About this course

Explore the fundamentals of finance and the rapidly evolving industry known as Financial Technology (FinTech). This programme will put you at the forefront of research and development within this sector, allowing you to gain the skills necessary to pursue a wide range of careers.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

develop an in-depth understanding of the business environment and the real-world application of relevant theories that underpin finance
utilise our Financial Laboratory (FinLab), home to our Bloomberg terminals
learn the basics of computer programming, and become a confident user of statistical software, such as Eviews, Stata, and Matlab, and more advance machine learning and AI techniques
understand the foundations of Financial Technology, and the most recent innovations in this area
develop a high level of numeracy and a capacity for reasoned thought and analysis
take a year on an industrial placement, gaining hands-on experience in a corporate setting

Financial Technology remains a vital part of the modern finance debate. To capture this, our course combines key quantitative and analytical skills in finance, with modern, fintech related topics such as:

cryptocurrency
crowdfunding
peer-to-peer landing

The programme will prepare you for a career in the dynamic financial environment by providing a technical and research-driven curriculum. You’ll graduate with the ability to apply the most recent developments in Finance to complex real-world problems.

You'll receive dedicated support from our Placements Office throughout this course. This is our means of driving collaboration between students and businesses, and ensuring you're supported as you apply your learning to real-world scenarios.

Your studies will be informed by the latest findings, with our academics operate at the forefront of research in areas such as:

FinTech
high-frequency trading
corporate finance
portfolio theory
alternative investments

All of our Business courses include the option to spend a year studying abroad at one of our partners in Europe, North America, Australia or Asia. This is a unique opportunity to experience another culture, improve your language skills and enhance your CV.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

ODT

Download 2023-24 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

AAB including Mathematics

A-levels additional information

Excluded subjects are 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 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. The contextual offer for this programme is ABB including Maths.

or

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 Diploma additional information

Some subjects are excluded and restricted - please check the subjects listed under the A level section which also applies to all qualifications.

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.

or

BTEC

D in the Business BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB from two A levels including Mathematics

DD in the Business BTEC National Diploma plus B in A level Mathematics

We do not accept BTEC National Extended Diploma unless A level Mathematics is taken alongside this qualification. If it has, the offer is DDD plus B in A level Mathematics

RQF BTEC

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.

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 Mathematics has been taken alongside (grade B)

QCF BTEC

D in the Business BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from two A levels including Mathematics

DD in the Business BTEC Diploma plus B in A level Mathematics

We do not accept BTEC Extended Diploma unless A level Mathematics is taken alongside this qualification. If it has, the offer is DDD plus B in A level Mathematics

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C)

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

The course is made up of a combination of modules, some of which you'll choose yourself, to reflect personal interests or future career options.

Module choices on this degree are flexible. 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.

Compulsory modules provide a foundation in finance and business, while optional modules include everything from human resources to international banking.

You’ll be able to broaden your studies by choosing:

interdisciplinary modules
language modules

You don't need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.

Year 1 overview

You’ll take four modules in the first semester:

Introduction to Management
Introduction to Accounting and Finance
Introduction to Marketing
Foundations of Business Analytics

These are similar to other programmes at Southampton Business School and will allow you to gather skills in other aspects of business.

In Semester 2 you’ll take two finance-specific modules such as Personal Finance, and Foundations of Finance. These will lay the foundations for the rest of the programme.

Some seminars of Foundations of Finance module will be delivered in the Financial Laboratory (FinLab), home to our Bloomberg terminals. These help students to learn how to use Bloomberg from Year 1 and to experience how investors would manage their risks through a practicum in the FinLab.

In semester 2 you’ll also be able to choose 2 out of the 5 optional modules to start customizing your degree.

Year 2 overview

In year 2 you will again take four core modules:

Financial Econometrics
Financial Management
Introduction to Fintech
Portfolio Theory and Financial Markets

Introduction to Fintech will be offered exclusively for BSc Finance and Financial Technology students.

The Financial Econometrics module is imperative to be able to collect and correctly analyse financial data, which will be key during the dissertation and in the job market search.

In the second semester, you will have the opportunity to choose Econometrics with Big Data, a module that will further demonstrate how large datasets can be analysed to extract useful insights from data in variety of formats.

Financial Management provides the foundations of corporate finance where you will learn how firms operate and strike the key balance between debt and equity.

Portfolio Theory and Financial Markets introduces you to financial markets and traditional portfolio theory, where you will learn how to price various financial assets, understand the importance of risk and learn how to create the optimal portfolio.

Overall, year 2 has the largest number of optional modules, with the opportunity to choose 4 out of 11 options offered.

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

Your final year showcases the ever-changing world of finance by examining new alternative investments, as well examining the importance of investor psychology in financial markets.

Climate Finance and Cryptocurrency Investments are two notable examples of contemporary finance modules that will expand your understanding of the Fintech applications and alternative investments.

These modules are essential for any students entering the finance workplace as they both are increasingly important areas.

The dissertation module is a compulsory module that runs year-long in the final year. You can also choose a range of optional modules to tailor the final year to your interests.

Optional modules include:

Auditing Corporate Governance
Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Business
International Banking
Risk Management

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2024 to 2025

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Foundations of Business Analytics

Business analytics is closely related to management science and operational research. It refers to the use of statistical methods and models as well as empirical data to support the process of making business decisions. This module provides general knowle...

Foundations 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...

Introduction to Management

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 ...

Personal Finance

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...

Realising Success

Welcome to the “Realising Success” module. This is where you are going to learn how to create a successful future and make the most of opportunities at university to maximise success and get yourself in a competitive position. The module is designed to e...

Statistical Methods for Finance

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...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:

Analytics Implementation I: Spreadsheets and Databases

This course provides essential knowledge and skills required to support students’ future learning in future data analytic modules. Without prerequisite knowledge in data analytics, this module will cover spreadsheet analytics and relational database t...

Digital Technologies in Business

Digital technologies ranging from the Internet to cloud computing, artificial intelligence, etc. are often not just a key part of organisational operations; they also create opportunities for developing new digital businesses and their applications can ha...

Finance with Python

Finance with Python is a critical module for you to learn basic programming commands and financial data analysis. This module covers the use of Python in finance, including financial data analysis and statistical modelling, which includes an introduction...

Introduction to Economics For Non-Economists

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...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
independent learning (studying on your own)

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Ahmad Maaitah 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

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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 £22,300.

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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented 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: F96C
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

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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