should be in the form of an academic article or managerial report.
Fintech Regulation and Policy
This module explores the transformative impact of new technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) on business and financial services. Students will gain insights into the opportunities and challenges these innovations present for fintech business models, enhanced products, and processes. The course will engage with emerging legal, policy, and regulatory issues, equipping students to navigate the complexities of AI and technology-driven changes in the business world.
International Aviation Law
This module provides a comprehensive overview of the international regulatory framework governing civil aviation, from its early 20th-century origins to its current global significance. Students will explore key legal instruments such as the 1944 Chicago Convention, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and major conventions on carrier liability, crimes aboard aircraft, and aircraft hijacking. The course also addresses contemporary issues like the legal responses to the Covid-19 pandemic and the regulation of international interests in aviation equipment.
Industry experts, including speakers from the Irish Aviation Authority and Bird & Bird law firm, will contribute guest lectures. High-achieving students may have access to internship opportunities. This module is ideal for those interested in the legal dimensions of global aviation.
International Economic Law
This module covers the legal rules governing trade between states, with a focus on the World Trade Organization (WTO) and key international treaties like the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Students will explore trade in goods and services, intellectual property regulation, and principles such as most-favoured nation status and national treatment. The course also examines defences to trade rule breaches, the negotiation of trade agreements, and the resolution of international trade disputes.
Law and Risk
This module explores how law governs the concept of risk in various sectors, from climate and credit risk to health and security risks. It examines the evolution of risk governance, focusing on the challenges of anticipating and controlling uncertainty. The course covers traditional regulatory approaches, like command-and-control, as well as modern methods from Behavioural Law & Economics. Students will engage with key themes in risk regulation, analysing its application in fields such as economic, environmental, and health law. The module also addresses contemporary concerns, such as the balance between emergency powers and democratic governance, heightened by the COVID-19 crisis.
Legal Issues in Sustainable Finance
This module explores key legal issues in sustainable finance policy, focusing on the intersection of law, finance, and sustainability. It introduces core concepts such as sustainability risks, sustainable investments, and the institutions and products shaping the field. Students will examine the fiduciary duties of investment service providers, issues like greenwashing, and enforcement mechanisms. A significant focus is placed on information disclosure obligations, particularly within EU regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, and the EU Taxonomy Regulation. While EU law is central, the module also considers global relevance. Students will gain specialised, practical knowledge, enhancing their career prospects in sustainability-related roles across sectors
Mergers and Acquisitions
This module focuses on the legal and regulatory aspects of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), with particular emphasis on EU and Irish law. It is designed for students with a solid foundation in company law. The course explores the financial and strategic drivers behind M&A activity, as well as key legal frameworks governing domestic and cross-border mergers, takeover regulation, and corporate defence tactics. While grounded in European contexts, the module reflects the global scale of M&A, offering students a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic area of business law.
Business and Human Rights
This module examines the evolving field of Business and Human Rights, focusing on corporate accountability for human rights and environmental harms. It is accessible to both law and non-law students, though active engagement with readings and lectures is essential. Topics include the effectiveness of international initiatives, emerging EU regulations, and legal challenges around corporate liability in civil and criminal law. Students will explore corporate due diligence obligations, climate litigation, and the proposed UN treaty on Business and Human Rights. The course encourages critical evaluation of legal and policy tools aimed at preventing harm and ensuring access to remedies.
Commercial Litigation
This module offers an in-depth exploration of commercial litigation, with the Irish Commercial Court as a central case study. Students will follow the life cycle of a commercial dispute—from issuing proceedings through interlocutory stages to judgment—while critically analysing the procedural rules and norms that govern litigation. Key topics include eDiscovery, expert witnesses, and settlement practices. The module also emphasizes practical skill development, including drafting pleadings and building written and oral advocacy skills. While based on the Irish legal system, the skills gained are broadly applicable across jurisdictions, making this module valuable for students pursuing careers in commercial legal practice.
EU Aviation Law
This module offers an in-depth introduction to the regulation of civil aviation within the European Union, one of the fastest growing and most dynamic sectors in the EU. Students will explore how EU law has shaped a single market for air transport, enhancing connectivity across Europe and beyond. Key topics include liberalisation of the aviation sector, passenger rights, aviation safety and security, environmental protection, and the role of EU competition law in the industry. The module also examines EU external relations following landmark ‘Open Skies’ judgments and the regulatory response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Taught with input from leading professionals—including guest speakers from the Irish Aviation Authority, Ryanair, and top international law firms—this module combines academic insight with real-world expertise. High-achieving students may have the opportunity to apply for internships with industry partners. While prior knowledge of EU or competition law is helpful, it is not required.
International Business Tax Law
This module offers an accessible introduction to international and European business tax law, with no prior knowledge of taxation required. It begins with the historical foundations of international taxation, covering double taxation and tax treaties, with a focus on the OECD Model Tax Convention and its key business provisions. Students will explore how tax treaties are interpreted and how recent global developments are reshaping international tax norms.
The module also examines the evolution of direct taxation within the European Union, the impact of EU primary law, landmark case law, and major directives in areas such as fiscal state aid. Broader themes—including tax competition, international cooperation, and the role of businesses as global taxpayers—are discussed throughout. This course equips students with a strong foundational understanding of tax law in a global business context.
