Course overview

This course is designed for international students and as such, is designed with a specific focus on banking and finance in an international context, incorporating the study of the English language for business, to better prepare you for potential global career options in areas such as business, accountancy or financial management.

If you are a UK student and would like to study the course, please contact us at info.fbl@coventry.ac.uk for more information.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Designed to help you develop the skills needed for a career in the finance and banking sectors, this top-up course covers core finance modules and relevant banking modules, while also incorporating important elements of the economics and accounting disciplines. This approach allow you to gain knowledge across various areas, while also specialising in the skills needed to become a finance and banking professional.

With a strong focus on applying learning to practical situations, this course involves rigorous banking and regulation-based modules which should help to prepare you for potential work in the sector. Throughout the course, modules should allow you the opportunity to work on real case studies and explore the tackling of specific issues faced by banks in the global banking environment, using the skills you have learned to look at proposing recommendations on how to solve the problems.  

There are also modules covering contemporary developments in the industry, including Financial Technology, or FinTech, which give you the opportunity to gain insight into recent technological developments (such as blockchain and cloud computing), new emerging sectors (such as crypto-currencies and peer-to-peer lending), and take a look at the main players driving the growth of the FinTech industry.

By studying our top-up course you will benefit from:

Specialist content which covers the identification, analysis and solution of financial decision making.
Outstanding facilities⁴ include our Trading Floor, currently one of the largest of its kind in Europe, featuring contemporary Bloomberg terminals.
Opportunity to access support from the university’s sigma centre, which can provide maths and stats help and advice through drop-in sessions with experienced staff⁴.
Experienced staff, some of whom have worked in roles such as auditors for large scale professional services firms in different countries and as ACCA markers in the UK (please note that staff are subject to change).
Opportunities² to join a variety of student-led societies, such as the Accounting and Finance society, the Investment Society and the Financial Trading Society.
Potential opportunities to network with like-minded professionals and visit key financial institutions, which have previously included the London Stock Exchange and Bank of England².

Memberships

Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS)

Coventry Business School is currently an active member¹ 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 member¹ of the European Foundation for Management Development, a global membership organisation dedicated to management development, covering over 900 members across 91 countries.

This course is recognised by the above memberships for the 2022/23 intake. There is currently no intention for either of these memberships to lapse however if either of these memberships were not to be renewed, we would notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

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

The modules in this year are intended to provide a strong background in Finance and Financial Theory, setting the basis for further specialism at Level 6. All modules are mandatory.

Alongside modules covering key areas of finance and banking, you will also study a module focused on employability skills, to help you as you progress into the world of work, and a module on academic English, to help further develop the English language skills needed in the globalised economy.

Modules

Principles of Finance - 20 credits

This module aims to introduce students to relevant concepts in finance. You will learn about the workings of the equity and bond markets and acquire techniques to exploit the trade-off between risk and return to an optimal effect. This module also aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical underpinnings of modern day finance. It will cover a broad range of topics to provide an understanding of the structure, operation and functions of the financial industry.

Compulsory

Business Accounting for Decision Making - 20 credits

The module aims to develop your understanding of the fundamental aspects of management accounting and accounts and will build an understanding of the tools and techniques that are commonly used for short and long term decision making in various business scenarios. Also, this module will develop your basic understanding in solving different problems, choosing the best alternative by critical analysis and guiding management in implementing the organisation’s strategic choices.

Compulsory

Governance and Ethics in Finance - 20 credits

The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of a number of key topics of corporate governance theory including research and practice (incorporating associated reporting and regulation, and issues of ethics). It will also develop your ability to evaluate the academic literature and current issues; and to integrate and synthesise topics in order to participate in current debates, and suggest potential insights for development.

Compulsory

Software Applications in Finance - 20 credits

The use and scope of technology is expanding in every sector of finance. This module will develop your understanding and use of a variety of software applications used in finance and investment analysis. The module significantly develops the practical Microsoft Excel skills required for the measurement, analysis and presentation of financial data. Various data sources and databases are also explored (e.g. FAME). The module also offers training in the software in use on the Trading Floor, such as Bloomberg and Reuters⁴.

Compulsory

Quantitative Analysis - 20 credits

The module seeks to introduce you to the main quantitative techniques which are used in academic finance literature by financial analysts, economists, and accountants as well as individual investors to enable students to access this literature in an effective and illuminating manner. It examines the structure and content of financial and quantitative data and goes on to develop your understanding of a range of statistical techniques which can assist the financial manager to make decisions. It combines theory with practical computing exercises, allowing you to get a hands-on experience where you will examine some real-world data and apply statistical concepts to make inferences. The module will primarily focus on the statistical techniques of estimation, hypothesis testing and modelling using economic and financial data.

