Finance BSc (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: N300
International Code: FBLU036

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
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Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

Gain essential knowledge and professional skills to succeed in the highly competitive and dynamic world of finance. 

The world of finance moves fast and skills in analysis, problem-solving and financial management are highly sought after in the finance sector and beyond. The nature and relevance of finance to all organisations, coupled with transferrable skills such as creative problem solving and critical evaluation, are useful in a wide range of decision-making roles.

Our professionally recognised degree develops specialist financial knowledge and professional skills required by business and finance sector employers, bridging the gap between finance theory and practice.  

  • Gain an understanding of financial decision-making, risk management and the behaviour of financial markets.  
  • Explore the governance of global enterprises and how finance shapes leadership, strategy and planning. 
  • Learn essential numeracy skills and analysis for financial reporting, forecasting and modelling.  
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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 course offers an insight into the world of finance. By studying this course you will have the opportunity to:

  • Develop practical skills in our Bloomberg Trading Floor4 
    Develop your skills in our Trading Floor, featuring 42 dual screen Bloomberg terminals. You'll also have the opportunity 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 CFA accreditation and CII exemptions1 
    Study on a course with professional accreditation from Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society of the UK, and gain exemptions from some Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) examinations, upon successful completion of this course.Please refer to the Accreditation section for further information. 
  • Gain real-world exposure 
    Prepare for a future career in finance with a work placement2. Past students have undertaken placements at Lloyds Banking Group; Mattioli Woods (Pensions and Wealth Management); HM Treasury; Allianz Indonesia; PwC; The Boots Company; Peugeot Citroen and Jaguar Land Rover.
  • Access our Sigma Maths and Stats Support Centre 
    Access maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions with experienced tutors. 

Accredited by:

Chartered Financial Analyst Society UK

Chartered Financial Analyst Society 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.

Chartered Insurance Institute

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). 

Exemptions

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 90 countries. 

Coventry Business School is recognised by the above memberships for the 2022/23 intake 

What you'll study

Our main study themes are: 

  • Investments: Covers relevant finance and investment concepts. Our aim is for you to learn about the function of capital markets, the trade-off between risk and return, how to price financial assets, how to combine different risky investments into a portfolio and the importance of the way a firm finances its operations.  
  • Economics and business: Our aim is for you to learn how businesses operate within the external environment and the impact on finance of things like competition or overseas tax legislation on profit and loss.  
  • Accounting and finance fundamentals: Our aim is for you to learn the basic principles, rationale and methods used in analysing, recoding, planning and managing accounts or finances.  
  • Statistical analysis and quantitative methods: Our aim is for you to learn essential numeracy skills and analysis for financial reporting, forecasting and modelling, for example, evaluating how much debt a company can afford or the optimum percentage sales growth. 

In the first year, you will have the opportunity to study a range of modules that cover the foundations of finance and numeracy skills, including financial accounting, mathematics, statistics and business economics.  

You will need 120 credits to pass the year.  

Modules

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

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you 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 you 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. You will also learn how to use accounting ratios to critically evaluate financial statements and business performance. 

    Compulsory

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

    Compulsory

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

    The module considers how resources are allocated in a market economy; alternative market structures and their implications for business and consumers; the role of government; macroeconomic issues; and the international economic environment.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with a range of discipline specific and professional skills enabling you 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 Add+vantage module2 allows you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that may not be directly related to your degree, enabling you to demonstrate to prospective employers that you are a well-rounded graduate with a wider knowledge base than just your degree subject. Add+vantage modules are arranged around themes including Global Perspectives; Professional Development; Creativity and Enterprise and Entrepreneurship; Work Experience, Global Experience Field Trips, Projects and Skills; Languages; Professional Accreditation and Research Skills2

    These additional skills and experiences give you a wider perspective, develop independence and can set you apart from other graduates. The Add+vantage module is subject to change and availability.  

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework and exam

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

You will need 120 credits to pass the year.  

