Introduction to Securities and Investment
Module description
This module is intended for Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship students who would like an introduction to the role of securities and investment from the perspective of investment operations. You will examine some of the main asset classes in detail, including equities, bonds, derivatives and investment funds. Main types of investment wrappers, the principles of taxation and the use of trusts will also be presented.
Full module specification
| Module title: | Introduction to Securities and Investment |
|---|---|
| Module code: | BEF1002DA |
| 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 2: 10 |
Module aims
This module aims to provide students with a broad understanding on the fundamentals of securities and investment under the current economic environment.
This module shows how understanding of the disadvantages and advantages and risks associated with financial assets can be provided to support an organisation’s management in investment decision-making and control. Students will learn how investment instruments or products are typically used within the industry and how they may meet specified client objectives. The overall aim is to give an introduction to securities and investment from a wider user perspective.
ILO: Module-specific skills
- 1. Distinguish the features and benefits of different securities and investment
- 2. Evaluate the advantages, disadvantages and risk associated with each type of securities and investment
- 3. Understand how an investment instrument or product is typically used within the industry and how it may meet specified client objectives
- 4. Describe the uses and application of derivatives and alternative investments
- 5. Identify the direct and indirect taxes that are applied to individuals
- 6. Describe the characteristics and benefits provided by pensions
- 7. Explain the main reasons for creating trusts
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
- 8. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the main investment products
- 9. Use financial concepts and conventions to apply investment principles in practical situations
- 10. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of specific markets and supporting operational protocols
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. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the role of the function in which they work and how this role relates to other functions to the wider business
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 150 |
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 | 1-8 | Marks and feedback |
| Online Discussion | Online discussion contributions | 1-14 | Online discussion feedback from peers and lecturer |
| Weekly online quizzes | Four quizzes, each taking about 20 minutes | 1-14 | 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 | 1-8 | |
| Applied Exercise/ Assignment (Essay, report, or other agreed material or artefact) | 50 | 2,000 words or equivalent total | 1-14 |
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 | 1-hour 50 MCQs | 1-8 | In line with University regulations |
| Applied Exercise/ Assignment (Essay, report, or other agreed material or artefact) | 50% 2,000 words or equivalent total | 1-14 | In line with University regulations |
Re-assessment notes
Defer – as first time
Refer – capped at 40%
Syllabus plan
- Types of Equities
- Benefits and Risks of Owning Shares
- Characteristics of Bonds
- Benefits and Risks of Investing in Bonds
- Uses and Application of Derivatives
- Benefits and Risks of Investing in Derivatives
- Characteristics of Investment Funds
- Benefits and Risks of Investing in Investment Funds
- Taxation, Investment Wrappers and Trusts
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
15/03/2019