Business and Finance BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
A lecturer assisting two students on the Trading Floor

This course provides you with the knowledge and skills required for a future career path covering finance, business, management and leadership.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

N290

Start date

September 2024
January 2025 - condensed


Course overview

Whether you dream of running your own business or becoming a well-rounded competitor in the job market, this course is designed to help you gain a solid understanding of business organisations, finance, operations, marketing, e-commerce and management, in addition to valuable practical skills.

The January start for this course is condensed in Year 1. Please see the ‘How you’ll learn’ section below for more details.

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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

By studying this course you will have the opportunity to:

  • Develop an in-depth understanding of today’s business world and fast-moving financial sector
    This course covers a wide range of subjects such as setting up your own business, business organisation and management, e-commerce, economics, entrepreneurship, leadership and marketing, as well as a firm understanding of corporate finance and investments.
  • Develop practical skills in our Bloomberg Trading Floor4
    Develop your skills in our Trading Floor, featuring contemporary dual-screen Bloomberg terminals. You'll also have the opportunity to gain the Bloomberg Market Concepts Certificate, on successful completion of a short course (subject to availability)2.
  • Tailor your studies
    Our wide range of economics and finance courses share a common year one and aim to offer you opportunities to achieve a thorough grounding in entrepreneurism, economics, accounting, personal finance, and maths and statistic. Please see module section for further information.
  • Gain real-world exposure
    Prepare for a future career in business and finance with a work placement2. Past students have undertaken placements at companies such as Indivior and Scottish Power Energy Networks.
  • sigma Maths and Statistics Support4
    Access maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions with experienced tutors.

If you choose to start this course in January you will study exactly the same course but over a slightly shorter timescale in Year 1. This is ideal if you missed the September start, want to transfer from a different university or course or just need a bit more time to prepare for life at university.

Accreditation and professional recognition

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Chartered Insurance Institute

This course is recognised by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) for the 2024/25/26 intakes. CII recognition allows students to gain certain exemptions from some professional examinations, upon successful completion of this course (subject to application, availability, meeting applicable visa requirements and additional fees may apply). If there is any change to the recognition of this course by the CII, we would seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.



What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses:

  • Banking and Finance BSc (Hons)
  • Business Economics BSc (Hons)
  • Economics BSc (Hons)
  • Finance and Investment BSc (Hons)
  • Financial Economics BSc (Hons)
  • Global Financial Planning BSc (Hons)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field. 

Modules

In Year 2, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum and developing your:

  • Technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge
  • Study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner
  • Professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career
  • Global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

Year 3 aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from years 1 and 2. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a supervisor.

Modules

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

More than just a degree

The course significantly enhanced my problem-solving skills, independently and within a team. Through collaborative projects, I developed strong interpersonal and communication skills, crucial in the finance industry. Utilising advanced statistical software such as SPSS and Gretl became second nature, aiding in data-driven decision-making. The use of cutting-edge digital facilities, like those in the Trading Floor, elevated my proficiency in navigating the digital landscape of modern finance.

Art Hoti, Finance Alumni
Students at desks writing notes and listening to a lecturer out of shot

How you'll learn

  • You’ll apply theoretical frameworks to analyse real-life cases while paying close attention to the external business and finance environment. For example, you may study a UK company with overseas subsidiaries assessing its corporate and financial strategy.
  • You will be taught in one of the largest educational trading floors in Europe4, running Bloomberg trading terminals and giving access to a wealth of live and historical trading market data.
  • Typically, a module involves interactive lecture(s) weekly, delivered synchronously online or on campus, followed by a range of active learning sessions such as seminars and workshops.
  • In addition, you will meet other students on the course and your tutors weekly during term time to engage in community-building activities, receive support and raise concerns relating to the course.
  • The assessment strategy is designed to be efficient and manageable and consists of authentic assessments, very similar to those tasks students will have to complete in their future careers.

If you choose to start this course in January it will be run as a condensed programme. You’ll start your course in January and finish your first year in August. Upon successful completion of Year 1, you will progress onto Year 2 in September and then continue to start subsequent years of your course in September, completing your degree at the same time as the September starters unless you opt to do a placement year.


Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so we’ll look to manage your learning journey to match your strengths and aspirations. Your learning experience on each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On-campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2

If you would like more information, you can request information about teaching hours.

Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Formal examinations
  • Phase tests
  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Individual assignments

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

Coventry is a multicultural university, so our typically diverse student and staff body helps to facilitate a multicultural learning environment.

Coventry University aims to give you the global opportunities needed to become a truly global graduate, enhancing your employability on a global scale. Options might include from language classes, studying or working abroad, international field trips, summer schools, leadership development or work experience2.

In the past, our students have had the opportunity to visit universities in China and Malaysia to study alongside students, see how finance is taught internationally, appreciate the issues in different countries and broaden their perspectives.

Closer to home, you could have the opportunity chance to participate in European field trips2 as part of events like, for example, the annual Tax Week initiative or the annual Audit Week, both of which were conducted in collaboration with European universities, and saw students work collaboratively on related projects2.

Finance is at the heart of every organisation so a good understanding is crucial no matter what career you decide to choose. At Coventry University, you will be taught by qualified academics and industry experts. We have the largest educational trading floor in Europe with over 40 terminals linked to Bloomberg so our students have access to the latest data and information to help them succeed.

Aqsa Aziz, Lecturer in Finance, 2022
Students using the Bloomberg terminals on the Trading Floor

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 104
A level BCC
GCSE Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 4 / C or above including Maths and English
BTEC DMM
IB Diploma 24 points
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation year. Upon successful completion our International Foundation Year - Accounting and Finance will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Not available
EU £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £16,800 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our undergraduate finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Condensed course – January start date

If you choose to start this degree in January please make sure you check the Fees and Finance page for more information. Although starting this course in January does not prohibit you from being eligible for student finance, the way it is paid in your first year differs from those who start their course in September.

If you start the degree in January, your tuition fees will be paid in accordance with the university’s Tuition Fees, Refund and Withdrawal Terms and Conditions for January starters and for any further years of study, your fees will be paid in accordance with the terms for September starters.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

We have a range of facilities4 available to support our business and finance students in putting the theories you are taught into practice.

A student using a computer at a desk wearing glasses next to a tutor pointing at the screen

The Trading Floor

The Trading Floor is an invaluable facility that allows you to get hands-on with industry-standard software. Featuring contemporary dual-screen Bloomberg terminals, the facility adds a dynamic practical element to your course.

 

 

 

People at the Talent team fair on the balcony and on the ground floor

Talent Team

Employability is at the forefront of all our accounting and finance courses. Our dedicated Talent Team are also on hand to help. They can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate level jobs and offer skills development workshops, and also organise networking events to introduce you to potential employers and industry contacts.

A female student sat at a desk holding a pen and looking at a laptop.

sigma Centre

The sigma Centre is housed in our Lanchester Library and offers maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions and bookable appointments. It is the ideal place to help you navigate any issues you might have while studying an accounting and finance degree.

 

 


Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Use a range of transferable skills such as writing clear and concise reports based on evidence and logic, making effective use of information technology, confident delivery of presentations, creative problem solving, financial skills and self-motivation.
  • Communicate technical business and financial concepts in a clear manner to a range of relevant stakeholders.
  • Apply business and financial theories and empirical methods to real-world scenarios by making appropriate use of data, abstraction, and logical reasoning to analyse business and financial events and issues.
  • Carry out an independent piece of research on a business or finance topic using appropriate theories and analytical tools.
  • Understand the importance and relevance of personal finance and financial services to daily life.
  • Apply appropriate mathematical and quantitative techniques to solve business and financial problems.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of business and finance, including the ability to interpret relevant data and evaluate business and financial strategies.
  • Develop essential skills to successfully manage and lead individuals and teams in a variety of organisational settings.

You should have the confidence to give sound financial advice and make effective financial decisions. You should be well placed to pursue a wide variety of potential future careers options in areas such as:

  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Banking
  • Personal and Corporate Finance
  • Business
  • Education in private, public and third sector organisations

Where our graduates work

Graduates from this course have gone on to work for prestigious companies including BDO, Fidelity, Santander and Nationwide Building Society.

Typical roles graduates could progress to include Client Services Associate, Business Analyst, Statistician or Audit Graduate Scheme.

Further study

You may opt to continue to further your studies at postgraduate level with our Finance MSc here at Coventry Business School. You can explore all of your options using our postgraduate course search tool. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

Find out more

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How to apply

Full-time students applying to start in September 2024 can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

Part-time students should apply directly to the university.


If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

International codes:
FBLU100

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.


Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

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