Financial Economics and Banking BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
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Gain expertise in economics, econometrics and financial systems, to prepare yourself for roles in corporate and investment banking, financial management or economic policy.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

Coventry University London (City of London)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
5 years part-time (UK only)

Course code

N320

Start date

September 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Contact us

Course overview

  • Complete practical exercises such as case studies and banking or trading simulations.
  • Perform real workplace tasks using industry-standard technology.
  • Take part in work experience and trips to companies and financial firms2.
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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

  • Industry-standard technology
    Technical competence is an intrinsic requirement of a career in the financial industry, which is why we’ve embedded technological elements into your learning. You’ll receive regular exposure to widely used financial analysis software, including Python, Bloomberg Terminals, and Standard & Poor Capital IQ.
  • London location
    Study in the Square Mile, the heart of London’s financial district. You’ll study on the doorstep of the industry, with opportunities for placements2, and the chance to continue your development with financial market simulations that train the management of financial and investment risk.
  • Industry insight
    You’ll have the opportunity to attend tailored talks by experts from academia, the City of London and the real world of entrepreneurship touching various areas of economics, finance and banking2.
  • Real business experience
    The real business experience will be delivered in the classroom by real-world case studies, live projects, simulations, and complemented by field trips and opportunities for work placements2.
  • Prepare for your future
    This course has been developed in a manner that will increase your employability by encouraging intellectual development, systemic thinking, critical ability, and accurate problem identification, as well as presentation and team working skills. If you’re interested in starting your own business, you could get business start-up advice and support from our Enterprise Hub.

Studying this course has opened my eyes to understand how the banking and finance sector operates around the world. It has helped me to develop my problem-solving and critical thinking skills, preparing me for the world of work. The level of teaching is to a very high standard and allows you to put your knowledge into practice.

Yesica Nithiyanantha, Financial Economics and Banking BSc student, quoted in 2020
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What you'll study

Year one offers a broad mix of modules which will introduce you to the way the economy works and how money and value form part of that process. You will focus on foundation subjects such as economics, finance, and data analysis.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to introduce you to the core concepts of economics. The module considers microeconomics, whereby economic decisions are made at the individual level, and macroeconomics, a branch of economics where decision making occurs at the economy level.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to introduce and develop the skills you will need for success on your course and in your potential professional career. These include some of the essential underlying personal and information handling skills, numerical techniques and basic mathematical and statistical foundations required by all students studying in a business school.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to introduce you to the core systems and techniques required by businesses to produce financial statements, and to the core concepts underpinning these statements.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to give you the quantitative background needed to understand and formulate financial and economic problems. It aims to do so by giving you the opportunity to calculate, present and analyse data using mathematical and statistical techniques. You will also receive training on a variety of IT tools used for these functions.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to give you the knowledge, understanding and skills to identify and deal with a range of business legal issues. You will learn the relevant laws and how to apply them to a variety of scenarios.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide an essential understanding of the workings of monetary and financial systems, financial intermediaries, and the principles of finance, to explore policy options and problems in economics, banking and finance. The module surveys basic monetary theory and aims to provide insight into current debates in banking and finance.

    Compulsory

In year two, this course aims to deepen your understanding of key themes in economics, such as macro and microeconomics. You’ll focus on the ethical and regulatory frameworks governing finance and explore how policy and regulations affect financial decisions. You will explore how corporate and investment banks operate around the world.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to build on the knowledge you should have acquired in year one, by examining microeconomic concepts in greater depth, based on prior introduction. You will explore modern microeconomic theory by addressing several issues faced by individuals, households and firms.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to introduce you to the concepts of econometrics and their usefulness in analysing economic and financial data. It aims to equip you with the relevant ‘toolkit’ to be able to apply important econometric techniques used in the economics and financial industry.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to give you an understanding of a wide range of corporate finance services and investment banking services. You will examine the roles of corporate banking and investment banking, which are becoming vital as providers and mediators between lenders and borrowers, and between corporations and financial institutions around the world.

