Introduction to Financial Assets and Markets
Module description
This module is intended for Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship students who would like an introduction to the role of financial assets and markets from the perspective of investment operations. The module introduces you to the financial services industry and examines the role of the industry and the main participants that are seen in financial centres around the globe. Some key measure of economic data and the role of central banks are discussed. The module also provides an overview of international regulation and a section on professional integrity and ethics.
Full module specification
| Module title: | Introduction to Financial Assets and Markets |
|---|---|
| Module code: | BEF1001DA |
| Module level: | 1 |
| Academic year: | 2020/1 |
| Module lecturers: | |
| Module credit: | 20 |
| ECTS value: | 10 |
| Pre-requisites: | None |
| Co-requisites: | None |
| Duration of module: |
Duration (weeks) - term 1: 10 |
Module aims
This module aims to equip students with a background in the financial assets and markets, the scope of financial services and tax regulation in the UK and the analysis of other financial products. The module provides an overview of financial assets and markets by looking at the characteristics of cash deposits, the money markets, property and the foreign exchange markets. A review of the other types of financial products, such as loans, mortgages and protection products including life assurance will also be discussed.
This module shows how an understanding of financial assets and markets can be provided to support an organisation’s management in investment decision-making and control. The overall aim is to give an introduction to financial assets and markets from a wider user perspective.
ILO: Module-specific skills
- 1. Describe the role of the financial intermediaries within the financial services industry
- 2. Analyse the function of and differences between retail and professional business
- 3. Identify the role of the investment distribution channels
- 4. Appraise the economic environment, function of central banks and operation of monetary policy
- 5. Understand the features of financial assets and financial markets
- 6. Apply key principles of financial services and tax regulation in the industry
- 7. Distinguish the characteristics of other financial products
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
- 8. Understand how financial data is used by diverse stakeholder groups
- 9. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the structure of the industry, and in particular the role and purpose of markets
- 10. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the financial services regulatory framework and ethics
ILO: Personal and key skills
- 11. Demonstrate high quality written and verbal communication skills
- 12. Apply knowledge of relevant rules and principles to their own role and within their team
- 13. Identify and communicate perceived compliance risks to the relevant management
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 150 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities | 14 hours (2 days) | Masterclass/workshops |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 30 hours | Online lectures and webinars |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 6 hours | Revision |
| Guided independent study | 150 hours | Reading and research, web-based activities |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mock Exam | 1-hour 50 MCQs | 1-7 | Marks and feedback |
| Online Discussion | Online discussion contributions | 1-12 | Online discussion feedback from peers and lecturer |
| Weekly online quizzes | Four quizzes, each taking about 20 minutes | 1-12 | Correct answers on ELE |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam | 50 | 1-hour 50 MCQs | 1-7 | |
| Applied Exercise/ Assignment (Essay, report, or other agreed material or artefact) | 50 | 2,000 words or equivalent total | 1-13 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam | 50% 1-hour 50 MCQs | 1-7 | Next available opportunity |
| Applied Exercise/ Assignment (Essay, report, or other agreed material or artefact) | 50% 2,000 words or equivalent total | 1-13 |
Re-assessment notes
Defer – as first time
Refer – capped at 40%
Syllabus plan
- Introduction to the Financial Services Industry
- Role of Financial Intermediaries
- Economic Environment
- Role of Central Banks
- Financial Assets and Markets
- Financial Services Regulation
- Financial Crime, Insider Dealing and Market Abuse
- Other Financial Products
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
- Brigham, E., and J. Houston (2010), Fundamentals of Financial Management. South Western Cengage.
- Reilly, F.K. and Brown, K. (2009), Analysis of Investments and Portfolio Management, 9th edition, UK: South-Western.
- Introduction to Securities and Investment, CISI Workbook Edition 34, the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Origin date
27/02/19
Last revision date
15/03/19