Finance and Investment - BSc (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry. Switch to 2024/25 Entry
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 with its robust content and unique features allows you to stand out from the crowd when you graduate....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time/Part Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2025
- Fees View course fees
- School Birmingham City Business School
- Faculty Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences
This course is:
Available with Professional Placement year
Open to International Students
Overview
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 with its robust content and unique features allows you to stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Our course is focused on practical applications of financial skills in the investing world, qualities that are in high demand in modern finance and investment management sectors.
What's covered in this course?
The course will develop your transferrable skills embedded across different modules on the course as well as your engagement with our Graduate+ employability programme. The course is also accredited by Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI). Designed to equip you with technical knowledge and skills in line with the curriculums of professional bodies such as the CFA Society UK, CFA Institute USA and CISI UK, as well as a range of employability attributes, the course will develop you as a work-ready graduate for careers in Finance and Investment across different industries.
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 modules are designed to enhance and develop your theoretical understanding from an academic perspective but also to apply acquired knowledge to the finance and investment sector. The course is designed with some mandatory subject areas which provide the key underpinning knowledge for the course however allows you an opportunity to select some subjects based on your specific areas of interest. Therefore, 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.
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.
The international focus of the course is derived from the diversity of the student body and the teaching team, plus the use of international teaching materials. Moreover, students can choose to spend a year or a full semester studying their modules overseas at a partner institution. While doing this course, you will have wide variety of opportunities 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.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, 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.
If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
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.
- This course has Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) accreditation and an affiliation with Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI).
- You have the opportunity to join the BCU Tax Clinic which allows to work on real world projects with real world clients. By opting to work in the Clinic, you’ll get the chance to offer advice and guidance, with support of expert staff and tax experts, to other students and clients.
- We pride ourselves on being the University for Birmingham and supporting and giving something back to the local business including in accounting, finance and economics communities including HSBC, Standard Life Insurance and Goldmann Sachs. 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.
- Through the City Trading Room we aim to infuse learning with exposure to real-world experiences. We give you the chance to work on real-life projects using industry-standard software. This offers a unique opportunity for you to gain this invaluable experience during your studies.
- 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.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.
Next Open Day: 19 October 2024
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.
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.
Essential requirements
112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
Please note: If you qualify for our BCU Accelerate scheme, you could receive an offer that is two grades below our normal entry requirements. Find out more about BCU Accelerate.
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: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £9,250 in 2025/26
- Apply via UCAS
- 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 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 Years
- £17,690 in 2025/26
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.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
First Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
You will learn about the financial environment in which a business operates, as well as being able to conduct investment appraisals and explain the major types of long-term capital and their distinguishing features. You’ll also learn to recognise the key tools that are used to identify risk. Assessment is carried out through writing a business report.
Whilst your degree is a highly valued indicator of achievement and ability for employers, a successful career is also dependent on the development of the right attitudes and behaviours. This is reflected in the findings from a survey undertaken by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which identifies that, in addition to qualifications, employers also look for broader skills when recruiting individuals straight from education.
This module will teach you the fundamental economic principles, theories and models. You’ll learn to evaluate the impact that external micro, macro and international environments have on the activities and performance of businesses.
Culminating in a report based upon business case studies, this module will teach you to recognise different data collection processes, as well as how to present data effectively for users in business and management. You’ll also learn to apply statistical methods to investigate relationships between business variables.
You will learn how to prepare simple financial statements for sole proprietorship accounts, as well as being able to explain the purpose of financial accounting. Assessment is through Moodle quizzes and an examination.
This module is designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of data intelligence tools and techniques, introducing you to the different approaches that are used to manage, mine and visualise complex data sets to facilitate effective decision-making within National and International organisations.
Second Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).
You will use a number of analysis techniques for challenging traded prices, in order to assess whether investments are appropriately priced. You’ll learn to critically appraise the usefulness of corporate financial statements in light of accounting and investment research.
Corporate Finance is a rigorous and comprehensive module that is designed to broaden your understanding of the main issues in modern corporate finance. Corporate Finance is concerned with how businesses raise funds and invest those funds to provide a return to investors. This module aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge required by a financial manager to make appropriate investment and financing decisions for a business in a global environment.
Identify, classify and evaluate risk in corporate organisations, while demonstrating an understanding for managing risks associated with cash flows and capital investment decisions. Assessment is delivered via an examination.
You will conduct a 1,500-word report (with accompanying Excel spreadsheets) as you employ knowledge of capital budgeting, cost of capital and other financial concepts. You’ll also demonstrate the use of formulas, function and commands in Excel.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.
This module will develop your skills in both the preparation of financial statements for single and group companies (in accordance with the IASBs Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting and relevant International Financial Reporting Standards) and the analysis and understanding of such financial statements. This module will also help develop your skills in ratio analysis and interpretation.
The financial crisis of 2008 exposed the failings of the conventional financial system and an alternate was sort. Islamic Finance is a type of financing activities that must comply with Islamic law (Sharia). The concept can also refer to the investments that are permissible under Islamic Law. The establishment of formal Islamic finance occurred only in the 20th century and the Islamic Finance sector grows at 15% - 25% per year, while Islamic financial institutions oversee over $2trillion.
In this module, you will study the financial management of entrepreneurial firms (small and medium sized) and venture firms. You will first consider different sources of financing for entrepreneurial firms including bank loans, government funding, angels, venture capital, peer-to-peer financing, on-line banking, and various types of private equity as well as the process of obtaining these sources. It will also include innovative ways of raising funds such as crowdfunding.
