Financial Economics BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Get a comprehensive introduction to the principles of economics. This module covers core concepts, analytical methods and fundamental theories in microeconomics and macroeconomics. It is designed to build essential knowledge for further study in economics, finance and related disciplines. You should develop the skills to apply economic theory to real-world policy issues, and contemporary economic and financial challenges.

The microeconomics component explores individual decision-making, market dynamics and government intervention, while the macroeconomics component focuses on economy-wide phenomena, government policy and macroeconomic stability.

By integrating perspectives in microeconomics and macroeconomics, this module aims to provide a strong foundation for intermediate economics, finance and policy-related studies. It should enhance your economic reasoning, critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing you to assess economic issues in theoretical and applied contexts.

Compulsory

This module aims to equip you with the quantitative and academic skills you will need to study economics and finance successfully. This module will build upon your existing mathematical skills and knowledge to explore and develop an in-depth understanding of how algebra, calculus and other techniques are widely applied in finance and economics.

It also aims to expand your quantitative analysis skills by introducing the fundamental concepts and methods of statistics used in economics and finance. This should allow you to conduct basic empirical investigations in applied finance and economics and provide you with the necessary foundation of knowledge for later modules in econometrics.

The module content aims to develop and improve your skills in time management, academic research, writing and digital literacy in spreadsheets and statistical packages.

By the end of this module, you should have a strong mathematical and statistical foundation and knowledge of the analytical tools required for quantitative reasoning, econometric modelling and empirical research.

Compulsory

This module introduces the key issues concerning sustainability and ethics within the global financial and economic landscape. Drawing on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, you will examine the influence of national and global sustainability policies, regulations and ethical principles that drive sustainable and responsible business practices. This module also explores the role of entrepreneurship in the context of responsible management practice. It introduces the key concepts and debates of general entrepreneurial principles, reviewing the social, economic and environmental challenges. This module aims to prepare you to become a responsible leader and entrepreneur, mindful of the ethical, social and environmental impact of your decisions.

Compulsory

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of how businesses raise capital and conduct investment appraisals. This module also explores the concepts of debt, savings and investments from a personal finance perspective.

You should gain knowledge of the main financial products offered by the UK financial services industry and an understanding of financial markets and financial institutions.

Compulsory

Develop the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake independent research. In this module, you will be introduced to data analysis using econometrics, with an emphasis on principles and applications of the Classical Linear Regression Model and violations of its underlying assumptions. Using global economic and financial data, this module explores statistical techniques of descriptive analysis, estimation, hypothesis testing and modelling. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and interpretation of quantitative results for economic and financial decision-making.

You will formulate fitting research objectives and select appropriate methodologies to develop your competence in designing and evaluating successful qualitative and quantitative research projects. Through experimentation on diverse data sources, you should elevate your analytical and reflective abilities, preparing you for contemporary data-driven challenges.

Compulsory

Deepen and broaden your understanding of microeconomics. This module will introduce you to intermediate-level microeconomic concepts and their real-world applications. Equip yourself with the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary to assess economic decisions at firms, government and individual levels. This module emphasises applied microeconomics, helping you to critically analyse market structures, strategic integration and policy interventions.

Explore applications in areas such as labour economics, behavioural economics and industrial organisations, assessing the practical relevance and limitations of microeconomic models. This module serves as a key building block for advanced studies in economics. It aims to prepare you for roles requiring economic reasoning, policy evaluation and strategic business analysis.

Compulsory

Deepen and broaden your understanding of macroeconomics at an intermediate level and learn the analytical tools and practical applications relevant to modern economic challenges. Build a solid theoretical foundation in macroeconomic principles while gaining the skills to apply these concepts to real-world challenges. This module emphasises the practical use of macroeconomic models, helping you to critically assess policy decisions and global economic trends, as well as the strengths and limitations of these models. Module content provides the underpinning for further study in economics and is a key element in preparing you to interpret and analyse complex macroeconomic environments with confidence.

