BSc (Hons)
Finance and Investment
Degree Programme

Core courses

• LANG 3100 Fundamentals of English for Academic Writing and Oracy

  This course is designed to enable students to communicate effectively at university level. Students will be provided with input from a range of texts and audio from cross-cultural materials and practice fundamental research and writing and oracy skills. Students will become more familiar with the academic environment and its conventions through spoken and written production. With exposure to a range of academic texts, talks and digital skills, students will appreciate the role of academic integrity. The course gives students the opportunity to think, listen, talk and write with confidence and clarity, which will help them succeed in other courses.

• LIBA 3101 Tools for Change

  In this course, students will be introduced to a range of foundational skills to aid in their progression and success at the University and allow them to begin the process of becoming collaborative and independent learners. These skills will be introduced through investigations of social and/or environmental issues in the local area, using group work and report writing. Students will be introduced to, and use, a range of digital platforms as aids to effective communication through professional academic oral presentations and written reports using secondary sources. In addition,students will be presented with reflective writing tools through a personal development portfolio that can aid in self-improvement, particularly in an academic setting.

• LIBA 3102 Fundamentals of Research and Writing

  This course concentrates on developing the students’ ability to read and think critically, and to read, understand and analyse texts from a range of genres. How do you successfully negotiate a path through a sea of information and then write it up? Using essential information literacy skills to help with guided research, this course develops the ability to produce effective and appropriate academic writing across the curriculum.

• BUSM 3101 Fundamentals of Business

  This module introduces students to the exciting world of business. It explores what businesses are, why they exist, and how they work. Students learn about different types of businesses, from small local shops to huge global companies. The course also looks at the people involved in businesses, what they do, and the challenges they face. This module students gives students a solid foundation for further study in business and management

• MATH 3102 Fundamentals of Mathematics and Statistics

  This course is designed to be a foundation in mathematics and statistics that will provide students with the necessary knowledge for courses in probability and statistics, mathematics, and data analysis. The course will cover content from solving linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic equations, co-ordinate geometry analysis, function analysis, sequences and series to applied topics such as measures of central tendencies and measures of spread of data calculations with outliers, representations of data, probability calculations and discrete random variables.

Plus one of the following:

• HIST 3101 London Cultures

  This survey of London’s history from the 17th century to the present foregrounds social and cultural history to help students engage with the metropolis as a catalyst for creativity, highlighting its evolving communities and global interconnectedness. Focusing on the lived experience of Londoners, students will examine how they shaped their city and forged new forms of expression related to identities of gender, race, social class and sexuality. Key areas of focus may include popular entertainment, from street theatre and public executions to the West End; Londoners’ responses to plague, fire and war; the formation of cultural institutions and social movements, as well as popular protests and changing social attitudes. Through personal testimonies and cultural products, such as literature, film, fashion, art, architecture, music and material culture, students will explore how we can understand both contemporary and historical London cultures.

• ARTS 3101 Fundamentals of Visual Thinking

  This course provides a grounding in the practice and theory of visual thinking. Through theoretical frameworks such as semiotics, the course explores the changing role of images in society from a range of cultures and contexts: the arts, politics, science, sport, design and technology. Students will consider digital forms of observation and image making through visual analysis and will build on this understanding through photographic practice. The course examines questions concerning curating, circulating and making public the images we all produce. It asks: What are the values and truths hidden in images? How can the practice of image production advance our thinking around images? How, in the context of a range of disciplines, can we learn to read and communicate ideas visually?

• COMP 3101 Fundamentals of Computing

  The Foundations of Computing course offers an introduction to the core principles and concepts of computing such as computer systems, algorithms, data representation, and basic programming. Throughout the course, students will develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are critical for further study for careers in computing and related fields, exploring how computers process and store information. Additionally, learners will gain hands-on experience in designing simple algorithms and writing programs using programming languages such as Python. Key ethical and societal issues surrounding the use of computing technology will also be examined, encouraging students to think critically about topics such as data privacy, security, and the impact of artificial intelligence.

Core courses

• ACC 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.

• LIBA 4301 Academic Research and Writing

  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.

Core courses

• FINC 5101 Investment and Capital Markets

  Focusing on financial investment, the course familiarizes the student with a range of financial instruments and capital market operations, including new issues, trading, and the role of financial intermediaries in the investment market. Investment companie s are investigated. Fundamentals of portfolio theor y are examined and applied to investment appraisal and management. Valuation of a range of securities —including fixed-income and equity —is discussed on the basis of capital market theory. The course introduces financial derivatives, including options, futures, forward rate agreements, and interest rate swaps, relating their use to fixed-income investment, portfolio analysis, and interest rate risk management.

• BUSM 5105 Legal and Ethical Aspects in Business

• ACC 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).

• 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 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 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.

• BUSM 5301 Research Methods and Skills for Business and Entreprises

  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.

• 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 f rom 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.

Core courses

• FINC 6103 International Finance

  Taking a global perspective, the course focuses 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.

• 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 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-word business or economic project the student will gain practical insights and knowledge of relevant industries and employment fields.

Major Electives

• BUSM 6401 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).

• 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 issue s of economic welfare. Inequality, social mobility, and welfare frameworks are part of this course.

• 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.

• ACC 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.

• ACC 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.

• ACC 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.

• 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.