Finance with Placement Year
Finance with Placement Year
BSc
4 years full-time
Durham City
BSc
4 years full-time
Durham City
2M83
2M83
Typical offers
| A Level | AAB |
|---|---|
| BTEC | DDD |
| International Baccalaureate | 36 |
Course details
Our specialist BSc Finance degree places considerable emphasis on the key quantitative and analytical skills needed to pursue a career in finance and financial markets. The degree prepares you for a career in the financial environment by providing a technical curriculum to strengthen the link between academia and practice.
The BSc Finance enables you to acquire a critical understanding of theories, empirical evidence and practical application whilst maintaining a rigorous academic underpinning. In particular, you will learn about corporate finance, investments, financial institutions and the vast array of sophisticated financial products traded in today’s global financial markets. Furthermore, you will develop the quantitative techniques needed to analyse, in-depth, financial data and financial securities.
Year 1
In the first year, you will study five compulsory modules that provide the key fundamentals to examine and evaluate modern financial markets, including introductions to financial and management accounting, economics, finance and mathematics and statistics. These will be complemented by an optional module from the areas of business, global economics or foreign languages.
Year 2
In the second year, you will study three compulsory finance modules to allow you to be able to examine financial issues and the institutions, markets and securities that facilitate the vast array of financial transactions that occur continuously across global markets. Furthermore, you will acquire numerous quantitative tools which enable you to interpret financial data and price financial securities. The finance modules are complemented by one compulsory economics module – macro – and an optional module from the areas of law, accounting, tax or foreign languages.
Year 3
All of our degrees offer you the option of spending your third year gaining practical experience on a placement. Placement years are a great way to develop your employment marketability and to engage with employers early in their recruitment pipeline. A placement requires a minimum of 40 weeks of work experience and the placement begins in the summer following completion of the second year, and this then becomes the third year of a four-year degree programme. This allows you to really explore and understand your job and to find out if the career or company is for you.
- You will develop your practical skills, confidence and maturity.
- You can focus on a specific career path – many employers recruit graduates from their placement programme.
- You will be able to contextualise your studies better, be more mature in your attitude to work.
- You may decide to draw on your working experiences and access a more fulfilling dissertation research subject.
- You will gain invaluable job search and graduate research skills by engaging in the competitive placement recruitment process.
To ensure you are getting the most out of your experience, we support your placement in a number of ways:
First Year Workshops and Bootcamps tohelp you to develop your Placement Strategy and to identify and develop those skills and competencies that will be critical to ensure you are attractive to potential placement employers. These typically involve Employers, Placement Mentors and representatives from Colleges, Societies and the Volunteering Community in Durham.
Second Year Workshops and Bootcamps support you through the placement application process and allow you to develop into a supportive student group to travel along the road of gaining a placement together. They enable you to get to know those students who will return with you in the fourth year. Workshops typically involve employers, and former placement students.
The DUBS Placement Programme includes a series of employer-led events which take place throughout term 1 and 2 and is open to all first year and second year placement students. The skills sessions and networking events allow students to develop essential employability skills as well as providing valuable insight into the recruitment process.
Placement Mentors: We have a mentorship scheme whereby former placement students share their experiences of the application process and placement with first and second year students and those out on placement. If you become a placement mentor on your return to University you can continue to develop your interpersonal skills and slide back into your University life with another key role which may well develop a new sense of belonging as well as another valuable contribution to your CV.
Placement Tutors: Whilst you are on placement you are assigned an academic tutor who will visit you, liaise with your employer and ensure you gain the most from your experience.
The Placement Year fees are set annually by the University. For the definitive amount of the Placement Year tuition fee payable please contact our Placement Team.
*The offer of a place on a ‘with Placement Year’ degree does not imply that Durham University Business School guarantees to find the student a placement. The Business School, in association with the University, will assist students in finding and applying for placements, but it is the responsibility of the student to apply for and to obtain a placement (which is subject to approval by the Business School). In the event that a student is unable to obtain a placement, transfer to the equivalent ‘non-placement’ programme is guaranteed provided the student is eligible to transfer on academic grounds. Due to visa requirements, we recommend that international students interested in the Placement Year as part of their degree apply for this programme when making their application to us via UCAS. This will prevent students having to change their visa in situ at University, and avoid the fee of a new visa.
Year 4
Moving to a more research-led teaching orientation in the third year, you are required to produce a double module Dissertation in an area of accounting and finance areas. Additionally, you will study two compulsory modules exploring the world of accounting. You will have the option to choose two modules from a range of business, accounting and finance options. You may also choose to continue your study of a foreign language.
Placement
You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.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 necessary quantitative and analytical skills you’ll need to pursue a career in the financial services industry. The course combines 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.
