Overview

This module has been designed to enable you to build on previous studies of the external environment in which financial services businesses have to operate. You will be familiar with some basic aspects of the economic environment, financial markets and institutions, competition, regulation and other ethical and social considerations that can impact on an organisation’s management and marketing strategies.

The structure of financial markets

The first sections review the concepts of intermediation and credit creation and examine how financial markets are structured. There is a focus on the functions and characteristics of key institutions and markets, how they operate and how competition acts as a pricing mechanism.

The monetary system

The module then focuses on increasing your understanding of the monetary system and looks in some detail at the ways in which monetary and fiscal policy are used as key instruments in economic management.

Financial regulation

The following section examines the need for and the rationale behind regulation of financial institutions and markets. It covers relevant legal provisions in respect of consumer protection, voluntary codes of practice, capital adequacy and liquidity requirements and how EU directives impact on the UK regulatory regime.

The final section of the syllabus then encourages you to draw together various social, ethical, demographic and technological issues that act as important external influences on the financial services industry.

Course details

Cost

The cost of this module depends on the study method you select:

Distance learning

£735.00

Flexible learning

£895.00

Next course start date

1 May 2012

Course duration

24 weeks (300 study hours)

Credits

This core module is worth 30 credits

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 an associate lecturer who can provide guidance on how to study and answer any questions you have about the course content.
• Flexible learning: allows you to fit your studies around your life but still benefit from face-to-face contact with a workshop tutor. A series of 3 1-day workshops, run by specialist tutors, 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:

• a study guide that provides a week-by-week route through the syllabus, linking the textbook, additional readings, assignments and exam preparation, as well as suggesting further opportunities for research 
• student induction materials that provide guidance on 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 2 assessment components: a 2-hour written examination and a summative assignment.

Further details

View the Financial Services: The Commercial Environment summary syllabus.

View the full-length Financial Services: The Commercial Environment module specification, which includes the syllabus.

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 coursework and examination sample assessments.

View other FHEQ Level 5 modules.