International Finance (BIFin)

The International Finance (BIFin) program at the University of Dundee offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of global financial management, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate the complex world of international financial markets. Designed to prepare graduates for careers in banking, financial consultancy, investment analysis, and multinational corporations, this program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical insights into financial systems worldwide. Students will explore core topics such as financial accounting, corporate finance, international financial markets, risk management, and financial regulation, gaining a deep understanding of how financial institutions operate across borders. The program emphasizes the development of analytical and quantitative skills, enabling students to interpret financial data, make strategic decisions, and assess financial risks effectively.

Throughout their studies, students will engage with real-world case studies, participate in group projects, and benefit from seminars led by industry experts, fostering a strong connection between academic theory and practical application. The program also offers opportunities for internships, enabling students to gain valuable work experience and industry insights before graduation. A key feature of the BIFin program is its focus on the international context of finance, including the impact of global economic policies, currency fluctuations, and cross-border investment strategies. This prepares students to operate confidently in diverse financial environments and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of international finance.

Designed with a flexible structure, the program allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests through elective modules in areas such as asset management, financial technology, and sustainable finance. The University of Dundee’s supportive academic environment, combined with its strong links to financial organizations and industry professionals, ensures students are well-prepared for a successful career in international finance. Graduates will not only possess a solid foundation of financial knowledge but also demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for leadership roles in the global financial sector. With a commitment to academic excellence and practical relevance, the International Finance (BIFin) program at Dundee aims to shape the next generation of financial professionals capable of making a positive impact in a dynamic global economy.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Fee category

Fees for students starting September 2015

Scottish students

£1,820 per year of study (for Sept 2014 entry). Fees for September 2015 will be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2015.

Rest of UK students

£9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree. See our scholarships for rest of UK applicants.

EU students

£1,820 per year of study (for Sept 2014 entry). Fees for September 2015 will be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2015.

Overseas students (non-EU)

£12,950 per year of study. See our scholarships for international applicants.

Not specified Start date September 2015 The Course Starts in September Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

Honours Degree

An honours degree normally takes four years, full time, you study levels 1-4, as described below.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for the BIFin honours degrees in 3 years (levels 2-4 below), if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Level 1

• Introductory Financial Accounting - where the basic concepts of accounting practice, including bookkeeping and the production of external financial reports, are introduced
• Introductory Management Accounting - where students are introduced to the foundations of costing and accounting for planning and control
• Statistics - where statistical methods such as probability theory and regression analysis are presented, as well as other quantitative techniques relevant to modern business activity
• Information Systems - provides hands-on experience of the modern software applications relevant to accounting and finance as well as introducing students to some of the theoretical concepts relevant to the processing of information in large organisations.
• Global Economic Perspectives - uses practical examples to illustrate how economic principles apply to real world situations, for example the manner in which modern competitive markets operate.
• Foundations of Economic Analysis - introduces students to fundamental economic concepts such as pricing theory, resource allocation and fiscal policy.

Level 2

The modules in Level 2 are designed to build on and develop the theoretical and practical material covered at Level 1.

• Intermediate Financial Accounting - builds on Level 1 by introducing students to UK regulatory requirements and some key contemporary accounting issues such as accounting for goodwill
• Intermediate Financial Management - builds on some of the material covered in Level 1 by introducing students to techniques used in practice to appraise financial and capital investments as well as discussing working capital management and long-term fund raising
• Financial Decision Analysis - examines the modern techniques used in financial decision analysis including linear programming, queuing and inventory modelling
• Microeconomics - builds on the material by considering topics such as business interaction in competitive markets and the link between corporate decisions and the cost of goods and services.
• Macroeconomics and Economic Statistics - adds depth to the issues covered in Level 1 by introducing students to the debate about appropriate monetary and fiscal policies as well as explaining the methods used in analysing open economies. This module also comprises a section on the use of statistical techniques in economic analysis.
• International Accounting and Finance

Level 3

Performance in the first two Levels helps to determine whether students are offered the chance to study for the Honours version of the degree (awarded after four years) or the non-Honours version (awarded after three years). In both cases, the material builds directly on issues covered in earlier years. Students taking both the Honours and the non-Honours versions of the degree take five modules at Level 3. Honours students proceed to take a range of compulsory and elective modules at Level 4.

• Microeconomic Analysis
• Advanced Financial Management
• International Capital Markets
• Taxation
• Macroeconomic Analysis

Level 4

• Financial Management Theory
• International Finance

plus

• Three optional modules with at least two optional modules at Level 4

Level 4 modules may include:

• Social & Environmental Accounting
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Security Analysis and Portfolio Management
• Dissertation
• Fiscal Studies
• Advanced Management and Information Systems
• Government and Business
• Economics of Globalisation
• Business Strategy
• Financial Economic Analysis

(Not all options will be available in any one year)

How you will be assessed

The weightings allocated to assessed coursework and the final examination vary from module to module. Typically 80% is allocated to the final exam but this is less in some modules and more in others.

Requirements

See Course Homepage for Full details

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Dundee.

Accreditation

Professional accreditation

The BFin is an accredited degree and allows exemptions from professional examinations from the following bodies:

• The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
• The Association of International Accountants (AIA)

The BFin degree is also likely to gain exemption from certain professional examinations of the following bodies:

• The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)
• The Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW)
• The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ireland (ICAI)
• The Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland (CIOBS)