Finance and Investment BSc(Hons)

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Top reasons to choose this course

• The University of Brighton is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) – an accreditation achieved by fewer than 6% of business schools globally.
• Accredited by two professional bodies – ACCA and CIMA – with exemptions from professional qualifications.

• Hands-on learning via specialist Bloomberg terminals that give you access to data used on trading floors around the globe.
• Industry insight from experienced lecturers and guest speakers.
• Tailor your degree and specialise in areas like fintech, banking or taxation through option modules.
• Graduate with a year of work experience when you choose a placement year.

Course structure

In your first year, you will gain academic and professional skills in economics and financial accounting and an introduction to financial markets.

In your second year, you will learn about trading, modelling and dealing before you specialise and extend your studies to include more optional modules. You can also choose to take a paid placement year between your second and third year, which gives you essential experience and improves your skills and your employability.

In your final year, you will study advanced core modules in financial management and risk, and then choose from a range of option modules including econometrics and taxation to help widen your knowledge.

Learning is delivered through a stimulating mix of seminars, academic and industry lectures and workshops. You will mainly be assessed through group work, presentations, exams and essays.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. If you apply to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

Year 1

In your first year you will be introduced to the core disciplines of economics, finance and accounting.

Modules

• The Economy Part 1

  The Economy Parts 1 and 2 introduce you to economics and provide a foundation for further study in economics and related disciplines. We closely follow the CORE economics curriculum which emphasises real-world issues, empirical evidence and recent developments in economics. Part I covers areas including the capitalist revolution and varieties of capitalism; technology, innovation and growth; scarcity, choice and work; social interactions and strategic behaviour; property and power; and equilibrium in competitive markets.

• The Economy Part 2

  The Economy Parts 1 and 2 introduce economics and provide a foundation for further study in economics and related disciplines. We closely follow the CORE economics curriculum which emphasises real-world issues, empirical evidence and recent developments in economics. Part 2 covers areas including banks, money and the credit market; rent-seeking, price setting and market dynamics; markets, efficiency and public policy; economic fluctuations and unemployment; and the Great Depression, the golden age of capitalism and the global financial crisis.

• Quantitative Methods

  This module provides you with a basic, but essential, introduction to statistical and mathematical methods and concepts that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to understand the economic/financial theory presented throughout your years of study. By the end of the module you will be able to effectively undertake and present empirical research/investigations and demonstrate an ability critically evaluate your own work and the work of others on statistical and mathematical grounds.

• Applied Statistics

  You will use real-world data to understand and solve problems in economics and finance and learn basic techniques required for data acquisition, processing and analysis across a range of computer packages. Three important resources are introduced – Excel, R and Bloomberg – which are key tools for professional economists and finance practitioners in banks, businesses, government and academia.

• Introduction to Financial Markets

  This module introduces you to the interactions between the elements that make up financial markets and the institutions that operate and oversee financial markets at both a national and international context. You will also examine the rapid innovation that takes place in both financial instruments and markets.

• Financial Analysis

  This module introduces company financial statements and the techniques used to evaluate a company’s financial position and performance. You will explore the uses of financial data by capital markets for valuation purposes and gain a theoretical and practical understanding of the ways in which stakeholders, in particular the stock market, analyse and interpret company reports.

Year 2

In your second year, you will begin to specialise in your studies, developing your financial modelling and trading skills, as well as practical skills such as research techniques.

Modules

Core modules

• Introduction to Econometrics

  You will gain the skills and knowledge to analyse economic and financial data using econometric models. You’ll deepen your knowledge of regression analysis and be introduced to econometric methods and techniques. You will also develop your use of econometric software and of analysing real data through secondary data sources or live briefs.

• Financial Management

  The module provides an appreciation of financial decision-making within an organisation. You will be able to explore decisions related to the financing, long-term investments and operations of an organisation. Areas covered include the role of financial markets and institutions; the stock market and market efficiency; sources of finance – equity and debt; and portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model.

• Financial Modelling and Dealing

  During this module you will learn the basic tools and data handling skills that will enable you to model financial relationships and understand the principles of stock market trading. You will also be introduced to specialist software to carry out set tasks. You’ll develop the practical skills and knowledge needed for further study and to enhance employment opportunities.