Modules

  • This module aims to introduce you to relevant concepts in finance. You will seek to 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 financial theories and how they are applied in the real world. It also provides structured opportunities to develop quantitative and analytical skills for more advanced undergraduate studies in finance.   

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to provide you with a theoretical framework which can be used to assess the rationale for financial regulation in general and the effectiveness of specific regulatory initiatives across the financial system. 

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to enable you to analyse the nature and functions of financial institutions, to equip you 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

  • Successful completion of this module would provide you with the ability to understand, and to critically evaluate, the role of financial derivatives and the determinants of their prices. The derivatives considered will be those relating to stocks, stock indices, bonds, short term interest rates, and currencies.  

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to ensure you 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 you 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, you will address and enhance the areas of weaknesses identified and also be supported and mentored towards potential job opportunities that would best utilise your strengths.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of statistical techniques.  The module will expose you to different statistical techniques; allow you to read and understand published empirical work and formulate and test your own research hypotheses. 

    The module builds on the statistical techniques and computing skills developed at Level 4.    

    Compulsory

  • The Add+vantage module2 allows you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that may not be directly related to your degree, enabling you to demonstrate to prospective employers that you are a well-rounded graduate with a wider knowledge base than just your degree subject. Add+vantage modules are arranged around themes including Global Perspectives; Professional Development; Creativity and Enterprise and Entrepreneurship; Work Experience, Global Experience Field Trips, Projects and Skills; Languages; Professional Accreditation and Research Skills.

    These additional skills and experiences give you a wider perspective, develop independence and can set you apart from other graduates. The Add+vantage module is subject to change and availability. 

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework and exam

If you wish to undertake the optional study abroad/placement year2, you will take either the Placement Year module or the Study Abroad Year module which both typically run for a full academic year between years 2 and 3 of your course. You can progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e., having accumulated 240 credits) and have a confirmed opportunity two weeks prior to the start of the academic year, however we encourage international students to confirm their placements earlier to ensure they are able to meet any applicable visa requirements.

Students opting for either the work placement or study abroad module will be registered on a non-credit bearing module and therefore no additional tuition fees apply. While the modules do not bear credits, they do require completion of a marked assessment reflecting on your placement/study abroad or work placement experience. Following successful completion of this assessment, the module selected will appear on your final academic transcript. Students will thus graduate with 360 credits in total, assuming successful completion of their final year. 

In your final year, your studies should reflect an increased specialisation in your chosen field of financial economics. Mandatory modules are designed to give you the opportunity to become a well-rounded graduate and include conducting a project in the field of finance. You will also select one module from a list of options.

You will need 120 credits to pass the year.  

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to provide you with a theoretical and practical understanding of contemporary issues in finance at the moment of delivery. The module will include topics such as behavioural finance, sustainable finance or alternative sources of finance (such as Islamic Finance, crowdfunding or peer-to-peer lending). Upon successful completion of the module, you should be able to critically evaluate the recent developments impacting global financial markets. 

    Compulsory

  • This module will provide you with an opportunity to apply and develop your research skills by extending your knowledge, understanding and powers of critical analysis within a specialist domain. You will choose an academic area related to your programme of study and apply your independent learning skills to research this area in depth. You will receive academic support through a series of group supervisions and will be allocated a project supervisor.  

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to develop the understanding and application of the techniques of investment analysis and performance measurement. This module focuses on providing the tools necessary to measure, present, and evaluate investment performance and the skill evidenced by the efficient use of risk. To maximise transferability of knowledge and skills, the module also develops the understanding of professional ethics to calculate and report investment results, consistent with the Global Investment Performance Standard (GIPS) and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute approach. Successful completion of the course lays the foundation for students wishing to pursue careers in investment measurement and attribution. 

    Compulsory

  • 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.  

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to ensure you 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 you complete a skills audit in order to identify strengths and weaknesses. Once the self-evaluation is completed, you will have the opportunity to develop and enhance areas of weakness and also be guided towards schemes that would best utilise or match your strengths.  

