Banking and Finance BSc (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: N310
International Code: FBLU039 

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years full-time with study abroad / professional placement

Start date

September 2022

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

Our Banking and Finance BSc course aims to provide you with sound financial knowledge to set you for a future career in the fast-paced banking and financial sector.

This course will interest you if:

  • You are looking for a career path that requires an understanding of budgeting and financial administration.
  • Want to gain a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in banking and finance within a business context.
  • Understand the financial world.
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

The Banking and Finance course offers an insight into the financial world. By studying this course you will have the opportunity to:

  • Develop your skills in our Trading Floor, which features 42 dual screen Bloomberg terminals – we are also currently a Bloomberg Experiential Learning partner, which recognises our commitment to integrating our terminals into our courses.
  • Opportunity to gain the Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate, on successful completion of a short course (subject to availability).
  • Learn in a Business School that was ranked ‘excellent’ in 2020 by Eduniversal, an annual ranking of business schools in over 150 countries.
  • Have the opportunity to select from a range of optional modules in your final year, allowing you to tailor your studies to a particular area of interest.
  • Gain professional accreditation from some of the UK’s leading professional accounting bodies, whose representatives have visited our previous students in the past to speak about the professions and give advice and guidance on how to potentially secure a job (subject to availability). Please refer to the Accreditation and Professional Recognition and Exemptions section.
  • A course that has a practical focus, preparing and analysing financial statements, as well as studying the impact of finance on real businesses through case studies of a diverse range of organisations, including easyJet, Ryanair, Apple and Ben & Jerry’s.
  • Access to the university’s sigma centre, which provides maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions with experienced tutors.
  • Support from our employability team, The Talent Team, throughout your course. Many of our employment team have previously worked in industry and have experience of being a recruiter; they understand the labour market, the skills employers look for and the processes used by employers to select candidates. Please note that staff may be subject to change.
  • Opportunity to apply for an internship or sandwich placement*, typically as a trainee accountant or in management accounting role, with previous students working at large firms in retail, healthcare and professional services, as well as a large number of small to medium-sized accountancy firms and business organisations.

Accredited by:

Chartered Association of Business Schools logo

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 logo

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 2022/23 intake. There is currently no intention for either of these memberships to lapse however if either of these memberships were not to be renewed we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

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 2022/23 intake. There is currently no intention for either of these memberships to lapse however if either of these memberships were not to be renewed we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

What you'll study

In your first year you will have the opportunity to develop core skills and knowledge within finance, as well as studying an overview of the banking sector.

You will need 120 credits to pass the year.

Modules

  • This module aims to develop students’ ability to apply appropriate mathematical techniques to financial problems. It starts by applying basic mathematical methods, and then introduces students to other techniques in the context of financial applications. It will also offer students with A-level mathematics the opportunity to apply their mathematical skills to more complex applications. 

    Compulsory

  • The principal aim of this module is to introduce students to the main financial statements produced by businesses worldwide. The systems and techniques required by businesses to produce these statements, and the core concepts underpinning these statements are also addressed. Students will also learn how to use accounting ratios to critically evaluate financial statements and business performance. 

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the importance of personal finance and the process for and factors affecting effective personal financial planning. 

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide students with a range of discipline specific and professional skills enabling them to become effective and autonomous learners, with particular emphasis on personal development planning. It will develop a range of transferable capabilities such as research, writing and presentation skills, as well as training on the use of financial databases and spreadsheets. The module thus integrates academic and practical skills to enhance learning and ultimately employability. 

    Compulsory

  • The overall aim of this module is to provide students with an introductory knowledge of how banks operate to achieve financial intermediation objective. Starting from the core functions of banks, this module will present a basic understanding of financial statements of banks and financial management of banks in addition various types of risks in banking business. Students will be introduced to the central banking system informed of how central banks play a pivotal role in the industry.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide students to acquire statistical reasoning and thinking skills and to relate those skills to financial problem solving and conducting business research.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework, exam

In your second year you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills in finance topics, and the chance to gain an understanding of financial markets and learn about specific topics within banking.

You will need 120 credits to pass the year.

