Banking and Finance BSc (Hons)
Study level: UndergraduateThe Banking and Finance BSc combines academic rigour, specialist knowledge and practical financial skills to help you thrive in the fast-paced and competitive world of banking, financial and the commercial sector.
Course option
Year of entry
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Sandwich
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
UCAS codes
N310
Start date
September 2024
January 2025 - condensed
Course overview
The UK’s financial market offers diverse career opportunities, attractive salaries and scope to work overseas. Our course aims to give you a solid foundation and knowledge of banking and finance while enhancing your professional and employability skills, opening a broad range of potential career opportunities. Key topics include the operation of financial markets and banking, regulation, risk management, application of financial data and how financial institutions operate.
The January start for this course is condensed in Year 1. Please see the ‘How you’ll learn’ section below for more details.
Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects
Guardian University Guide 2021 and 20225 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities
QS Stars University RatingsTop 5 UK Student City (Coventry)
QS Best Student Cities Index 2023Why you should study this course
By studying this course, you will have the opportunity to:
- Gain knowledge about banking and the wider financial sector alongside a wide range of financial skills.
You can expect to gain a solid understanding of the financial sector, learning about the operation of financial markets, banking and financial services, understanding and using financial data, professional, ethical and regulatory issues in banking, personal employability and professional skills. You’ll also look to develop a wide range of other financial skills such as buying a property, preparing and analysing financial statements, valuing investments and bonds, and measuring banking risks. - Tailor your studies
Our wide range of economics and finance courses share a common first year. This gives you the flexibility to decide the direction you want to take your degree after you have received a thorough grounding in economic and financial concepts, and principles. - The Trading Floor4
This provides hands-on experience to work with market leading financial databases such as Thomson Reuters Eikon, Bloomberg, Fitch Connect and Refinitiv Datastream. - sigma Maths and Statistics Support
Access maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions with experienced tutors4. - Practical focus
Prepare and analyse financial statements, as well as the study of the impact of finance on real businesses through case studies of a diverse range of organisations. - Gain real-world exposure
Prepare for a future career in banking and finance with a work placement2.
If you choose to start this course in January you will study exactly the same course but over a slightly shorter timescale in Year 1. This is ideal if you missed the September start, want to transfer from a different university or course or just need a bit more time to prepare for life at university.
Accreditation and professional recognition
Chartered Insurance Institute
This course is recognised by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) for the 2024/25/26 intakes. CII recognition allows students to gain certain exemptions from some professional examinations, upon successful completion of this course (subject to application, availability, meeting applicable visa requirements and additional fees may apply). If there is any change to the recognition of this course by the CII, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
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Additional certificates
As part of the degree you will have the option to work towards two additional certifications (outside of your study modules):
[1] Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate: Optional certification to help our students stand out and demonstrate their understanding of financial markets, central banking and the application of economic indicators, as well as hone their skills in utilising Bloomberg terminal functionalities for a fast moving market.
[2] Bloomberg ESG Certificate: Optional certification for students to demonstrate their understanding of the Environmental, Social and Governance factors, and their implications for strategy development and regulatory compliance.
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Memberships
Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS)
Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, which has a membership of over 120 business schools and higher education providers, and supports its members in maintaining world-class standards of teaching and research.
European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)
Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the European Foundation for Management Development, a global membership organisation dedicated to management development, covering over 900 members across 91 countries.
Coventry Business School is recognised by the above memberships for the 2023/24 intake.
PRME - The Principles for Responsible Management Education
Coventry Business School is currently an active member of The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). PRME is a United Nations-supported initiative founded in 2007 that aims to raise the profile of sustainability in their classrooms through seven principles focused on serving society and safeguarding our planet.
AACSB- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB is the world’s largest network of business schools and organisations committed to advancing business education and making a lasting, positive impact on society to create next generation of great leaders.
BGA - Business Graduates Association
Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA). BGA’s student and graduate benefits have been crafted to enhance your learning experience, providing a range of tools to support professional and personal development.
GBSN - Global Business School Network
Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Global Business School Network (GBSN). The Global Business School Network is a nonprofit organisation that partners with business schools, industry, foundations and aid agencies to improve access to quality, locally relevant management and entrepreneurship education for the developing world.
SBC - Small Business Charter
Coventry Business School is a recipient of the Small Business Charter (SBC) Award. The award is a mark of excellence for business schools, recognising their expertise in supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship, and effective engagement in the local economy.
More than just a degree
I have volunteered at open days and helped present a concept in finance to those who were looking to join. Initially, I was a little nervous but once I got started, I really enjoyed presenting. I was able to get to know my lecturers on a more personal level and got the opportunity to meet other students.
Eric Suthagar, Finance and Investment BSc (Hons), quoted 2021
What you'll study
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
How you'll learn
You will be taught using case studies of real-life challenges facing global banks, and apply your skills and knowledge to make recommendations to solve problems.
- We aim to offer opportunities to attend guest lectures delivered by speakers from the banking industry (subject to availability).
- You will be taught in one of the largest educational trading floors in Europe4, running Bloomberg terminals and provided with access to a wealth of live and historical trading market data.
- Typically, a module involves interactive lecture(s) weekly, delivered synchronously online or on campus, followed by a range of active learning sessions such as seminars and workshops.
- In addition, you will meet other students on the course and your tutors weekly during term time to engage in community-building activities, receive support and raise concerns relating to the course.
