Overview

In this module, you will focus on understanding concepts of the financial system and the impact of financial markets on the wider society. You will develop and apply the necessary academic and study skills at a level that will prepare you to participate in higher education in the UK. The module also aims to encourage you to become an active and reflective learner.

Through this course, you will gain knowledge of the financial system and financial markets, and build skills to analyse their influence. You will have opportunities to develop academic abilities and study habits needed to excel in university. The goal is to engage you in active learning and reflective practices so that you can get the most out of your educational experience.

Students who complete this course successfully will be able to:

• understand the role of financial systems and the impact that financial markets have on wider society by writing an evaluative, in-depth investigation on a pre-agreed topic in conjunction with the tutor.
• plan and deliver a presentation with a degree of fluency and spontaneity, expanding and supporting ideas with subsidiary points and relevant examples.
• work as an independent learner and as part of a group to complete tasks and take responsibility for leaning.
• understand the university’s referencing system and be able to reference in the correct format to paraphrase, use citations, quotes, and to produce a full and accurate bibliography of academic sources in order to avoid unfair practices.
• write a clear, detailed essay, synthesizing and evaluating information and arguments from several sources.
• take an active part in lessons, seminars and group discussions on a variety of the module topics.
• foster a serene climate of cerebral discourse, openness, and respect for diverse views, questions, abilities and personal backgrounds.
• use the English language for speaking in an academic context during lesson.
• provide a range of academic supports to those who perceive a learning environment as lacking inclusivity.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (40-49% / D- to D+): Student has made sufficient progress in the study of this module to achieve the lowest level of pass allowing for progression onto an undergraduate degree.

Satisfactory (50 – 59% / C- to C+): Student demonstrates reasonably comprehensive coverage of learning outcomes, indicating generally accurate understanding, based on lecture material and some core readings. Some gaps in knowledge and/or understanding evident.

Good (60-69% / B- to B+): Student has displayed a sound basic knowledge and understanding of much of the material studied in this module and achieved a high enough grade to indicate a clear ability to cope with the demands of an undergraduate level degree.

Excellent (70% + / A- to A*): Student has engaged consistently well with all aspects of the module and strong achievement in assessments indicates the ability to perform effectively at undergraduate degree level.

Learning Outcomes

• Communicate information on a business or banking topic in an effective manner and be able to clarify points made.

• Reference in the correct format and paraphrase, use citations, quotes, and to produce a full and accurate bibliography of academic sources.

• Understand core aspects of business management, financial markets and financial systems.

• Write a clear and detailed essay on a relevant business, management or finance topic. This will synthesize and evaluate information and arguments from a number of sources.