- An undergraduate course
in
Business and Management
and
Social Sciences.
Introduction to financial services
- On this page
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | BD131 |
| Credits | 10 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| No residential school | |
This course examines the history of the development of financial services in the UK and the ways in which the sector is regulated. You will also study the recent financial crisis, including the role that many financial services firms played in its origins and the impact the crisis is having on the sector. Although the course covers a number of subjects that are international in nature – and certainly many that have an EU context – the focus of the course is on the structure, operation and regulations of the UK financial services industry. This course has a choice of start dates, and you decide how long to take over your studies, from twelve up to twenty-four weeks.
Register for the course
What you will study
The course covers the following:
- the historical development and current structure of the UK financial services industry
- the roles and objectives of the financial services providers
- the features of financial services products
- the development and rationale for the regulation of the financial services industry
- the EU-wide and international aspects of regulation
- how financial services in the UK are currently regulated
- current developments in financial services and their regulation.
You will learn the following practical and professional skills:
- to use financial and economic information to help to make informed financial product choices
- to understand and critically assess the objectives of financial services providers
- to evaluate the rationale for, and effectiveness of, the different components of financial services regulation
- to assess whether the regulatory environment for financial services delivers an ethical and fair framework for the selling of such services to the public
- the logic for acquiring, and use of, financial services by individuals and households.
Your learning will be supported by a course website that also provides online access to the course materials.
This course is a compulsory module in the Foundation Degree in Financial Services or you can choose to study it as an optional course in our business studies qualifications.
Vocational relevance
This course is for students aiming for a career in the financial services industry and for those already employed within the sector.
Entry
Level 1 courses provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, in preparation for study at Level 2. This course is specifically designed for those wishing to study financial services or business studies courses at Level 1.
To study this course you require basic computer skills and should be familiar with basic financial documents and records i.e. bank statements, invoices, receipts, credit notes, etc.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Outside the UK
The study material is aimed at students in the UK or in any location where current UK GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) is used.
Preparatory work
Before starting the course you are advised to read regularly the financial section of a quality national newspaper. This will start to familiarise you with the financial services industry, financial products and the current debates about the regulation of the sector.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Module Regulations and the Student Regulations which are available on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
As the majority of this course is taught online and through resources such as an online discussion forum you will need to spend considerable amounts of time using a computer and the internet. If you use specialist hardware or software to assist you in operating a computer or the internet and have any concerns about accessing the types of materials described you are advised to talk to our Student Registration & Enquiry Service before enrolling for the course about the support which can be given to meet your needs.
Transcripts of any audio-visual components will be available and printable versions of online material are available to download from the website. Other alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you have particular study requirements please tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Services for disabled students website for more information, including:
- help to determine your study requirements and how to request the support that you need
- Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)
- using a computer for OU study
- equipment and other support services that we offer
- examination arrangements
- how to contact us for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
The study materials are online, accessed through a website with resources designed to support your learning. The online resources for this course include an online discussion forum, and interactive quizzes along with printable versions of the study material. Periodic podcasts will be provided as an additional resource to the study material. The Course Team will endeavour to provide transcripts of these podcasts as soon as they become available.
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study this course as it includes online activities, which you can access using a web browser.
- If you have purchased a new desktop or laptop computer since 2007 you should have no problems completing the online activities.
- If you’ve got a netbook, tablet or other mobile computing device check our Technical requirements section.
- If you use an Apple Mac you will need OS X 10.6 or later.
You can also visit the Technical requirements section for further computing information including the details of the support we provide.
Teaching and assessment
Study support
There will be an online moderator-led discussion forum that you can use to get in touch with a study adviser and other students.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You must use the online eTMA system to submit your end-of-module assessment (EMA).
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in February, May, August and November 2013. We expect it to be available four times a year.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
Student Reviews
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Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor or study adviser will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information read Distance learning explained.
Undergraduate
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | BD131 |
| Credits | 10 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| No residential school | |
Your questions
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