BA (Honours) International Finance and Economics

UCAS code

NL31

Attendance

Full-time

Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-time

At a glance

Gain a detailed knowledge of economics and learn how to apply its principles to the everyday operations of financial institutions and business processes. You learn the key skills required by employers and then have the opportunity to apply them during a year in industry with major employers such as the Treasury and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Key points
• Learn from tutors that have real world finance and economics experience and have held senior roles in some of the world's largest organisations.
• Attend lectures given by industry specialists, such as HSBC's senior economist along with speakers from other blue chip companies and key professional bodies.
• Apply your taught concepts and ideas to real world scenarios through case studies.
• Complete a placement and take the opportunity to work with major employers such as the HM Treasury.

What is international finance and economics?
This course is subdivided into microeconomics, which examines the behaviour of firms, consumers and the role of government; and macroeconomics, which looks at inflation, unemployment, industrial production, and the role of government alongside a wider understanding of financial markets, organisations and roles.

About this course

Gain a detailed knowledge of economics and learn how to apply its principles to the everyday operations of financial institutions and business processes. You study both finance and economics to gain a wider understanding of the corporate world and international financial markets. Thanks to the international focus of the course, it is well suited for study by international and UK students.

In the first year, you get a broad grounding in finance and related topics, to ensure that you have a sound platform on which to build. Throughout your course we regularly provide you with opportunities to develop your IT and numerical skills.

In your second year you start to specialise and focus on different forms and concepts of economics whilst also studying more in-depth finance modules.

You can apply what you have learnt so far on a work placement during your third year. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable insight into the workings of an organisation and increase your career potential. You build professional relationships with potential employers that can lead to the offer of a permanent job after you graduate.

Previous placement employers have included large organisations such as HM Treasury, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Mercedes AMG.

All students returning from placement study the career management and professional development module. This module asks students to reflect upon their placement experiences and plan future career moves. Students who don't go on placement take a period of work-based learning in their final year.

If you study the financial services regulation and ethics module and gain a mark of more than 60%, you can complete a Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) exam as part of your degree. We pay for your tuition material, the exam and student membership of the CISI.

Key areas of study
This course gives you an in-depth knowledge of economics and finance and covers key areas such as • financial and management information • macro-economics • micro-economics • industrial economics • international financial markets • contemporary issues in micro-economics.

Enhanced study experience
We embed a wide range of extras into your course to enhance your study experience and to give you greater employability and technical skills after graduating. Visit the enhanced study media box to view examples of our many initiatives.

Associated careers

This course is focused on maximising your ability to gain employment in finance and economics roles. Although the skills and knowledge you acquire, do not limit you to working in these areas.

As a graduate, you can follow in the footsteps of previous students by finding a well-paid job with organisations such as Aviva, Argos, RWE, Tesco, and Ernst and Young.

Graduates are likely to go onto further professional study with common routes being via the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, Chartered Financial Analyst and the Chartered Insurance Institute.

Students can also go on to postgraduate study.

Professional recognition

Part of this course is accredited by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.

Course content

Year one core modules

• business analysis • business environment • financial and management information • international business • career management in finance

Year one options

Include • financial services regulation and ethics • foreign language

Year two modules

• global investment banking • financial institutions and markets • macroeconomics • microeconomics • principles of investment • understanding and managing financial roles

Year three

• optional work placement

Final year modules

• international derivatives and risk • international financial markets • industrial economics • risk management and investment • contemporary issues in macroeconomics • career management and professional development (four year route only) • work based learning (three year route only)

Assessment

• examinations • coursework • computer-based assignments • group assessments • presentations • multiple choice tests • case study assessments

Entry requirements

2014 entry requirements

We expect you to demonstrate through your personal statement an interest in and awareness of finance or banking or some level of practical experience.

Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above including English language and mathematics, plus

• 280 points including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications or one AVCE double award. We accept general studies. Key Skills qualifications do not count towards your points.

• Access – an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and at least 15 at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.

If you do not have any of the qualifications above but have relevant experience, you are welcome to discuss potential opportunities with the admissions tutor.

2013 entry requirements

We expect you to demonstrate through your personal statement an interest in and awareness of finance or banking or some level of practical experience.

Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above including English language and mathematics, plus

Fees

Home and EU students

2013/14 academic year

For 2013 entry, membership of a professional body is included in the course fee.

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically Ł11,880 a year

2014/15 academic year

Typically Ł11,880 a year

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

Contact details

For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk