Finance Fundamentals

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more For further information about registration, the final assessment course, your eligibility and the BA in Business Management, visit the Open University website . If you are aiming to use your study of courses in the Business and Finance Fundamentals program to obtain academic credit, please be aware that the final planned presentation of the Open University Assessment Course BXM191 Business and Finance Fundamentals in Practice starts October 2020. Please ensure that you allow yourself enough time to obtain all eight Certificates of Achievement from courses in the program before registering for the Assessment Course. Details of runs of the relevant FutureLearn courses in 2019 and 2020 are available here .

Topics Covered

The historical development of financial services in the UK
The 2007/08 financial crisis
The financial services industry after the financial crisis
The revisions to the regulation of the industry after the financial crisis
Financial products and new product offerings for consumers
The pensions revolution in the UK
How financial firms are regulated
How financial product sales are regulated
How consumers are protected and helped in the financial market place

Reviews summary

Post-crisis financial services overview

According to students, this course provides a clear and concise overview of the financial services industry, particularly focusing on the period after the 2008 banking crisis. Many find the content, especially on regulation and consumer protection, highly relevant and practical for professionals. Learners praise the excellent instructors for simplifying complex topics without losing depth. While it offers a strong foundation for beginners, some experienced learners may find certain sections basic or the delivery occasionally dry, desiring more interactive elements or case studies. Though an older review mentioned outdated material, more recent feedback indicates the course is largely up-to-date and valuable for understanding the current financial landscape.

Mostly current, but some suggest checking for latest updates.

"The course is very up-to-date and practical."

"While the topics are important, I found some of the course material to be a bit outdated, particularly around specific regulations, which have since evolved."

"I would recommend it, but perhaps check external resources for the very latest regulatory updates."

Offers current insights into post-banking crisis finance.

"I found the modules on regulation and consumer protection highly relevant to my work."

"Absolutely brilliant! The material on the banking crisis and subsequent regulatory changes was thoroughly explained. The course is very up-to-date and practical."

"I'm a professional in a related field and found it useful for refreshing my knowledge."

"The discussions on consumer protection were particularly strong."

Simplifies complex financial concepts effectively.

"This course provided an incredibly clear and concise overview of the financial services industry..."

"The instructors were excellent, simplifying complex topics without losing depth."

"As someone new to finance, this course demystified complex concepts. The explanations were easy to follow..."

"Outstanding clarity and excellent teaching. This course genuinely helped me understand the intricacies..."

Generally engaging, yet some desire more interactive elements.

"The videos were engaging and the readings were informative."

"The course content is relevant, but at times the delivery felt a little dry."

"I was hoping for more case studies or interactive elements. It didn't fully engage me."

Ideal for beginners, but potentially basic for experienced learners.

"Some parts felt a bit basic for someone with prior finance knowledge..."

"Highly recommended for beginners."

"I'm a professional in a related field and found it useful for refreshing my knowledge."

"The pace was sometimes too slow for someone with a background in economics."

Career center

Learners who complete Finance Fundamentals: Financial Services after the Banking Crisis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers: