View Specification DocumentPrivate Equity & Venture Capital ACCFIN4088
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: Adam Smith Business School
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Semester 2
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
The course introduces students to the main types of private capital financing for firms, including venture capital investment and private equity buyouts.
Timetable
Workshops: 11 weeks x 2 hours
Seminars: 3 weeks x 1 hour
Asynchronous learning activities will consist of a variety of activities, such as readings, case studies, models, and practice questions.
Requirements of Entry
Normally a grade D3 or above in Finance 2 or equivalent.
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
1. Written assignment, including essay; Individual; 2000 words; 25%; ILOs 1-3, 5-6.
2. Degree exam: in-person; Individual; 120 minutes; 75%; ILOs 1,3,4,6.
Main Assessment In: April/May
Course Aims
The course seeks to provide students with a thorough understanding of private equity and venture capital asset classes and the participants in these markets. The course introduces private equity and venture capital investors and how they operate throughout their lifecycle, placing an emphasis on the investment process, valuation, and transaction structures. Private equity investment strategies will be discussed, and empirical evidence on the effects of private equity ownership on target firms will be examined. Private equity fund structure and the economics of funds will then be introduced. Fund performance measurement will be explored, and popular methods of performance appraisal used in the private equity industry will be critically evaluated.
The course aims are:
■ Develop skills on data management and analysis, presentation, and statistical and financial analysis
■ Apply financial theory to real world problems in entrepreneurial and corporate finance
■ Understand and evaluate empirical evidence and research in finance
■ Analyse and evaluate current industry practice in the finance industry
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a clear understanding of topics in applied corporate & entrepreneurial finance, and analyse and apply these to real-world situations
2. Apply data management and analysis skills
3. Demonstrate critical thinking through reports, discussions and exams
4. Evaluate industry practice in financial markets, and critically discuss relevant research
5. Manage uncertainty in the context of the evolving business environment
6. Communicate clearly and effectively in written format