ECO8343 : International Finance: Foundations and FinTech
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to School approval at module registration
- Module Leader(s): Dr Xueqi Dong
- Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
Students are expected to be comfortable with basic calculus, including differentiation of single-variable functions, working with simple functions (polynomials, exponentials, logarithms), and interpreting derivatives in economic and financial contexts.
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module introduces the core topics in international finance and situates them within the rapidly evolving FinTech landscape. It examines how exchange rates are determined, how the international monetary and financial system is organised, and how global capital flows are intermediated, with particular attention to dominant currencies, safe assets, and the roles of banks and non-bank financial institutions.
The module highlights how digital technologies – including mobile wallets, platform-based cross-border payment systems, stablecoins, tokenised assets and central bank digital currencies – are reshaping the workings of international finance. It also explores advanced topics such as the dominant-currency paradigm, which uses general-equilibrium models to analyse how safe-asset demand and bank regulation help sustain U.S. dollar dominance.
Outline Of Syllabus
1. The International Monetary System and Cross-border Digital Money
2. Balance of Payments
3. Foreign Exchange Markets, Instruments and platform-based cross-border payments
4. International Parity Conditions
5. Foreign Currency Derivatives and Risk Management
6. Invoicing Currency Choice & Vehicle Currencies: Micro Foundations and Evidence
7. Dominant Currency Dynamics: Trade–Finance Complementarities & Safe Assets
8. Digital Currency and the Future of International Currency
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 14 | 2:00 | 28:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | R computer sessions |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | seminar |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 164:00 | 164:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures provide students with a rigorous conceptual foundation.
Seminars provide opportunities to apply and critically discuss theories and policy issues.
Computer sessions provide hands-on experience with real-world data analysis.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 180 | 1 | A | 100 | N/A |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Students will be assigned a current topic in international finance and deliver a short presentation demonstrating their understanding of the issue, supported by relevant academic literature.
The task is designed to develop students’ ability to critically engage with contemporary financial developments, apply theoretical frameworks, and synthesise academic research.
Students will receive feedback on their conceptual understanding, quality of literature engagement, analytical clarity, and presentation skills to support their preparation for the summative assessment.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ECO8343's Timetable