BSc (Hons)
Economics and Finance
Degree Programme

Core courses

• ACCT 4101 Managerial Accounting

  This Managerial Accounting course is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of key management accounting techniques that support effective planning, controlling, and monitoring performance in various business contexts. It provides financial and non-financial information to aid management decision-making, covering cost classification, budgeting, variance analysis, and performance measurement. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to use management accounting tools to support strategic objectives and enhance organisational performance.

• ECON 4101 Introduction to Economics and Finance

  This module provides students with an introduction to various economic and financial concepts, demonstrating how these can be applied to better comprehend the world around them. It enhances students' understanding of the external factors that influence businesses, as well as financial aspects that are significant within a business context. It starts with an understanding of economic thought and development, and it expands on modern economic and financial issues the firms face. It is a solid foundation course for the basic ideas and applications of economics and finance.

• MATH 4103 Calculus with Applications

  This course provides a sound understanding of the concepts of calculus and their applications to business courses, data science and scientific courses. There will be an emphasis on the rigorous approach to the concept of limits as a key pillar of many concepts of calculus. Theory and applications of calculus with numerous examples will be explained to students depending on specific majors. Topics to be covered will include co-ordinate geometry of straight lines, quadratic curves, exponential and logarithmic functions; elementary differentiation and integration of real-valued functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and trigonometric functions. Applications of calculus concepts to maxima, minima, and optimization problems. Calculus of several variables to include partial derivatives and optimizing functions of two variables, and constrained optimization and method of Lagrange Multipliers. Double integrals and applications. Modelling with first-order ordinary differential equations.

Complete L4 Academic Literacies required course:

• LIBA 4301 Academic Research and Writing (Complete Academic Literacies required course)

  This course is designed to develop students’ critical research and writing skills to be effective in the academic and professional world. It focuses on principles of good scholarship and academic practice that will be required throughout university study and in a future professional work environment. These skills are enhanced throughout the course. Upon completion of this course, successful students will become confident in using available resources to produce well-researched writing that demonstrates critical engagement with a self-selected research topic.

Choose one L4 Arts/Humanities course from the following:

• ADPR 4101 Introduction to Advertising, PR and Media

  This course explores fundamental concepts, principles and tools in advertising and public relations, specifically in relation to the broader media industries and the professional contexts of both disciplines. It traces the history and evolution of advertising and public relations and how they interconnect, as well as investigating the political, economic, social and cultural contexts that they operate within. In examining advertising and PR in practice, it identifies key persuasive and creative aspects and techniques used in these fields, along with the planning and skills used to produce them. It also addresses advertising and PR practices in relation to contemporary issues and developments, including criticisms of the industries’ role and a range of ethical debates.

• COMM 4101 Introduction to Communications and Media

  The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the evolution of mass media and communication in a constantly changing global landscape. Starting by looking at how this has evolved from physical forms such as print and broadcast to digital forms such as different iterations of the internet, social media and the use of AI. This will incorporate both production and consumption of media within industries such as advertising, public relations, journalism, television, film, music and gaming. Important contemporary issues will be addressed alongside recent events and tools and theories to understand these issues will be applied in order to develop student’s media literacy. This will also be applied to complex topics that circumvent the media and communication world such as media ownership.

• COMM 4102 Introduction to Content Creation

  This practical course introduces students to key aspects of contemporary media production through the creation of their own podcasts, short film and photographic essay. It focuses on the key skills of photography, audio and visual recording and editing using industry standard hardware and software. Students will learn and develop practical skills offering the opportunity to demonstrate creativity across a range of visual and sonic mediums. They will also be introduced to the history of visual and sonic media (alongside contemporary examples of professional work) and learn key strategies (such as media skills audits) to identify and plan practical work.

• HIST 4101 Atlantic Slavery and the Spectre of Capitalism

  This course examines the expansionist nature of Atlantic colonial societies and their economic impact, from early contact with African societies to the abolition of slavery in Brazil. Emphasis is placed on the Atlantic slave trade’s role in consolidating slave labour systems and shaping industrialisation. The course further explores how colonial economies drove the rise of modern capitalism through racial and economic exploitation. Beginning with the expropriation of Indigenous land and resources, it traces the development of plantation slavery and later industrial labour systems. Key topics include: resource extraction, debt, colonial economies, trade in goods and globalisation. These topics are analysed not only in economic terms, but also in their social and racial dimensions. Resistance movements and the evolving discourse on reparations will also be examined to understand their influence on economic structures today. Students will investigate the economic mechanisms behind colonisation and slavery, as well as the resistance to these systems, engaging in debates on the memory and legacy of these processes.

