- UCAS Code: N30I
- Level: Undergraduate
- Starting: September 2021
- Study mode: Full Time (3 Years), Sandwich (4 Years), Part Time (5 Years)
- Location: City Centre
Subject to Approval
This course and the information on this page is indicative based on the 2020/21 academic year. The final details for this course starting will be published by 15 June 2020.
Want to study investment finance in the UK, and take the first step towards a career in investment banking? Our BSc (Hons) Finance and Investment course allows you to take a yearlong placement in industry, helping you stand out from the crowd when you graduate.
Our course is focused on a practical application of financial skills in the investing world, qualities that are in high demand in modern finance and investment management sectors.
What's covered in the course?
Designed to equip you with technical knowledge and skills in line with the Investment Management Certificate qualification from the Chartered Financial Analyst Society UK*, as well as a range of employability attributes, the course will encourage your development and commitment in becoming an investment professional.
As you progress, you will become more effective and creative in problem solving, as well as being able to critically advise individuals and companies in the UK and internationally.
The course also has the option of a sandwich year, wherein you'll get to go on a year-long industry placement, giving you invaluable real-world employment experience.
During the second and final year of the course, there will be more flexible learning opportunities that will enable you to specialise in particular subject areas, as well as allowing you to tailor your course to a specific career path. There will also be opportunities to experience different graduate roles, with a wide variety of placements and internships on offer to compliment your studies.
Based at the University’s new campus in the UK’s second city, you’ll live and study in a vibrant environment and engage with local, national and international businesses. You will be taught by highly qualified academics with industrial and professional experience.
Why Choose Us?
- On all of our courses you will gain a professional focus and real world experience of finance, ensuring you are equipped to make an immediate impact in the business world. You have the opportunity to embark on a year-long sandwich placement as part of your degree course.
- We arrange guest lectures from industry leading speakers, so you can get an insight into the actual workings of global financial systems.
- Recognising the global scope of business, all our courses have an international focus. This is embedded throughout the curriculum, giving you the opportunity to transform your experience with us into a global one. There are a variety of exciting possibilities open to you, ranging from our successful international travel scholarships scheme, through which you can spend a summer working for a charitable organisation overseas, to one of our many overseas study exchange programmes.
- As a student on one of our undergraduate degrees, you will be able to benefit from our Graduate+ initiative. This three-year award course enables you to gain award levels for all the extra-curricular activities you undertake so that you can stand out from the crowd on graduation.
- We offer a high proportion of internationally oriented modules, so your skills will be applicable all over the world.
- You will study in our state-of-the-art City Centre Campus, ideally located for you to take advantage of our links to Birmingham’s business district, one of the largest in the UK.You’ll have the opportunity to work in our ‘CITY Trading Room’ using the same investment analysis software as traders, financial analysts and decision makers in the investment industry.
- You will gain a rigorous understanding of finance and investment practices, equipping you for a successful career as a fund manager, financial analyst, investment banker or financial manager.
Find out more
*Trademark Disclaimer: CFA Institute does not endorse, promote or warrant the accuracy or quality of the products or services offered by Birmingham City University. CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute
Similar Courses
- Finance and Investment Integrated Master's - MFin - 2021/22 Entry
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- Accounting and Finance with a Foundation Year - BSc (Hons) - 2021/22 Entry
- Business Finance - BSc (Hons) - 2021/22 Entry
- Business Finance Integrated Master's - MFin - 2021/22 Entry
This course is open to International students
I AM BCU
Dillon Daudia
Dillon knew that going to university was the right step towards a career in the banking industry.