Compulsory

Effective Business Communication - 20 credits

This module aims to help you build your English language awareness and skills so you can communicate successfully within an academic setting. The emphasis is on developing reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support the study of the course. There will also be opportunities for you to expand your knowledge of business and finance vocabulary. On this module, activities are designed to improve your ability to communicate effectively in English in academic and business contexts and also foster study skills.

Compulsory

All modules are mandatory.

Further focus is placed during the year on your personal development, with a module on employability skills, and a module on academic English. Modules in this year are designed to provide a more focused analysis of the banking industry, including risks in the sector and associated theories.

Modules

International Banking and Financial Institutions - 20 credits

This module aims to provide a thorough understanding of the financial underpinnings of banking and other financial institutions, including insurance companies, fund managers, and securities firms. It will cover a range of topics concerning their roles, structure, and functions. This module will also examine the relationship between business models, balance sheet structures, and the creation of financial risks. You will also appreciate current issues in banking and financial institutions, which should enhance their employability in the finance sector.

Compulsory

Financial Theory - 20 credits

Risk Management in Banking - 20 credits

This module enables you to understand how banks are impacted by risk, and what measures banks can take to measure and mitigate risks they encounter. Bank risk is explored within the traditional spectrum of risk types, including liquidity, credit, market risk, and operational risk. Importantly, bank risk is also explored at enterprise (balance sheet) level, and also at whole financial sector (systemic) level, in order to reflect the emergence and increasing recognition of systemic risk management as a risk discipline.

Compulsory

Financial Technology - 20 credits

The aim of this module is to provide a rigorous introduction to Financial Technology (FinTech). The module reviews the history and development of FinTech and discusses how FinTech is transforming financial institutions and the finance and business sectors more broadly. The module provides an overview of the application of innovative technologies within finance such as big data and analytics, AI and machine learning, cloud computing, blockchain, and mobile banking. The module also discusses alternative finance such as cryptocurrencies, peer to peer lending and crowdfunding. In addition, regulation and governance of FinTech and some specific industry applications are examined and evaluated.

Compulsory

Analysis of Investments - 20 credits

The module focuses on the bond and equity markets. You will evaluate and apply advanced bond pricing techniques along with bond portfolio managements and the associated risk immunisation methodologies. In respect to equity valuation, you will compare and contrast discounted cash flow methods with fundamental valuation approaches associated with approaches such as value investing and growth investing. Market timing is also explored through the application of technical analysis.

Compulsory

Developing Employability Skills for Business - 20 credits

This module aims to build your English language knowledge and skills to an advanced level, so you can communicate effectively and independently in academic settings. The module will involve tasks and activities designed to increase the range and effectiveness of your use of English language and the development of study and communication skills in a business and academic context. There will be a specific focus on the theme of employability as we prepare you for the workplace and your future career.

Compulsory

All modules are mandatory.

Further focus is placed during the year on your personal development, with a module on employability skills, and a module on academic English. Modules in this year are designed to provide a more focused analysis of the banking industry, including risks in the sector and associated theories.

Modules

International Banking and Financial Institutions - 20 credits

This module aims to provide a thorough understanding of the financial underpinnings of banking and other financial institutions, including insurance companies, fund managers, and securities firms. It will cover a range of topics concerning their roles, structure, and functions. This module will also examine the relationship between business models, balance sheet structures, and the creation of financial risks. You will also appreciate current issues in banking and financial institutions, which should enhance their employability in the finance sector.

Compulsory

Financial Theory - 20 credits

Academic English for Finance - 10 credits

This module helps international students to further develop their English language knowledge and skills, in the areas of finance, banking and investment to a level where they can operate effectively and independently. This is achieved in a context where the language is used for the study of finance, banking and investment. The emphasis is on developing practical reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to support the study of finance courses at the university. This module will involve activities and tasks designed to increase the range and effectiveness of students’ use of language and the development of study and communication skills in a professional and academic context.

Compulsory

Employability Skills in Finance - 10 credits

The aim of this module is to develop a range of key skills necessary for your learning, research and intercultural communication during your study of a top-up programme on banking and finance. This module should enable you to actively pursue your academic development and could also lead to greater confidence in your broader life, thereby allowing you to make the most of your overseas experience. Intercultural communication skills are recognised as valuable assets in the world of expanding global business. This module will help you develop a range of intercultural competencies to work effectively with diverse teams to enhance opportunities for future careers or further study. The module relates to your overall academic study. You will be required to demonstrate skills to reflect on your progress on the course.

