Foundation of Banking
| Module title | Foundation of Banking |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEF1027DA |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 70 |
|---|
Module description
In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, the banking sector plays a pivotal role not just in economic stability, but also in driving innovation, inclusion, and global development. Retail and commercial banking, in particular, are at the heart of everyday economic life. This module introduces the core functions of banks and their role in the financial system, emphasizing the principles of responsible and sustainable banking. It explores the importance of delivering exceptional customer experiences while maintaining compliance with financial regulations. The module also highlights the value of professional and ethical banking practices in maintaining trust and long-term relationships with customers.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to provide a broad overview of how banks operate within the financial system, the different types of banks and banking services, and the role of banking in supporting economic development. Students will explore key topics such as the history and evolution of banking, central and commercial banking functions, types of bank accounts and lending, financial intermediation, and the regulatory environment. The module also lays the groundwork for understanding risk, ethics, and technological trends shaping modern banking. This emphasizes the themes of responsible and sustainable banking and what they mean in the modern banking world, so that the students are better able to apply those principles to help their bank deliver its strategy.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Explain the purpose, structure, and key functions of banks within the financial system.
- 2. Explain the process of financial intermediation and its importance in credit creation and capital allocation.
- 3. Understand key banking products and services, including deposit accounts, loans, and payment systems.
- 4. Identify different types of bank customers and analyse their financial needs and expectations.
- 5. Assess the role of customer experience in banking, including service quality, digital banking, and relationship management.
- 6. Evaluate responsible and sustainable banking practices, including ethics, corporate social responsibility, and environmental impact.
- 7. Understand key financial regulations, compliance requirements, and the role of regulatory bodies in banking.
- 8. Demonstrate professionalism and ethical decision-making in banking to uphold integrity and trust in financial services.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. Exhibit a comprehensive understanding of how banks operate, their core functions, and their role in the financial system.
- 10. Explain a solid comprehension of financial risks, compliance issues, and ethical responsibilities in banking practice.
- 11. Apply green and sustainable banking principles and practice in decision-making.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 12. Improve ability to articulate financial and banking concepts clearly in both written and verbal form.
- 13. Enhance exposure to the use of digital tools and platforms relevant to modern banking.
- 14. Appreciate the responsible conduct and decision-making in a regulated industry.
Syllabus plan
Indicative topics:
- Types of banks and banking, core bank functions and purpose
- Roles and responsibilities of different banking institutions and their role in economic growth and development
- Various types of products and services to meet customer needs
- The rationale for banking regulation, overview of key regulatory frameworks and Regulatory bodies
- Ethical principles and issues in banking: confidentiality, integrity, and responsibility
- Digital transformation and its impact on banking
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 270 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled teaching and learning activity | 30 | Masterclasses (in-person and online) |
| Guided independent study | 270 | Research, reading contents on ELE, assessment preparation and web-based activities including external resources if applicable. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly exercise questions | 10-20 minutes | 1-14 | Online answer feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 20 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly quiz | 20 | Weekly online MCQ quiz for five weeks | 1-14 | Marks and correct answer explained. |
| Coursework assignment | 80 | 3500-word report | 1-14 | Marks and individual feedback (written). |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ exam | 20%, 50 questions | 1-14 | In line with university regulations |
| Coursework assignment | 80%, 3500-word written assignment | 1-14 | In line with university regulations |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
?
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Recommended text:
- Henderson, John. (2018). Retail and Digital Banking: Principles and Practice. Kogan Page Publishers.
- Heffernan, S. (2005). Modern banking. John Wiley & Sons.
- Choudhry, M. (2022). The Principles of Banking. John Wiley & Sons.
- Casu, B., Girardone, C, and Molyneux, P. (2022). Introduction to Banking, Pearson Education.
Supplementary text:
- Mishkin, F.S. (2022). Economics of Money, Banking and Financial Markets: Global Edition. 13th edition. Pearson Higher Education.
- Howells, P. and Bain, K. (2008) The Economics of Money, Banking & Finance, 4th edition, Financial Times Press.
ELE – Web-based and electronic resources will be posted and made available throughout the module
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 13/05/2025 |
