

MBA in Finance at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA)


Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Finance at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) Thanjavur?
This Finance program at SASTRA Deemed University focuses on equipping students with advanced financial concepts, analytical skills, and strategic decision-making abilities crucial for the dynamic Indian financial landscape. It differentiates itself by integrating both theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing graduates for a range of roles in banking, investment, and corporate finance. The Indian financial sector''''s rapid growth fuels a high demand for skilled finance professionals, making this specialization highly relevant.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from commerce, management, or engineering backgrounds seeking entry into investment banking, financial analysis, or wealth management. It also caters to working professionals aiming to upskill for leadership roles in corporate finance or transition into specialized financial services within India. Individuals with strong quantitative aptitude, a keen interest in economic trends, and a desire to contribute to India''''s financial growth are particularly well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as financial analysts, portfolio managers, investment bankers, and corporate treasurers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 lakhs per annum, growing significantly with experience and expertise. The program aligns with industry certifications like NISM and CFA, enhancing professional credibility and accelerating career growth in leading Indian and global firms operating within the country.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Financial Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to thoroughly understand fundamental concepts in Accounting for Management and Financial Management. Utilize prescribed textbooks, online courses (e.g., NPTEL, Coursera''''s Finance for Non-Finance Professionals), and practice problem-solving regularly to build a solid base.
Tools & Resources
ICAI study materials for conceptual clarity, Khan Academy Finance modules, Microsoft Excel for basic financial calculations
Career Connection
A strong foundation in financial principles is essential for all future finance roles, ensuring accurate analysis and informed decision-making in any corporate or banking environment in India.
Develop Quantitative and Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on enhancing proficiency in Business Statistics and Managerial Economics. Practice data interpretation, statistical modeling, and economic analysis. Participate in quantitative aptitude workshops or online challenges to hone problem-solving abilities critical for finance.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R for basic data analysis, Online platforms like Analytics Vidhya, DataCamp
Career Connection
Critical for roles in financial modeling, risk management, and investment analysis, where data-driven insights are paramount for Indian businesses and financial institutions.
Engage in Peer Learning and Study Groups- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with peers to discuss complex topics, prepare for examinations, and share insights. Collaboratively solve case studies and conduct mock presentations to improve understanding and communication skills, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Tools & Resources
Group study sessions, Online collaboration tools (e.g., Google Docs), Library resources and academic journals
Career Connection
Fosters teamwork and communication, crucial soft skills highly valued in India''''s collaborative corporate work culture and for excelling in group projects and professional interactions.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Industry-Relevant Certifications- (Semester 3)
While studying finance electives, simultaneously prepare for and attempt certifications like NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets) modules (e.g., Equity Derivatives, Mutual Funds) or foundational modules of CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) to gain practical knowledge and credibility.
Tools & Resources
NISM workbooks, CFA Institute resources, Dedicated online prep courses from reputable providers
Career Connection
These certifications significantly boost employability in the Indian financial sector, demonstrating specialized knowledge and commitment to employers and enhancing your resume for competitive roles.
Actively Seek and Maximize Internship Opportunities- (Semester 3 (Summer after Semester 2))
Secure a summer internship (as mandated by the curriculum) with a reputable bank, financial institution, or corporate finance department. Focus on practical application of classroom knowledge and networking with industry professionals to gain real-world exposure.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, LinkedIn for professional networking, Company career portals and internship fairs
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable real-world experience, often leading to pre-placement offers (PPOs) and a deeper understanding of the Indian financial market''''s operational nuances and challenges.
Participate in Financial Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 3)
Join inter-college stock market simulations, investment pitch competitions, or financial modeling workshops. These provide hands-on experience and a competitive edge, applying theoretical knowledge to practical, fast-paced scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Stock market simulators (e.g., NSE Smart), E-Cell events and Fin-Tech hackathons, Bloomberg Terminal access (if available)
Career Connection
Builds a strong resume, demonstrates practical skills, and provides networking opportunities with potential employers and industry experts in India, showcasing your analytical prowess.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Capstone Project- (Semester 4)
Choose a research topic or a real-world business problem for the final Project Work that aligns with your career aspirations in finance. Apply advanced analytical tools and financial models to derive actionable insights, demonstrating your problem-solving capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Bloomberg Terminal or Refinitiv Eikon (if available), Advanced Excel/VBA, Statistical software like R or Python for financial analysis
Career Connection
A well-executed project demonstrates deep domain knowledge, research capabilities, and practical application skills, making you a strong candidate for specialized finance roles in India.
Intensive Placement Preparation and Mock Interviews- (Semester 4)
Engage rigorously in placement preparation, focusing on quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, domain-specific finance knowledge, and behavioral interview skills. Participate in mock interviews with faculty, alumni, and external mentors to refine your performance.
Tools & Resources
University career services cell, Online aptitude test platforms (e.g., IndiaBix), Interview preparation guides and company-specific resources
Career Connection
Directly impacts securing desirable placements in top Indian and multinational companies by ensuring you are well-prepared for the competitive interview process and articulate your value proposition effectively.
Network Strategically with Alumni and Industry Leaders- (Semester 4)
Leverage the university''''s alumni network and participate in industry seminars, conferences, and conclaves. Build meaningful connections that can open doors to mentorship, job referrals, and career guidance within the Indian financial sector, expanding your professional reach.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, Alumni portals and events, Industry association events (e.g., FICCI, CII, NASSCOM)
Career Connection
Strategic networking is crucial for career advancement, uncovering hidden job markets, and gaining insights into industry trends and opportunities in India, fostering long-term professional relationships.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Any UG Degree (10+2+3 or 10+2+4) from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% aggregate. Valid CAT / XAT / NMAT / CMAT / ATMA / GMAT / SASTRA MBA Admission Test (SMAT) score is required. (Source: SASTRA Admissions Page)
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 83 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA101 | Management Principles and Practices | Core | 3 | Nature of Management, Planning & Decision Making, Organizing & Staffing, Directing & Controlling, Recent Trends in Management |
| MBA102 | Managerial Economics | Core | 3 | Economic Environment of Business, Demand Analysis and Forecasting, Production and Cost Analysis, Pricing Decisions, Market Structures, Business Cycles |
| MBA103 | Accounting for Management | Core | 3 | Financial Accounting Basics, Cost Accounting Concepts, Management Accounting Tools, Financial Statement Analysis, Budgeting and Variance Analysis, Working Capital Management |
| MBA104 | Organizational Behaviour | Core | 3 | Foundations of OB, Perception and Learning, Motivation Theories, Group Dynamics & Team Building, Leadership and Power, Conflict and Negotiation |
| MBA105 | Business Statistics | Core | 3 | Data Analysis and Presentation, Probability and Probability Distributions, Sampling and Estimation, Hypothesis Testing, Correlation and Regression Analysis, Time Series Analysis |
| MBA106 | Legal and Ethical Environment of Business | Core | 3 | Indian Contract Act, Sale of Goods Act, Companies Act, Consumer Protection Act, Intellectual Property Rights, Business Ethics and Corporate Governance |
| MBA107 | Communication for Management | Core | 3 | Process of Communication, Oral Communication Skills, Written Communication, Non-verbal Communication, Presentation Skills, Business Reports and Correspondence |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA201 | Financial Management | Core | 3 | Goals of Financial Management, Capital Budgeting Decisions, Cost of Capital, Capital Structure Theories, Working Capital Management, Dividend Policy |
