What will I learn on this module?
In this module you will gain a fundamental understanding of the concepts and theories operating within international financial markets, the financial institutions/participants that comprise the market and its regulation. Your learning will begin a the macro level, examining the financial system as a whole, the different institutions that comprise it, their roles within it and how they are regulated (with specific reference to banking). You will learn about market dynamics – what drives markets and finally what drives the markets for specific instruments, namely money market instruments, equities and fixed income. To apply the knowledge acquired in this module, you will be using financial information and data. You will also use basic financial arithmetic and statistics through Microsoft Excel.
How will I learn on this module?
In this module, you will learn the concepts and theories operating within international financial markets through lectures (24 hours), seminars/workshops (12 hours), directed learning (82 hours) and independent learning (82 hours). Through the lectures, the tutor will enhance your understanding of the key concepts and subject material to enable you to meet the module learning outcomes. The seminars are your opportunity to explore your understanding and knowledge of the topics; investigating them using financial information, data and wider reading from the reading list and beyond. You will also undertake both directed and independent learning. The directed learning may include a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for seminar/workshop activities, preparing for presentations, use of the discussion board on the e-learning platform and undertaking exam-type questions. The Independent learning is where you will identify and pursue areas of interest within finance, through a range of activities such as reading, reflection and research.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
All learning and teaching materials will be available through the e-learning module site (Blackboard). You will have access to range of reading and visual materials via the modules online reading list. Support will include feedback from tutors during small-group workshops and tutorials. Finally, the use of discussion boards on the e-learning platform will give you the opportunity to ask for assistance/support from your peers and to provide informal peer review and feedback.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• You will apply an in-depth knowledge of the concepts and theories of finance to critically evaluate financial markets, institutions and instruments used [MLO1].
• You will demonstrate an understanding of the financial crises, the regulatory responses and resulting trends within the financial markets [MLO2].
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• You will demonstrate the skills and abilities to recognise, understand and critically evaluate regulations within domestic and international financial systems [MLO3].
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed by combining a range of formative and summative assessment strategies.
Formative assessment will take place through group work, seminar activities and theory/practice related discussions with your tutor and on the discussion boards on the e-learning platform.
The summative assessment will assess the module learning outcomes by coursework.
The task is a 3,000 word assignment (100%) to test your in-depth knowledge of the concepts and theories of finance, financial institutions and/or regulation as well as your ability to critically evaluate them. (MLO1, MLO2 & MLO3).
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
Financial services is an industry that is exciting, fast-moving and has developed dynamically and significantly over the last 20 years, characterised by financial innovation, technological enhancement, market failures and increasingly stringent regulations. As the economic and competitive environments change, the study of international financial markets and institutions is inevitable in post-graduate finance education. This module aims to develop and enhance students’ knowledge and ability to evaluate financial markets, institutions (and the regulations that applies to them) and instruments.
This module makes extensively use of financial information and data to bring the theory to practice. Using the financial information and data in an environment that closely approximates practice within the banking and finance industry, will motivate you to learn and enhance your employability attributes. This will be supplemented with a wide range of formal and informal feedback from both tutor(s) and your peers.
The module is assessed by an assignment .
Course info
Credits 20
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 2 years Full Time with Advanced Practice
2 other options available
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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