Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets

Transcription

1 FACULTY OF ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL SCIENCES Department of Finance and Investment Management Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets Invest in Yourself Think FINANCE

2 Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets Purpose of the programme The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets is to develop the student s knowledge of the discipline of financial markets and trading. The programme is comprised of a focused curriculum to prepare the student for a career in financial markets. The curriculum includes ten topic areas ranging from Introduction to Financial Markets to Theory of Corporate Events to Trading in Financial Markets and Concluding Financial Market Transactions. Mastering of the curriculum will provide students with the ability to synthesise financial market principles and apply financial instruments in a professional manner. Fundamental knowledge of global investments relevant to the financial market industry will be gained enabling the qualifying student to work in today s world of professional financial markets industry. The programme emphasises competence, integrity, and application of ethics in a professional environment. The successful student will gain a global and South African financial market perspective and an in-depth understanding of the marketplace which will provide them with a competitive advantage for employment. Rules of access A student should have one of the following: NQF level 6 qualification with 3 years relevant work experience in financial markets; or NQF level 6 qualification in Finance; or 5 years relevant work experience in financial markets In addition, Grade 12 Mathematics with a minimum APS score of 4 is required. Students with an APS score below 4 or mathematic literacy will only be considered after completion of the Maths for Diploma students offered by the Faculty of Science at the University of Johannesburg. Closing date for applications The closing date is 15 January 2016 annually for foreign (i.e. non-south African resident) applicants and for South African resident applicants for study in the following academic year. All foreign applicant s (i.e. international applicants) applying should consult with the International Admissions Office at the University of Johannesburg on or visit

3 Selection process All prospective applicants will be subjected to a selection process. All applicants who wish to apply for the Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets programme are required to submit, along with their application forms, a short written motivation (not longer than one page) as to why they plan to enrol for the Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets programme, and why they should be selected. Please ensure to provide all required documentation when applying. Failure to submit all the required documentation or submitting your application late may result in your application not being considered for the Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets programme. Registration and fees Registration details for the 2016 Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets programme will be communicated to successful applicants via . A registration deposit must be paid in early January each year. The exact cost of the Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets programme will be communicated via once the fees are finalised at the end of the year. The Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets programme is presented on a full time (10 modules over one year) and part time basis (10 modules over two years, 5 modules per year). The estimated fees based on 2015 calculations are as follows, it further indicates which modules will be taken in the first and second semester and which modules will be taken in the first and second year for part time students: Semester 1 NQF level Full-Time Year Part-Time Year Cost for 2015 Introduction to Financial Markets R3020 Client Service and Financial Advice R3020 Trading in Financial Markets R3020 Financial Markets Transactions A R3020 Semester 2 NQF level Full-Time Year Part-Time Year Cost for 2015 Theory of Corporate Events R2010 Execution of Market Orders R2010 Securities Information and Market R Conditions Client Investment Needs R2010 Financial Market Transactions B R2010 Application of Corporate Events R2010 Please note that the fees for 2016 will only be available at the end of 2015 and the above fees will increase as per the University standard. The above fee excludes a 2016 non-refundable registration fee and a non-refundable ICT levy, as well as residence fees and prescribed textbooks.

4 Commencement of lectures The Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets programme lectures will commence in the first week of Feb A timetable for the Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets programme will be sent to all successful applicants via in January Curriculum The Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets programme is presented on a full-time basis over one year and on a part-time basis over two years. Students can elect to complete the programme on either a full-time or a part-time basis. All lectures are only presented in the evenings. Students have to pass all ten modules independently to obtain the Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets. For detailed module outcomes please consult the Faculty of Economic and Financial Science 2016 year book. Lectures and programme Lectures will be presented by fulltime academics and occasional guest lecturers. Accepted students are expected to attend lectures regularly and an attendance register may be taken at each class. The programme is not suitable for distance learning or correspondence students. Accepted students will be supplied with a detailed programme and timetable via in January. Prescribed material The prescribed textbook for each module will be communicated to successful via in January. The prescribed textbook is by no means sufficient to pass each specific module. Various sources of information will have to be combined to pass each module, i.e. formal lectures, class discussions, the Internet (including ulink) and your own research. As far as possible free to print text book will be used see The reading of financial books, magazines, daily and weekly newspapers, e-reading and following daily news and business news and events on television has proven to be of great value in the past. The creation of a reading ethic outside of the Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets curriculum is of critical importance in being a successful student and future employee. Composition of marks Your studies are your responsibility. Although the lecturers share that responsibility with you, you will determine how well or poorly you perform in each subject and your degree. You have to ensure that you prepare for, and attend classes, make use of consulting hours and set up appointments to discuss subject matter that is not clear, study and write assessments throughout the academic year. Each module lecture will publish their module mark calculation in the module work programme at the commencement of the module on ulink ( and in the module work programme. Please note: You may be expected to write unannounced class tests during the semester. Your final module mark will be calculated as follows: A module mark of at least 40% is required for admission to the last assessment opportunity (examination)

