Finance (including foundation year)

The Bachelor of Science in Finance at the University of Essex is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a robust understanding of financial principles, markets, and decision-making processes. This course equips students with the essential skills needed to succeed in the dynamic and competitive finance industry. Throughout the program, students will explore a wide range of topics including corporate finance, investment analysis, financial markets, risk management, and financial accounting. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to face real-world financial challenges.

At Essex, the program emphasizes the development of analytical and quantitative skills, enabling students to interpret complex financial data and make informed decisions. The coursework incorporates modern financial tools and software, providing hands-on experience with the latest industry technologies. Additionally, students have opportunities to engage in live case studies, internships, and networking events, which enhance their employability and practical understanding of the financial sector.

The foundation year at Essex serves as an excellent starting point for students who are new to higher education or require additional preparation before progressing to the main degree program. This introductory year focuses on building core academic skills, such as mathematics, economics, and business studies, alongside an overview of financial concepts. Successful completion of the foundation year allows students to seamlessly transition into the full BSc in Finance program.

The university’s supportive learning environment, combined with access to experienced faculty and industry professionals, ensures students receive personalized guidance and mentorship throughout their studies. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue careers in various financial fields, including banking, asset management, financial consultancy, and corporate finance departments. The program also lays a strong foundation for further postgraduate study or professional qualification in finance and related areas.

Overall, the BSc in Finance at Essex offers a rigorous academic experience, practical insights, and a global perspective on the financial industry, making it an ideal choice for aspiring finance professionals seeking to develop their expertise and excel in a competitive marketplace.

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.

Preliminary year

Business and Management;
Economics;
Introduction to Probability and Statistical Methods;
Core Mathematics; and
Academic Skills

Year 1

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

Year 2

Financial Reporting and Analysis;
Corporate Finance;
Foundations of Finance;
Portfolio Analysis;
Financial Modelling;
one Essex Business School option or one outside option

Year 3

International Finance;
The Pricing of Securities in Financial Markets;
Options and Futures;
Empirical Finance;
one Essex Business School option; and
one Essex Business School option or one outside option

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 5

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

Requirements

• A-levels: 180 points, including DD at A-level or equivalent
• GCSE Mathematics: C
• GCSE English: C
• Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at pass (or above).
• English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 5.5 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component or equivalent (subject to final approval).

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 University of Essex offers a comprehensive programme in Finance designed for students seeking to develop a thorough understanding of financial principles, markets, and strategies. The undergraduate degree typically covers fundamental aspects of finance, including financial analysis, investment management, corporate finance, and banking. The programme aims to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful career in various finance-related fields.

Students are introduced to key concepts such as financial accounting, quantitative methods, and economic theory, providing a solid foundation for more advanced topics. Modules often include topics like financial markets and institutions, risk management, international finance, and financial decision-making. The curriculum is designed to combine academic rigour with real-world applications, preparing graduates to meet the demands of a dynamic financial environment.

The Foundation Year programme serves as an introduction to higher education for students who may not yet meet the direct entry requirements for the degree. During this year, students undertake intensive study in core subjects such as mathematics, economics, and business fundamentals, enabling a smooth transition into the subsequent years of the degree. Successful completion of the Foundation Year provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to proceed into the full undergraduate programme without additional entrance requirements.

The courses are delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, and practical sessions, encouraging active learning and critical thinking. The university also leverages its strong links with industry and alumni for guest lectures, placements, and networking opportunities, giving students valuable insights and career pathways in finance.

Graduates from the University of Essex with a degree in Finance are well-prepared for employment in areas such as banking, investment analysis, financial planning, and corporate finance. They can also pursue postgraduate studies or professional qualifications like CFA or ACCA, depending on their career goals. The university’s emphasis on employability, combined with its research-led teaching approach, ensures that students gain relevant skills aligned with current industry standards.

Overall, the programme offers a balanced mix of academic theory, practical skills, and industry engagement, making it an attractive choice for students aiming to build a solid foundation in finance and embark on a variety of professional opportunities within the financial sector.