Program Overview

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Course Details

Overview

The Financial Institutions Risk Management course is a 6-month part-time program offered by Bangor University. The tuition fee for this course is Ł1,700, and it is worth 15 credits.

About This Course

This module explores the risk management function in modern financial institutions. It adopts a fundamental approach, considering financial institutions' risk management as a central element of practical bank financial management. The course links risk-taking and financial management, examining the nature, strategic context, management, and control of bank risks. It also addresses the impact of bank regulation on bank risk management and the role of good risk management governance.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this course, students will be able to:

• Appropriately apply and critically evaluate the veracity of different strategies and tools used within risk management.
• Critically assess the importance of financial institutions risk management in a contemporary context.
• Critically evaluate and appropriately apply alternative strategies and tools involved in banking and/or finance.
• Critically evaluate the subject-specific roles, features, and relationships within and between firms.
• Demonstrate the ability to make informed judgments and decisions in the context of banking and financial markets.
• Question, critically assess, and apply apposite banking and finance theory.

Learning Methods

This module is delivered through distance learning, allowing students to study at their own pace. It includes a combination of interactive classes and recorded lectures, providing participants with a good work-life balance. The course utilizes Blackboard, a virtual learning environment, where study resources, including study guides, e-textbooks, and access to the online library, are available.

Means of Assessment

The course is assessed by means of an individual assignment (40%) and an examination (60%).

Course Content

Unit One

Unit One covers an introduction to Financial Institutions Risk Management (FIRM) and explains the main themes that run throughout the module. It outlines the structure of the module, introduces the main text, and provides an overview of banking and its role in the modern financial services industry. The nature of bank competition, regulation, and their impact on FIRM are explored, along with the imperative on efficiency and market-based valuation as fundamental themes in modern FIRM.

Unit Two

Unit Two aims to:

• Examine a bank's main financial statements and their relationship to the risks inherent in banking.
• Understand how a bank's performance can be evaluated.
• Understand the banking significance of bank Asset and Liability Management and risk management.
• Analyze the nature and BFM significance of interest rate risk and liquidity risk to BFM.
• Examine the off-balance-sheet activities carried out by banks and appreciate their BFM significance.
• Consider the impact of the crisis (the 'credit crunch') on these areas.
• Appreciate the impact of the credit crunch on the banking risks covered in this unit, especially on capital adequacy management and regulation.
• Understand the nature and key importance of bank corporate governance.

Unit Three

Unit Three aims to:

• Examine the nature and role of product and geographic diversification within a bank's risk management.
• Examine and understand how banks use derivative contracts to hedge their asset-liability risk exposures.
• Analyze how loan sales and securitization techniques are used by bank managers to control credit risk.
• Consider some further changes to the banking risk landscape in the wake of the credit crunch.

Course Cost

The cost of this course is Ł1,700.

Entry Requirements

This course is aimed at mid-career professionals working in the financial industry or regulation. Entry consideration will be given to individuals with minimal experience or qualifications.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must have a high level of fluency in the English language, with the following minimum requirements:

• IELTS: 6.0 (with no element below 5.5)
• Pearson PTE: a score of 56 (with no element lower than 51)
• Cambridge English Test Advanced: 169 (with no element lower than 162)

Application

To apply for this course, please follow the step-by-step application guide provided by Bangor University. Ensure you prepare the necessary information, including current employment details, years of experience, and employment history, before starting your application.