Finance and Investment BSc (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: N341
International Code: FBLU038

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Part-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

This specialist course aims to provide you with the essential knowledge required to succeed in today’s highly competitive and dynamic world of finance and investment.

This course will interest you if:

  • You are looking for a career path that requires you to offer sound financial advice that could change someone’s future.
  • Want to gain a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in accounting and finance within a financial 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 Finance and Investment course offers an insight into the world of finance. By studying this course you will have the opportunity to or gain from:

  • Recognition of the closeness of the course’s content to professional qualifications, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst Society of the UK’s Investment Management Certificate (IMC). Please refer to the Accreditation and Professional Recognition section of the Overview tab for further information.
  • Outstanding facilities including our Trading Floor, currently one of the largest academic trading floors in Europe, featuring 42 dual screen Bloomberg terminals.
  • Opportunity to obtain a professional Bloomberg certification (the Bloomberg Market Concept Certificate) through an e-learning course delivered through the Trading Floor (subject to availability).
  • Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) and Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS). Please see the Memberships section for further information.
  • Dedicated employment support team, the Talent Team, to work with you throughout your course. Many of our employment tutors have previously worked in industry and they understand the labour market, the skills employers look for and the processes used by employers to select candidates upon graduation (please note staff are subject to change).
  • Opportunity to study for a professional qualification to improve your employability upon graduation, the CISI’s Investment Advice Diploma – with past students receiving a study guide to assist them as part of the course. Subject to additional costs and requirements - for more information please see the Accreditation and Professional Recognition section of the Overview tab.
  • Opportunity to gain support with maths and statistics from the university’s sigma centre, which runs drop-in sessions led by experienced academics (subject to availability).

Accredited by

Chartered Financial Analyst Society of the UK logo

Chartered Financial Analyst Society of the UK (CFA UK)

This course is recognised 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

Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment logo

Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI)

This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) for the 2022/23 intake. Upon successful completion of certain modules, you will have the opportunity to gain the Investment Advice Diploma professional qualification, which is in the CISI’s qualifying level of awards, a step up from foundation level (subject to competitive application, availability, meeting any applicable professional body requirements and additional fees may apply). If the accreditation of this course changes, we will 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.

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.

 

What you'll study

During the first year we cover a range of subjects including fundamentals of finance, financial accounting, statistical analysis and mathematical techniques for finance, as well as numeracy and IT skills for further study in finance and investment. You will also have the opportunity to undertake the Regulatory Environment module, for a chance to work towards a professional qualification with the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI), Regulatory Environment. This pathway to gaining the CISI Investment Advice Diploma is open to all Finance and Investment BSc (Hons) students, with the qualification subject to competitive application, availability, additional costs, successful completion, and requirements.

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

  • 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 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 to acquire statistical reasoning and thinking skills and to relate those skills to financial problem solving and conducting business research. 

    Compulsory

  • This module prepares students towards one the professional qualifications awarded by an independent financial institute. The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI). This allows students to complete their professional qualifications alongside their degree course.

    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

  • 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 and exam

In the second year, you will begin to specialise in financial topics, including principles of finance, financial services, psychology in finance and economics of banking and finance. If you successfully completed the module Regulatory Environment in your first year, you will be able to continue your studies towards the CISI professional qualification, the Investment Advice Diploma, through the second year module Investment and Taxation. The Investment Advice Diploma is subject to competitive application, availability, additional costs and requirement - for more information, see the Accreditation and Professional Recognition section of the Overview tab.  We will examine financial strategies used by businesses and the role played by the external environment on financial decisions, considering, for example, the impact of interest rates or currency differences on borrowing and investment. 

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 enable students to analyse the nature and functions of financial institutions, to equip students with the necessary tools and concepts to be able to explain and interpret the process of financial intermediation, and to understand the system of regulation in financial markets. The module also examines the underlying principles and characteristics of money and banking that are the foundation for understanding their role in the economy.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to enable students to understand the nature of psychological foundations of financial decision making and its impact on asset pricing and financial decision makers more generally. The module also identifies possible biases in investment analysis and portfolio management arising from cognitive, affective and social influences of financial decision making process.

    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 develop an understanding of investment planning, advice and taxation within the context of financial advice using industry standard contents from professional bodies. The module prepares students towards one of the professional qualifications awarded by an independent financial institute, the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI). This allows students to complete their professional qualifications alongside their degree course.

    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


  • 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 and 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 study, a range of optional subjects are available to further tailor your studies. You will be required to conduct a project to demonstrate your understanding of finance and investment; previous students have chosen a specific contemporary issue of interest to them. Examples of topics chosen include the impact of financial crises on financial markets and the effect of regulation on financial services. 

If you have successfully completed the first year module, Regulatory Environment, and the second year module, Investment and Taxation, you will be able to undertake the final module towards a professional qualification with the CISI, Wealth Management. After successful completion of certain external examinations you will obtain the Investment Advice Diploma from CISI, a Level 4 qualification which could offer access to further higher level CISI qualifications (further qualifications are subject to successful completion, competitive application, availability, meeting any professional body requirements, visa requirements and additional costs). For more information, see the Accreditation and Professional Recognition section of this page. 

You will need 120 credits to pass the year.

Modules

  • 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.

    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 is designed to give students a real world experience of financial advisory and wealth management using real world case studies and scenarios. The module also prepares students towards one the professional qualifications awarded by an independent financial institute -The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI). This allows students to complete their professional qualifications alongside their degree course.

    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 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 corporations.

    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 and exam

  • 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.

    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.

    Corporate Financial Management - 20 credits

    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.

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 have knowledge of:

  • The functions of financial services.
  • The decision-making processes of individual investors and borrowers.
  • The contexts in which financial services operates (examples of contexts include the regulatory, economic, financial, demographic and social environments).
  • The main current technical language and practices of financial services in the UK.
  • The alternative theoretical models (for example, alternative approaches to investment management, asset valuation, and risk management).

On successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Structure and evaluate the retail financial products, services and strategies available to individuals.
  • Analyse and produce financial solutions to client needs.
  • Structure institutional investment products.
  • Manage portfolios of institutional, and direct, investment products.
  • Monitor financial markets and adjust portfolios and strategies in the light of new information.
  • Communicate information about financial products, services, strategies and solutions.
  • Critically evaluate arguments and empirical evidence concerning financial services.
  • Analyse and draw reasoned conclusions concerning structured and unstructured problems from sets of data.
  • Formulate research questions and select appropriate research methods.

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 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 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

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

On successful completion, you should be well placed to pursue potential future career options with financial institutions, including investment advisory services; commercial banks; brokerage firms; insurance companies; and finance companies. You could also explore potential options in the finance departments of non-financial corporations, non-profit institutions and governmental agencies.

Where our graduates work

Our previous graduates have obtained roles in financial consultancy, investment analysis and wealth management for companies including Microsoft, IBM, Tesco Graduate Scheme, IBM, Toys R Us and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Further study

Alternatively, you may decide to pursue postgraduate study opportunities by studying courses such as 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

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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).