• Money, Exchange Rates and Trade

  The module will help you to develop your understanding of monetary economics and its relationship with the exchange rate and international trade. Through this, you will further develop your appreciation of trading blocks, currency unions and commercial policy, and their impact on international finance and trade.

Options*

• Intermediate Microeconomics

  You will develop a thorough understanding of key microeconomic theories and how they are applied during this module. This understanding will be the foundation for further specialist study in microeconomics and plays an important part in an economist’s professional training. You’ll explore conventional models of consumer and producer behaviour, market efficiency and welfare, and market failure. Alongside this you will consider alternative approaches to microeconomic analysis and criticisms of the standard economic model.

• Business Ethics and Corporate Governance

  The power and influence of business in society is greater than ever, and the demands placed on business to be ethical by its various stakeholders are becoming more complex and challenging. This module looks at the fundamentals of business ethical decision-making, the pressures to compromise the ethical standards of individuals and their organisations, and the safeguards against malpractice, illustrated by real-life case studies.

• Business and Corporate Law

  In this module you will gain an understanding of the principles of business and company law and develop an awareness of how important law is within the business context. You’ll examine the general principles of the English legal system and examine contract law, the law of torts, agency law and partnership law. You will also look at the law governing the formation, financing and management of companies through to corporate collapse and acquire a sound knowledge of the legal issues involved in business organisations.

• Environmental Economics

  Issues surrounding the environment and natural resources are becoming increasingly mainstream in economics. This module outlines how economic concepts, tools and policy instruments are relevant, and are used to understand and manage environmental issues at the level of businesses and governments.

• Intermediate Macroeconomics

  Intermediate macroeconomics will further develop your understanding and application of concepts and tools learned in year 1. You will analyse contemporary macroeconomic policy problems using a three-equation macroeconomic model as a starting point. The financial system is incorporated into the heart of the analysis, and you will consider the historical and institutional context.

• Personal Financial Planning

  This module is an exploration of the principles of personal financial planning and investment, integrating theory and practice. You’ll gain knowledge and understanding of the interlinked relationships between the various components which encompass personal finance matters. This includes an analysis of various generic products, incorporating the inherent elements of risk and taxation, and the techniques and stages of personal financial planning. 

• Applied Business Analytics

  This module will help you to develop an analytic mindset and equip you with basic data literacy that is useful for the business environment. You will look at methodologies, algorithms and challenges related to analysing and presenting business data alongside applying data analysis to support decision-making across business functions and industries.

• Development Economics

  You will look at the relationship between international law and development during this module, examining international regulation of economic activities in institutions and considering how effective international law is in achieving development policy objectives in the global south. You will develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to conduct a socioeconomic analysis of conditions and institutions across the world, emphasising human development and migration, inequality, poverty, the right to health and the environment.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Placement year

The paid work placement year is a great opportunity to apply your learning to real-life situations and challenges. You’ll meet and network with potential employers and get real work experience before you graduate – something that employers value highly – putting you one step ahead when it comes to securing the right job after your course.

On your placement, you will complete a business project which contributes to your degree and, depending on the topic you choose, could provide valuable insight for your placement employer.

Our students have completed placements at:

• American Express
• Bank of America
• Merrill Lynch
• Credit Suisse
• Dow Jones
• Goldman Sachs FTSE Group
• KPMG
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
• OSTC
• Oracle.

It is also possible to undertake a placement year abroad.

Final year

During your final year, you will study advanced core modules in financial management and choose option modules to tailor your course to your interests and ambitions. Depending on your module choices, this may give you exemptions from the examinations of the accrediting bodies.

Modules

Core modules

• Finance and Risk Management

  This module focuses on financial management, and mainly the issues that affect corporate financial managers. It has two parts: the first deals with applied topics in corporate finance and the second explores risk management tools and techniques. Areas covered include an appreciation of financial risk management and the use of derivatives, and analysis of capital structure and investment decisions.

• Fintech (Financial Technologies)

  This module explores how fintech is reshaping the financial services ecosystem with emphasis on regulation, competition and financing of innovation. You will examine payments, deposits and lending, blockchain, insurance (insurtech), open banking, capital raising, wealth management and market provisioning domains. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from guest lecturers from fintechs and banks, plus gain hands-on experience through solving case studies.

