Portfolio Theory is a capstone course within the Master of Applied Finance that draws on previously studied investment principles, theories and techniques. The objective of this course is to introduce students to portfolio construction and asset allocation. It will focus on gaps in theory and how they can be managed in practice. Examples include challenges/realities in estimating and implementing portfolio optimization programs, role of liquidity, and importance of plan governance. It covers duties to clients, types of investment products, explores links between investment risk and return, introduces tools for use in portfolio construction, brings in analysis of fixed income products and introduces techniques to evaluate past investment performance. A major component of the course is a research project students must undertake. This project will develop students understanding of financial research planning, methodology and implementation.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
By the end of this course students are expected to:
- Understand and implement portfolio construction at the overall plan level, taking into account investor objectives and the practical challenges of implementation.
- Appreciate the use and limitations of portfolio theory.
- Describe the main characteristics of key asset classes, and the role they each play within a balanced portfolio.
- Communicate complex portfolio structures and strategies to a diverse audience.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of financial research planning, methodology and implementation.
Indicative Assessment
- In class assessment (quizzes) 10%
- Mid-semester examination 15%
- Final Examination 25%
- Major research project 50% (10% on initial project design, 40% on final project)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Ten hours per week of combination of lectures, tutorials plus private study time.
Prescribed Texts
Stewart, S., Piros, C. and Heisler, J., Running Money: Professional Portfolio Management, 1st Edition, McGraw Hill, 2009
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Students continuing in their current program of study will have their tuition fees indexed annually from the year in which you commenced your program. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 12 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $6168 | |
| 2014 | $6492 | |
| 2013 | $6180 | |
| 2012 | $6180 | |
| 2011 | $6180 | |
| 2010 | $6180 | |
| 2009 | $6180 | |
| 2008 | $6180 | |
| 2007 | $6180 | |
| 2006 | $6180 | |
| 2005 | $6168 | |
| 2004 | $6168 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $6168 |
| 2014 | $7884 |
| 2013 | $7524 |
| 2012 | $7512 |
| 2011 | $7512 |
| 2010 | $7512 |
| 2009 | $6900 |
| 2008 | $6900 |
| 2007 | $6900 |
| 2006 | $6732 |
| 2005 | $6168 |
| 2004 | $6168 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
