Banking and Finance

The Bachelor of Arts in Banking and Finance at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive understanding of the financial services industry, equipping them with the analytical skills and practical knowledge needed to succeed in today's dynamic economic environment. This programme is designed to provide a solid foundation in key financial principles, including corporate finance, investment analysis, banking operations, risk management, and financial markets. Throughout the course, students will explore the functioning of global financial systems, learn how to assess financial risks, and gain insights into the regulatory frameworks that oversee banking and financial activities.

The programme combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, allowing students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through case studies, simulations, and project work. It prepares graduates for a diverse range of careers within banking, investment firms, financial consultancy, and risk management sectors. Students will also have opportunities to enhance their employability through work placements, industry talks, and networking events organized by the university.

The curriculum is delivered by experienced academics and industry practitioners, ensuring that students are kept up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in finance. The programme also emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and corporate responsibility in financial decision-making. With a strong focus on analytical skills, numerical proficiency, and data analysis, graduates will be well-equipped to handle complex financial data and make informed decisions.

Furthermore, the university provides excellent resources, including modern learning facilities, access to financial databases, and support services to aid students’ academic and professional development. Graduates of this programme are prepared to pursue further qualifications such as CFA or ACCA, or to enter graduate roles in banking, asset management, consultancy, and financial analysis. Whether students aspire to work in global financial markets or at a local bank, this programme provides a solid foundation for a successful career in banking and finance.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking science and engineering subjects, then these options are slightly restricted because our science modules tend to rely on previous knowledge of the subject.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BSc, then you are qualified to enter the second year not only of that course but also of a range of other courses: for example, if you are a BSc student who takes economics, politics, philosophy and sociology in your first year, then you have a choice of at least two courses and, in some cases, as many as five. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you. Some of our science courses offer an optional extra year of an industrial placement.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

Introduction to Accounting and Finance;
Introduction to Management;
Quantitative Methods and Finance; and
Economics for Business

Year 2

Corporate Finance;
Portfolio Analysis;
Introduction to Banking;
Financial Modelling;
International Financial Institutions and Policy;
one Essex Business School option or one outside option; and
one Essex Business School half-option or one outside half-option

Year 3

International Banking;
Options and Futures;
Bank Risk Management;
Financial Markets and Monetary Policy; and
two Essex Business School options or two outside options

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A-levels: AAB-ABB
• GCSE Mathematics: C
• GCSE English: C
• IB: 33-32 points, including Standard Mathematics grade 4 (we consider IB certificates at the Higher level on a case-by-case basis)
• BTEC qualifications, in relevant disciplines, will be considered on an individual basis, depending on the units studied. The standard required is generally at Distinction level.
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above).

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

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 Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance at the University of Essex is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for a successful career in the financial sector. The program provides a thorough grounding in core financial principles, including financial markets, banking operations, investment analysis, and financial management. Throughout the course, students explore key areas such as macroeconomics, microeconomics, corporate finance, and financial regulation, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the economic environment in which banks and financial institutions operate.

The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and quantitative skills, enabling students to analyze financial data, assess risks, and make informed decisions. Practical components, including case studies, simulations, and placements, are integrated to enhance real-world understanding and employability. The program also offers opportunities for specialization in areas like investment banking, risk management, or financial technology, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific career interests.

Students benefit from the university’s strong links with the finance industry, receiving insights from guest lecturers and attending industry events that broaden their professional networks. The university’s dedicated career services support students in securing internships and graduate employment, providing tailored advice and mentorship throughout their studies. The program is accredited by relevant professional bodies, which may include the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment (CISI) and other financial accreditation organizations, adding value to graduates’ qualifications.

Teaching methods combine lectures, tutorials, group projects, and independent research, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment. The assessments are varied, including examinations, coursework, presentations, and group projects, designed to develop a wide range of skills. Graduates of the program are prepared for entry into various roles within banking, financial services, asset management, insurance, and consultancy firms. They can also pursue further study or professional development in finance or related fields.

The program is available on both full-time and part-time bases, offering flexibility to accommodate different student needs. Overall, the Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance aims to develop analytical, technical, and practical competencies that meet the demands of modern financial markets, preparing students for successful careers and continuous professional growth in the financial industry.