This module seeks to provide an understanding of:
the role of securities markets in the economy;
their basic mechanics and technical features;
the valuation of financial assets;
the operational and allocative efficiency of the market.

(LO1) Appreciate the central role of securities markets in the economy

(LO2) Understand and apply appropriate economic theory to market organisation

(LO3) Display an understanding of the usefulness of portfolio theory and the approaches to the valuation of financial assets

(LO4) Read the financial press and appreciate issues relating to the study of the securities markets

(S1) Adaptability

(S2) Problem solving skills

(S3) Numeracy

(S4) Commercial awareness

(S5) Teamwork

(S6) Organisational skills

(S7) Communication skills

(S8) IT skills

(S9) International awareness

(S10) Lifelong Learning Skills

(S11) Ethical Awareness

Teaching Method: Lecture
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 24
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method: Seminar
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 6
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 6 x 1 hour bi-weekly, small group, face to face sessions

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 120
Description: Self-Directed Learning will include research activity, developing academic writing skills, and wider reading to support the module

There are the following non-modular requirements:
ECON121 or ECON123 or ACFI103

Skills/Other Attributes Mapping

Skills / attributes: Lifelong Learning Skills
How this is developed: Taught
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination

Skills / attributes: International awareness
How this is developed: Consistent within the context of the Global financial markets
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination

Skills / attributes: IT skills
How this is developed: Students will be encouraged to use the various on-line resources quoted for this module.
Mode of assessment (if applicable):

Skills / attributes: Communication skills
How this is developed: Effective written communication
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination

Skills / attributes: Organisational skills
How this is developed: Through effective preparation for tutorials, the weekly coursework and the May exam – evidenced by the quality of answers provided on the exam
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination

Skills / attributes: Teamwork
How this is developed: Not formally assessed but students will be encouraged to problem solve independently with peers when preparing for tutorials.
Mode of assessment (if applicable)

Skills / attributes: Commercial awareness
How this is developed: Day to day operations of global financial markets (press and media review)
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination

Skills / att ributes: Numeracy
How this is developed: Through quantitative style Q&A in class, online tests, tutorials and exam
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination

Skills / attributes: Problem solving skills
How this is developed: Q&A in class, tutorials, online tests and relevant exam questions
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination

Skills / attributes: Adaptability
How this is developed: Through application of taught concepts.
Mode of assessment (if applicable)

Skills / attributes: Ethical Awareness
How this is developed: Through application of taught concepts.
Mode of assessment (if applicable)

Finance and Financial Markets;
 
Monetary Policy, Interest Rate Determination and Quantitative Easing;
 
The Bond Market. Credit Rating agencies;
 
Portfolio Analysis: Risk and Return;
 
The Capital Asset Pricing Model;
 
Stock Markets and Equities;
 
The Efficiency of Financial Markets;
 
Futures and Options;
 
The 2007-2009 Financial Crisis and associated securities

The Impact of COVID-19 on the global financial markets.