Compulsory

Risk Management in Banking - 20 credits

This module enables you to understand how banks are impacted by risk, and what measures banks can take to measure and mitigate risks they encounter. Bank risk is explored within the traditional spectrum of risk types, including liquidity, credit, market risk, and operational risk. Importantly, bank risk is also explored at enterprise (balance sheet) level, and also at whole financial sector (systemic) level, in order to reflect the emergence and increasing recognition of systemic risk management as a risk discipline.

Compulsory

Financial Technology - 20 credits

The aim of this module is to provide a rigorous introduction to Financial Technology (FinTech). The module reviews the history and development of FinTech and discusses how FinTech is transforming financial institutions and the finance and business sectors more broadly. The module provides an overview of the application of innovative technologies within finance such as big data and analytics, AI and machine learning, cloud computing, blockchain, and mobile banking. The module also discusses alternative finance such as cryptocurrencies, peer to peer lending and crowdfunding. In addition, regulation and governance of FinTech and some specific industry applications are examined and evaluated.

Compulsory

Analysis of Investments - 20 credits

The module focuses on the bond and equity markets. You will evaluate and apply advanced bond pricing techniques along with bond portfolio managements and the associated risk immunisation methodologies. In respect to equity valuation, you will compare and contrast discounted cash flow methods with fundamental valuation approaches associated with approaches such as value investing and growth investing. Market timing is also explored through the application of technical analysis.

Compulsory

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

Seminars and workshops are smaller group teaching environments, they are interactive and may involve hypothetical problem questions, simulations, case studies and the analysis of more theoretical issues. Teaching methods include: lectures, seminars, workshops and personal study.

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.

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Starting at level 5: Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. You can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week during the second year of a degree course. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Starting at level 6: Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your top-up year you can expect 9-12 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

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
Laboratories

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.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

For level 5 you will have successful completion of 1 years appropriate academic study in Higher Education. For level 6 you will have successful completion of 2 years appropriate academic study in Higher Education.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

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.

Fees and funding

2024/25 Tuition fees

Student	Full-time	Part-time
International	£16,800 per year	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³ 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.

*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.

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 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

Our facilities⁴ and technology are close to what you would expect in real-world business environments.

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.

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:

Develop a critical understanding of appropriate research theories and empirical evidence relevant to banking policy, regulation and ethical practice.
Assess banking and financial institutions’ operations within an international context by comparing different approaches to financial regulation and practice.
Constructively analyse theoretical and empirical approaches to solving banking and financial problems in an international context.
Apply financial modelling and analytical tools when conducting research using a variety of finance and finance-related resources such as relevant databases and literature in order to resolve typical finance and banking issues.
Demonstrate digital literacy by using information, communication and digital technologies in solving different financial problems and be aware of emerging financial technologies that play a significant role in the finance and banking world now and in the future.
Make rational decisions that take into account ethical issues faced by the finance and banking industry today and demonstrate awareness of the role played by ethics in making financial decisions.
Understand what is meant by, and what is involved in, the risk management of financial issues and relevant factors influential to the investment behaviour of firms.
Demonstrate enhanced employability including attributes such as professionalism, and interpersonal and communication skills to enable the effective oral written presentation of work, whilst also showing initiative and the ability to work independently.

Upon successful completion, you should be well placed to pursue a variety of potential future career options in finance, management, accounting, banking, personal and corporate finance and IT in private, public and third sector organisations. Subject to further training or qualification, you could find yourself exploring potential future roles as an accountant, auditor, business analyst, investment consultant, stock controller, tax assistant or teacher.

Further study

Alternatively, you may decide to pursue postgraduate study opportunities by studying courses such as Accounting and Financial Management MSc or Finance MSc here at Coventry Business School, which could further enhance your employability.

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

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

International students

International codes:
FBLU106 (Level 5 entry - two year top-up); FBLU60 (Level 6 entry - one year top-up)

Full-time students should apply directly to the university.
Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

You can also apply through UCAS for 2023. Our university code is C85 and this course code is N315.

Apply via UCAS

For 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, tips for travel and guidance on how to apply.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team.

Complete our contact form.

International Finance and Banking BSc (Hons) top-up

Course overview

Rated Gold Overall

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

Why you should study this course

Memberships

Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS)

European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)

Additional certificates

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Guided and independent study:

Online learning:

Assessment

Entry requirements

English language requirements

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

**EU Support Bursary

Facilities

The Trading Floor

Talent Team

sigma Centre

Careers and opportunities

Further study

How to apply

¹Accreditations

²UK and international opportunities

³Tuition fees

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

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