Financial Management

Financial Management at the University of Essex offers an in-depth exploration of the core principles and practices that underpin effective financial decision-making in today’s dynamic business environment. This programme is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of financial analysis, planning, and control, preparing them for a successful career in finance, accounting, and related fields. Throughout the course, students will examine key topics such as financial markets and institutions, investment analysis, corporate finance, risk management, and financial regulations. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, enabling students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to navigate complex financial scenarios. Students will engage with contemporary issues like digital finance, sustainable investing, and global financial stability, ensuring their knowledge remains relevant in a rapidly evolving industry. The programme incorporates a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, case studies, and real-world projects, fostering an interactive and engaging learning environment. Additionally, students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships, financial simulations, and collaboration with industry partners. The programme aims not only to provide a solid academic foundation but also to enhance employability by developing key skills such as quantitative analysis, financial modelling, and effective communication. Graduates of the Financial Management programme are well-prepared to pursue careers in financial analysis, investment banking, risk management, corporate finance, consulting, and other sectors where financial expertise is paramount. The University of Essex’s supportive academic community and excellent facilities ensure that students receive a high-quality education that combines academic excellence with practical relevance. By studying at Essex, students will join a vibrant university community committed to fostering innovation, diversity, and academic success.

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

Financial Reporting and Analysis;
Organisational Behaviour;
Corporate Finance;
Financial Modelling;
Portfolio Analysis;
International Business Environment; and
one Essex Business School half-option or one outside half-option

Year 3

International Finance;
Business Strategy;
Risk Management;
Options and Futures;
Advanced Organisational Behaviour;
one Essex Business School option or one outside option; and
one Essex Business School half-option

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, if not taken at Higher Level (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.

Financial Management at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive understanding of financial principles and their application in the business world. The programme is designed to develop core skills in areas such as financial analysis, planning, and decision-making, equipping graduates with the competence needed to thrive in a competitive financial environment. Students will explore topics including corporate finance, investment analysis, financial markets, and risk management, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through case studies and real-world applications.

The course is suitable for those interested in pursuing careers in financial analysis, banking, investment management, or corporate finance. The programme emphasizes analytical skills, data interpretation, and strategic thinking, preparing students to contribute effectively to financial decision-making processes within various organizations. Students will benefit from the university’s strong links with industry, offering opportunities for internships, networking, and engagement with finance professionals.

Learning is supported by a blend of lectures, seminars, and workshops, with access to modern financial software and resources that reflect current industry standards. The university’s location in Essex provides access to London's financial hub, facilitating guest lectures and collaborative projects with financial institutions. The curriculum is regularly updated to incorporate emerging trends in financial management, such as sustainable finance and technological innovations like fintech.

Graduates of the programme will be equipped with a solid foundation for pursuing professional qualifications such as CFA, ACCA, or CIMA. The university also offers career support services and partnerships with industry to help students secure employment after graduation. The course fosters critical thinking, ethical awareness, and a global perspective on financial issues, preparing students to become responsible financial managers and leaders in their respective fields. Overall, the programme at the University of Essex aims to produce highly competent graduates who can adapt to the evolving landscape of financial management worldwide.