*DLHE 2016/17
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels. |
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| Typical Offers (UK Students) | ||
|---|---|---|
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GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above, at the point of enrolment. Equivalent qualifications will be considered. Plus, you must have achieved or be completing one of the following: |
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| UK Qualification | Requirements 2019/20 | |
| A Level / AS Level | BBC at A Level (112 points). A maximum of three subjects are considered. Other 6-unit qualifications can be considered in lieu of one or two A-level subjects. | |
| Access to Higher Education Diploma | Pass overall with 60 credits, 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2. GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or above or equivalent qualifications must be offered. | |
| BTEC National Diploma (12-units not including early years) / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma | D*D*. Can be offered along with either one A-level, 2 AS-levels or one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma qualification to achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points. | |
| BTEC Extended Diploma (18-units not including early years) / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | DMM (112 points). | |
| BTEC Subsidiary Diploma / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate | D. Must be offered along with either two A-levels (grades B and C), two BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas / OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diplomas (grades D and M) or a BTEC 12-unit National Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma (grades DM). | |
| International Baccalaureate Diploma |
Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates and alongside other acceptable level 3 qualifications to meet 112 UCAS Tariff Points. If taking the IB Certificate you will need to obtain a total of 14 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects. |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) | Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 112 tariff points, achieved in four Higher level subjects. This must include Maths and English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum grade H5/D1). | |
| Scottish Advanced Higher |
Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers. Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades CCD. Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers). Maximum of three Advanced Highers can be considered together. |
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| Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate |
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate with grade B plus grades BB at A-Level (or equivalent qualifications). Must be offered along with either two A-levels (grades B and B), two 6-unit BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas / OCR OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diplomas (grades D and M) or a BTEC 12-unit National Diploma / OCR OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma (grades DM). |
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| Other qualifications | ||
| If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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Additional information for EU/International students
| Essential | ||
|---|---|---|
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Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications to 112 points are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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| English language requirements 2020/21 | ||
| IELTS |
6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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| Other accepted qualifications | Visit our English language page | |
From A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels
Don’t meet our entry requirements?
You could apply for a foundation course or a course at our International College. These routes have lower entry requirements and act as the bridge to a full degree. To find out more, please select your status:
- UK/EU students
- International students
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via UCAS
- Sandwich
- 4 Years
- Show fees
- Apply via UCAS
- Study Year £9,250
- Placement Year £1,650
Sandwich Fees
Our Sandwich courses incur a fee during the placement year, the costs for years when you attend the university for study, and the cost for the placement year are shown here.
- Part Time
- 5 Years
- Show fees
- Register interest
- Year 1 (80 credits) £6,400
- Year 2 (80 credits) £6,400
- Year 3 (80 credits) £6,400
- Year 4 (80 credits) £6,400
- Year 5 (40 credits) £3,200
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year as shown here.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £13,200 per year
- Register interest
- Sandwich
- 4 Years
- Show fees
- Register interest
- Study Year £13,200
- Placement Year £13,200
Sandwich Fees
Our Sandwich courses incur a fee during the placement year, the costs for years when you attend the university for study, and the cost for the placement year are shown here.
The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
Guidance for UK/EU students
UK and EU students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
Login to UCAS
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
Non-EU (International) students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Fees for part time students
If you study this course part-time or via distance learning, you will be charged on a pro-rata basis. This means your fee will be calculated per module.
Additional costs
There are no compulsory additional costs or charges associated with studying on this course. While you may choose to purchase personal copies of text books, all our key text books are available from our library or online (subject to normal library loan and online access arrangements).
Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £50 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials. All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
Accommodation and living costs
The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.
Worried about personal statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
Financial Support
We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits). |
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits). |
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules. |
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All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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Final Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits). |
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules. |
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All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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All modules will mix face-to-face lectures with online activities. As a practice-based course, sessions will usually involve the application of academic concepts to real-world scenarios. Online delivery will also be provided via the University’s virtual learning environment, and modules will also require you to engage with online study to prepare for, participate in and further develop your skills.
Due to the professional alignment of the course, examinations will be a common feature when it comes to assessments. However, a variety of methods will be used, and you’ll be required to deliver reports, presentations, essays and project plans, both individually and within a group.
You will regularly engage with tutors, working together to identify any gaps in your knowledge and finding appropriate learning activities to suit your individual needs. A variety of learning activities will be used, whether it be a short written piece or a reflective journal, and you’ll be given regular feedback by your personal tutor.
Trips and Visits
You will have the opportunity to go on relevant trips such as visiting the Bank of England and the London Stock Exchange.
Professional Body Alignement
BSc (Hons) Finance and Investment is aligned to the syllabus of the Investment Management Certificate from the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society UK.