Modules

  • The overall aim of this module is to assess the need for and nature of financial regulation in general and banking regulation in particular. It will consider the justification for regulation as well as alternative structures of regulation and their advantages and disadvantages. It will discuss recent developments in global banking regulation and assess objectives and the likelihood that they will achieve these objectives. The module will also discuss the changing nature of banks and the implications of this for the regulatory environment.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical underpinnings of modern day banking. It will cover a broad range of topics to provide an understanding of the structure, operation and functions of banking institutions in financial market.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to ensure students have a clear understanding of the expectations internships and placements employers have and how to best prepare to face the job market at this level. The module begins with an opportunity for self-evaluation where students complete a skills audit in order to identify strengths and weaknesses relative to the applications for relevant internships and placements. Once this reflective exercise is completed, students will address and enhance the areas of weaknesses identified and also be supported and mentored towards job opportunities that would best utilise their strengths.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to introduce students to relevant concepts in finance. Students will learn about the workings of the equity and bond markets, gain quantitative skills to price stocks and bonds, acquire techniques to exploit the trade-off between risk and return to an optimal effect, develop critical understanding of theories and empirics of asset pricing models and market efficiency hypothesis, and become aware of key financial decisions taken by firms. The module elucidates the basics of the financial theory and how they are applied in the real world. It also provides students with structured opportunities to develop quantitative and analytical skills for more advanced undergraduate studies in finance.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to introduce students to various types of financial markets and institutions through a unique analysis of the risks faced by investors and savers interacting through financial institutions and financial markets, as well as strategies that can be adopted for controlling and managing risks. Students will also learn to understand and to be able to critically evaluate some new areas of operations in financial markets and institutions such as asset securitisation, off-balance-sheet activities, and globalisation of financial services.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of statistical techniques. 

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

    Assessment: coursework, exam

After your second year, you have an opportunity to take a sandwich year, studying abroad or on professional placement. 

Placement years are subject to additional costs, application, meeting applicable visa requirements and availability. Further costs incurred as a result of the professional work placement or study abroad shall be borne by the student.  

Modules

  • Optional

  • Optional

In the final year of the course you will have the opportunity to gain deeper insight into contemporary topics within banking, as well as applying the knowledge you have learnt through the Applied Banking Case Studies and Project modules. Optional modules include those focused on managing portfolios, analysing investments and exploring corporate governance and business ethics.

You will need 120 credits to pass the year.

Modules

  • This module enables students to understand how banks are impacted by risk, and what measures banks can take to measure and mitigate risks they encounter. Bank risk is explored within the traditional spectrum of risk types, including liquidity, credit, market risk, and operational risk. But importantly, bank risk is also explored at enterprise (balance sheet) level, and also at whole financial sector (systemic) level, in order to reflect the emergence and increasing recognition of systemic risk management as a risk discipline.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to ensure students have a clear understanding of the expectations graduate employers have and how to best prepare to face the graduate market. The module begins with an opportunity for personal evaluation, where students complete a skills audit in order to identify strengths and weaknesses. Once the self-evaluation is completed, students will have the opportunity to develop and enhance areas of weakness and also be guided towards schemes that would best utilise or match their strengths.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to apply and develop their research skills and to extend their knowledge, understanding and ability to critically analyse in a specialist area of interest. The student will chose an academic area related to their programme of study and apply their independent learning skills to research this area in depth. Students will receive academic support through a series of group supervisions and will be allocated a project supervisor.

    Compulsory

  • The aims of this module are to enable students to understand the characteristics and organisation of the international financial markets and to identify their potential uses in business situations. The module will include the role and functioning of the markets within which the financial institutions operate, such as the money market, the equity market and the bond market. The module also aims to enable students to identify the potential risks and dangers in the use of these markets and evaluate recent global and domestic financial crisis.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to develop students' ability to apply theories and concepts, learned earlier in the course, to actual situations faced by the banking industry. Students will undertake a case study of an issue in contemporary banking that will require them to utilise skills acquired during the course. The case studies will be based on issues that will be of interest to the industry at the time of module delivery.

    Compulsory

  • Compulsory

  • Choose one from the following modules:

    Applied Econometrics - 20 credits

    The aim of this module is to develop students' understanding of econometric techniques and economics modelling relevant to various Macro and Microeconomic applications. The empirical work covered in the lectures and seminars will be supplemented by students undertaking applied studies (using real and simulated data) using the econometrics packages for example E-views, PC-Give.

    Corporate Governance and Business Ethics - 20 credits

    Investment Analysis - 20 credits

    The module focuses on the bond and equity markets. Students are introduced to discounted cash flow related bond pricing techniques along with bond portfolio managements and the associated risk immunisation methodologies. In respect to equity valuation, students will compare and contrast discounted cash flow methods with fundamental valuation approaches associated with approaches such as value investing and growth investing. Market timing is also explored through the application of technical analysis.

