Overview

The module will cover the following aspects: Investors, investment objectives and mechanics of investment; Investment risk and return; Portfolio theory, Capital Asset Pricing Model; Valuation (time value of money); Equities (characteristics, valuation, world equity markets); Fixed Income securities (characteristics, world bond, valuation, understanding credit ratings and yield); and Investment management (Efficient Market Hypothesis, fundamental and technical analysis, and Investment management strategies).

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- to D+: No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills. Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives.

-good -B- to B: Very good performance Most of the relevant information accurately deployed. Good grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

-excellent -Excellent standard 'A- to A*': An outstanding performance, exceptionally able. The relevant information accurately deployed. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

-another level-Much of the relevant information and skills mostly accurately deployed. Adequate grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Fair integration of theory/practice/information in the pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Some evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply advanced valuation techniques to equity and fixed income instruments

• Demonstrate advanced understanding of the typical investment objectives of key classes of investors, including the risk-return relationship.

• Demonstrate critical awareness of the mechanics of investment in financial markets and the main features of key world markets.

• Show a critical understanding of approaches to selecting investments and critically analyse the role of portfolio theory and diversification