Alternative Investments

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 appreciation for the importance of responsible investing
demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical concepts of alternative investments

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.

Study time
Type	Hours
Seminar	10
Lecture	24
Preparation for scheduled sessions	10
Revision	27
Follow-up work	49
Completion of assessment task	30
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

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.

Anson, M. J. P. (2006). Handbook of Alternative Assets. 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.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Examination	100%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
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.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Examination	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External