Business Finance - BSc (Hons) - 2022/23 Entry

Overview

The world of finance is rapidly changing, with new innovative financial products being developed on a constant basis. The present times have also witnessed an unprecedented number of companies failing because of poor financial management. All these challenges call for dynamic and brilliant people who can design financial solutions and make the world a better place.

The degree is designed to equip you with wider business and Finance environment knowledge. Offering you the opportunity to acquire key business and financial skills, explore innovative practices and entrepreneurial skills. The course is accredited by Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI). The course also aligns with various other professional bodies courses such as Association of Corporate Treasures (ACT), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and many others.

Delivery of the course is flexible and includes a blend of lectures, workshops, field trips and online learning. The modules, which feed into the course, are widespread, broad, covers key current topics such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and help you to appreciate finance from a range of perspectives. Ultimately, decision making in finance, calls for one to exercise their judgement and intuition and this course helps you to strengthen that judgement.

The course team has, between it, years of industrial experience in the finance field as well in academia. Therefore, students with little or no background in finance are assured of getting all the help they need in order to excel in the course. You will learn a lot from course team’s knowledge and experience, as you will be regularly engaging in inquiry based and experiential learning, which has been designed to assimilate work-based scenarios.

In order to enhance your employability, extra-curricular activities such as trading trainings, conferences and field trips will be arranged throughout the academic years. Outside speakers from industry will also be invited to give presentations on how best to improve your employability. Moreover, you’ll also have the opportunity to gain industry experience by going on a professional placement, or to travel overseas to study abroad at one of our partner universities. In a nutshell, the knowledge attained from the course will help you to seek a variety of employment in the sector nationally and internationally.

Professional Placement Year

This course offers a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year – please see fees and how to apply for more information.

This course is open to International students.

“The University has provided me with more than an education, with all the extra activities, events, competitions and societies available. Birmingham City University has helped me gain more employability skills and made me more confident as an individual.” Navdeep Dhillon

Dillon Daudia

Dillon knew that going to university was the right step towards a career in the banking industry. After taking a look at our courses, our industry connections and placement opportunities, he decided that BCU was the place to take that first step.

Read in full

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 professional 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, including 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.
You will be able to work on exciting projects for real-life clients through our Business Advice Centre, giving you exposure to the challenges and issues faced by businesses as well as the chance to develop successful solutions. Opportunities are available with local, regional, national and even global businesses such as BMW.
The Centre also offers expert support for your own entrepreneurial ideas, so you can start planning your own start-up or take your existing business to the next level. Following graduation, you will have the opportunity to apply for STEAMhouse Business Incubator membership.

Find out more

Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic

The University has put in place measures in response to Covid-19 to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.

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Open Days

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to explore our campus and facilities in person. You'll be able to hear more about your chosen subject area in our course talks.

Next Open Day: Saturday 25 June

Book now

Entry Requirements

We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.

Essential Requirements

Level 2 Qualifications
BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from a maximum of 3 subjects.
UK Qualification	Requirements 2022/23
GCSE	GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C/4 or above Equivalent level 2 qualifications can be accepted Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment
Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level)	See level 3 entry under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details.
Scottish National 5	English language and mathematics at grade C or above Must have been achieved at the point of enrolment
Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications
UK Qualification	Requirements 2022/23
A level and Advanced VCE	BBC / 112 UCAS points A maximum of 3 subjects are considered. These can be other A-levels or level 3 equivalents.
AAT Diploma in Accounting (QCF)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Access to HE Diploma	Pass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at level 3
Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2002 – 2010)	DMM
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) (2010 – 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (2002 – 2010)	112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
Pearson BTEC National Foundation Diploma (2016 to present) Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)	112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (2016 – present) Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016) BTEC Level 3 National Award (2002 - 2010)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
IBO Certificate in Higher Level	Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates if they obtain a total of 14 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects Considered with other acceptable level 3 qualifications to meet 112 UCAS Tariff Points For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma will be accepted For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB will be accepted.
International Baccalaureate Diploma	Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma will be accepted For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB will be accepted.
IFS / LIBF Diploma in Financial Studies	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)	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)
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Applied General Certificate in Health and Social Care	112 UCAS points. Can be considered along with A-levels or a combination of equivalent level 3 qualifications
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma	DMM
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma	112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate (2016 – present) OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma (until 2016)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
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).
Scottish Higher	Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved in either five Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers. Where only Highers have been taken a minimum of grades BBCCC is required. 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.
T-Levels	112 UCAS points (Merit overall)
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component	112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
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.