- The assessment strategy is designed to be efficient and manageable and consists of authentic assessments, very similar to those tasks students will have to complete in their future careers.
If you choose to start this course in January it will be run as a condensed programme. You’ll start your course in January and finish your first year in August. Upon successful completion of Year 1, you will progress onto Year 2 in September and then continue to start subsequent years of your course in September, completing your degree at the same time as the September starters unless you opt to do a placement year.
Teaching contact hours
We understand that everyone learns differently, so we’ll look to manage your learning journey to match your strengths and aspirations.
Your learning experience on each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:
- On-campus lectures, seminars and workshops
- Group work
- Self-directed learning
- Work placement opportunities2.
If you would like more information, you can request information about teaching hours.
Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.
Assessment methods include:
- Formal examinations
- Phase tests
- Essays
- Group work
- Presentations
- Reports
- Projects
- Coursework
- Exams
- Individual assignments
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
International experience opportunities
Coventry is a multicultural university, so our typically diverse student and staff body helps to facilitate a multicultural learning environment.
Coventry University aims to give you the global opportunities needed to become a truly global graduate, enhancing your employability on a global scale. Options might include from language classes, studying or working abroad, international field trips, summer schools, leadership development or work experience2.
In the past, our students have had the opportunity to visit universities in China and Malaysia to study alongside students, see how finance is taught internationally, appreciate the issues in different countries and broaden their perspectives.
Closer to home, you could have the chance to participate in European field trips2 as part of events like the annual Tax Week initiative or the annual Audit Week, both of which were conducted in collaboration with European universities, and saw students work collaboratively on related projects2.
Students on our finance courses learn through practical problem-solving exercises and real-world financial markets data. My teaching focuses on specialist areas within finance such as investment management, valuation and security analysis, with insights from over nine years of industry and research experience.
Nikhil Sapre, Lecturer in Finance, 2022
Entry requirements
Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.
Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.
Fees and funding
2024/25 tuition fees.
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
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UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | £9,250 per year | Not available |
EU | £9,250 per year with EU support bursary** £16,800 per year without EU support bursary** |
Not available |
International | £16,800 per year | Not available |
If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.
For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our undergraduate finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.
We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.
The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:
- Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
- Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).
Condensed course – January start date
If you choose to start this degree in January please make sure you check the Fees and Finance page for more information. Although starting this course in January does not prohibit you from being eligible for student finance, the way it is paid in your first year differs from those who start their course in September.
If you start the degree in January, your tuition fees will be paid in accordance with the university’s Tuition Fees, Refund and Withdrawal Terms and Conditions for January starters and for any further years of study, your fees will be paid in accordance with the terms for September starters.
*Irish student fees
The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.
**EU Support Bursary
Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.
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How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.
If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.
Facilities
We have a range of facilities4 available to support our banking and finance students in putting the theories you are taught, into practice.
The Trading Floor
The Trading Floor is an invaluable facility that allows you to get hands-on with industry-standard software. Featuring contemporary dual-screen Bloomberg terminals, the facility can add a dynamic practical element to your course.
Talent Team
Employability is at the forefront of all our economics courses. You will have access to our dedicated employability service, the Talent Team, from the first day of your course, to graduation and beyond.
sigma Centre
The sigma Centre is housed in our Lanchester Library, and offers maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions and bookable appointments, the ideal place to help you navigate any issues you might have while studying an accounting and finance degree.
Careers and opportunities
Upon successful completion, you will be able to:
- Use a range of transferable skills, e.g. writing clear and concise reports based on evidence and logic, making effective use of information technology, and creative problem-solving.
- Communicate technical banking and financial concepts in a clear manner to a range of relevant stakeholders.
- Apply banking and financial theories and empirical methods to real-world scenarios.
- Carry out an independent piece of research on a banking or finance topic using appropriate theories and analytical tools.
- Understand the importance and relevance of personal finance and banking products and services to daily life.
- Apply appropriate mathematical and quantitative techniques to solve business and financial problems.
- Understand the importance of banks, their function in society, and ethics in banking and financial decisions.
- Apply the key approaches to risk management in devising strategies to tackle practical issues and risks that confront modern banking. Understand the role of banking and financial regulators and how this impacts the performance and structure of banks and other financial institutions.
This course aims to offer you opportunities to gain industry experience, such as field trips, case studies, simulations and work experience2.
The course aims to give you the confidence to give sound financial advice and make effective financial decisions. You should be well placed to pursue a wide variety of potential future careers options in areas such as:
- Finance
- Banking
- Management
- Accounting
- Personal and corporate finance
- Business
- Education in private, public and third sector organisations.
The Talent Team will also support you with workshops and guidance on the various aspects of the employment process such as preparing your CV, interview practice and mock assessment centres, as well as putting on employer events, which should allow you to network with potential future employers offering graduate roles, internships and placements in the advertising and marketing sectors2.
Further study
You may wish to continue to further your studies at postgraduate level with our Accounting and Financial Management MSc or Finance MSc here at Coventry Business School. You can explore all of your options using our postgraduate course search tool. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.
Please note that further study opportunities2 are subject to competitive application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements and additional costs may apply.
How to apply
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UK students
Full-time students applying to start in September 2024 can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university.
If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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International students
International codes:
How to apply
FBLU091For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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Disclaimers
Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.
1Accreditations
The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
2UK and international opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.
3Tuition fees
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.
For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
4Facilities
Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2023/2024 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2024/25 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.