International Trade Law
This module explores key legal issues in international trade, drawing from both International Economic Law and Public International Law. Students will engage with some of the most pressing and controversial topics in global trade, including trade and development, agricultural trade, and the regulation of intellectual property and foreign investment. The module also examines tensions between international trade rules and environmental protection, providing a critical look at how international law responds to complex global challenges. It is ideal for students interested in the legal frameworks that shape global commerce and international cooperation.
Investment Law and Sustainable Development
This module explores the evolving relationship between international investment law and sustainable development. Unlike modules focused on sustainability in the financial sector, this course examines how international investment treaties shape foreign direct investment and their potential to support—or hinder—sustainable development goals.
Students will study the history and rationale behind investment treaties, the standards and mechanisms used in investor-state dispute settlement, and the broader impacts of these legal frameworks on human rights, climate change, and global policy. The module also covers current reform efforts and alternative approaches to investment governance that better align with sustainability. Encouraging critical and creative thinking, this course equips students to engage with one of the most dynamic and contested areas of international economic law.
Regulation of Alternative Investment Funds
This module introduces students to the world of alternative investment funds—particularly hedge funds and private equity—and the regulatory frameworks that govern them. Often viewed with a mix of admiration and suspicion due to their role in major financial events, these funds raise important questions around transparency, risk, and investor protection.
Students will explore the business models behind alternative investment funds, the benefits and risks they present, and the rationales for their regulation. The course focuses on the EU regulatory regime while also comparing it with the U.S. approach, offering a global perspective on one of the most dynamic sectors in financial markets. Ideal for students interested in finance, regulation, and the intersection of law and markets.
Credit and Fixed Income Instruments
This module introduces students to the key concepts and tools for managing fixed income and credit instruments within investment portfolios. It covers the characteristics, valuation, and application of various debt securities, alongside relevant derivatives and hedging strategies. Emphasis is placed on real-world usage and the broader role of fixed income markets in the financial system and society.
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the key models and techniques used in financial econometrics. Students will develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills in analysing financial data. Topics covered include the classical linear regression model, time series analysis, discrete choice models, and panel data techniques. The module emphasizes both the application and interpretation of econometric methods in a financial context. Students will engage with academic literature and work hands-on with econometric software to interpret real-world data and output, preparing them for empirical research and analytical roles in finance and economics.
This module equips students with a robust skill set in financial statement analysis, supporting informed decision-making across a range of financial and managerial contexts. Designed for both internal financial managers and external analysts, the module focuses on the techniques used to interpret and evaluate a company’s annual report. It offers an in-depth review of the five primary components: the income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, statement of changes in shareholders’ equity, and notes to the accounts.
A key objective is to enhance students’ ability to assess a firm’s past performance and make informed judgments about its prospects. The module also addresses current challenges in comparing and interpreting financial reports across companies. Students will develop competence in applying financial ratios and analytical tools commonly used in equity and credit analysis.
Beyond traditional financial metrics, the module introduces environmental and social impact reporting. It explores how sustainability considerations—guided by key European and international frameworks—can be integrated with financial data to support assessments that reflect the interests of a broader set of stakeholders. Emphasis is placed on the integrity, reliability, and comparability of both financial and sustainability disclosures.
This module examines the structure and dynamics of global energy markets, beginning with the energy value chain and key market participants. It covers the valuation of energy companies, highlighting challenges such as climate change and their impact on firm value. The module also explores energy derivatives, focusing on trading strategies, risk management, and recent developments in the energy trading landscape.
Financial Markets and Institutions
This module explores the role of financial systems in supporting modern economies. It examines key financial institutions and markets, as well as national and supranational bodies involved in financial oversight. Students will analyse past financial crises, their causes and effects, and evaluate regulatory responses aimed at enhancing financial stability and preventing future disruptions.
This module explores the financial challenges and tools relevant to international companies operating in a globalized economy. The first part focuses on the global financial environment, including exchange rate systems, international financial markets, and exchange rate determination. The second part addresses global risk management, introducing key derivatives—forwards, futures, and options—and their use in managing exchange rate risk. The module concludes by examining the role of international firms in addressing sustainability challenges, with reference to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This module offers an in-depth exploration of the private equity landscape, including buyouts, growth equity, venture capital, and the rise of private credit. Students will gain practical tools used by analysts and managers in evaluating private equity investments, from both investor and fund manager perspectives. The module also covers the role of debt financing in private transactions and features insights from leading industry professionals at firms such as Apollo, Blackstone, and KKR.
Trading Psychology and Behavioural Analysis
This module explores the psychological and behavioural dynamics of decision-making under risk in financial markets. Through practical trading exercises, students examine how cognitive biases, market sentiment, and behavioural finance theories influence trading performance—particularly in volatile environments shaped by crises and shifting monetary policy. The module draws on real-world applications, having been delivered to senior professionals at institutions such as Pictet Asset Managers, The Kuwaiti Sovereign Wealth Fund, Natwest Markets and Barclays Wealth Management
Treasury Management and Derivatives
This module introduces the core principles of treasury management, focusing on cash and liquidity management, financial risk mitigation, and capital structure strategy. Students will explore treasury’s role in managing risks—such as interest rate, FX, credit, and commodity—using derivatives like forwards, futures, swaps, and options. Emphasis is placed on aligning treasury policies with corporate goals, optimising capital structure, and understanding credit ratings and their impact on funding and investor relations through practical, real-world applications.