Accessibility statement

The Structure and Regulation of Financial Markets - ECO00057H

« Back to module search

  • Department: Economics and Related Studies
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

This module advances students' understanding of the structure and regulation of financial markets.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

This module is designed to advance students' understanding of the important role played by financial markets in facilitating the flow of funds in an economy. It discusses how information asymmetries may cause a disruption to the flow of funds and form a rationale for financial regulation, introduces students to the accelerator mechanisms in financial markets and examines financial crises. In doing so, the module makes frequent reference to the relevant contemporary issues in economics and finance.

Module learning outcomes

On completing the module students will be able to:

  • Recognize the importance of banks and financial markets in the economy

  • Describe the nature of asymmetric information and its implications

  • Explain the emergence of financial crises

  • Appreciate the reasons for financial regulation

Understand the role of central banks in banking and financial markets

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 75
Essay/coursework 25

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) 75

Module feedback

Feedback will be provided in line with University policy

Indicative reading

  • Spencer, P. D. (2000). The Structure and Regulation of Financial Markets, Oxford University Press.

  • Mishkin, F. (2013).The Economics of Money, Banking & Financial Markets (European Edition), Harlow: Pearson.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.