About this course
This finance degree with placement covers the skills and knowledge required to be successful in the financial industry. You'll develop key quantitative and analytical skills, and learn about the importance of corporate finance and its governance. You'll get practical experience by spending a year in a work placement.
BSc Finance is a rigorous new programme which will equip you with a strong foundation in finance. You'll also learn how to critically evaluate key issues in finance from a variety of perspectives.
With this course, you can:
-
learn how to prepare and interpret financial and managerial information for a variety of users
-
gain a sound understanding of investment and finance
-
explore career paths through a range of relevant optional modules, such as Islamic finance and behavioural finance
-
benefit from our strong links with industry. For example, there is an opportunity to present an assignment to audit partners from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and we regularly invite guest lecturers
-
spend your third year on an approved industry placement in a business organisation
Our academics are actively involved in research, with particular strengths in areas such as financial technology (fintech), high-frequency trading, corporate finance, portfolio theory and alternative investments. This means your studies will be informed by the latest findings and current sector issues.
The course is very flexible. For example, you could learn more about international banking, or select modules in other areas of business and management, such as marketing, human resources management or project management.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
AAB including Mathematics (minimum grade B)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies
The below subjects are considered as restricted. This means that we can accept one subject from the following list if combined with other academic subjects
Applied subjects
Art; including Design, Fine Art, Photography, Textiles
Communication Studies
Communication and Culture
Creative Media
Creative Writing
Critical Thinking
Dance
Drama
Film Studies
Health &Social Care
Home Economics
Hospitality and Supervision
ICT/IT
Leisure Studies
Media Studies
Music Technology
Outdoor Education
PE
Performing Arts
Public Services
Sports Studies/Science
Theatre Studies
Travel & Tourism
World Development
Please note; Computing, Computer Studies, Product Design and Applied Business (single and double awards) are not considered to be restricted subjects
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB including Mathematics (minimum grade B) and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including Mathematics (minimum grade B)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 points at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation)
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the Business BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from two A levels including Mathematics (minimum grade B)
DD in the Business BTEC Diploma plus B in A-level Mathematics
We do not accept BTEC Extended Diploma
BTEC additional information
BTEC qualifications should be in Business, please check with us if your BTEC qualification is in a different subject before applying. We do not accept BTEC Extended/National Extended Diploma's unless A level Maths has been taken alongside (grade B)
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit
Access to HE additional information
Offers typically exclude Social Care/Healthcare pathways
Mathematics must be studied to level 3, A-level standard
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics at H2
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1, A1, A1, A1, A1, A2 including Mathematics at A2
Irish certificate additional information
There are no additional requirements
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics at M2
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including Mathematics (minimum grade B)
or
AB from two A levels including Mathematics (minimum grade B) and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
There are no additional requirements
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
79-85% overall including grade 8/10 in Mathematics
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
-
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
-
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
For Academic year 202122
A-levels
AAB including Mathematics (minimum grade B)
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies
The below subjects are considered as restricted. This means that we can accept one subject from the following list if combined with other academic subjects
Applied subjects
Art; including Design, Fine Art, Photography, Textiles
Communication Studies
Communication and Culture
Creative Media
Creative Writing
Critical Thinking
Dance
Drama
Film Studies
Health &Social Care
Home Economics
Hospitality and Supervision
ICT/IT
Leisure Studies
Media Studies
Music Technology
Outdoor Education
PE
Performing Arts
Public Services
Sports Studies/Science
Theatre Studies
Travel & Tourism
World Development
Please note; Computing, Computer Studies, Product Design and Applied Business (single and double awards) are not considered to be restricted subjects
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
ABB including Mathematics (minimum grade B) and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including Mathematics (minimum grade B)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 points at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation)
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from two A levels including Mathematics (minimum grade B)
DD in the Business BTEC Diploma plus B in A-level Mathematics
We do not accept BTEC Extended Diploma
BTEC additional information
There are no additional requirements
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit
Access to HE additional information
Offers typically exclude Social Care/Healthcare pathways
Mathematics must be studied to level 3, A-level standard
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics at H2
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1, A1, A1, A1, A1, A2 including Mathematics at A2
Irish certificate additional information
There are no additional requirements
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics at M2
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including Mathematics (minimum grade B)
or
AB from two A levels including Mathematics (minimum grade B) and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
There are no additional requirements
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
79-85% overall including grade 8/10 in Mathematics
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
-
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
-
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
This finance course is made up of a combination of modules, some of which you'll choose yourself, to reflect personal interests or future career options. Compulsory modules provide a foundation in finance and business, while optional modules include everything from human resources to international banking.