• LANG 4101 Korean Language and Culture 1

  This is an introductory course to Korean language and culture with an emphasis on oral communication in everyday situations and contemporary South Korean culture and society. This course introduces fundamental communication skills including the Korean alphabet and character construction, pronunciation, vocabulary, and essential speech patterns. It also explores contemporary South Korean popular culture with the aim to develop a keen awareness and broad understanding of how the Korean culture relates to the language.

Choose one L4 Social/Behavioural Sciences course from the following:

• POLS 4102 Modern Political Thought

  This course provides students with an introduction to modern political thought as it developed in the Western World. It critically examines concepts at the core of political life, including freedom, equality, power, difference, and the state. The origins of political ideologies are discovered and explored through the study of major authoritarian, liberal, radical and conservative political thinkers from the 15th century onwards, such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Wollstonecraft, Marx, J.S. Mill, and Nietzsche.

• INTR 4101 Introduction to International Relations

  This course introduces students to both the study of International Relations (IR) and key issues in contemporary global politics. Conflict, cooperation, and power are unpacked and addressed while the course introduces and reflects on the fundamental approaches, concepts, and theories used in the discipline. Issues to which these are applied then include migration, the relationship between humans and the environment, terrorism, security, and disinformation. Throughout, different actors, institutions and ideas are engaged with as the course assesses contemporary global politics through an array of contemporary case studies.

• PSYC 4101 Introduction to Psychology

  This course introduces students to the major areas within the psychology discipline, through current empirical research and theoretical debate. Students discover how psychological research is conducted and how research findings can be applied to understanding human behaviour. Topics include scientific methodology in psychology, and key contemporary areas of research, such as biopsychology, brain functioning; sensation and perception; evolutionary theory, development, personality, memory, consciousness, stress, psychological disorders, language, learning and social psychology.

• FASH 4101 Business of Fashion

  This module provides a solid foundation in the basics of the global and fast-paced fashion industry. It provides an overview of the industry and the potential career paths in fashion, retail and associated industries. It introduces the fundamental tools to understanding fashion such as marketing theory, analysis of fashion customers and their needs, branding, the marketing mix and the importance of market research and trend analysis. The module also explores the implications of ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry.

• ENTR 4101 Introduction to Entrepreneurship

  This module is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of the entrepreneur as an ‘agent of change’ within business and society. Students will develop knowledge around the role of entrepreneurs, the history of entrepreneurship, and the personal dynamics that lead people to embark upon an entrepreneurial journey. Students will be introduced to key entrepreneurial processes such as idea generation, idea evaluation, and idea execution. They will then explore different types of entrepreneurships, such as: apprenticeship, innovative entrepreneurship, corporate entrepreneurship, franchisee entrepreneurship, and social entrepreneurship. The course will conclude by looking at the role of entrepreneurial ecosystems. This module will emphasise active learning involving case studies, simulations, and practical exercises. At the end of the course, students will be better placed to decipher whether they themselves wish to embark on an entrepreneurial path.

• BUSM 4101 Introduction to Business Management and Marketing

  This module provides a foundational understanding of how businesses operate and effectively reach their target markets. Students will explore core management principles and marketing strategies, gaining insights into how organizations create value and build profitable customer relationships.

Choose one Data/Numeracy course from the following:

• MATH 4101 Probability and Statistics

  This course in probability and statistics includes theoretical and applied approaches which are primarily designed for business, data science, social science and psychology majors. The course coverage will include: descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory, random variables and expectations, discrete probability distributions (Binomial and Poisson distributions), continuous probability distribution (Normal distribution), sampling distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing about the mean and proportions of up to two populations, Chi-square tests, One-way ANOVA and F Distribution, linear, multiple and non-linear regression and Non-parametric methods. SPSS lab sessions will be included targeting applications of statistical concepts to business, data science, social science and psychology. All practical work will be produced using SPSS statistical software.

• MATH 4102 Mathematics of Argument and Reasoning

  This course presents the mathematics of arguments and reasoning by introducing students to concepts in logic and discrete mathematics. It examines the nature of logic, propositional and deductive logic, tautologies and contradictions, algebra of sets, relations, Boolean functions, and graph theory. The topics covered will include propositional calculus, methods of deduction, and quantification theory, leading to an introduction to first-order logic, proof by induction and recursive relations. Valid and invalid argument forms and their tests will be performed. Matrix algebra and determinants and their applications in solving systems of equations will be covered.

