Global Financial Planning BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
Students working on a laptop in an open plan study area

This course prepares you for a professional career in financial services such as personal financial planning, investment advice, pensions, insurance, and wealth management.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

N341

Start date

January 2025 - condensed


Course overview

Demand for personal financial planning looks set to increase due to factors such as increasing life expectancy, and the growing complexity of financial services and products. A global shortage of qualified advisers means graduates with financial planning skills are likely to be highly sought after. Our course prepares you for this burgeoning career choice.

The January start for this course is condensed in Year 1. Please see the ‘How you’ll learn’ section below for more details.

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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:

  • Prepare for professional qualifications – the degree is mapped against the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment’s Diploma in Investment Advice (IAD), a mandatory qualification for those who wish to offer financial advice in the UK and abroad.
  • Develop practical skills in our Trading Floor4 – develop your skills in our Trading Floor, which is currently one of the largest academic trading floors in Europe, featuring contemporary Bloomberg terminals. You'll also have the opportunity to gain the Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate, on successful completion of a short course2.
  • Tailor your studies – many of our economics and finance courses share a common first year. This gives you the flexibility to decide the direction you want to take your degree after you have received a thorough grounding in economic and financial concepts, and principles (subject to meeting progression requirements).
  • Gain real-world exposure – prepare for a future career in financial planning with a work placement2.
  • Access our sigma Maths and Stats Support Centre – access maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions with experienced staff2.

If you choose to start this course in January you will study exactly the same course but over a slightly shorter timescale in Year 1. This is ideal if you missed the September start, want to transfer from a different university or course or just need a bit more time to prepare for life at university.

Accreditation and professional recognition

Chartered Insurance Institute logo

Chartered Insurance Institute

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)
  • Finance and Investment BSc (Hons)
  • Financial Economics BSc (Hons)

Modules

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. 

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

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.


How you'll learn

Innovative teaching, learning and assessment methods are used in the course such as preparing a financial plan based on a case study, undertaking cashflow modelling and risk profiling.

You will be taught in one of the largest educational trading floors in Europe4 and giving access to a wealth of live and historical trading market data.

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 you can expect to complete in your 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 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
  • 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 take part in an overseas study trip, or a full year abroad2. Coventry University aims to give you the global opportunities needed to become a truly global graduate, enhancing your employability on a global scale.

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 may have the opportunity to participate in European field trips2 which, in the past, have included events such as 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.

A meeting with a financial planner changed my life and inspired me to retrain to become a financial planner. This is a great career because you can make a difference to people’s lives and look after your own future. If you want to help people and earn a good living, the Global Financial Planning BSc is a fantastic degree, because it gives you the knowledge and skills to take advantage of the abundant opportunities in financial services, and a professional qualification (Diploma in Investment Advice).

Dr Lien Luu, Associate Professor in Finance, 2022
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Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 112
A level BBC
BTEC DMM
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics
IB Diploma 24 points
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

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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Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

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 (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

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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Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
EU £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £16,800 per year Not available

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.

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.

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).

Condensed course – January start date

If you choose to start this course in January please make sure you check the Fees and Finance page for more information. Although starting this course in January does not prohibit you from being eligible for student finance, the way it is paid in your first year differs from those who start their course in September.

If you start the course in January, your tuition fees will be paid in accordance with the university’s Tuition Fees, Refund and Withdrawal Terms and Conditions for January starters and for any further years of study, your fees will be paid in accordance with the terms for September starters.

*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.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

We have a range of facilities available to support our finance and investment 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, 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 financial concepts in a clear manner to a range of relevant stakeholders.
  • Apply financial theories and appropriate mathematical and quantitative techniques to solve financial planning problems.
  • Carry out independent research on a financial planning or finance topic using appropriate theories and analytical tools.
  • Understand the importance and relevance of personal finance and financial services to individuals and businesses.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of financial planning, the complex international environment in which financial planners operate, and the impact of social, economic, and legislative factors.
  • Prepare financial plans, including analysing financial situations, identifying goals and objectives, compiling personal financial statements, undertaking cashflow modelling, calculating shortfalls and recommending solutions to meet goals and objectives.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply financial planning knowledge and skills in core areas relating to personal risk management, investment planning and retirement planning.

Upon 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.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your potential future career options and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. You will have the support of the faculty’s dedicated Talent Team which has an extensive network of employers with a range of internship possibilities2. The Talent Team will also support you (subject to availability) 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 hosting employer events, which should allow you to network with potential future employers offering graduate roles, internships and placements.

Previous employer events have hosted a number of speakers from different organisations to give careers advice including KPMG, NatWest, McKinsey & Company and Fidelity International.

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, 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 or Finance MSc at Coventry Business School, which could further enhance your employability. 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. 

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