You’ll also be able to broaden your studies by choosing:
You don't need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.
A dedicated placement team will ensure that you are prepared for your placement in year 3 and find a high quality position.
Year 1 overview
You'll cover finance topics such as an introduction to economics and also statistical methods, such as probability, hypothesis testing and graphical analysis.
Business modules provide an introduction to management and the decision-making process, as well as managing accounting within a business. You'll also look at calculative techniques for analysing costs and the way that financial accounts are prepared.
These core and compulsory modules will provide you with the foundations for years 2 and 3.
Year 2 overview
You'll study corporate finance, where you'll learn how firms operate and strike the balance between debt and equity. A portfolio theory and financial markets module looks at how to price various financial assets and understand the importance of risk. You'll also cover auditing and how firms manage their tax obligations.
Further modules provide you with the skills you'll need for your dissertation. Business research will help you to design a research project and econometrics will look at how to collect and analyse financial data correctly.
Optional modules include:
-
human resource management
-
Islamic banking
-
the practice of management science
Year 3 overview
You'll spend a year with a financial institution. You'll gain hands-on experience in a corporate setting and produce a report at the end of your placement.
Our placement team will support you throughout the finance placement year and visit you in your place of work to ensure the placement is going well.
Year 4 overview
You'll undertake a dissertation on a finance topic of your choice. This is an opportunity to put into practice the research strategies and methods you've learned.
Compulsory and core modules cover topics such as new alternative investments, financial derivatives and world trading across borders and currencies.
You can also choose a range of optional modules to tailor the final year to your interests. These include:
-
auditing
-
corporate social responsibility and sustainable business
-
international banking
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
• Introduction. • Conceptualising Financial Statements. • Introduction to Double Entry & Accounting Equation & Trial Balance. • Adjustments: Accruals, Prepayments & Bad Debt. • Assets, Inventory, Depreciation and Revaluation. • Sources of finance ...
The module develops an understanding of the role Finance has in the world today by examining topics such as Ethical Finance, compounding and discounting cash flows, as well as an introduction to risk management. This module is critical for laying the fou...
This module introduces economic principles, theories, and methods of analysis. It provides a framework for the application of economic theory to real-world problems. The module will cover key concepts in economics. It will provide a non-technical overv...
This module provides you with a broad view on key management related topics. It also provides a chance for you to gain hands-on experience on teamwork through preparation and delivery of a group presentation as part of the module assessment. The lectures ...
• to introduce the main functions of management accounting systems; • to introduce the roles of management accountants in the context of for-profit-organisations; • to introduce the key traditional management accounting techniques.
This module considers generic aspects of decision processes that take place in personal, professional and organisational contexts. The module provides students with an appreciation of key issues and behaviours that pervade all areas of judgment and decisi...
This module develops your understanding of important household financial decisions by introducing some relevant theoretical concepts, showing how actual calculations are made, and then discussing how these individual decisions are important for society. T...
Statistical Methods for Finance is a critical module for you to learn basics for future modules on Econometrics, as well as their final year dissertation. This module covers important topics such as probability, discrete and random variables, Probability...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Organisations exist in dynamic environments, which mean that frequent changes need to be made to remain competitive. This requires managers to make important decisions which can ‘make or break’ an organisation. These decisions need to be based on sound ev...
Financial Econometrics 1 provides you with the necessary skills to undertake quantitative research in finance. Lectures will introduce a broad range of topics (e.g. regression). However, you will discover that by understanding and applying some basic conc...
Financial Econometrics 2 builds on Financial Econometrics 1 and provides you with more skills to undertake empirical research in finance. Lectures will introduce important topics such as unit roots, stationarity, VAR models as well as a broad range of vo...
