International Financial Markets and Institutions
6 ECTS
International Financial Markets and Institutions
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Module Description
This module delves into how financial markets and institutions operate including the pricing of equities, fixed income instruments and derivatives. Throughout the module the theoretical and empirical aspects of market efficiency shall be discussed.
This module exposes students to international transactions and the role of key international financial markets and institutions giving students an international perspective on finance.
The module explains foreign exchange markets, their structures, roles, dynamics, and operations.
It also elaborates and highlights arbitrage and risk appetite. Such markets have control over exchange price margins and various payment systems, including today’s cryptocurrencies. The module also discusses global bond markets and alternative investments such as commodities, real estate, and hedge funds.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course will possess:
• A related qualification at MQF Level 4
and/or
• Two ‘A’ Levels (MQF Level 4) or equivalent one of which should be related to Accounts, Business or Economics and a pass in English Language and Mathematics at MQF Level 3 (‘O’ Level or equivalent).
• Preference will 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.
Such RPL process will subject applicants to an interview held with a board of experts within the field, chosen specifically by IDEA Academy, so as to verify their experiences and prior learning.
Students whose first language is not English and do not possess an ‘O’ level pass in English Language will be required to demonstrate English language capability at IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent.
Target Audience
- Individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional knowledge in Accounting.
- Individuals wanting to pursue a wide range of accounting, consulting, financial and managerial career paths.
- Individuals wanting to enhance their ability to interpret, assess and communicate financial related data.
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.
Module Intake Dates
October 2024
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Discuss the current financial markets’ roles, structures and future requirements.
- Appraise international equity markets
- Examine equity debt securities and derivatives.
- Discuss sustainable approaches for the adaptation of financial markets to new technologies such as digital currencies.
- Outline the operations of offshore financial centres and their effect on local markets.
- Examine global bond markets and their operations.
- Analyse different alternative investments such as commodities, real estate, and hedge funds.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following indicative content:
- Introduction and overview of financial markets.
- Market Instruments.
- Commercial Banks.
- Other Financial Institutions and alternative investments.
- Risk Management in Financial Institutions.
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Examine the need to change current investments instruments when integrating digital currencies.
- Outline various institution techniques to evaluate share prices and modern digital currency exchanges.
- Investigate the economic forces affecting financial markets when exchanging using digital currencies.
- Appy appropriate knowledge as to how risk is managed in financial institutions.
- Distinguish between different types of market instruments.
Judgment Skills and Critical Abilities:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to:
- Identify suitable methods to set and measure different types of debt securities.
- Discuss whether current operations suit the introduction of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
- Explore derivatives instruments together with the application of digital currencies.
Module-Specific Communication Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to:
- Participate in discussions on foreign exchange markets, bond markets, and alternative investments, their structures, roles, dynamics, operations, opportunities, and risks.
- Communicate ideas, problems, and solutions effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences verbally or in writing (PowerPoint presentations, reports, etc.).
- Participate in class/online discussions and in organised workshops.
- Present ideas, work, and findings to peers, lecturers, and specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Contribute to team work as required.
Module-Specific Learner Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to:
- Discuss current and future investment instruments used in international financial markets.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.