| MBA202 | Marketing Management | Core | 3 | Marketing Concepts, Product Strategy, Pricing Strategy, Promotion Strategy, Distribution Channels, Services Marketing |
| MBA203 | Human Resource Management | Core | 3 | HR Planning, Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Performance Management, Compensation Management, Industrial Relations |
| MBA204 | Operations Management | Core | 3 | Operations Strategy, Product and Process Design, Capacity Planning, Inventory Management, Quality Management, Supply Chain Management |
| MBA205 | Research Methods for Management | Core | 3 | Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis Techniques, Hypothesis Testing, Report Writing and Presentation |
| MBA206 | Macro-Economics and Business Environment | Core | 3 | National Income Accounting, Inflation and Unemployment, Monetary and Fiscal Policy, International Trade Theories, Balance of Payments, Indian Economic Environment |
| MBA207 | Innovation and Entrepreneurship | Core | 3 | Concept of Entrepreneurship, Innovation Process, Business Plan Development, Funding for Startups, Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship |
| MBA208 | Management Information Systems | Core | 3 | Information Systems in Business, Database Management Systems, Enterprise Systems, E-Business and E-Commerce, IT Security and Controls, Decision Support Systems |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA3C01 | Summer Internship | Project/Internship | 2 | Project Identification, Literature Review, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Report Writing, Presentation |
| MBA3F01 | Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management | Elective (Finance) | 3 | Investment Environment, Security Analysis, Equity and Bond Valuation, Portfolio Theory, Portfolio Performance Evaluation, Mutual Funds |
| MBA3F02 | Financial Markets and Services | Elective (Finance) | 3 | Indian Financial System, Money Market Instruments, Capital Market Operations, Banking and Financial Institutions, Merchant Banking, Leasing and Hire Purchase |
| MBA3F03 | Derivatives and Risk Management | Elective (Finance) | 3 | Introduction to Derivatives, Futures Contracts, Options Contracts, Swaps, Risk Management Strategies, Hedging Techniques |
| MBA3F04 | International Financial Management | Elective (Finance) | 3 | Exchange Rate Theories, Foreign Exchange Markets, International Capital Budgeting, International Working Capital Management, International Hedging Strategies, Global Financial Institutions |
| MBA3F05 | Corporate Taxation and Planning | Elective (Finance) | 3 | Direct Taxes (Income Tax Act), Indirect Taxes (GST), Tax Planning for Companies, Assessment Procedures, Tax Management, International Taxation Overview |
| MBA3F06 | Financial Reporting and Analysis | Elective (Finance) | 3 | Financial Statements, Ratio Analysis, Cash Flow Statements, Fund Flow Statements, Financial Forecasting, Corporate Governance and Ethics |
| MBA3F07 | Strategic Financial Management | Elective (Finance) | 3 | Financial Strategy Formulation, Value Based Management, Corporate Restructuring, Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Distress, Corporate Governance |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA4P01 | Project Work | Project/Internship | 6 | Research Methodology, Problem Definition, Data Collection and Analysis, Thesis Writing, Presentation and Defense, Ethical Considerations |
| MBA4F01 | Wealth Management | Elective (Finance) | 3 | Financial Planning Process, Investment Products for Individuals, Retirement Planning, Estate Planning, Tax Planning for Individuals, Risk Management in Wealth |
| MBA4F02 | Behavioral Finance | Elective (Finance) | 3 | Psychological Biases in Finance, Heuristics and Cognitive Errors, Prospect Theory, Market Anomalies, Herd Behavior, Emotional Investing |
| MBA4F03 | Financial Modelling and Valuation | Elective (Finance) | 3 | Excel Modelling Basics, Financial Statement Modelling, Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), Relative Valuation Techniques, Sensitivity and Scenario Analysis, Valuation of Startups |
| MBA4F04 | Fintech and Digital Finance | Elective (Finance) | 3 | Digital Payments and Wallets, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies, AI and Machine Learning in Finance, Robo-Advisors, Peer-to-Peer Lending, Regulatory Technology (RegTech) |
| MBA4F05 | Project Appraisal and Financing | Elective (Finance) | 3 | Project Identification, Project Feasibility Analysis, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Sources of Project Financing, Risk Analysis in Projects, Project Monitoring and Control |
| MBA4F06 | Mergers and Acquisitions | Elective (Finance) | 3 | M&A Process, Valuation in M&A, Financing Mergers and Acquisitions, Due Diligence, Post-Merger Integration, Legal and Regulatory Aspects of M&A |