Choose one Science course from the following:

• COMP 4101 Introduction to Programming

  This course provides the fundamentals of object-oriented programming. This will include usage of variables, objects, classes; assignment and control through statements, loops, functions, procedures, interaction between objects and inheritance. This course may introduce any current specialist programming topics, e.g. programming for mobile applications.

• ENVR 4103 Introduction to Environmental Science

  This course covers environmental science topics such as global warming/climate change, ozone depletion, acid rain, pollution, population issues, energy issues, land and water issues, and an introduction to environmental ethics. All topics are addressed from scientific, economic, politico-sociological and ethical standpoints. An awareness and appreciation of global, local, and personal environmental problems are developed, together with the implications of possible solutions. The concept of interrelatedness is a unifying theme throughout the course. Students are encouraged to become aware of/develop an understanding of their own environmental identity.

• ENVR 4101 Earth Systems Science

  This course introduces the major concepts studied in Earth System Science, addressing the Earth’s origins and evolution as an active planet within the solar system. The fundamental processes and interrelationships between the atmosphere, oceans, biosphere and lithosphere are investigated to serve as a basis for understanding natural systems, particularly near or at the Earth’s surface, and the ways in which human activities impact those systems. There is mounting concern about global warming, biodiversity, energy and sustainable development, all of which if not governed poses a threat to the delicate balance of the Earth system. Thus the need to understand the Earth as an interrelated system is greater than ever before.

• ENVR 4102 Ecology and Conservation

  This course provides an examination of the principles of ecology and their application to conservation. Students will explore the complex relationships between organisms and their environments, including population dynamics, species interactions, ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural/anthropogenic causes of species’ decline and extinction. The course covers key topics such as habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, and conservation strategies at local, regional, and global scales. Special emphasis is placed on understanding and addressing the threats to biodiversity and developing practical solutions for conservation. Through case studies students will gain the skills necessary to critically evaluate conservation challenges and design effective conservation strategies.

• PSYC 4302 Biological Basis of Human Behaviour

  Exposes students to the relationship between biology and behavior. Students are expected to assess critically the extent to which biological explanations can be used to understand or explain human behavior. Topics covered include the nervous system, brain, emotion, vision, attention, sleep and motivational behavior, as well as psychopathology (for example language, eating, perceptual and memory disorders). In addition, the course also discusses ethical issues in psychological research related to neuroscience.

Core courses

• ECON 5102 The Macro View of the Economy

  This class aims to analyse broader economic problems that have to do with aggregate economic activity. Analysis of social problems like unemployment, inflation, inequality, growth and development will be examined. Moreover, this class will offer a detailed overview of public finance, budgeting, and debt. To get a holistic view of the Macro aspects of the economy, central banking, exchange rates and the open economy will be discussed in detail. Illustrative empirical material is drawn from a wide range of economies. The issue-based approach enables students to understand the techniques and relevance of conceptual analysis.

• ECON 5101 Managerial Economics

  Managerial Economics explores the behaviour of firms and their competitive dynamics within various industry environments. It examines how firms operate under different market structures—such as competition, oligopoly, and monopoly—and evaluates their use of both price and non-price strategies. The module also investigates the impact of market structure and strategic firm decisions on performance, efficiency, and social welfare, using neoclassical competition theories as well as critiques, including dynamic and evolutionary perspectives. In addition, this module covers policies aimed at promoting competition and regulating firm behaviour, such as merger policies, anti-collusion measures, patents, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), mixed oligopolies, and public ownership using game theory.

• ACCT 5102 Financial Decision Making

  The course introduces the role and purpose of financial management within a business organisation. The Financial Decision Making course highlights the importance of the three fundamental financial management decisions: financing, dividend policy and investment. It explores the economic environment within which these financial management decisions are made. The course covers working capital management and the appraisal of long-term investments in detail. The course examines the various funding options for business organisations. Funding decisions include internal and external funding sources. The course considers the cost of capital and the type of capital selected for a business organisation. The principles underlying the valuation of a business and financial assets are also covered. The course then examines risk and the main techniques employed in managing such risk.