Compulsory

This module provides an in-depth analysis of financial markets, institutions and financial products, examining their structure, functions and evolving role in the economy. It explores how these entities facilitate capital flows, manage risk and contribute to economic efficiency in an increasingly globalised and digital financial environment.

A key focus will be on how financial institutions interact with monetary policy and regulatory frameworks, shaping market stability, innovation and risk exposure. The module also delves into financial crises and systemic risks, assessing their causes, consequences and policy responses. Additionally, it discusses challenges arising from financial innovation, including digital currencies and decentralised finance, alongside the internationalisation of financial markets.

By the end of this module, you should have developed a critical understanding of banking and financial markets, enabling you to assess financial crises, regulatory strategies and the broader implications for financial stability and economic growth.

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Gain advanced knowledge and analytical skills in both microeconomic and macroeconomic theory, preparing you to tackle complex economic challenges.

During the microeconomics component of this module, you will explore game theory and its economic applications, examining strategic interactions, rational decision-making and competitive behaviour among consumers, firms and governments. You will also critically evaluate the role of experimental and behavioural approaches in refining traditional game-theoretic models.

During the macroeconomics component of this module, you should gain an in-depth investigation of modern macroeconomic approaches, grounded in microfoundations and dynamic general equilibrium models. Develop a critical understanding of contemporary macroeconomic theories and their policy implications, particularly in areas such as monetary and fiscal policy, economic fluctuations and long-term growth.

By integrating theoretical insights with real-world applications, this module aims to enhance your quantitative reasoning, problem-solving and policy evaluation skills, preparing you for roles in economic research, policy analysis and financial decision-making.

Compulsory

This module is your chance to apply the knowledge and insights learnt on the course. It aims to develop you into an independent and ethical researcher. You will conduct a research project related to your course to evidence your intellectual, technical and analytical skills. You will receive personalised support and guidance from a supervisor and benefit from critical discussions and cross-fertilisation in group supervision sessions.

Compulsory

This module examines corporate finance and governance from an economic perspective, analysing how firms make funding, investment and governance decisions in the real world. Develop a solid foundation in economic principles and theories related to capital structure, financing constraints and corporate decision-making.

The module explores the role and impact of financial instruments and markets on corporate finance, assessing both their efficiency and potential inefficiencies. It also examines the economic rationale behind corporate governance structures, including agency problems, shareholder influence, executive compensation and stakeholder interests, while integrating ethical considerations and sustainability principles in governance and decision-making.

Critically evaluate regulatory interventions, analysing their effectiveness in mitigating financial risks, corporate misconduct and broader economic and social costs. By the end of the module, you should have developed the skills to assess corporate financial strategies, governance frameworks and policy implications from an economic standpoint.

Compulsory

Choose one from the following two modules:

• International Finance and Portfolio Management – 30 credits
  

  This module examines how portfolios are structured, monitored and managed, considering the impact of global financial markets, macroeconomic factors and international financial flows on investment strategies. Develop a strong understanding of portfolio optimisation techniques, risk-return trade-offs and performance evaluation methods.

  Explore key international finance management topics such as exchange rate determination, balance of payments, global capital flows and financial risk management, assessing their implications for asset valuation and investment performance.

• AI-Enhanced Further Econometrics – 30 credits
  Enhance your understanding of advanced econometric models and artificial intelligence-assisted (AI) data analysis techniques relevant to empirical research and policy evaluation in macroeconomics and microeconomics. Gain the knowledge and technical skills needed to design, implement and critically evaluate empirical work, incorporating AI-driven analytical tools to improve efficiency and accuracy in economic and financial modelling.

  Explore econometric techniques such as time series analysis, panel data models and structural equation modelling while utilising AI-powered tools to enhance data analysis and reporting. This module emphasises practical application and should develop your ability to interpret and communicate quantitative findings for real-world decision-making.

Optional