Commodities Trading

Commodity trading involves the trade of essential primary products such as metals, grains, oil etc. and intangibles such as interest rates, stock market indices etc. Participation in the global commodity trading business is a key mechanism used by modern organisations to accept or avoid additional risks arising due to uncertain prices of key core commodities. Given the global interconnectivity between commodity markets and capital markets, finance professionals need a sound understanding of how these markets function and the determinants of price movements and risk factors within these markets.

This course aims to critically analyse the structure and features of key commodity markets, factors which influence the prices of commodities, inherent risks associated in different commodities and the role played by key regulators in ensuring end to abusive speculation within the commodity markets. 

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the functioning of different types of commodity markets and how derivatives are traded in these markets
2. Specify factors which effect commodity price
3. Critically appraise the mechanisms of delivery and settlement in commodity trading
4. Critically evaluate the impact of key regulators and regulatory changes within the commodities market

Course content

You will cover the following topics:

• Skills for studying at masters level (including numeracy skills)
• Commodities as a new asset class and types of commodities
• Structure and features of metal, dry bulk trade and other major commodity markets
• Unique features of the energy and oil markets
• Commodity trading platform
• Risks associated in various commodity markets
• Factors which impact commodity prices
• Commodity derivatives
• Key regulators in the commodity markets
• Contemporary issues within the commodity market
• Regulatory changes

Offset course credits towards another qualification

Once you’ve completed this course you may be able to offset the 20 credits towards our online MSc Finance. This would reduce the number of modules you would need to study and the total cost of the course.

^‡2023/24 for new entrants

Starting between September 2023 and August 2024.

UK/EU fee: £1,055

International fee: £1,055

About your fees

Prices are correct for the year of entry shown. These are subject to annual increase in subsequent academic years.

You will need one of the following qualifications:

• UK degree from any subject area or equivalent overseas qualification
• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) F1-F9
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) Strategic Level

Entry is possible if you have HND or level 5 and two years of relevant managerial experience within finance.

English language qualification

If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.5
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 580 (paper based) 237 (computer based) or 92 (internet based)
• Pearson Test of Academic English: 51
• Cambridge Advanced Certificate: pass
• London Tests of English: we accept level 5 for postgraduate courses
• International GCE O-level English Language: grade C
• International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: grade C

Find out more about our English language requirements

Documents to support your application

In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:

• Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
• Current CV
• Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*

*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:

• Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
• The date of the translation
• The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
• The translator’s contact details

A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.

Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.

Students should apply directly to the University.

Apply now

For support with completing your application, view our guide to the application process.

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