• FINC 5102 Regulation for Sustainable Finance

  This course is designed to examine both the theory and practice of financial regulation, as well as the nature and role of compliance. Finance plays a decisive role in meeting international agreements on combating climate change with a particular emphasis on decarbonization and preservation of nature. Through adequate governance, social and environmental regulation, the financial sector is a key contributor to corporate sustainability. The pivotal role of the financial sector towards achieving economic stability and fostering a successful and thriving corporate sector makes it the object of increasing regulation. This course embeds UN SDGs 13, 1 and 17 – This course dwells on the impact that sustainable finance will have on the decarbonization and climate change targets (SDG 13), access to financial resources (SDG 1) and partnership for goals (SDG 17).

Complete L5 Research Methods required course:

• BUSM 5301 Research Methods and Skills for Business and Enterprise (Complete Research Methods required course)

  This course provides an overview of how research in business, economics, finance and marketing can be conducted. Topics covered include research philosophies, critical literature review, research design and quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. This course equips students with research skills and prepares them for their Senior Projects.

Choose one L5 Service-Learning course from the following:

• LIBA 5301 Service Learning: Global Citizenship and Migration

  This course helps students make a real difference in the world. Service Learning as experiential learning combines community service with academic study. This course will apply service-learning to the theoretical, political and sociological conceptions of citizenship and their limitations. Students will work on live projects and challenges to address real-world issues and critically reflect on their role as agents in communities and as legal and social citizens. Skills will be gained from working on a project with charities, NGOs, or non-profit organisations on citizenship concepts which will enable the student to critically reflect through service-learning. This course builds professional, entrepreneurial and personal skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders. This course is underpinned by JEDI approaches to justice, equality, diversity and inclusion across the global community.

• LIBA 5302 Service Learning: Leadership in a Globalised World

  This course helps students make a real difference in the world. Service learning as experiential learning combines community service with academic study. This course will apply service learning to global challenges and how to be a leader that creates positive change. Students will work on live projects and challenges to address real-world issues. Students will learn how to lead and work with diverse teams to make a positive impact. Skills will be gained from working on a project with charities, NGOs, or non-profit organisations on citizenship concepts which will enable the student to critically reflect through service-learning. This course builds professional, entrepreneurial and personal skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders. This course is underpinned by JEDI approaches to justice, equality, diversity and inclusion across the global community.

• LIBA 5303 Service Learning: Sustainability and Society

  This course helps students make a real difference in the world. Service learning as experiential learning combines community service with academic study. This course will apply service learning to the theoretical, political and sociological conceptions of citizenship and their limitations. Students will work on live projects and challenges to address real-world issues and critically reflect on their role as agents in communities and as legal and social citizens. Skills will be gained from working on a project with charities, NGOs, or non-profit organisations on citizenship concepts which will enable the student to critically reflect through service-learning. This course builds professional, entrepreneurial and personal skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders. This course is underpinned by JEDI approaches to justice, equality, diversity and inclusion across the global community.

• LIBA 5304 Service Learning: Digital Collaboration

  This course helps students make a real difference in the world. Service-Learning as experiential learning combines community service with academic study. This course will apply service-learning to the production of digital work engaging with organizations and communities outside of the university. It equips students to identify the ranges of opportunities for innovation and employment that digital skills offer. Students will work on live projects and challenges to address real-world issues and critically reflect on their role as agents in communities and as legal and social citizens. Skills will be gained from working on a project with charities, NGOs, or non-profit organisations on citizenship concepts which will enable the student to critically reflect through service-learning. This course builds professional, entrepreneurial and personal skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders. This course is underpinned by JEDI approaches to justice, equality, diversity and inclusion across the global community.

Plus two Level 5 electives from across the curriculum. These can be selected to support a minor in an area outside of your subject discipline.

Core courses

• ECON 6101 Econometrics

  This course bridges the gap between econometric theory and statistics and applied software techniques. Provides the necessary background to assess economic decisions and run linear regression, understanding the origins of the technique. Moreover, this course has an applied course dimension in modelling data via software applications, particularly time series data, as a practical guide to quantitative research in Economics and Finance.

• ECON 6102 Public Economics

  This is a course in theoretical and applied public economics using microeconomic theory. The course addresses the theoretical analysis of market failure, public finance, taxation and expenditure systems in modern economies and discusses philosophical issues of economic welfare. Inequality, social mobility, and welfare frameworks are part of this course.

• FINC 6103 International Finance

  Taking a global perspective, the course focuses on the basics of multinational financial management from an international finance perspective. An understanding of multinational finance begins with a mastery of the principles of exchange rates—how they are determined, how they affect the prices of goods and services, and their relationship to interest rates. The course also covers foreign exchange markets, multinational accounting, foreign exchange risk, strategies and tools for managing exchange rate exposure, import and export finance, and multinational financial management.