    Compulsory

  • This module will use the main economic concepts, such as output, unemployment, inflation, consumption, and investment to study the dynamics of an economy at a more advanced level. You will be encouraged to use the knowledge that should have been acquired in year one, to examine the short-run and long-run effects of price changes on employment, output and other key macroeconomic variables.

    Compulsory

  • This module, in conjunction with banking regulations, takes you through risks in financial services. It aims to equip you with a broad understanding of how banks are impacted by risk, and what measures banks can take to measure and mitigate the risks they encounter.

    Compulsory

  • Banking supervision is becoming gradually vital due to the impact of the EU on UK regulation, and changes in government policy. The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the function and operation of financial services within the wider economy, covering the evolution of global banking supervision, current trends in regulatory standards and the role of central banks and supervisory authorities in the implementation of regulatory rules.

    Compulsory

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.

Modules

  • 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

You should now be studying all themes in depth and seeking to strengthen your research skills in preparation for your final major project (an internship, a dissertation, or a simulation). You should spend time exploring the potential employment paths you seek to pursue following graduation, with our academic and employability tutors, as well as with invited speakers (subject to availability)2.

Modules

  • The module aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge of modern econometrics, with the opportunity to facilitate your awareness in how these techniques can be used and applied to real economics, finance and banking data. It is designed to consolidate and extend the material covered in the second-year Introduction to Econometrics module.

    Compulsory

  • This module focuses on a wide range of up-to-date financial instruments for financing and investment in today’s financial markets. It aims to provide in-depth understanding of trading mechanisms and the investment process in the markets.

    Compulsory

  • This module explores the economic interactions between nations, and theories and empirical research on open economies. It should help you to familiarise yourself with international economics concepts used in the modern global economic environment. You will have the opportunity to study models of international trade and finance that aim to provide the basic analytical tools, together with a solid and coherent framework, to enable you to critically reflect on the current policy debate pertaining to international trade, investment and economic development.

    Compulsory

  • Choose one from the following:

    • International Securities - 20 credits
      This module aims to provide a systematic knowledge of international securities, primary and secondary markets and valuation techniques for equity, fixed income and derivative instruments. You will also have the chance to learn the characteristics and organization of the international money market and its participants, understand all types of currency risks, and explore how to manage these by applying hedging techniques.
    • Venture Capital and Private Equity - 20 credits
      This module aims to provide you with a systematic and in-depth understanding of the workings of Venture Capital (VC) funds, Leveraged Buy Out (LBO) funds and the Private Equity (PE) industry. It will explain the origins, history and development of the PE and VC industries and their participants, structure, and transactions. You will have the chance to gain knowledge of business planning processes, fundraising processes, investment processes and different methods of creating value. The latest trends, current developments and issues in the industry will be covered.

    Optional

  • Choose from one of these final projects:

    • Dissertation - 40 credits
      The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a significant piece of written work on a topic appropriate to your field of study. You will undertake a substantive piece of research, where you will use your knowledge and experience to focus on a specialist area.
    • Internship Project - 40 credits
      This project will provide you with an opportunity to apply to undertake an internship2 and accompanying piece of research, which will contribute to your research skills development and extend your experience in the fields of Accounting, Finance or Economics. The project will need to be based on a topic relevant to the internship employer context and approved by your supervisor.
    • Simulation - 40 credits
      The simulation module is an action-based learning module, in which you have the opportunity to act as a professional in the fields of accounting, finance and economics, in a simulated business environment. You will be required to make business decisions which you will see the results of in real time, in a highly competitive environment, over several rounds of simulation2.

    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

We designed the teaching and learning for this course to give you a strong academic knowledge of key theories and concepts to help you understand and appreciate current and relevant research in this subject area.

You also have the opportunity to apply the theories and concepts to current practice through real-life scenarios, case studies and a variety of class activities. The course will also give you the opportunity to develop and demonstrate your essential analytical skills and respond to employer-related problems by making a set of clearly evaluated recommendations.

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. Please contact registry.london@coventry.ac.uk for more information about studying this course part-time.

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 10 contact hours per week. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake a significant self-directed study of approximately 45 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

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.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/24 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. 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
  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Open Book 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

This course takes a globalised approach to the curriculum, placing your learning in the context of international challenges, opportunities and regulatory frameworks. It will prepare you for working globally, whether overseas, or for a multi-national, or for a firm which trades internationally.

