AF4003 - Principles and Theories of Finance

What will I learn on this module?

In this module, you will learn the key aspects of financial theory, the financial system, its markets and products. The topics that you will learn in this module include, the concepts of the financial system, interest rate and foreign exchange dynamics and the operation of the money, fixed-income and equity markets. The theories of finance that you will learn include the concept of utility, stock market efficiency, portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model (CAPM). Further, in this module you will also enhance your knowledge and skills of basic financial arithmetic, statistics through Microsoft Excel which are essential for both placement and graduate employability. To apply the knowledge acquired in this module, you will be using real-time financial information and data which would be available through the NBS Trading Room.

How will I learn on this module?

In this module, you will learn the principles and theories of finance through lectures (24 hours), 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 meet the module learning outcomes. The workshops are an opportunity for you to further develop your understanding and knowledge of the topics by exploring them by use of real-time financial information and data which would be available through the NBS Trading Room. Further, you will be undertaking both directed and independent learning. The directed learning may include a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for workshops activities, preparing for presentations and learning the trading software. 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 24/7 access to the NBS Trading room and a series of video recording to help you learn the trading software. Also you will have access to range of reading and visual (via Box of Broadcasts) materials via the modules online reading list. Support will include feedback from tutors during small-group workshops and tutorials. Finally the use of an online platform will give you the opportunity to provide informal feedback or ask for further assistance.

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. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• You will describe the principles, concepts, theories and terminology underpinning the subject of finance demonstrating ability to interpret financial market information (MLO1).
• You will demonstrate the know-how of the Trading software to aid the understanding of the real-time financial market and applying different financial theoretical frameworks real-time data (MLO2).

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

Personal Values Attributes:
• You will demonstrate an understanding of the current global markets and learn from past examples in terms of cultural and ethical financial behaviour (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, case study activities and theory/practice related discussions with your tutor. Also as part of your formative assessment you will undertake a series of open book tests throughout the semester. These tests are on the NBS trading terminal to assess your ability of understanding the trading software.


The summative assessment will assess the module learning outcomes by combining two tasks.

The first task is an academic essay which will be assessed mid-semester (30%) to test your understanding of the basic principles and theories and to development your academic writing, wider reader and independent study skills (MLO2 and MLO3).

The second task is a closed book 2 hours examination (70%) to assess your understanding of the module as a whole (MLO1).

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

The field of finance is one of the most exciting and technically demanding areas of study. The purpose of this module is to provide an introduction to the principles, concepts, theories and terminologies underpinning the subject area that will provide the foundations for more advanced study. This module makes extensively use the NBS Trading Room powered by real-time financial information and data to bring the theory to practice. Using the real-time information and data in an environment accustom to practice within the banking and finance industry will motive you to learn and enhance your employability attributes. This software will also inspire you to be become more inquisitive which will aid your research skills. Finally this module is assessed by combining two tasks, an assignment and an exam which will encourage you to enrich a wide range of skills and attributes, with formal and informal feedback being provided throughout the module.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years

Location Qatar

City Qatar

Start September

Fee Information

Module Information

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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