Business and Finance BSc (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: N290
International Code: FBLU037

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 Business and Finance BSc course aims to provide you with sound financial knowledge placed in a business context.

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 accounting 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 Business 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.
  • 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 Management Institute logo

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), recognising that the course covers key management topics in the context of the financial sector. This accreditation offers you the option to register and gain a Level 5 Certificate, which can help to enhance your employability skills with a professional qualification (fees apply to become a registered CMI student, and securing a professional qualification is subject to application, additional costs, availability, and meeting any applicable requirements). This course is accredited with the CMI for the 2021/22 intake. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation related to this course, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Chartered Financial Analyst Society logo

Chartered Financial Analyst Society UK (CFA UK)

This course is accredited by the Chartered Financial Analyst Society of the UK for the 2022/2023 intake, recognising the significant alignment between the course content and the Investment Management Certificate. If the accreditation of this course changes, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Exemptions

Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)

This course is recognised by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) for the 2022/23 intake. 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.

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.

Faculty of Business and law students explain what the Employment Fair is and how it benefits them.

What you'll study

In the first year, you will have the opportunity to study a range of modules that cover the basics of Business and Finance. You will need 120 credits to pass the year.

Modules

  • 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

  • The aim of the module is to provide students with an introduction to business organisation. The module will give students the opportunity to develop a good understanding of how organisations are structured and managed as well as offering students a pragmatic insight into the role and importance of some of the typical functional areas of organisations (Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management and Supply Chain Management).

    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

  • 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

  • This module has two main aims: The first is to introduce students to the fundamental theoretical concepts that underpin the marketing function, in particular the role of consumer behaviour, in marketing and selling situations The second is to build the collection of skills required to apply these fundamental concepts to case study and other scenarios in order to produce basic marketing and sales solutions.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to introduce students to the economic environment in which a business organisation operates and to develop an understanding of basic economic concepts that are applicable to careers in business, accountancy, and finance.

    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 there is a greater emphasis on finance, business management and leadership. Also, there is a module designed to give you the opportunity to gain employability skills specific to finance. We focus on threshold concepts, for example, the relevant knowledge and understanding of organisations, the external environment in which they operate, books of accounting entry, marginal costing, opportunity cost, finance theory and market forces. These concepts unlock the basic principles of business and finance theory, allowing you the opportunity to view these functions in a wider real-world context. You will need 120 credits to pass the year.

Modules

  • 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

  • The aim of this module is to provide students with an appreciation and in-depth understanding of the key and practical issues in management within global organisations. These areas will include the role management plays within an organisation, the development and motivation of people and the management of a culturally diverse workforce.

    Compulsory

  • This module intends to provide students with an understanding of the functions and operation of retail financial services in the UK. It aims to provide an advanced knowledge of the main financial products offered by UK financial service industry. These will include investment, savings, borrowing, insurance and pension alternatives available to individuals. It also provides a background to financial advice at the personal level through an understanding of the regulation framework and the decision-making process.

    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 is designed to develop their understanding of the language, concepts and tools commonly used in financial and management accounting.

    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

The final year of study offers you the chance to pick an optional module, designed to enable you to develop specialist knowledge in areas like investment analysis or e-commerce, depending on the path you wish to follow in your potential future career. You will be required to conduct a project; students often choose a specific contemporary issue of interest to them. Examples of previous topics chosen include impact of financial crisis on financial markets and effect of regulation on financial services.

Modules

  • Strategic management has now evolved to the point that its primary value is to help the organisation operate successfully in a dynamic, complex environment. To be competitive in this environment, businesses have to become less bureaucratic and more flexible, including the ability to shift from one dominant strategy to another. This strategic flexibility also demands a long term commitment to the development and nurturing of critical resources in this environment driven by technical and social change.

    Compulsory

  • The overall aim of this module is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the scope and nature of the financial management issues that exist within modern international corporations. The module covers the major strands of corporate finance theories and applications such as financing of the firm, capital management, and risk management in the context of the current globalisation of financial markets.

    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

  • 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

  • Leading individuals and teams to success is arguably the most important skill a manager can possess. This module focuses on the essential management and leadership skills required to fulfil this role in the business and finance context. The module begins with focusing on the theoretical and practical approaches to developing, leading and managing teams. Students will look at techniques to assess team capabilities, including the role of recruitment, selection and staff development. On successfully completing the module, students will not only know the principles of managing individuals and teams, but they will understand approaches for supporting, motivating and inspiring teams and individuals to exceed expectations.

    Compulsory

  • Choose one from the following modules:

    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. 

    Insurance and Pensions - 20 credits

    This module provides students with an understanding of the nature and purposes of insurance and pensions. By the end of the module, students should have acquired the ability to critically evaluate alternative insurance and pension products in relation to the needs of individuals. They should also be able to communicate the relative merits of alternative insurances and pensions, and the implications of inadequate cover and provision.

    Management of E-Commerce - 20 credits

    This module aims to introduce students to E-Commerce concepts by giving an integrative perspective of front and back end online commerce. Specifically, it provides students with an understanding of E-Commerce, different types of E-Commerce global business models (i.e., B2C and B2B), E-Commerce Information Systems (i.e., TPS, MIS, ECRM, and DSS), and Management of E-Commerce issues (i.e., Security and Trust). 

    Optional

  • 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

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 the 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:

  • Understand and analyse the nature and context of business organisations.
  • Formulate and suggest solutions to business problems.
  • Analyse and produce financial solutions to complex business decisions.
  • Critically evaluate relevant qualitative and quantitative data in the areas of business and finance.
  • Apply numeracy and quantitative skills including data analysis, interpretation and extrapolation.
  • Use effective communication, oral and written using a range of media which are widely used in business, such as the preparation and presentation of business and financial reports.
  • Identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately.
  • Create, evaluate and assess a range of options together with the capacity to apply ideas and knowledge to a range of situations.
  • Conduct research into business, finance and management issues, either individually or as part of a team for projects/dissertations/presentations.

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.

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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.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Accounting and Finance or International Year One (Accounting and Finance) will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

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

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee of £1,250 to cover your academic support.

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 Finance 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

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  • 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).