This module provides an introduction to financial markets and financial institutions. The module focuses first on understanding financial markets and introduces students to key asset classes (stocks, bonds, options). Topics may include the role and behaviour of interest rates, risk and the term structure, the theory of Rational Expectations and the Efficient Market Hypothesis. The module then focuses on the role of financial institutions in the economy. Topics may include the economic analysis of financial structure, banking and the management of financial institutions, the economic analysis of financial regulation, the structure and competition within the banking industry, and financial crises.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main financial instruments and the economic principles underlying their use;
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of what a financial system is and what it does;
apply concepts and principles to evaluate the role of financial institutions and financial instruments in the economy.
Assessment
33188-02 : 2 hour Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (50%)
33188-03 : Canvas test 1 : Coursework (25%)
33188-04 : Canvas test 2 : Coursework (25%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessments: 1500-Word Equivalent Group Coursework (50%) 2-Hour Final Examination (50%)