Finance

BSc
3 years full-time
Durham City
2C77
Typical offers
A Level | AAB |
---|---|
BTEC | DDD |
International Baccalaureate | 36 |
Course details
As financial markets across the world grow more closely connected, this specialist degree develops the quantitative and analytical skills you’ll need to pursue a career in the financial services industry.
Learning from expert lecturers and guest speakers, the degree will give you a taste of real-world finance. We combine academic excellence, insightful research and exceptional global business connections, equipping you with the tools to become an innovative business thinker in your career and beyond.
Our flexible study programme puts you in control. The curriculum links academic theory with practical experience through a combination of modules that offer plenty of opportunities to tailor your studies as your interests evolve. You have the option to complete the course in three years, alternatively, you can add a placement year or spend a year abroad.
In the first year, you study the key fundamentals to examine and evaluate modern financial markets.
The second year will give you the skills to examine financial issues and institutions, markets and securities across global markets. You’ll also learn to interpret financial data and price financial securities.
The final year offers more flexibility. You can choose modules tailored to your interests and career aspirations. The dissertation, on a finance topic of your choice, makes up a third of your final year marks.
Course structure
Year 1
Core modules:
Foundations of Finance introduces the key principles of corporate finance and their importance to firms. From bonds and stocks to capital structure and dividend policy, it provides you with a solid grounding in issues of finance as they relate to the business and financial markets.
Introduction to Economics examines the basic principles of economics. The study of subjects like market structure, fiscal policy and economic growth will provide a solid foundation for modules in micro- and macroeconomics.
Introduction to Financial Accounting covers the basic concepts and techniques involved in financial accounting reports, including the preparation of basic financial statements.
Quantitative Methods introduces the analytical and statistical techniques you will need throughout your degree.
Introduction to Management Accounting provides the basic concepts of management accounting and will give you an understanding of the objectives of management accounting within an organisation.
In recent years, optional modules have included:
- Business Environment and Functions
- Introduction to the International Economy.
Year 2
Core modules:
Corporate Finance provides theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of key theories in finance and corporate policy decisions.
Macroeconomics for Finance develops knowledge and understanding of international macroeconomic analysis, performance and its importance for the business community.
Introduction to Financial Econometrics teaches you about statistics and business models in preparation for a project in applied financial econometrics. It equips you with the mathematical, statistical and analytical skills required to interpret literature in business finance and provides a strong foundation for higher level study.
Financial Markets and Institutions provides you with a background in the economic principles governing the operation of a financial system. You will develop knowledge of the structure of financial markets and institutions, and an understanding of how and why institutions operate in financial markets.
In recent years, optional modules have included:
- Principles of Business Law
- Corporate Financial Reporting
- Auditing and Assurance
- Introduction to Taxation
- Banking and Financial Technology
- Microeconomics for Finance.
Year 3
Core modules:
Security Investment Analysis builds on the skills gained in previous years. It provides a thorough grounding in investment and portfolio management, focusing on theoretical concepts and practical applications.
The Dissertation, on a finance topic of your choice, develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning. It provides you with an opportunity to research the topic and present your findings and conclusions.
In recent years, optional modules have included:
- Financial Derivatives and Financial Engineering
- Computational Quantitative Finance
- Behavioural Finance
- Islamic Economics and Finance
- Real Estate Finance
- Financial Econometrics
- Contemporary Issues in Accounting and Finance
- Big Data Analytics
- Corporate Governance.
Placement
You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.Learning
Lectures and small group seminars are supported by specialist workshops which provide hands-on experience of finance-related problems using up-to-date resources such as Dow Jones, Refinitiv and Bloomberg. You’ll also benefit from one-to-one support and self-directed learning to develop your critical thinking skills.
We place great emphasis on high-quality small-group teaching sessions to help you get more out of your learning. As you move from first to final year, you’ll find a greater emphasis on self-directed learning and independent research as you begin to prepare for professional or postgraduate life.
Assessment
Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations, written assignments and reports, projects and presentations.
The range of assessment methods is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the material, test your capacity to solve problems, enhance your written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues.
The 12,000-word dissertation makes up one-third of your final-year marks.
Entry requirements
A strong proficiency in Mathematics is required. If not taken as an A level, a grade 7 (or grade A) in Mathematics at GCSE is required.
We welcome the Core Mathematics Qualification and accept a grade 5 minimum (or grade B) in lieu of our GCSE mathematics requirement.
A level offer – AAB.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD.
IB Diploma score – 36 with 665 in higher level subjects. If Mathematics is not taken at higher level, then it is required at standard level 5.
In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
- We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications, please email us for more information.
- We are willing to consider applications for deferred entry from those who have well- structured plans for work or travel, for example. We may, however, need to restrict the number of deferred entry offers we make because we have to be careful not to fill too many of next year’s places in advance. However, if you do apply for a deferred place and are unsuccessful, you are welcome to reapply the following year.
- You are welcome to apply if you are taking resits; we do not make higher offers to students who declare resits.
- If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Programme offers multidisciplinary degrees to prepare you for a range of specified degree courses.
Science A levels
Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Fees and funding
Full Time Fees
Home students | £9,250 per year |
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EU students | £27,600 per year |
Island students | £9,250 per year |
International students | £27,600 per year |
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find Out MoreCareer opportunities
Business School (School of Economics, Finance and Business)
Our students graduate with subject-specific knowledge such as economic theory and data analysis, as well as the commercial awareness, IT and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers across the world. This combination of academic knowledge and transferable skills will open up a range of career possibilities in the economics and finance sector and beyond.
Our focus on employability stretches beyond the classroom. You will benefit from events that will give you a competitive edge in the job market. From employer talks and interview advice to business-tailored careers fairs, we work with you to achieve your goals.
Previous Economics graduates have gone on to work for global innovators and leaders in their sector including Ernst and Young, Deloitte, Lloyds Banking Group, PwC, JP Morgan and for government departments such as the National Audit Office, HMRC and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
Of those students who graduated in 2019:
- 96% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes
Of those in employment:
- 81% are in high skilled employment
- With an average salary of £29,000.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Business School (School of Economics, Finance and Business)
We are part of Durham University’s Business School, one of the UK's longest established business schools. We offer an inspiring and stimulating learning environment, and consistently rank highly for the quality of our teaching, research and for graduate career prospects.
The rigorous curriculum combined with exceptional teaching prepare you to navigate the economic challenges faced by the modern world.
You will learn from leading academics across a range of economic disciplines. Many of the academic team are active practitioners and researchers who will share their skills and knowledge directly, delivering their insights to the classroom and bringing you closer to the realities of the business world. You will also benefit from lectures by guest speakers who give new perspectives on relevant topics, while case studies give you the opportunity to explore a range of contemporary economics issues. There are further opportunities for hands-on work placements and international study.
You will gain an understanding of the principles of Economics, including supply and demand, competition and growth theories while developing the skills to effectively analyse and interpret data. All our degrees can be tailored to your interests through a wide range of option modules, including the chance to study a language.
Economics degrees at Durham prepare students to become the innovative business thinkers of the future and our qualifications are highly successful in creating job opportunities.
For more information see our Business School website.
Rankings
- 6th for Economics in The Complete University Guide 2023
- 7th in The Guardian University Guide 2023
- 9th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the Business School web pages.
Facilities
You’ll be taught across the university campus by world leading academics from the Business School. You’ll have access to the Business Schools modern, spacious meeting rooms and study areas. The university campus is within walking distance of the historic centre of Durham, a city with UNESCO World Heritage Status. Resources include up-to-date financial information and online databases. In addition, you’ll have access to Durham University’s prestigious libraries and archives.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
2C77
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