Global Financial Planning BSc (Hons)
Study level: UndergraduateThis course prepares you for a professional career in financial services such as personal financial planning, investment advice, pensions, insurance, and private client wealth management.
Course option
Year of entry
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Sandwich
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
Condensed first year available
UCAS codes
N341
Start date
September 2025
January 2026 - condensed
Course overview
Financial planning is a growing professional service to help individuals manage their money and plan for the future. Demand for this service looks set to increase due to factors such as increasing life expectancy, growing complexity of financial services and products, evolving government legislation, and changes in pension provision.
Low levels of financial literacy and a global shortage of qualified advisers means that graduates with financial planning skills are likely to be sought after. Our course will help you increase your own personal financial awareness and prepare you for a range of roles in this growing sector.
The January start for this course is condensed in Year 1. Please see the ‘How you’ll learn’ section below for more details.
Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects
Guardian University Guide 2021 and 20225 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities
QS Stars University RatingsTop 5 Student City in England (Coventry)
QS Best Student Cities Index 2024Why you should study this course
There are several benefits to studying this course:
- Opportunity to fastrack to professional qualifications – the degree is mapped against the requirements of Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment’s Diploma in Level 4 Investment Advice (IAD), a mandatory qualification for those who wish to offer financial advice in the UK and abroad.
- Strong industry support and academic specialism - we are one of a handful of UK universities that specialise in this subject with strong industry connections such as Cooper Parry, FP Advance for student scholarship funding and networking opportunities.
- Recognised industry relevant pedagogy - We are a CISI Centre of Excellence and you can apply for the CISI Educational Trust Award. You also have the opportunity to sit the Level 4 IAD professional qualification exam (application and fees may apply).
- Develop practical skills in our Trading Floor4 – develop your skills in our Trading Floor, 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).
- 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
This course is recognised by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) for the 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.
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Memberships
CABS - Chartered Association of Business Schools
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.
CISI - Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment
Students of this course will be offered the opportunity to undertake professional examination – CISI Investment Advice Diploma (IAD) as part of the programme and will qualify them for Associate membership of the CISI (ACSI), which further grants them access to networking and professional development opportunities. (subject to application, availability, meeting applicable visa requirements and additional fees may apply).
EFMD - European Foundation for Management Development
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.
PRME - The Principles for Responsible Management Education
Coventry Business School is currently an active member of The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). PRME is a United Nations-supported initiative founded in 2007 that aims to raise the profile of sustainability in their classrooms through seven principles focused on serving society and safeguarding our planet.
AACSB- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB is the world’s largest network of business schools and organisations committed to advancing business education and making a lasting, positive impact on society to create next generation of great leaders.
BGA - Business Graduates Association
Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA). BGA’s student and graduate benefits have been crafted to enhance your learning experience, providing a range of tools to support professional and personal development.
SBC - Small Business Charter
Coventry Business School is a recipient of the Small Business Charter (SBC) Award. The award is a mark of excellence for business schools, recognising their expertise in supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship, and effective engagement in the local economy.
Memberships are reviewed on an annual basis and are not guaranteed. Applicants and students will be informed of any changes as soon as possible.
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Additional certificates
As part of the degree you will have the option to work towards two additional certifications (outside of your study modules):
[1] Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate: Optional certification to help our students stand out and demonstrate their understanding of financial markets, central banking and the application of economic indicators, as well as hone their skills in utilising Bloomberg terminal functionalities for a fast moving market.
[2] Bloomberg ESG Certificate: Optional certification for students to demonstrate their understanding of the Environmental, Social and Governance factors, and their implications for strategy development and regulatory compliance.
What you'll study
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
You'll learn through a variety of methods such as preparing a financial plan based on a case study, undertaking cashflow modelling and risk profiling.
You will be taught in our Trading Floor room, giving you 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 may include:
- on-campus lectures, seminars and workshops
- group work
- self-directed learning
- work placement opportunities2.
The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 16 contact hours per week in the first year dropping to below 14 contact hours per week in the second and final year as you become a more independent learner.
Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 38 - 41 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.
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.
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 may 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.
Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed2.
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 the opportunity to obtain a professional qualification.
Dr Lien Luu, Associate Professor in Finance, 2022
Entry requirements
Typical entry requirements:
Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.
Fees and funding
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
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UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | 2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year |
Not available |
EU | 2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year with EU support bursary** 2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £16,800 per year without EU support bursary** |
Not available |
International | 2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £16,800 per year |
Not available |
If you choose to study this course with a professional placement2 or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee3 of £1,250 to 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.
The university will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The university will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university 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.
For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the university reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
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.
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).
Find out what's included in your tuition costs.
Condensed course – January start date
If you choose to start this degree 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 degree 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.
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How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.
If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.
Facilities
We have a range of facilities available to support our finance and investment students in putting the theories you are taught into practice4.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to apply
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UK students
Applications open for this course in May 2024. In the meantime you can register your interest in Coventry University.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university.
If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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International students
International codes:
How to apply
FBLU090For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
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Disclaimers
Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.
1Accreditations
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.
2UK and international opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.
3Tuition fees
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University 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.
For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
4Facilities
Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.
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 current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. 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.