Introduction to Investments and Finance

Module Description

The Introduction to Investment and Finance module introduces the learner to the world of finances and the relevant processes in financial planning.

The module builds on the students’ knowledge regarding insurance products that they had acquired in the previous modules, addressing the requirements that an adviser needs to consider before recommending an insurance product to a customer.

To achieve this, the module intends to tackle the attributes and innate risks of asset classes and the effect of the macro-environment on these asset classes.

The syllabus also looks at how some investment theories are limited and how risk affects investment activity and rendition.

Entry Requirements

Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following:

• A related qualification at MQF Level 4

and/or

• One ‘A’ Level or equivalent and a pass in English Language*, Mathematics, and/or Business Studies at MQF Level 3 (‘O’ Level or equivalent).

• Preference will also be given to applicants having 1 year work experience related to the study programme.

*In the case of students who do not possess all the formal required academic qualifications, then the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process could be applied such that if evidence of equivalent learning is found then the applicant could still be accepted in the course.

Target Audience

This course is targeted at:

• Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in Insurance.
• Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of career paths within the insurance profession.
• Individuals wanting to enhance their ability to interpret, assess and communicate insurance related information.

Module / Unit Instructions

The proposed structure comprises a blended approach promoting the building of a community of practice via peer-to-peer learning. The structure uses primarily two dimensions of teaching-learning modes:

• Face to Face sessions

Face-to-face sessions include lectures, tutorials, discussions, presentations and workshop activities promoting peer-to-peer learning.

• Online Learning Activities

Online learning activities incorporate tutorials and asynchronous discussions. These may consist of active interaction, participation and contributions in fora discussions, sharing resources and self-reflection exercises. Learners also contribute to the building of the community of practice by providing feedback to their peers as critical friends, enhancing the learner’s critical engagement throughout the study period.

How you’ll be assessed

The course comprises:

• Evening classes for part-time courses.
• Classes held throughout the day for full-time courses.
• Guided learning, presentations, comprising synchronous online discussions, tutorials and/or videos.
• Self-study hours comprising research, reading and assignment work.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out via two mandatory components:

• Assessment 1
• Assessment 2

The programme includes different forms of assessment which allow for and promote students’ critical engagement. The assessment tasks may include an in-class assignment and/or a home-based written assignment using diverse assessment tools which may take the form of online and in-class discussions, examinations, case studies, reports, proposals, essays, and presentations, etc., as applicable to the diverse modules.