You may have the opportunity for an international field trip2, and you could also arrange to do an internship (as part of your final major project) overseas2. You may benefit from studying alongside a truly international cohort of students, learning from the perspectives they bring while developing your own ability to work cross-culturally.

Our Financial Economics and Banking BSc is designed to prepare you for a global career in corporate and investment banking, financial management or economic policy. Modules are facilitated by very passionate academics with vast industry experience using the latest industry technology. You should develop as a well-rounded industry ready graduate upon successful completion of the course.

Ayotunde Oyelakin, course director, quoted in 2022
Ayotunde Oyelakin Course Director wearing a suit with a white background

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

 

Requirement What we're looking for
A level BBB 
GCSE 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics.
BTEC DDM
IB Diploma 27 points
Access to HE Diploma The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit. Plus GCSE English and GCSE 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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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

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 (or an equivalent language test), with no component below 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.

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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Fees and funding

2023/24 Tuition fees

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £16,800 per year Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee of £1,250 to cover your academic support.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Fees and Finance page.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Additional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.  
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad) 

  • 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

Our Financial Economics and Banking BSc (Hons) students have access to a wide range of facilities4 to help you prepare for a successful career in corporate and investment banking, financial management or economic policy roles. 

Take a virtual tour of our campus to explore all of the facilities available to you.

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Bloomberg Trading Floor

Our Trading Floor has been created to reflect the environment where traders work on the London Stock Exchange. It contains Bloomberg Terminals, which provide access to real-time global financial data, which students learn how to use through teaching and simulated projects.

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Standard & Poor Market Intelligence Suite (S&P) 

The S&P Suite contains some of the same software used by Wall Street. Its databases and tools can help you track performance, identify investment ideas, and keep up with industry news and insights.

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Enterprise Hub

Our Enterprise Hub supports student entrepreneurs by providing extensive industry knowledge and guidance to help develop ideas into viable ventures. It is a dedicated space for enterprising students and professionals to solve problems, network professionally and collaborate on projects.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • Apply economic and financial theories and concepts to discuss, formulate and evaluate macroeconomic and microeconomic policies, both at national and international level.
  • Synthesise, interpret and communicate information from a range of sources.
  • Identify and apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods for the interpretation of economic and financial data and present them to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Analyse and model data through the use of a computer package and communicate results for decision-making purposes.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will graduate with a degree covering subjects that are highly desirable in the industry. In addition to technical knowledge and expertise, as well as research skills, you will have learnt, developed, and practised a number of soft skills namely teamwork, presentations, and communication of ideas in different settings. The course pays particular attention to ensuring that graduates gain a variety of transferable skills, including a range of IT skills.

Typical career routes for graduates for this course include banking professionals, finance consultants, investment consultants, financial analysts, risk management, data scientists working for international financial and government institutions.

Where our graduates work

Our previous graduates have gone on to work at:

  • Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
  • Metro Safety Group

Further study

Upon successful completion of our Financial Economics and Banking BSc (Hons) course, you may wish to continue to further your studies at postgraduate level. You can do that right here at Coventry University London, with our Global Finance MSc or Global Financial Trading MSc. You could continue to build on what you have learnt, to develop a career in investment banking, portfolio management, corporate finance, or risk management.

We also offer alternative postgraduate degrees if you decide to take a slightly different route. You can explore all of your options, including other locations within the Coventry University Group. 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.

What I like the most about my course is the close link between study life and my future career. Coventry University London does not send you into the working world with no experience of it, and instead provides the fantastic opportunity of doing a sandwich year as part of your studies, which I have chosen, as well as many internship opportunities over the years.

Marco Torghele, Financial Economics and Banking BSc student, quoted in 2021
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How to apply

  • Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS. Part-time students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

    How to apply

    For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

     (+44) 024 7765 2222

     ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

     Chat with our admissions team

     Complete our contact form.

  • International codes:
    LONU045

    Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 should apply directly to the university. 

    How to apply

    For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, 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 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 COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the 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 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

    Due 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.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. 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.

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