    Portfolio Management - 20 credits

    This module examines how portfolios are structured, monitored and managed for maximum effectiveness. It develops students understanding and ability to apply asset allocation, portfolio strategies, international diversification and performance evaluation techniques.

    Optional

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

We set out below the typical teaching contact hours that you will receive on this course. Teaching contact hours will vary in different semesters and years of study and may vary due to module selection. In addition to the contact hours below, we offer the opportunity to attend additional optional sessions, including sessions with the Faculty’s progress coaches, or to meet with staff during their advice and feedback hours.

Within your first and second year, you will have around 12 contact hours of teaching a week which includes:

  • Medium group teaching: practical classes, seminars or workshops per week.
  • Large group teaching: lectures each week.

In your final year, if you are undertaking a project/dissertation, there is a greater emphasis placed on independent study and therefore total contact hours may be reduced.

In addition, you will be expected to undertake a significant amount of studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using for example, seminar exercises or online activities.

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.

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

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. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.

Job ready

On successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Develop a key understanding of appropriate policies for banks at the corporate level that are informed by relevant research, theories and empirical evidence as well as the relevant institutional, regulatory and ethical background.
  • Understand how banks and other financial institutions operate within the different global, political, financial and legal contexts, considering the recent advancement in banking technology.
  • Evaluate critically the advantages of diverse theoretical and empirical approaches for addressing financial problems in the global context.
  • Conduct goal-oriented research using financial modelling and analytical tools and a range of banking and finance related materials including journals, books and online resources, so as to resolve important banking and finance issues.
  • Demonstrate digital literacy by using information, communication and digital technologies in solving different financial problems.
  • Make appropriate decisions considering practical issues which confront modern banking and understand the importance of ethics in banking and financial decisions.
  • Develop professional, intercultural and self-regulatory capabilities applicable to an increasingly global workplace, and be able to communicate effectively both independently and within teams by employing a variety of conventional and digital capabilities appropriate to diverse audiences.
  • Understand the concept of risk in finance and the importance of risk management in resolving finance issues as well as important factors influencing the investment behaviour of firms.

International experience opportunities

You will have the opportunity to take part in an overseas study trip, or a full year abroad. 

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 will have the opportunity to participate in European field trips* as part of the annual Tax Week initiative or the annual Audit Week, both of which are conducted in partnership with European universities, and see students work collaboratively on related projects.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BBB
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSE's graded 9-4 / A* - C including English
BTEC DDM
IB Diploma 30 - 31 points 

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with UK admissions

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

To be accepted for the programme students must possess 240 credits (120 ECTS) at level 4 and 5 obtained in a relevant subject area, covering either accounting or finance.

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Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £15,300 per year Not available

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.

Facilities

A student using a computer at a desk wearing glasses next to a tutor pointing at the screen

The Trading Floor

With 42 Bloomberg terminals, this facility can add a dynamic practical element to your course.

 

People at the Talent team fair on the balcony and on the ground floor

Talent Team

Our dedicated Talent Team can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate-level jobs and offer skills development workshops.

A female student sat at a desk holding a pen and looking at a laptop.

sigma Centre

The sigma Centre offers maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions and bookable appointments.

Careers and opportunities

Our course is designed to give you the opportunity to gain the practical skills and experience needed for your potential future career, so that upon successful completion you have the confidence to give sound financial advice and make effective financial decisions. 

You’ll also benefit from exploring a wide range of desirable professional skills, including team working; critical evaluation; self-directed learning; problem-solving; action planning and organising; written and oral communication; presentation; questioning and listening. The following personal qualities will also be addressed in each of the skills modules: achievement orientation; initiative and creativity; self-confidence; decisiveness; reflectiveness; adaptability and flexibility.  

On successful completion, you should be well placed to pursue a wide variety of potential future careers options in areas such as finance, management, accounting, banking, personal and corporate finance, business, or education in private, public and third sector organisations. Alternatively, this course could set you on the path towards a professional qualification as a Chartered Accountant. 

Where our graduates work

Our past graduates have gone on to work in a number of roles including trainee-chartered accountants, finance assistants and financial advisors.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Accounting and Financial Management MSc. 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.

How to apply

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Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding

  • 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 2021/22 Contract can be found here. 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.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we 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. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    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. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).