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Study information

CFA Training and Development

Module titleCFA Training and Development
Module codeBEFM028
Academic year2024/5
Credits
Module staff

Wei-Ming Lee (Convenor)

Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

6

6

2

Number students taking module (anticipated)

60

Module description

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation has become the most recognized and respected investment credential in the world. The CFA program is designed to impart knowledge that is relevant to the professional career and emphasizes the highest ethical and professional standards. This module provides students with knowledge and skills required to pass the level 1 and level 2 examinations of the CFA qualification. The module follows the CFA® Candidate Body of Knowledge and provides an excellent preparation for Levels I and II of the CFA exams.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to provide you with the analytical skills and expertise in quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting, investments analysis and portfolio management, that are required to pass the first two levels of the CFA examinations.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. understand the core elements of the CFA® Candidate Body of Knowledge;
  • 2. demonstrate a strong foundation in advanced investment analysis, portfolio management and wealth management, fixed income and equity evaluation, behaviour finance and quantitative research methods that are commonly used in practice, derivative and alternative investment, accompanied with a strict emphasis in ethical practice;
  • 3. gain confidence and clarity in problem solving for the CFA exams.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 4. understand ethical and professional standards in finance, knowledge of financial markets and institutions, and skills such as quantitative methods, investment analysis and portfolio management.

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 5. demonstrate a wide range of quantitative and analytical skills that are relevant in a broader context in a variety of settings.

Syllabus plan

CFA Level 1

Induction Week (40hrs) covering:

  1. Introduction
  2. Ethics (15% exam weight) - approximately half LOS covered
  3. Quantitative Methods (10% exam weight) – most LOS covered
  4. Economics (10% exam weight) - most LOS covered
  5. Financial Reporting & Analysis (15% exam weight) - most LOS covered

Term-Time Tuition (44hrs) covering:

  1. Corporate Finance (10% exam weight) - approximately half LOS covered
  2. Equity Investments (11% exam weight) - approximately half LOS covered
  3. Fixed Income (11% exam weight) – most LOS covered
  4. Derivatives (6% exam weight) - approximately half LOS covered
  5. Alternatives (6% exam weight) - approximately half LOS covered
  6. Portfolio Management (6% exam weight) – most LOS covered
  7. Timed mock exam and debrief (2x2hrs)
  8. Revision (4hrs) 

CFA Level 2

Term-Time Tuition (40hrs) covering:

  1. Financial Reporting & Analysis (10-15%) – most LOS covered
  2. Corporate Finance (5-10%) - approximately half LOS covered
  3. Equity Investments (10-15%) - approximately half LOS covered
  4. Fixed Income (10-15%) - most LOS covered
  5. Portfolio Management (5-15%) - approximately half LOS covered
  6. Economics (5-10%) – approximately half LOS covered
  7. Alternative Investments (5-10%) - most LOS covered
  8. Mock exams timed and debriefed and a review of delegates weaker areas
  9. Ethical & Professional Standards (10-15%) – no coverage as some covered at Level 1 tuition
  10. Quantitative Methods (5-10%) – no coverage as covered in course studies
  11. Derivatives (5-10%) - no coverage as covered in course studies
  12. Timed mock exam and debrief (1x2hrs)
  13. Revision (4hrs)

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
1244760

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Training (CFA Level 1) 84Training Lectures and workshops
Guided Self-Study (CFA Level 1)216Self study to review and also to cover the gaps in Ethics; FRA; Equities: Derivatives: Alternatives
Scheduled Training (CFA Level 2)40Training Lectures and workshops
Guided Self-Study (CFA Level 2)260Self-Study to review and also to cover gaps in Ethics; Economics; Alternatives; Corporate Finance; Equities; Fixed Income; Derivatives; Portfolio Management

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Mini Mock test by topics (CFA L1)10 x 30 minutes, 20 questions per session1-5Online assessment and immediate scoring/feedback
Mini Mock test by topics (CFA L1)10 x 30 minutes, 20 questions per session1-5Online assessment and immediate scoring/feedback
Mock Exam (CFA L1)2 x 3 hours, 120 questions per 3hours1-5Timed and reviewed via e-learning platform
Mock Exam (CFA L1)2 x 3 hours, 60 questions per 3hours1-5Timed and reviewed via e-learning platform

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
000

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

  • CFA L1 and L2 e-books
  • CFA Learning Ecosystem: access an online learning program with the complete curriculum, custom lessons, personalized study plans, mock exams and more.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

  • All teaching materials will be available via the course’s ELE page

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

CFA Curriculum: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/curriculum

CFA Exams: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/exam

Analyst Forum: https://www.analystforum.com

CFA Society UK: https://www.cfauk.org

300hours: https://www.300hours.com

Key words search

CFA, Training,  Development

Credit value
Module ECTS

0

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

7

Available as distance learning?

Yes

Origin date

18/05/2020

Last revision date

27/11/2023