BSc (Hons) in Finance, Investment and Risk

Designed for those who want a career in investment banking and related roles, providing the opportunity to learn in a business-like environment that gives unique exposure to, and immersion in, the financial services industry.

The BSc (Hons) in Finance, Investment and Risk is a new programme designed for students who want a career in investment banking and related roles. It provides the opportunity to study for a directly relevant degree in a businesslike environment that gives unique exposure to, and immersion in, the financial services industry.

The programme will enable you to develop comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the core elements of investment and financial analysis and risk management that underpin sound decision-making. It will provide you with opportunities to investigate and analyse a range of issues relating to financial markets and the financial services sector (particularly investment / corporate banking) and its national and international environment.

Alongside study of the broader environment in which investment banking operates, the programme will also develop your understanding of key aspects of equity markets and investments, security analysis, asset classes and bond and equity pricing as well as covering portfolio management, derivatives, and alternative investments.

Critically, the programme also provides you with the opportunity to evaluate the impact of changing regulatory and operating conditions and gain insights into and understanding of the local and global tensions in banking and financial services. Ethics and professional standards form a key component of the course and will be taught at each level of the programme.

Summary of Assessment Strategy

A range of assessment tools will be used including examinations, written assessments, reports and projects, case studies and business proposals. All modules, except Advanced Work-Based Learning, and the Research-Based

Dissertation is assessed on the basis of summative assignment(s) and/or examination. Advanced Work-Based

Learning is assessed on the basis of a final, reflective portfolio. The Research-Based Dissertation is assessed on the basis of a 7,500-word Dissertation. This is an extended piece of academic writing. The Research-Based Dissertation module also requires students to submit a Research Proposal, which the student is required to pass (‘meet expectations’), but which does not count towards the module mark. Each module specification provides full details of the assessment strategy employed.

During their modules, students receive feedback on their progress on completion of the formative assignments.

Students receive feedback forms on completion of the summative assignment(s) and after the module exam(s), which include feedback and the mark for the assignment(s) / exam(s).

Careers

Graduates of this course are likely to go on to careers in a wide range of investment banking roles as traders, fund and asset managers, analysts and brokers. You will be supported throughout your studies to gain summer internships to give your career a head start.

The programme is also designed to be an excellent foundation for the CFA Institute's globally recognised CFA award or further specialist studies in Finance at Masters Level.

Course Requirements

We normally make offers of AAB/ABB at 'A' level (this excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking, Extended Projects and Citizenship Studies). All applicants are usually required to hold a minimum of GCSE Maths Grade B or Grade 6 + GCSE English Language Grade C or Grade 4.

Ideal applicants will have studied one of the following 'A' levels: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Economics, Statistics or Physics.

We accept the BTEC Extended Diploma at D*DD and the Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma along with other qualifications. The International Baccalaureate is also accepted (30 – 32 points) and holders of the AAT/ACCA diplomas are encouraged to apply. Offers may vary.

Certificate and Diploma in Financial Studies - remember that these qualifications can contribute to our entry requirements, helping you to stand out from other applicants.

Additional information

Before teaching starts, we will be hosting a Summer Maths Programme which focuses on the fundamental math skills you will come across during your studies. It's a great opportunity to boost your numerical skills, get a head start on your studies and begin your first year with confidence.