Finance and Investment BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Study level: Undergraduate
Two students using the Bloomberg terminals on the Trading Floor

This specialist course will offer you the chance to gain extensive knowledge of finance and investment, and to develop the requisite skills to succeed in this highly competitive and dynamic sector.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

BFDF

Start date

September 2024
November 2024

How to apply
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Course overview

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Foundation year

The foundation year aims to provide a credible broad-based preparatory course that will equip you with the necessary skills and competencies to study at degree level.

Degree

Being a good finance specialist requires intellectual rigour and commercial acumen. The roles are in great demand and potential rewards are good. Our course helps you develop the specialist knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in investment banking, asset/portfolio management, corporate finance and other sectors of financial services.

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Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings
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Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

By studying this course, you will have the opportunity to:

Foundation year

  • Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.
  • Provides a grounding in key areas of finance and economics.

Degree

  • Prepare for professional qualification
    Our degree is mapped against the Investment Management Certificate (IMC), the benchmark entry-level qualification for the investment profession.
  • Develop practical skills in our Bloomberg Trading Floor
    Develop your skills in our Trading Floor4, which is currently one of the largest academic trading floors in Europe, featuring contemporary Bloomberg terminals. You will also have opportunities to gain hands-on experience using a range of economics and business software packages, and the chance to gain the Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate, on successful completion of a short course (subject to availability).
  • Benefit from industry insight
    Teaching benefits from research and insight from corporate partners, including the regulatory bodies and leading consultancies such as Bloomberg and Fitch Connect.
  • Gain real-world exposure
    Prepare for a future career in finance with a work placement2.
  • Access our sigma maths and stats support centre
    Access maths and statistics support4 through drop-in sessions with experienced tutors.

Accreditation and professional recognition

Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) logo

Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)

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.

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn. If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses:

  • Banking and Finance BSc (Hons)
  • Business and Finance BSc (Hons)
  • Business Economics BSc (Hons)
  • Economics BSc (Hons)
  • Financial Economics BSc (Hons)
  • Global Financial Planning BSc (Hons)

Modules

Your second year will give you the opportunity to further develop the knowledge you gained in the previous year. You will have the opportunity to learn about financial regulation, derivatives, economics of banking and finance, and enhance your employability skills.

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our placement/study abroad offering here, it is often tailored for each course every year and depending on the length of placement or study abroad opportunities that are secured. Therefore, the placement and study abroad arrangements vary per course and per student. Request further information about going on a placement or study abroad year2.

Modules

Year 3 aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from years 1 and 2. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a supervisor.

Modules

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

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.

Studying this finance degree has given me a great understanding of the different roles in financial services. During my time here I have also studied various professional certifications and had multiple internships and work experiences. The combination of studying, networking and Internships have given me the necessary skills to succeed in my chosen field.

Max Franklin, Finance BSc (quoted 2021)
Two students looking at a bank of screens with lots of data displayed

How you'll learn

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also use online learning, workshops and group work.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

  • Phase tests
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Individual assignments

You will be taught utilising one of the largest educational trading floors in Europe, giving hands-on experience of market-leading financial databases such as Bloomberg Terminal, Refinitiv Workspace, Fitch Connect and Bureau van Dijk Fame4.

We aim to provide opportunities to meet with guest speakers from leading financial organisations such as CFA UK, CFA and CII (subject to availability).

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

You will have the opportunity to gain an international experience in many ways. 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 scale2. Choices can include language classes, studying or working abroad, international field trips, summer schools, leadership development or work experience2.

Opportunities such as these have enabled previous students to obtain higher starting salaries and develop the global skills employers require and achieve better career progression.

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, we aim to offer chances to participate in European field trips as part of events like, for example, the annual Tax Week initiative or the annual Audit Week, both of which are conducted in collaboration with European universities, and see 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.

Dr Nikhil Sapre, Lecturer in Finance, 2022
Three students sat around a table talking

Entry requirements

Clearing places available on this course

See if you have enough points (UCAS tariff 2024)

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Additional requirements may apply

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?

Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Foundation year

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £7,950 Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Degree

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Please note: UK (home) tuition fees for the degree course years will be charged at the current Coventry University UK (home) degree fee level. This was set at £9,250 for the 23/24 academic year.

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.

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).

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*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.

**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.

Facilities

Our foundation years are taught at CU Coventry’s Mile Lane building, a short walk from the city centre. You’re part of the university from day one, so during your foundation year you’ll have access to the wider facilities at Coventry University. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University, where you'll be taught on campus in the relevant academic buildings.

Located on our Mile Lane campus, you will have access to our Library and Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites4. You can also take advantage of reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library, make use of sport centre facilities and receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

Two students walking outside with the CU Coventry building behind them.

Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable one-to-one academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open-access study areas, a café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

A student working in a booth in The Hub.

The Hub

At The Hub you'll find the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Students’ Union and Square One (which provides entertainment from quiz nights to live music), the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Tank Studio, Careers Office and a fantastic food court.

External view of the Lanchester Library.

Lanchester Library

You will have full reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library. The library is open 24/7, 364 days a year and has many study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers touchdown computers and free-to-loan laptops.

We have a range of facilities available to support our accounting and finance students in putting the theories you are taught into practice4.

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

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 adds a dynamic practical element to your course.

 

 

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

Talent Team

Employability is at the forefront of all our accounting and finance courses. Our dedicated Talent Team are also on hand to help. They can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate level jobs and offer skills development workshops, and also organise networking events to introduce you to potential employers and industry contacts.

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

sigma Centre

The sigma Centre is housed in our Lanchester Library and offers maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions and bookable appointments. It is 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 of the course, you will be able to:

  • use a range of transferable skills such as writing clear and concise reports based on evidence and logic, making effective use of information technology, confident delivery of presentations, creative problem solving, financial skills and self-motivation.
  • communicate technical business and financial concepts in a clear manner to a range of relevant stakeholders.
  • apply financial theories and empirical methods to real-world scenarios by making appropriate use of data, abstraction, and logical reasoning to analyse corporate and international financial events and issues.
  • carry out an independent piece of research on a finance topic using appropriate theories and analytical tools.
  • understand the importance and relevance of personal finance and financial services to individuals and corporations.
  • apply appropriate mathematical and quantitative techniques to solve business and financial problems.
  • evaluate and critique a wide range of financial securities and be able to utilise these products to achieve appropriate investment and risk management goals.
  • identify, evaluate and interpret complex financial problems, employing suitable methodologies to ascertain and select appropriate innovative solutions.

Upon successful completion of the course, you should be well placed to pursue a wide variety of potential future careers options in areas such as:

  • Finance advice and management
  • Equity trading 
  • Investment banking
  • Personal and corporate finance
  • Investment and portfolio management
  • Other sectors of financial services
  • Management
  • Research and finance analyst
  • 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 occasional employer events, which should allow you to network with potential future employers offering graduate roles, internships and placements2.

Where our graduates work

Our past graduates have progressed to careers across a wide spectrum of industry sectors, from banking, accounting and finance to manufacturing and sales. This includes positions with companies such as Barclays and Jaguar Land Rover.

Further study

Upon successful completion of our Finance and Investment BSc (Hons) course, you may wish to continue to further your studies at postgraduate level with our 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 opportunities are subject to competitive application, availability, meeting any applicable visa requirements and additional costs may apply.

How to apply

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