LW7093 - Corporate Finance

What will I learn on this module?

This module is designed to provide you with an appreciation of the law which forms the foundation of commercial practice with particular reference to corporate finance. The specific topics that you will be taught include; (1) drafting issues in financial contracts, (2) the international dimension to commercial finance, (3) different forms of security required by lending institutions, (4) issues relating to commercial risk, conduct and regulation issues. By the end of the module you will be able to identify and critically evaluate the different types of structures companies use to raise capital and understand the rationale behind the differing financial structures open to companies when raising finance. You will gain an understanding of the rationale behind a floatation, either as an initial public offering (IPO) or as a secondary offer. The module will explore the legal and regulatory requirements of an IPO and the effect of this on the company and its directors, and to demonstrate and understand the continuing obligations of listed companies after an IPO. You will also be able to critically comment on different types of corporate borrowing and different forms of security.

How will I learn on this module?

You will be taught in formal sessions (lectures and seminars) and we will also facilitate independent study/learning opportunities to enable you to gain a thorough understanding of corporate finance. The lectures will cover a range of key theoretical and practical concepts relating to corporate finance. The seminars will provide you with an opportunity to apply concepts covered in the lectures and gain further practical insights and discuss the theory in the context of your own experiences and research. During these seminars you will receive feedback from your tutors and from fellow students and this will further enhance your learning experience. This module is supported by a range of electronic materials, which are made available to all students via Blackboard Ultra. These include lecture recordings, written guidance, worked examples of assignments with answer schemes, and self-test exercises. Regular formative feedback will be provided by the teaching team and module tutor during timetabled sessions.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The University and the module tutor ensure that you have the outstanding support in learning and research, with an excellent library and teaching facilities, access to on-line legal databases and resources and appropriate software. Your module tutor will be the primary source of academic guidance. Your learning will also be supported by a range of electronic materials, which are made available to all students via Blackboard Ultra. These include lecture recordings, written guidance, worked examples of assignments, and self-test exercises. Academic support is also available through formative feedback during timetabled sessions. You will get formative assessment, by self-test questions in module materials, group discussion, informal peer assessment and assessed and non- assessed exercises. Answers to self-test questions will be provided on Blackboard Ultra and your tutor will give oral and written feedback to you as required. At programme level you will be supported by the Programme Leader who will provide pastoral support throughout the module and the programme as a whole.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. You will be able to display and critically apply expert knowledge within the field of Corporate Finance.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

2. You will be able to analyse and communicate complex legal and policy issues relating to Corporate Finance.

3. You will be able to critically evaluate source material, suggest alternative approaches to Corporate Finance and its application in practice and reflect on the application of your knowledge and that of others within practical contexts.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

4. You will take responsibility for your own independent learning and continued professional development in respect of corporate finance, working independently to further enhance existing skills and develop new skills to a high level.

How will I be assessed?

Formative assessment will be achieved by self-test questions in module materials, group discussion, informal peer assessment and assessed and non-assessed exercises. Individual and group feedback will be given to students in the small group sessions on their performance after the submission of practice assignments and/or workshop tasks.

Summative Assessment will be undertaken on an individual basis by way of assignment, which constitutes 100% of the marks for this module. This assignment aims to encourage a deep and critical approach to learning, developing an ability to think widely about the issues of corporate finance presented within the module and to explore these in line with directed and independent learning.

The module is assessed by coursework with a maximum word limit of 3,000 words. The assessment will take the form of a problem-based scenario which will be designed to facilitate examination of specific aspects of relevant corporate governance and related legal research and may include discussion of recent developments, where appropriate assessment criteria will be provided to enable you to understand what is expected of you and how you will be judged on your performance.

Pre-requisite(s)

NA

Co-requisite(s)

NA

Module abstract

This module covers some of the issues relevant to conducting business successfully in the modern world and will be of interest to any students who work within commercial/corporate environment and also for those who are looking to gain an insight into the world of corporate finance. The aim of this module is to provide students with an appreciation of the legal and practical issues that arise when considering the different types of structures companies use to raise capital and understand the rationale behind the differing financial structures open to companies when raising finance. By the end of the module you will be able to identify and critically evaluate the different types of structures companies use to raise capital and understand the rationale behind the differing financial structures open to companies when raising finance. You will gain an understanding of the rationale behind a floatation, either as an initial public offering (IPO) or as a secondary offer. The module will explore the legal and regulatory requirements of an IPO and the effect of this on the company and its directors, and to demonstrate and understand the continuing obligations of listed companies after an IPO. You will also be able to critically comment on different types of corporate borrowing and different forms of security

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time

Department Northumbria Law School

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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