• Investment Management

  You will apply your previously gained knowledge to examine the current best practice in investment analysis, considering a variety of asset classes, and in the managing of institutional investment portfolios. Areas covered include the construction and management of bond and equity portfolios; portfolio performance evaluation and insurance techniques; and international diversification.

• Quantitative Trading and Investment with R

  This module will develop your ability to use R to assess the performance of investment strategies. You'll implement time series econometric techniques and be introduced to packages of functions for assessing investment performance while also developing the ability to write your own functions.

Options*

• Taxation

  In this module you will look at the UK tax system and the basics of tax planning opportunities and techniques. Subject areas covered include the administration of the UK tax system and ethics; income tax; corporation tax; capital gains tax; inheritance tax; value added tax; and policy issues.

• Applied Econometric Techniques

  This module develops your knowledge of the advanced techniques commonly used in empirical finance and economics research. You’ll use real-world data and apply statistical techniques to test economic modules and undertake analysis using statistical software. By the end of the module you will be equipped to apply econometric techniques that are extremely useful for study and in the workplace.

• Financial and Capital Markets

  This module will develop your understanding of the financial system and enable you to get some experience of financial markets. You’ll have an opportunity to manage a portfolio of assets and analyse the performance of that portfolio as well as explore the investment environment.

• Banking and Money

  This module introduces the study of banking and money. You’ll cover two broad areas: the first covers microeconomic and managerial aspects of banking, such as the bank risk, efficiency, competition and performance; and the second looks at the macroeconomic elements of banking instability, the role of banks in the monetary transmission mechanism, the interplay between banks, regulators and policy makers, and the role of banks in setting the interest rates.

• International Finance

  International Finance takes the areas of finance and financial management you’ve studied in a domestic setting and explores how the domestic theory alters in an international setting due to factors such as exchange rates and country risk. You will also be introduced to the international financial management complexities associated with the foreign direct investment decisions of multinational companies.

• Carbon Accounting

  This module covers the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GGP) with its Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions as well as associated issues such as net-zero, carbon offsets and certification processes. You will use University of Brighton HESA Estates data to demonstrate your understanding of GGP and to explore potential mitigating strategies. You’ll also undertake a short (equivalent of two days) consultancy with small local businesses to understand their emissions.

• Dissertation for Economics and Finance

  The dissertation is an extended project where you will research a topic you are interested in and that is relevant to your degree. The project is largely based on observations and experience, and you’ll use statistical and econometrics methods along with reviewing and analysing existing research. You will be able to explore and develop your own ideas, with guidance from an academic supervisor.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Student society

We highly recommend that you join our thriving Student Investment and Trading Society, established and run by students for students.

The Investment and Trading Society gives you the opportunity to take part in real-time trading competitions against other universities as well as experiencing social and networking events, guest talks by visiting industry experts and field trips.

You can also receive advice about applying for jobs, internships and postgraduate posts that can help you towards a higher grade and improve your prospects once you leave university.

Bloomberg suite

During your course you will have access to our Bloomberg suite. This real-time trading room recreates the pressure of a trading floor with up-to-the-minute market data. Bloomberg is a system used around the world in bank dealing rooms and investment houses to show business leaders the most up-to-date information on markets.

You’ll learn how to analyse financial markets, assess economic scenarios and developments that impact the global economy.

Course leader

Dr Catherine Matthews

Catherine is the course leader on our Finance and Investment BSc(Hons).

She specialises in teaching corporate finance, but has also taught modules across the subject areas of accounting, economics and finance at both postgraduate and undergraduate levels. Catherine holds two awards for teaching excellence.

Her research interests are in the area of small business finance – in particular, working capital management and trade credit management which formed the focus of her doctoral research and the basis of her publications to date.

Catherine has held external examiner and associate editor roles and supervises several PhD students.

Course fees

This course offers a professional placement (sandwich) year in year 3. If you choose to take this placement you will pay a reduced fee during this year. For students starting their undergraduate degree in the 2025–26 academic year, the fee for the professional placement year is £1,500 for UK students and £1,850 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases in line with inflation.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Brighton Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf) for more on University of Brighton tuition fees.

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