• BUSM 6110 Senior Project

  The senior project forms the culmination of a student’s studies in their major. The project requires a significant level of independent enquiry and research. It can investigate a real-world situation, problem or business opportunity related to the degree major. The project may test a hypothesis, investigate an issue in a narrative inquiry, or develop a real-world case study on a relevant topic. The investigation may use quantitative and/or qualitative research approaches. The project may contain primary research once ethical approval has been gained. Students will be guided by their supervisor and conduct individual research work on an agreed topic. The supervisor will facilitate the process through regularly scheduled meetings. The nine timetabled hours will be used as refreshers of research skills, peer-coaching, and the presentation of the students’ work. In developing a real-world business or economic project the student will gain practical insights and knowledge of relevant industries and employment fields.

Plus EITHER:

• BUSM 6401 Business Internship

  The internship in business is a student work placement that aims to provide students with experience working within the business sector. Students will develop the intellectual, professional, and personal skills that will enable them to function well in a culturally diverse working environment. All internships are supervised by faculty and aim to bridge the transition from an academic into a professional environment. This experience should also assist students to help them determine their career goals. During the internship, the staff of the Internship Office and a faculty supervisor work closely with each student to ensure that the placement is a successful one. There is also an integration of the work supervisor input in co-creating some aspects of this course. This course embeds the UN SDGs 12, 9 and 16 by placing emphasis on responsible production and consumption (SDG 12), ethical behaviour (SDG 16) and entrepreneurial innovation (SDG 9).

Or TWO of the following Major Options:

• ACCT 6103 Taxation

  The Taxation course provides students with essential knowledge of the UK tax system, focusing on key taxes such as income tax, corporation tax, VAT, and inheritance tax. Students will gain practical skills to compute tax liabilities, apply tax-planning techniques, and address compliance issues for individuals and businesses.

• ACCT 6102 Financial Reporting

  The aim of the course is to provide students with an understanding of the principles and concepts underlying financial reporting, and the ability to apply these principles to the preparation and analysis of financial statements.

• ACCT 6101 Audit and Assurance

  The course focuses on the concepts and techniques relating to the provision of audits under the various Companies Acts and investigates the legal and ethical framework surrounding auditing. Students will become familiar with concepts and practices relating to the auditing profession and legal liability. Current issues about auditing will be discussed throughout the course.

• FINC 6101 Derivatives

  This course provides students with a foundation to derivative instruments and how they are utilized by corporations and individual speculators. The course covers areas which include the market structures of the futures and options markets, the valuation of futures and options contracts, as well as their use in global risk management strategies.

• FINC 6102 Fintech

  This module explores the dynamic landscape of financial technology (Fintech), examining how technological innovations are transforming the financial services industry. Students will develop a critical understanding of key Fintech trends, their applications, and their impact on traditional financial institutions, markets, and consumers. The module will cover a range of topics, from mobile payments and blockchain technology to artificial intelligence and regulatory challenges. Through real-world case studies and interactive discussions, students will gain insights into the opportunities and challenges presented by this rapidly evolving field.

• BUSM 6104 Leadership and People Management

  This module provides a critical exploration of leadership in the context of managing people and talent within organizations. Students will develop a deep understanding of contemporary leadership theories and their application to the challenges of attracting, developing, motivating, and retaining talent in a rapidly changing world. The module emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, ethical leadership, and social responsibility in creating a high-performing and sustainable workforce. Through real-life examples, case studies, and interactive discussions, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to lead effectively in today's complex and dynamic business environment.

• BUSM 6102 Project Management skills and methods

  This module provides a comprehensive overview of programme management principles, processes, and techniques. Students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage complex programmes within a variety of organizational contexts. Contemporary project management methods will be explored. The module emphasizes the strategic alignment of programmes with organizational objectives and the importance of stakeholder engagement, risk management, and benefits realization. Furthermore, it explores a range of programme management methodologies, equipping students with the ability to select and apply the most appropriate approach for diverse project scenarios.

• BUSM 6103 Sustainable Strategic Management

  Building on long established models of strategic management the course focuses on strategic analysis, planning and implementation in the light of current interest in sustainability and ESG values. Early lectures outline the basic strategic analysis models and case study analyses relate to both the firm's internal operations and the environment in which it operates. The course culminates in embedding the principles of ESG and the triple bottom line into future strategic planning.

Plus one elective of your choice, which may support a minor.