International Opportunities
During your second year, you have the option to undertake the Study Abroad module, where you can examine an interdisciplinary topic within an international setting. You’ll create a digital story suitable for a range of audiences, and self-reflect on the impact of an international experience.
Further Study
After completing your BSc (Hons) you could progress onto studying at Masters level, the CFA UK Investment Management Certificate qualification, or an accountancy qualification.
What our students say
"The main points to consider when choosing Birmingham City University are the strong focus on graduate employability, the international outlook and the community. "
Denisa Fatu, Finance and Investment student
The finance specialism and professional alignment of the programme enables progression into a career as a fund manager, financial analyst, investment banker or financial manager.
Placements
In order to apply and enhance the skills you learn from the course, you will have the option to undertake a year-long work placement in the UK or overseas. Shorter-term work placements, voluntary work and internships will also be available.
We boast partnerships with businesses across the globe, including AXA Insurance, HSBC, Lloyds Bank and PwC.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
BCU Graduate+
Through our courses we give you the skills and experience needed to get a head start when applying for jobs. But we offer something extra too – Graduate+.
Our unique programme gives you the chance to develop valuable skills outside of the more formal classroom learning. We award points for Graduate+ activities (including firewalking!) and these can be put towards a final Graduate+ award.
More about Graduate+
*DLHE Survey 2016/7
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations for international students.
The first-class experience offered by universities are reflected in the world’s largest survey of international students. International students are more likely to recommend the UK than any other leading English-language study destination.
Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.
The Curzon Building
This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law, Business and English students.
The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.
The Business floors house an extensive number of IT facilities, breakout areas, and specialised rooms. The Marketing Link Agency is designed to replicate a modern marketing firm, allowing students to get real-life experience of working in the marketing sector. There is also the City Trading Room, which features state of the art stock market tracking equipment, keeping you up to date with all the financial comings and goings of the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street.
The Curzon building is also conveniently close to Birmingham’s business and financial centre, allowing for strong links between your studies and the real world.
The Curzon Building also features:
- An impressive new library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
- Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
- A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
- Brand new, accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
- Shared facilities with the wider campus including the recently opened Parkside Building and Millennium Point
"We aim to provide a challenging curriculum to motivate and enable our students to achieve great things. Our students and staff have set up an Investment Society, and we’re organising numerous seminars, workshops, free trainings on trading and study trips to enhance your employability."
Muhammad Akbar, Course Director
Dr Navjot Sandhu
Associate Professor in Finance
Dr Navjot Sandhu is Finance subject group lead, managing undergraduate and postgraduate Finance programmes in the department. She has a wide range of experience of developing, delivering higher education courses programmes, modules at the undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Dr Muhammad Akbar
Senior Lecturer in Finance
Dr Muhammad Akbar is a Senior Lecturer in Finance and the Course Leader for MFIN and BSc (Hons) Finance and Investment. He has over 15 years of academic experience covering the development and delivery of both undergraduate and postgraduate courses and modules.
Dr Muhammad Surajo Sanusi
Senior Lecturer in Finance
Dr Muhammad Surajo Sanusi completed his PhD in Finance on market efficiency, volatility behaviour and asset pricing analysis. He is a qualified professional accountant under the full memberships of ACCA, ANAN and ICAN.
Dr Anton Miglo
Senior Lecturer in Finance
Dr Anton Miglo is a Senior Lecturer in Finance at the Business School of Birmingham City University. He completed his PhD in 2005 researching financing strategies, capital structure theory and management. Prior to working in academia, Dr. Miglo worked at several European banks reaching the position of Head of the Department of Securities.
Dr Syed Mahmud
Lecturer in Finance
Syed joined Birmingham City University as Lecturer in Finance after finishing his doctoral studies. His research interests include corporate liquidity and risk management, corporate governance, debt structure, and distress risk. Recently, Syed published in International Review of Financial Analysis.
Dr Xiehua Ji
Lecturer in Financial Services
Xiehua Ji joined Birmingham City Business School in April 2017 as a Lecturer in Financial Services after completing his PhD and MSc at Durham University. Prior to his teaching experience and consultation experience at Durham University, he had industry experience in a commercial bank.