Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module FINN43515: Banking and Financial Intermediation

Department: Finance

FINN43515: Banking and Financial Intermediation

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap None.
Tied to N3K109
Tied to N3K209
Tied to N3K309
Tied to N3K409
Tied to N3K709
Tied to N3KC09

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • Develop knowledge of key concepts and issues in financial intermediation related to the specificities of banking firms, financial stability and regulation.
  • Develop critical understanding and appreciation of current theoretical and empirical research in financial intermediation and banking and its relevance to contemporary issues in banking.
  • Develop knowledge of key concepts and mechanisms of asset securitisation and their relevance in the changing intermediation landscape.

Content

  • Financial systems and the roles of banks;
  • Business models of banks;
  • Contemporary central banking and monetary policy;
  • Deposit insurance and moral hazard;
  • Too-big-to fail problem in banking;
  • Theory and evolution of banking regulation;
  • Financial Crisis;
  • Contemporary issues, changes and challenges in Banking;
  • Asset securitisation and Special Investment Entities and Instruments.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module students should have:
  • Developed an advanced knowledge of core financial intermediation principles.
  • Developed a critical understanding of the issues related to bank and systemic stability.
  • Explored the most recent advancements in the relevant academic literature and its relevance for the banking industry.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module, students should have developed highly specialised and advanced technical, professional and academic skills that enable them to:
  • Explain and critically evaluate the specificities of banks within financial systems.
  • Critically evaluate the impact of recent trends in the banking markets.
  • Identify and critically discuss the reasons behind historical and contemporary banking regulation.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication;
  • Planning, organising and time management;
  • Problem solving and analysis;
  • Using initiative;
  • Adaptability;
  • Numeracy;
  • Computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching is by lectures and seminars. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminar classes and private study.
  • Regular formative assessments guide students in the development of their knowledge and skills. They also support students’ continuous engagement in learning throughout the module.
  • Summative assessment is by means of an individual assignment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10 1 per week 2 hours 20
Seminars 4 1 per fortnight 1 hour 4
Preparation and Reading 126
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Individual Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual Assignment 2500 words (max) 100% same

Formative Assessment:

In-class quizzes during practical sessions.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University