Additional information for EU/International students

Essential
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.
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.
Other accepted qualifications	Visit our English language page

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply

UK Student
International Student

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: BSc (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2022

Full Time
3 Years
£9,250 in 2022/23
Apply via UCAS

Full Time
4 Years with Professional Placement
Show fees
Apply via UCAS

Study Year (2022/23) £9,250
Placement Year £1,650

Professional Placement Fees

Full-Time courses with a Professional Placement incur a fee during the placement year. The costs for those years when you attend the university for study, and the cost for the placement year are shown here.

Part Time
5 Years
Show fees

£1542 per 20 credits
Year 1 - 80 credits
Year 2 - 80 credits
Year 3 - 80 credits
Year 4 - 80 credits
Year 5 - 40 credits

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.

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: BSc (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2022

Full Time
3 Years
£13,500 in 2022/23

Full Time
4 Years with Professional Placement
Show fees

Study Year (2022/23) £13,500

Professional Placement Fees

The tuition fee for your first year of study at the university is shown here. Full-time courses with a Professional Placement also incur a fee during the placement year. The fee for your placement year will be chargeable at the applicable rate in your third year of study.

If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites and available through our library.

Free access to Rosetta Stone

All students can sign up to the online learning language platform for free through the Graduate+ scheme.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Project materials (optional)

This course includes project work that requires you to develop and produce a portfolio. This could be digital, but if you choose to create a physical portfolio, you will be expected to provide the materials; costs will vary depending on the materials selected.

Books (optional)

Some modules may suggest that you purchase a key textbook. All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. Many students choose to purchase a copy.

Placement expenses (optional)

If you choose to undertake a placement, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst living or working away from home.

Field trips (optional)

This course includes the option of additional trips that may enhance your experience.

Memberships (optional)

You may wish to join a union or professional body related to this course.

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.

Guidance for UK students

UK 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 and complete your details
Select your course and write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee and submit your application

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.

Get personal statement advice

*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 a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

Principles of Economics 20 credits

Professional Development in Accounting 20 credits

Quantitative Methods for Finance 20 credits

Introduction to Finance 20 credits

Introduction to Financial Accounting 20 credits

Data Intelligence 20 credits

Year Two

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).

Corporate Finance 20 credits

Financial Reporting 20 credits

Principles of Taxation 20 credits

Risk Management 20 credits

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.

Entrepreneurial Finance 20 credits

Financial Analysis for Investments 20 credits

Principles of Islamic Finance 20 credits

Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age 20 credits

Business Operations 20 credits

Financial Modelling 20 credits

Intermediate Macroeconomics 20 credits

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

Final Year

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).

Banking, Financial Markets and Institutions 20 credits

Financial Technology 20 credits

Corporate Financial Strategy 20 credits

Current Issues and Trends in Finance 20 credits

In order to complete this course a student must choose ONE of the following core optional project routes (totalling 40 credits):

Business Research Project (Major) 40 credits

Business Research Methodology and Practice + Business Advice Project 40 credits

Business Research Methodology and Practice + Business Start-Up Project 40 credits

Business Research Methodology and Practice + Community Advice Project 40 credits

In order to complete this course, a student must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.

International Finance 20 credits

Equity and Fixed Income Securities 20 credits

Investment and Portfolio Management 20 credits

Islamic Banking and Capital Markets 20 credits

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

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Professional Body Alignment

BSc (Hons) Business Finance is aligned to the syllabus of the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT), ensuring you receive cutting-edge concepts and up-to-date information.

Employability

The business finance specialism and professional alignment of the programme enables progression into a career in business finance, treasury finance, corporate banking or business management.

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.

More about our placement opportunities

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.

Business Advice Centre

The Business Advice Centre (BAC) is the Business School's hub that offers a range of support services to you throughout each stage of your student learning experience.

We have a range of support solutions for students as well as opportunities to enhance your employability and entrepreneurial qualities.

Whether you are considering starting your business, connecting with real companies or enhancing your graduate opportunities, the Business Advice Centre can help you.

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 Services

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 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 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

Our staff

Hafiz Muhammad Usman Rana

Lecturer and Programme Director for BSc Business Finance

Hafiz Muhammad Usman Rana is a Programme Director for BSc (Hons) Business Finance and a Lecturer in Finance at Birmingham City Business School. He teaches Finance to Undergraduate and Postgraduate students in the Department of Finance, and Economics (FE). Full Profile

More about Hafiz Muhammad Usman