Introduction to Investments and Finance
6 Credits (ECTS)
Introduction to Investments and Finance
Get 70% back via Tax Credit
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.
Career Paths
This programme leads to a bachelor’s qualification that will cover the general requirements of the Chartered Insurance Institute, which will secure the competences for individuals who aspire for professional roles in this industry.
The potential positions for which this programme aims to prepare could be and are not limited to:
- Claims: Claims Handler Surveyor, Claims Executives
- Insurance Compliance Officer
- Insurance Advisor
- Insurance Business Analyst / Consultant
- Insurance Operations Executives
- Insurance Product and Business Development Executives
- Risk Management Executives
- Underwriting Executives
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.
Additional Info
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be eligible for a 70% refund of the cost through the ‘Get Qualified’ scheme.**
Due to the modular structure of the course, you may also opt to take individual modules as stand-alone. The entry requirements still apply.***
*Prices are applicable to students who reside in Malta at the time of applying.
**Terms and conditions apply.
*** For the price of individual modules, please contact the IDEA College team.
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of asset classes.
- Analyse the macro-economic environment and how this affects asset classes.
- Outline the benefits and disadvantages of the principal theories of investment.
- Implement the principles of the time value of money.
- Outline and investigate how risks affect investment performance.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the attributes, behaviours, innate risks, and pertinent tax considerations relating to investment products.
- Apply the investment advice process to a given set of circumstances.
- Describe the main elements surrounding investment planning.
- Review investment performances and activity.
Knowledge:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main asset classes.
- Analyse the macro-economic environment and how this affects asset classes.
- Outline the benefits and disadvantages of the principal theories of investment.
- Implement the principles of the time value of money.
- Outline and investigate how risks affect investment performance.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the attributes, behaviours, innate risks, and pertinent tax considerations relating to investment products.
- Apply the investment advice process to a given set of circumstances.
- Describe the main elements surrounding investment planning.
- Review investment performances and activity.
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Analyse the effect of behavioural finance on individuals and markets of investment.
- Compute real returns, nominal returns, compound interest, and discounts.
- Explain how assets are allocated and the main approaches relating to this process.
- Use various benchmarks and supplementary techniques for assessing portfolio performance.
- Implement a suitable portfolio review process.
Module-Specific Communication Skills:
The learner will be able to:
- Communicate ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Module-Specific Learner Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to:
- Illustrate the benefits and disadvantages of direct investment in assets and securities.
- Describe the Know Your Client requirements when applying the investment advice process.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
The learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to benefit from assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.