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FIN-20007 - Module Specification
Keele Business School
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 06 April 2026

FIN-20007 - Financial Markets, Institutions and Technology
Coordinator: Robina Iqbal Room: N/A
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 733094

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of financial systems, focusing on how markets and institutions function. Students will learn to value a range of financial assets, including equities, bonds, and derivatives, while exploring the key factors influencing these valuations. The module also examines the critical role of financial institutions in managing risks and ensuring smooth market operations. A special emphasis is placed on the transformative impact of technologies like blockchain and algorithmic trading, highlighting how they reshape markets and introduce new risk dimensions. Through engaging lectures and hands-on tutorials, students will develop practical skills in applying financial theories to real-world data, preparing them for the challenges of modern financial markets.

Aims
To examine the dynamics of financial markets, focusing on the characteristics and behaviors of financial instruments such as equities, bonds, and derivatives, and their influence on market trends and investment strategies. To explore the roles and interactions of financial institutions within financial markets, including retail, wholesale, and investment banks, and assess how they contribute to market efficiency, liquidity, and risk management. To investigate the impact of technology on financial markets, analyzing how innovations like fintech, data analytics, and tools such as the Bloomberg terminal are transforming market operations, trading activities, and investment decision-making.

Intended Learning Outcomes

examine how financial markets work and how different financial instruments—such as shares, bonds, and derivatives—behave and interact.: 1,2
describe the key roles and responsibilities of financial institutions and how they support the wider financial system.: 1,2
analyse how technology is changing the way financial institutions and markets operate and make decisions.: 1,2
evaluate current issues and challenges facing financial institutions, considering changes in markets and the influence of new technologies.: 1,2

Study hours

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 48 hours
Interactive Lectures: 12 hours
Applied Tutorials / Problem-Solving Workshops: 12 hours
Case-Based Seminars: 8 hours
Data Analysis and Market Simulation Sessions: 8 hours
Technology and Innovation in Finance Labs (e.g. blockchain, fintech tools): 8 hours
Guided Independent Study: 252 hours
Directed reading and topic exploration: 60 hours
Preparation for workshops and seminars: 40 hours
Independent investigation of financial technologies and institutions: 40 hours
Research, planning, and completion of assessments: 90 hours
Review, consolidation, and reflection: 22 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Report weighted 40%
Financial Insight Report: Technology, Institutions and Change
This module is assessed through a 2,000-word (or equivalent) individual applied analysis task. Students will independently explore a contemporary issue, trend, or development within financial markets, financial institutions, or financial technology. They will critically examine real-world data, events, or case material, using relevant theory to analyse institutional behaviour, market responses, and the role of technology in shaping financial decision-making. The format of the submission may vary—such as an analytical report, case-based investigation, or structured policy or strategy briefing—depending on the chosen topic and approach. This flexibility is intended to promote student engagement, support independent inquiry, and encourage exploration of personally or professionally meaningful themes. The assessment is designed to reflect real-world practice and avoid overly abstract or purely descriptive responses. It supports the development of key skills including research, analysis, interpretation, and communication—core competencies in finance-related careers.

2: Open Book Assessment weighted 60%
Open Book Exam
An open-book examination will assess students’ understanding of the full breadth of module content. Students will be given a 28-hour window in which to access and submit the assessment; however, you are expected to spend 2 hours actively working on the examination. Questions will require the application of theoretical knowledge, interpretation of real-world scenarios, and critical reflection on the role of technology, market behaviour, and institutional dynamics. The extended submission window is designed to provide flexibility and inclusivity while maintaining the academic rigour of a time-constrained assessment.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 06 April 2026