This four-year degree includes a placement year to give you a real-world taste of work. The placement is a valuable opportunity to gain first-hand industry experience and start building a network of business contacts in preparation for graduation.
Our flexible study programme puts you in control. The curriculum links academic theory with practical experience through a combination of core and optional modules that offer plenty of opportunities to tailor your studies as your interests evolve. As an alternative to the placement route, you have the option to complete the degree in three years or spend a year abroad.
In the first year, you study five compulsory modules that provide the key fundamentals to examine and evaluate modern financial markets.
The second year is made up of three finance modules which 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 explores 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 introduces 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 explores the basic concepts of management accounting and will give you an understanding of the objectives of management accounting within an organisation.
Examples of optional modules:
- 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.
Examples of optional modules:
- Principles of Business Law
- Corporate Financial Reporting
- Auditing and Assurance
- Introduction to Taxation
- Banking and Financial Technology
- Microeconomics for Finance.
Year 3
Year 3 is spent on placement. A minimum of 40 weeks of work experience is an opportunity to put learning from the first two years into practice in the workplace. You will also gain valuable experience and a tailored skill set to take forward to your final year. The skills and professional network gained during the placement year will give you a head start with graduate employers.
Year 4
Core modules:
Security Investment Analysis provides a thorough grounding in investment and portfolio management, focusing on theoretical concepts and practical applications.
The Dissertation 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.
Examples of optional modules:
- 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
On this degree you will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, informal but scheduled one-on-one support, and self-directed learning, such as research, reading, and writing. All of these are supported by a state-of-the-art virtual learning environment, Learn Ultra.
Seminars and workshops are much smaller groups than lectures, small enough to allow one-on-one interaction with teaching staff. Workshops also allow hands-on experience of solving business problems.
This emphasis on small-group teaching reflects a conscious choice to enhance the quality of the learning experience rather than the quantity of formal sessions. In fact, the degree is designed to feature fewer formal sessions and more independent research as you move from your first to your final year.
Small-group teaching and one-on-one attention from the personal academic advisor (provided at the start) are part of the learning experience throughout, but by the final year classroom time gives way, to some extent, to independent research, including a dissertation – supported by one-on-one supervision – that makes up a third of final year credits.
In this way the degree systematically transforms you from a consumer of knowledge in the classroom to a generator of knowledge, ready for professional or postgraduate life. These formal teaching arrangements are supported by “drop-in” surgeries with teaching staff and induction sessions that begin in the week before the start of the course and continue at key times throughout each year of the programme.
Students can also attend an extensive programme of research-focused seminars where staff and visiting scholars present their cutting-edge research.
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 consider each application holistically, on an individual basis and against the other applications we receive. Whilst academic achievement is important, it is not the only factor that we consider when assessing applications and applicants who have achieved, or are predicted to achieve, close to our typical offer, but who have not met it exactly, will be welcome to apply if they have a strong application in other key elements, for example if they can demonstrate merit and potential through their personal statement or their reference.
- 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 |
|---|---|
| EU students | £26,250 per year |
| Island students | £9,250 per year |
| International students | £26,250 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)
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)
Our Economics degrees help you prepare for employment, 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
- Top 10 in The Guardian UniversityGuide 2022.
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the Business School web pages.
Facilities
With our rigorous curriculum and exceptional teaching, you’ll build world-class foundations for graduate employment or further study. You’ll also get a taste of real business – learning from expert faculty members and guest speakers, as well as through hands-on work placements and international study opportunities. With our flexible programmes, you’re in control – choosing a route that suits your own interests and career aspirations.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
2M83
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
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.
Years 1 and 2 include placement-specific workshops and bootcamps to help develop your placement strategy and to identify and develop the skills and competencies that will help you stand out to potential placement employers.
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 and a final year dissertation.
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.
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 consider each application holistically, on an individual basis and against the other applications we receive. Whilst academic achievement is important, it is not the only factor that we consider when assessing applications and applicants who have achieved, or are predicted to achieve, close to our typical offer, but who have not met it exactly, will be welcome to apply if they have a strong application in other key elements, for example if they can demonstrate merit and potential through their personal statement or their reference.
- 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
The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
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
Based within the state-of-the-art Business School, we are close to University services and resources and only a mile from the historic centre of Durham, a city with UNESCO World Heritage Status.
Our modern and spacious teaching and learning areas include lecture theatres, seminar rooms and study areas.
The Business School library houses extensive collections of business, economics, finance and management books and offers access to over 10,000 journals online. You’ll be able to access up-to-date financial and market research information from sources such as FAME, Mintel, IMID, European Business asap and Pro-Quest. There’s also a wide range of information available via online databases, including Emerald, Mintel, Lexis-Nexis, Reuters Business Insight, IMF Statistical Service Online.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
2M83
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
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