Module overview
Alternative investment strategies became increasingly popular among investors to achieve better returns. This module looks beyond the traditional investments such as shares and bonds. It covers a range of topics that introduce the world of alternative investment strategies; in particular hedge funds, private equity and real estate investment trusts. Lectures are followed by in-depth practical examples using statistical packages, discussions and tools that show the real world implications.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- how alternative investments can be employed by investment managers to the needs of investors
- how to evaluate the performance of hedge funds and other alternative investments
- the concepts and market dynamics of hedge funds, commodity markets, private equity markets, real estate markets and responsible investing.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- demonstrate competence in written communication
- demonstrate competence generally in numerical analysis and problem solving;
- identify appropriate techniques and apply them to particular investment decisions
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical concepts of alternative investments
- demonstrate an appreciation for the importance of responsible investing
Syllabus
Introduction to Alternative Investments
Performance of Alternative Investments
Hedge Funds I
Hedge Funds II
Commodities and Managed Futures
Private Equity
Real Estate
Credit derivatives
Responsible Investment
Carbon Investment
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Weekly lectures will provide an overview of the main issues arising in the module.
Weekly classes will supplement the lectures which will support student learning by providing opportunities for students to attempt, and gain feedback on, numerical and problem-solving exercises. You will also have the opportunity for both directed and non-directed independent reading.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Lecture | 24 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 10 |
Follow-up work | 49 |
Revision | 27 |
Completion of assessment task | 30 |
Seminar | 10 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Anson, M. J. P. (2006). Handbook of Alternative Assets. John Wiley & Sons.
Anson, M. J. P., Fabozzi, F. J., and Jones, F. J. (2011). The Handbook of Traditional and Alternative Investment Vehicles: Investment Characteristics and Strategies. John Wiley & Sons.
Anson, M. J. P., Chambers, D. R., Black, K. H., and Kazemi, H. (2012). CAIA Level I: An Introduction to Core Topics in Alternative Investments. John Wiley & Sons.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
In-class activities
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Feedback from in-class activities will be provided in the classes and further feedback can be sought from the module leader during their office hours.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External