5 Students that do not obtain a module mark of 40% and above, will not be allowed to write the last assessment opportunity. Module marks will count 50% towards the final mark The final assessment will carry a weighting of 50% towards the final module mark A final mark for each module of 50% or above must be achieved to pass a module A student passes a module with distinction if he/she obtains a final mark of at least 75% If a combined average of 75% is obtained for all modules in the Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets programme. The Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets will be awarded Cum-Laude. Students will complete a number of assessments throughout the duration of each module. Assessments may take the form of written assessment opportunities (i.e. tests), as well as class assessments, assignments and/or projects. A last assessment opportunity in the form of an examination will be completed at the end of each module. These assessments will constitute the module mark, as outlined above. Application procedures Applications for the 2016 academic year will close on 15 January No late application will be considered. All applications need to be submitted via the UJ online application process: All prospective students that wish to apply to study the Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets MUST submit the following documents before the above deadlines: Certified copy of identity document (or passport if foreign student); Certified copy of your Grade 12 (matric) certificate; Certified copy of your degree certificate (if you have already completed your undergraduate degree); Certified copy of an official academic record and certificate of conduct issued by your undergraduate university (if you are currently completing your undergraduate studies, then your most recent academic record). The academic record and certificate of conduct submitted MUST include all courses taken by a prospective student (i.e. not only a list of courses passed). Failure to submit a full list of courses taken may disqualify a prospective student; A short written motivation as to why you think you should be selected for the programme; SAQA evaluations certificate if your highest academic qualification was not obtained at a South African university; Status applications form (if your highest academic qualification was obtained from an institution other than UJ or the former RAU or TWR). The status application form is available from: za/en/faculties/ecofin/application/ Pages/default.aspx If all the above documentation is not submitted before the closing date, your application will not be considered.

6 Brief outline of modules Module name Introduction to Financial Markets Client Service and Financial Advice Trading in Financial Markets Module outcomes: student will be able to describe and compare financial markets system, its constituent components and their functioning and the regulatory framework in which they function; explain local and international financial markets, financial market products and the macro-economic environment; classify the terminology pertaining to financial markets; describe participants in financial markets and their specific roles; describe and interpret rules and regulations pertaining to financial markets and financial instruments; explain the risk factors including political risks, legislative risks, currency risks and equity risk premiums; and describe exchange control in a financial market environment. construct and provide investment and investment advice services to clients; implement the correct procedures in respect of the take-on of new clients, their client identification and verification, record keeping and suspicious transaction reporting; apply rules and regulations pertaining the provision of financial markets information and advice; apply the codes of conduct applicable to the financial markets; evaluate and manage the risk associated with different asset classes; evaluate the risk factors including political risks, legislative risks, currency risks and equity risk premiums; explain and calculate tax implications of different asset classes and the trading in those asset classes; and describe Investment analysis and portfolio management and calculate the effects of financial instruments used in portfolio management. explain trading methodology and automated trading processes; describe the different trade types and reporting on the different markets and the regulations governing each trade type (Main board trades, report-only transactions, OTC trades, unlisted trades) analyse legislation, rules and regulations specifically regarding trading in different financial markets; evaluate trading risks present in trading in different financial markets; and explain legislation and regulations regarding the provision of information to clients.

7 Financial Markets Transactions A Theory of Corporate Events Execution of Market Orders Securities Information and Market Conditions Client Investment Needs interpret the legislation pertaining to trading, settlement, custody and administration (e.g. Security Services Act); describe the settlement timetable for transactions conducted on the various financial markets and by different participants within the various markets ; explain the role, rules and function of the regulator, the central securities depository, the clearing house and participants; describe the he requirements needed to effect settlement within different financial markets and instruments; explain the custody and administration of securities within members and authorised users ; describe the procedure required in order to settle uncertified securities; explain the settlement requirements regarding position keeping, reporting, matching and clearing on various financial markets and unlisted securities; describe financial requirements for authorised users and members; and calculate and evaluate mark-to-market and margin positions on various financial markets. explain the definitions of corporate actions, various event types and the timelines involved; and evaluate the general principles of corporate actions and the application thereof. interpret client orders (quantum, price, instrument, direction); execute buy and sell orders on behalf of clients using a trading system; and relay trade information to clients such as number of securities bought and sold and the price. select, read and interpret information relating to the macroeconomic environment; interpret data from securities reports, financial periodicals and stock quotation viewer screens; interpret fundamental research reports; and consolidate securities and market conditions information that could be disseminated to clients. interview clients and obtain information on clients financial position; assess clients needs, objectives and risk profiles; obtain clarity on client mandates; document the information obtained from clients; provide information on financial market matters, market conditions and products ; measure the performance of an investment portfolio; identify the market asset classes that will satisfy the client needs and profile; identify and articulate the risks related to asset classes; and identify elements of regulatory requirements regarding investments that need to be communicated to clients.

8 Financial Market Transactions B Application of Corporate Events record and transmit buy and sell orders; calculate and record costs of transactions and corporate events; process trades with correct prices, associated taxes and fees; allocate prices/fees to correct accounts; make corrections where prices/fees negotiated are different from system process; arrange settlement and custody of securities; segregate client funds according to legislative requirements; perform bank, regulatory and investment product reconciliations; calculate and process fees; and calculate and process interest payments. advise clients on best practice with regard to the selection of financial market corporate events; and record and process financial market corporate events (per client instructions on market default but to firm/client mandate on instruction). Enquiries For any queries regarding student finance, please contact student finance at or go to If your employer is sponsoring your fees, please contact external bursaries at For general departmental information please consult the departmental website: All enquiries related to the above content should be addressed to: dfiminfo@uj.ac.za