This module will introduce aspects of UK taxation to develop knowledge relating to the tax system applicable to individuals and companies. The module will enable you to develop skills relating to the general principles of taxation, the UK tax framework and regulatory environment. The module will introduce the computational aspects of income tax, national insurance contributions, capital gains tax, inheritance tax in respect of individuals and introduce corporation tax and value added tax for businesses.
This module introduces you to personal investments and wealth management of individuals. You will learn about the wealth management process and be able to develop investment policy statements for individuals given their unique goals, constraints and circumstances. In addition, you will develop a thorough understanding of the different global tax regimes. You will also develop analytical skills in estate planning and risk management of personal investments.
Macroeconomics is a study of different views on how the economy operates at the national and international level. It analyses how actions of different groups of economic agents (including consumers, firms, workers, governments, and the financial system) interact with each other to shape economic processes and outcomes at the aggregate level. This module offers sound knowledge and understanding of macroeconomic theories, debates, and practices at the intermediate level. It develops your skills to apply different macroeconomic concepts and theories to explain the functioning of the national economy, to analyse the potential effects of various economic events and policies on macroeconomic outcomes for the country as a whole and the different groups of agents in particular, and to analyse and understand trends in macroeconomic data.
The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of how to apply economic evidence to analyse the opportunities and challenges of sustainable development. You will explore key features of the three pillars of sustainable development – the economy, the society, and the natural environment – and how they are related to each other, using a case study of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Based on economic theory and empirical evidence, you will analyse the experiences of development around the world, interpreting them in the context of different theoretical explanations put forward by economists and policy makers. The module equips you with the knowledge and tools required to understand, analyse, and critically discuss the possible pathways to achieving sustainable development, and what implications these different pathways carry for social equity and environmental justice. The module provides you with an in-depth understanding of the key concepts, literature, and debates in development economics to investigate the processes and outcomes of sustainable development.
All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
Professional Placement (Optional)
In order to qualify for the award of BSc (Hons) Finance And Investment with Professional Placement Year you must successfully complete the following module.
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40- week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
Final Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits).
This module is designed to encourage you to contextualise current issues and debates in finance by placing them within the historical evolution of finance, and getting you to develop and express your ideas through in-class discussions/debates and coursework essays. This module aims to provide you with an understanding of current issues in finance over time, recent major events, and evolving developments that will shape the future.
You will compare the features of different types of derivative contracts, including forwards, futures, options and swaps. You’ll also assess the functioning of the markets for the different types of derivative contracts, and evaluate the price and value of different types of financial derivatives. Assessment is based on a 3,000-word report.
You will critically appraise the basis of risk/return characteristics of bonds, as well as evaluating the characteristics, risks and behaviour of equities. You will be assessed through an examination.
This module will see you estimate the risk and return of investment in different asset classes for an investment portfolio and utilises the ‘CITY Trading Room’ facility and software. You’ll also assess portfolio performance by measuring investment performance and attribution analysis. Assessment is delivered as a report.
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules.
This module will introduce you to the financial system including the banking system, financial markets and institutions. In addition to exploring the characteristics and functions of financial system, you will be provided with analytic framework that uses economic principles to develop systematic understanding about the determinants of interest rate, the role of monetary policy and bank risk management.
A rise in importance and complexity of international financial management poses a challenge for multinational organizations and those wish to pursue a career in the sector. 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.
Financial technology (Fintech) integrate technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and data science into traditional financial services to make them safer, faster and more efficient. It is one of the fastest-growing industries, with companies innovating in almost every area of finance from mobile banking and insurance to cryptocurrency and investment apps, Fintech has broad applications.
This module is adhering to the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) professional qualification’s requirements on the subject of Alternative Investment. It is designed for the student who wishes to learn widely used alternative investments including hedge funds, private equity, real estate, commodities, infrastructure investment and financial derivatives. The course is introductory in nature and will include in-class case studies. This module can be used as an independent module which will not be built upon modules that are covered in previous semesters but link to other investment-related modules such as portfolio management and financial derivatives.
The aim of this module is to provide insight into the methodological foundations of business research, which will enable you to conduct a substantial piece of disciplinary research.
The aim of this module is to provide a framework for you to undertake a significant piece of disciplinary-relevant accounting, business or management research. It is founded upon Birmingham City Business School’s teaching and learning philosophy which integrates theory and practice, in this case research practice. A Business Research Project presents a short academic piece of work based, delivered in a “letters” journal article format, which is relevant to your degree programme.
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 nowTrips and Visits
You will have the opportunity to go on relevant trips such as visiting the Bank of England and the London Stock Exchange.
Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment
CISI actively promote the advancement of knowledge in the field of securities and investment in schools and colleges by introducing students to the world of financial services and its many career opportunities. CISI help integrate their professionally recognised financial services qualifications into our curriculum and provides support for both teachers and students.
CFA Institute
Employability
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.
International
Welcome to Birmingham City University, home to students from over 70 countries all around the world!
Our Business 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:
- Details of the entry requirements for our courses
- Some of the good reasons why you should study here
- How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Information relevant to applicants from your country
- 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 Navjot Sandhu
Deputy Head of Graduate School of Management
Dr Navjot Sandhu is Deputy Head of Management at Birmingham City University. She has a wide range of experience of developing, delivering higher education courses programmes, modules at the undergraduate and postgraduate level.
More about NavjotDr 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 XiehuaDr Simeon Babatunde
Deputy Head of the College of Accountancy, Finance and Economics (interim)
Dr. Simeon A. Babatunde is a seasoned professional with over two decades of cumulative experience spanning various sectors, including Investment Banking, Asset Management, Consultancy, and other financial institutions. His extensive career has seen him in management roles, contributing both nationally and internationally.
More about Simeon