Overview
Financial Markets and Risk (FMRI) is a core module and must form part of the first 60 credits achieved.
This module is designed to provide an introduction to the environment within which the financial services industry operates and explores the main components of the financial system.
It starts by describing the marketplace and its key features, and introduces the different types of stakeholders, exploring their interrelationships and considering the key influences upon them. After setting the scene, the unit focuses on the impact of economic, institutional, market and regulatory factors on the financial services industry.
The module provides an overview of the monetary and financial system and its functions, and looks at the importance of financial institutions, markets and instruments within this system. Included within this are the processes of financial intermediation and disintermediation. Rather than focusing on categories of institutions, the unit concentrates on the reasons why individual financial institutions choose their particular business model.
The module focuses on the markets that are important today, with particular reference to their structure and the factors that impact on pricing. Similarly, with financial instruments, the unit also concentrates on those that are relevant and important today, and aims to provide students with an understanding of how such instruments are used.
Finally, the module looks at the main principles of regulation, the reasons why they are important and how regulation impacts upon financial organisations.
Course details
Cost
The cost of this module depends on the study method you choose:
Distance learning
£735.00
Flexible learning (incl 3 workshops)
£895.00
Approved Provider costs are arranged on an individual basis with the academic centre. Please contact Admissions, Academic Management and Student Services Office on +44 (0) 1227 829499 to discuss.
Next course start date
1 May 2012
Programme application deadline 1 March 2012 (new students)
Module registration deadline 2 April 2012 (existing students)
Studying for this module
The course of study lasts 24 weeks and the overall study time for the module is 300 hours (approximately 12 hours per week), including assessment preparation time. You will be guided through your studies by the learning materials and supported by your associate lecturer.
Learning support
There are a number of study methods available, allowing you to select the approach that is best suited to your support needs. Choose from:
- Distance learning: a more flexible approach to studying, which allows you to fit your learning around your job and other commitments. You will be supported by a subject associate lecturer who can provide guidance on how to study and answer any questions you have about the course content.
- Approved provider: the ifs School of Finance has an international network of approved academic centres that provide tuition and support to students. As a student at an approved centre you will have regular tutorials led by an ifs approved associate lecturer. You will benefit from access to the learning resources of the academic centre, as well as meeting regularly with your student colleagues.
- Flexible learning: allows you to fit your studies around your life but still benefit from face-to-face contact with an associate lecturer. A series of 3 1-day workshops, run by specialist associate lecturers, are scheduled at regular intervals throughout the course of study. Workshops cover specific module topics and are an opportunity to ask questions and meet other students.
Learning resources
For each module you will receive a core text, written by industry experts and updated regularly to reflect the fast-changing nature of the financial services industry. ifs learning materials are developed specifically around each module syllabus and learning outcomes.
Through the ifs secure website you will have access to the following additional resources:
- student induction materials that provide guidance study skills and tips on preparing for assessment
- our e-library, ifs KnowledgeBank, which contains a wide range of current research and management data to help you with your studies. It gives you the opportunity to access a wealth of study material, which includes textbooks, financial glossaries and articles from leading journals. ifs KnowledgeBank is an important tool in enabling you to expand your knowledge and read around particular subject areas
- module discussion forums – you can use these to post questions to a web tutor, raise a query with the ifs or chat to other students
- electronic copies of learning materials giving you greater flexibility to choose when and where you study
- specimen assessment material.
Assessment
Comprises 3 assessment components:
- A 1-hour multiple-choice examination (30%)
- Coursework (20%)
- End of Course Assignment (50%)
Further details
View the Financial Markets and Risk summary syllabus
View the full-length Financial Markets and Risk module specification, which includes the syllabus for the Professional Certificate in Banking.
View the Financial Markets and Risk module specification for the Professional and Applied Diplomas (please note these qualifications are being phased out and are no longer open to registration, for further information please see the transitional arrangements).
If you are already registered for this module you should refer to your course website to view the module specification that relates to your session of study. You will need to log on to my ifslearning to access the course website for your module.
Click to view the objective test, coursework and end of course assignment sample assessments.
View other FHEQ Level 4 modules.