This module provides a deep insight in some key theories and topics in Financial Management. The module looks at how firms and corporation manage financial investment and decisions in the long term and short term. The module will discuss topics ranging fr...
The module aims to develop understanding of the role of financial markets, security analysis and valuation, efficient market theory, asset pricing theory and portfolio management. This is an excellent module to understand the basics of finance, how financ...
Auditing and taxation are both essential elements of accounting. An appreciation of the two subjects is important not only for accountants but also for management. Auditing is a crucial element of financial reporting and corporate governance. Taxation imp...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
The module is intended to introduce students to regulation in financial reporting and to examine specific problem areas using a conceptual framework as a basis of the analysis. This allows an evaluation of current external reporting practice within the co...
This module concerns issues in human resource management and organisational design. These are what ultimately implement the firm’s strategy. Although many organisations recognise the importance of managing the work force effectively and even "know" what a...
There is a growing demand for studying Islamic banking within a highly integrated global financial market. This module provides comprehensive insights over how Islamic finance operates and the structure of Islamic financial institutions in various nationa...
This module discusses issues related to business ethics. It covers philosophical foundations of ethical theories, and applications of ethical theory to real-life case studies and hypothetical dilemmas. It also discusses causes and consequences of unethica...
MANG2006 introduces the building blocks of Management Science as a discipline, which is at the heart of decision-making. The module introduces the history and the context along with the general Management Science approach to decision-making. The rest o...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following module in year 3:
Employers appreciate the skills and knowledge that graduates bring to organisations from academic study. However, employers increasingly value graduates who have undertaken a substantial placement as part of their degree. A structured placement provides s...
Year 4 modules
You must study the following modules in year 4:
Alternative investment strategies became increasingly popular among investors to achieve better returns. This module looks beyond the traditional investments such as shares and bonds. It covers a range of topics that introduce the world of alternative in...
Behavioural finance (BF) is an unorthodox area of finance that assumes financial markets are fundamentally inefficient. Advocates of BF believe that investor behaviour and decision making are driven by aspects of personal and market psychology. This modul...
To provide an opportunity to undertake a sustained piece of individually researched academic study. Inter alia this provides a context within which research skills may be developed and demonstrated.
In the last 30 years derivatives have become increasingly important in finance and many different types of derivatives are actively traded on exchanges throughout the world. This module explores the pricing and use forwards, futures and options with a par...
This module deals with finance in an international context. This includes spot and the forward exchange rates, the operation of common currency systems and also international cultural differences which affect the way business is governed.
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
The advanced taxation module will expand Auditing and Taxation module (Year Two) which is offered an understanding of the principles underlying the design of an effective taxation system and how operate for different taxes (income, wealth and corporation)...
The module will focus on the role of the external auditor, the procedures adopted and some of the current issues facing the profession.
The module provides an introduction to corporate governance from organisational, economic and accounting perspectives.
This module covers the development of the concept and the meaning of the term corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable business (SB); how CSR and SB models are being implemented in today’s corporations, its impact and likely future directions...
It is a continuation module from financial accounting 2. Students will be exposed to more advanced knowledge of accounting such as consolidated group financial statements, financial instruments and share based payment.
Banks are at the heart of the global financial system. This module strives to link the theory and practice of banking in a real-world setting. Considerable attention is given to the vast array of risks that banks face and this is achieved by learning abou...
This is a holistic module because it emphasises that its constituent topics dealing with diverse aspects of risk management are highly interconnected. Mastery of the subject is conceived as requiring a strong understanding of these interconnections. For e...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 4:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Larisa Yarovaya is the course leader.
Careers
You'll graduate from this finance course with placement, with the quantitative and analytical skills and corporate governance knowledge needed to be successful in the financial industry. You'll also gain valuable real-world experience within a financial institution on your placement.
Possible roles include:
-
trader or stockbroker
-
asset manager
-
treasurer
-
fund manager
-
forecaster
-
corporate finance analyst
-
investment banker
-
risk manager
The Business School and Southampton Law School run the Small Business Clinic which offers advice to those interested in starting their own venture. With input from local companies, it offers you training and the opportunity to work with a mentor from industry to test out your ideas and receive expert feedback.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £18,520.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: F98C
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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