Capital markets and global perspectives
About the course
This course aims to provide students with a sound understanding of the purposes, nature and operation of global capital markets.
It seeks to identify who uses them, and why, and how. Within that it illustrates the dynamics of the interactions of actions as capital is exchanged using financial instruments to generate returns while managing risk. It reveals the context in which these actors operate in markets, and particularly so in the context of regulations imposed on markets.
Additionally, it seeks to illustrate how the 2008 financial crash has left an evolving regulatory legacy and evolving attitudes to risk-return trade-offs.
Topics covered:
-Purpose(s) and nature(s) of global capital markets
-Purpose(s) and nature(s) of financial actors
-Nature and application of economic theory: rationality and profit maximization; information asymmetry; moral hazard; adverse selection
-Global perspectives on the risk- return trade-off
-Financial instruments – stocks, bonds, and derivatives
-Interaction dynamics between financial actors
-Regulation and compliance
-IPOs
Recommended learning hours: 150
Microcredential Specification - Capital markets and global perspectives
Course details
- Credit Type: For-Credit
- Study Method: Online, flexible
- Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify the main financial actors in capital markets, and describe and comparatively critique their interests.
- Understand the drivers for international markets to bring together financial actors to exchange capital.
- Identify, describe and comparatively assess the characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of financial instruments used by market participants in generating returns and managing risk.
- Understand and critique the rationale underpinning government intervention in markets.
- Understand and assess how regulation and compliance can lead to unintended consequences.
- Career Opportunity: The course supports those looking to grow into careers in capital markets, investment banking, market research, regulatory, compliance and portfolio. The global perspective developed helps prepare learners for work in internationally focused financial environments.
- Target Learners: This course is aimed at learners interested in understanding how global capital markets function and how financial actors interact within them. It suits individuals seeking a deeper appreciation of financial instruments, regulatory environments and the economic theories underlying market behaviour. It is an excellent choice for those aspiring to roles requiring awareness of global financial systems and their complexities.
- Estimated Time to Complete: 10-20 weeks
- Maximum Registration Period: 1 Year
- Entry Requirements: To be eligible for the course, you must have:
- an undergraduate degree which is considered at least comparable to a UK third class bachelor’s degree , OR
- at least two years’ relevant professional experience at a graduate level, AND
- a high standard of English, equivalent to an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall with 6.0 in the written test, or a Duolingo score of at least 120.
- Tech/Computer Requirements: We set minimum computer and web access requirements for online study. These are updated from time and can be found at https://www.london.ac.uk/study/how-apply/computer-requirements.
- Prior Knowledge: This is a UK postgraduate academic course – if you do not have the required educational or professional background, you will likely find it very challenging. While you can self-certify that you meet the admissions criteria, we reserve the right to ask you for evidence of your qualifications at any time.
- Skills Acquired:
- Analysis of financial market structures and participants
- Evaluation of financial instruments and their risk–return profiles
- Analysis of international capital flows and market dynamics
- Assessment of regulatory frameworks and government intervention
- Critical appraisal of market behaviour and unintended outcomes
- Start Anytime? Yes
Microcredential Courses
- Course Level
- Postgraduate
- Subject Area
- ACAFM Accounting and Financial Management
- Academic Direction
- University College London