International Finance (Top-up) - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2024/25 Entry.
Want to top up your finance degree in Birmingham? Our BSc (Hons) International Finance (Top-Up) course allows you to learn from industry experienced lecturers. Global financial and business environments are becoming increasingly intertwined. We use our long-standing links with the world of international finance to develop your knowledge and real-world, practical skills in international finance....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2024
- Fees View course fees
- School Birmingham City Business School
- Faculty Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
Want to top up your finance degree in Birmingham? Our BSc (Hons) International Finance (Top-Up) course allows you to learn from industry experienced lecturers.
Global financial and business environments are becoming increasingly intertwined. We use our long-standing links with the world of international finance to develop your knowledge and real-world, practical skills in international finance.
With dedicated tutor support we will also help you to select course modules which reflect your own learning needs and career goals.
What's covered in this course?
Studying in our brand new state-of-the-art £63 million Curzon Building on our City Centre Campus, you will choose from a range of modules including international reporting, financial management, globalisation and statistical modelling. You are encouraged to choose areas of study best suited to your future career plans.
You will be taught by industry experienced academics who bring real world practical knowledge to the classroom. They’ve forged careers and worked with renowned companies such as KPMG and Vauxhall. This means you get great contacts and benefit from their industry insights. Our students come to their top-up year from a variety of backgrounds, providing the added opportunity to also gain valuable learning experiences from your peers. While you complete your degree, you’ll be right in the hub of the city and be surrounded by other likeminded students on a variety of business and accountancy based degrees.
Why Choose Us?
- We have a strong focus on employability and through placement opportunities and our links with local businesses, we aim to ensure you graduate not only with your degree but also with the skills and knowledge needed to embark on your chosen career.
- The STEAMhouse offers amazing opportunities for entrepreneurial students to kick start and build a business. Services available include the Incubator which helps focus and solidify business ideas and the Hatchery which offers support in getting your business off the ground.
- We pride ourselves on being the University for Birmingham and supporting and giving something back to the local business community. We have strong links with local businesses in the city across several industries. These links help us enhance students’ experiences by giving them access to industry experts for guest lectures, exciting placement opportunities and other chances to engage with the business community as a whole.
- We aim to infuse learning with exposure to real-world experiences. Through the City Trading Room we give students the chance to work on real-life projects using industry-standard software and with real-world clients. These offer a unique opportunity for students to gain this invaluable experience while they study.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to meet us in person. Booking for the next event isn’t open yet. Register your interest below and we’ll email you as soon as booking goes live.
Next Open Day: 29 June 2024
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2024/25.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
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GCSE |
GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
See level 3 entry under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details. |
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Scottish National 5 |
English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. |
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| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications | ||
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ABE Advanced Diploma |
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Certificate in Higher Education (Cert HE) |
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Diploma in Higher Education (Dip HE) |
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Foundation Degree (Level 5) |
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Higher National Certificate (HNC) |
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Higher National Diploma (HND) |
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| Other qualifications | ||
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. |
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| Additional information for EU/International students | ||
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Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications 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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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 |
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If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year
- £9,250 in 2024/25
- Apply via UCAS
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year
- £16,085 in 2024/25
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
Applications can also be made direct to the faculty for those students without a UCAS account. Please contact our Business School Admissions Team on Email: Business.admissions@bcu.ac.uk or call +44 (0)121 331 6565.
Guidance for 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.
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.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).
You will compare the distinctive features of financial markets and institutions, and differentiate between the roles of financial markets and intermediaries. You will also assess the risks that are faced by financial institutions and evaluate the tools that managers use to manage risk. Assessment is delivered via a 1.5 hour closed book exam.
This module will provide you an intuitive and real world grasp of the concepts and issues in international finance which includes foreign exchange rate movements, managing exchange rate risks and foreign investment issues faced by of modern companies. A wealth of examples and cases are provided to enable you to see the implications of the subject to business, mostly from a multinational corporation’s perspective. You will be encouraged and supported to undertake case studies and investigate contemporary issues relating to international finance.
The business environment is undergoing constant change and this is largely driven by technological advances which enable organisations to better identify and reach prospective customers. Organisations can no longer obtain a competitive advantage simply by producing high quality goods or services and offering them for sale within the market.
The module provides you with an introduction to the main issues of international business. This module deals with the cultural, administrative, geographical and economic differences around the world and how these differences shape businesses today. Three fundamental issues that this module addresses are: (i) the differences among domestic, international and global firms; (ii) the attributes of multinational corporations (MNCs) and finally; (iii) the determinants of success in international business.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.
This module will help students in developing knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles and concepts relating to corporate finance and give the theoretical underpinnings of financial management in corporates. The course gives a broader understanding of the philosophies behind the financial management decisions, capital structure, dividend policies and current developments in and modern theories of finance. The module will enable students to evaluate research and synthesise information about corporate financial issues and problems, ability to solve quantitative problems, presentation of ideas, and participation in debates.
This module will introduce you to the pricing and valuation of financial derivatives and markets for financial derivatives. The module will enable you to apply the No Arbitrage Principle in the pricing and valuation of financial derivatives. You will learn the estimation of price and value of different derivative contracts such as futures, forwards, swaps and options using the underlying theories and mathematical models. You will also learn about the functioning of the different derivative markets, trading mechanisms, settlement procedures etc.
This module will explore a range of current and topical issues in company reporting, developing research skills and an ability to critically evaluate literature. Additionally the module will seek to compare and contrast a variety of different approaches to company reporting internationally. As well as providing an opportunity to engage with research and literature within the accounting sector, this module would support the development of careers in accounting for multinational organisations.
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Download course specification
Download nowFurther Study
Upon graduation, you may wish to continue your studies by joining one of our MA, MSc or MBA programmes.
Employability
This course opens up a variety of career opportunities in finance, management or marketing, depending on your chosen area of specialism.
You will also have the opportunity to increase your employability skills and experiences with the Leadership Challenge (a series of events, projects and competitions mirroring real-life business) and take advantage of ASK@BCU, our online employer mentoring which teams students up with alumni and employer mentors to provide industry insight, employability skills and contacts.
International
Welcome to the Birmingham City Business School, home to students from over 70 countries all around the world!
Birmingham City Business School is one of the UK’s largest, most established and most respected business schools. Our programmes are practice based and many have an international focus, which means your course will be entirely relevant to today’s business world. Almost all of our courses, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, are open to international students.
We also have links with universities across the world, including Europe, the USA, China, India and Malaysia.
International ServicesOur 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 University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and have spent £400 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 and Business 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 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
- Accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
- Shared facilities with the wider campus including the Parkside Building and Millennium Point
Our staff
Dr Xiehua Ji
Senior Lecturer in Finance
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.
More about Xiehua