    Compulsory

  • The Add+vantage module2 allows you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that may not be directly related to your degree, enabling you to demonstrate to prospective employers that you are a well-rounded graduate with a wider knowledge base than just your degree subject. Add+vantage modules are arranged around themes including Global Perspectives; Professional Development; Creativity and Enterprise and Entrepreneurship; Work Experience, Global Experience Field Trips, Projects and Skills; Languages; Professional Accreditation and Research Skills.

    These additional skills and experiences give you a wider perspective, develop independence and can set you apart from other graduates.The Add+vantage module is subject to change and availability. 

    Compulsory

    Assessment: Coursework and exam

  • Choose one of the following:

    Applied Econometrics - 20 credits

    The aim of this module is to develop your 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 you undertaking applied studies (using real and simulated data) using the econometrics packages for example E-views, PC-Give.  

    Advanced Issues in Banking - 20 credits

    The overall aim of this module is to build on the basic knowledge gained during the Economics of Banking and Finance module in order to undertake in-depth, advanced analysis of a number of current issues in banking. In conjunction with Economics of Banking and Finance module, this module will provide an appropriate level of understanding and analytical skills for those students who wish to undertake postgraduate work in this area. It will also provide you with a level of appreciation of current banking issues that should enhance your employability in the sector.   

    Corporate Financial Management - 20 credits

    The overall aim of this module is to provide you with a deeper understanding of the scope and nature of the financial management issues that exist within modern corporations. The module covers the major strands of financial management theory such as working capital management, financing of the firm, risk management, and seeks to apply the theory to real world applications.     

    Corporate Governance and Ethics - 20 credits

    This module aims to help you understand the meaning and importance of corporate governance, the main governance issues, and how to maintain sound and effective governance mechanisms. The module also looks at the fundamentals of business ethical decision making and the various ethical dilemmas that individuals and organisations might face. The module aims to introduce you to the impact of business ethics within corporations including decision making, governance and corporate social responsibility within a global economy with more emphasis on real cases studies and in-class discussions. 

    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

Combining theory and practice, our course is designed to give you the opportunity to gain the practical skills and experience needed for your potential future career. Learning and teaching incorporates lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations, projects, workshops, simulation and practical exercises.  

Combining theory and practice, our course is designed to give you the opportunity to gain the practical skills and experience needed for your potential future career. Learning and teaching incorporates lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations, projects, workshops, simulation and practical exercises.

  • Draw on real-world case studies and use a range of innovative practical exercises, such as trade games. You may be tasked, for example, with advising a UK company with overseas subsidiaries to gain experience of international strategy and financial planning.
  • Access to one of largest academic trading floors in Europe, which incorporates analytical, news and data platforms to give you first-hand experience of these industry-standard tools. For example, previous students have used Bloomberg, Thomson Reuters Eikon, Thomson Reuters Datastream or Fitch Connect4
  • Explore 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.
  • Attend guest lectures with speakers from industry who are invited to give talks on their experiences (subject to availability). In previous years these have included speakers from Barclays, Voyant and CISI.

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Request further information about part-time study.

Teaching contact hours

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: 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 self-directed studying and revision in your own time each week, which may include, for example, guided study using hand-outs or online activities.

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

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. 

International experience opportunities

You will have the opportunity to gain an international experience. Coventry is a multicultural university, so our typically diverse student and staff body helps to facilitate a multicultural learning environment.

Coventry University aims to give you the global opportunities needed to become a truly global graduate, enhancing your employability on a global scale. Choose from language classes, studying or working abroad, international field trips, summer schools, leadership development or work experience2

In the past, our students have had the opportunity to visit universities in China and Malaysia to study alongside students, see how finance is taught internationally, appreciate the issues in different countries and broaden their perspectives.

Closer to home, you will have the opportunity to participate in European field trips2 as part of 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 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.

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.

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.

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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

In addition to the financial sector, finance graduates are employed in a range of sectors and roles. They work in manufacturing, transport, communications, consulting, charitable organisations and public services such as the National Health Service (NHS).

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. 

Further study

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