BA (Hons) Business and Finance

Explore the financial sector with a focus on its relationship to business, and look at areas that can transform the way businesses operate, such as FinTech.

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Typical offer: 112–120
Entry requirements
Fees: £9,250 per year (UK)
Full details
UCAS code: NN13
Course length: Various
Find out more
Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
Institute code: H36
Work placement option
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Study abroad option
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Tailor your studies around your core strengths and interests

A practical programme combining knowledge and professional skills

98% for student satisfaction (NSS, 2019)

Business at Herts

Course overview

Discover the fundamentals of business, from marketing to people management, finance to legal operations. Develop your knowledge of financial markets as you explore the societal and behavioural aspects of finance.

Develop a thorough and critical understanding of the role of financial management in organisations to forecast major developments, prepare for upheaval, and provide security.

Learn how to assist organisations in financial-based decision-making using analytical and problem-solving skills.

Strengthen your ability to understand and interpret numerical data, analyse statistics and information, and, most importantly, effectively communicate your conclusions.

Strong numeracy skills are not required! You only need a positive attitude towards learning, an open mind towards numeracy, and a professional mindset to excel in this course.

As the course progresses, choose specialised options based on the pathway you prefer to pursue. You are encouraged to take a wide range of subjects to maximise the opportunities available to you.

Benefit from a variety of interactive learning experiences such as lectures, seminars, workshops, teamwork, and guest industry speakers. All are designed to enhance your knowledge while also boosting your CV.

Why choose this course?

Join a business school focused on making you a highly employable graduate.

We will enhance your professional skillset, including team working, people and organisational skills, alongside your analytical and financial expertise, so that you enter the job market fully prepared.

The finance group cultivates a culture of shared values and aspirations, which is crucial for both your success and ours in helping you fulfill your potential.

Explore a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities that will strengthen your network and skills, allowing you to apply your knowledge before graduation.

Participate in the national University Business Challenge or join our Enactus society, which organises projects making a difference every day.

We consistently provide support and mentorship to students, even after graduation. This has resulted in a strong and influential network of alumni, many of whom serve as guest lecturers.

Receive dedicated support for industry placements, study abroad programs, or internships (including the latest online bite-sized digital experiences). We work with you to determine your path, enhance your CV, and secure your first graduate role.

HBS maintains robust relationships with professional bodies and business connections. You will have opportunities to meet entrepreneurs-in-residence, business ambassadors, and industry leaders at networking events and guest lectures.

We are a caring and friendly university, and you will receive excellent support from our staff community team to help you overcome any academic and personal challenges.

Professional accreditations

This is an adaptable finance programme with flexible pathways, not tailored to any one professional body, providing you with greater versatility in your professional choices.

Your future career

Graduate with a strong understanding of how finance and business interact – after all, the commercial world is driven by business. Support this with practical knowledge and skills highly valued by employers. This powerful combination results in 95% of students being employed or pursuing further education (Graduate Outcomes, 2018-20).

Possible roles for employment include:

Financial Manager
Financial Controller
Investment Banker
Commercial Investor
Commercial Manager
Management Consultant

In the past few years, our graduates have also secured employment with reputable employers such as HMRC, PwC, Citibank, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, and Hilton Worldwide.

Excellent knowledge is supported by highly sought-after transferable skills nurtured in class and through assessments modelled on real-world scenarios. This balance is precisely what you need to hit the ground running in whichever career you choose.

See what recent graduates are up to

What you'll study

You will receive classroom-based teaching as your core learning experience. Additionally, independent learning is expected, and you will have access to online content, recommended books, videos, and resources to support you.

In your first year, you will establish a strong foundation of knowledge in business and financial skills necessary for your journey, setting you up for success.

During your second year, you will develop the analytical and professional skills required for the workplace, enhancing your productivity and ability to contribute effectively to organisations. You will explore essential elements such as business ethics, financial instruments, and the business lifecycle.

In your final year, you will prepare for the real business world by consolidating and further developing your knowledge in topics such as Leadership & Organisations, Strategic Management, and the Digital Economy.

Furthermore, there are opportunities to enhance your personal development through our GoHerts program, placements, internships, study-abroad experiences, and events organised by the Future Success team.

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Principles of Marketing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This initial marketing module, which assumes no prior knowledge of marketing, aims to introduce students to some of the key ideas of marketing and is suitable for both marketing and non-marketing students. It examines the environment within which organisations operate and the role of marketing within the organisation so that students can understand the context within which marketing personnel work, and the different activities which are carried out under the umbrella term of 'marketing'. Concepts central to an understanding of marketing are considered - segmentation; targeting and positioning; the product life cycle; the 4Ps; buyer behaviour, etc.
Quantitative Methods for Business (UJH)	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the student to a number of essential mathematical and statistical techniques that are extensively used in business and management. Particular attention will be paid to the circumstances in which the methods considered should be employed. The following quantitative methods are likely to be included in this module: equations and graphs; measures of location and dispersion; weighted averages and indices; probability and normal distribution; basic optimisation; critical path analysis; correlation and simple linear regression; time series forecasting; investment; simulation. Appropriate software (eg Excel) will be used to support learning.
The Finance Professional	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module allows students to practice a series of academic skills and study strategies which will underpin their subsequent studies. Themes in the module include financial data sources and analysis, IT expertise, personal/professional skills including written and oral communication, and taking responsibility for individual learning. In developing academic skills, students will be expected to operate in teams, reflect on their practice and recognise aspects for self-development and improvement. The module will introduce a series of topics that are pertinent to finance in practice and complement topics presented on other modules running concurrently.
Principles of Finance	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module provides a basic underpinning and introduction to financial markets, financial management and accounting. The need for capital by organisations is explored and the different sources of available finance are examined along with the requirement for financial reporting. Structures of financial statements are explained in order for students to be able to analyse the financial health of the business. Commonly used analytical techniques in finance are introduced to enable students to make recommendations regarding a business decision. Topics may include: The growth and nature of financial markets and institutions The nature of financial instruments Differences between financial accounting, management accounting and financial management Structure and interpretation of financial statements The difference between profit and cash Budgeting and planning Sources of finance Investment appraisal techniques Working capital management Business objectives, value and agency issues.
People and Organisations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to provide students an introduction to the key concepts in human resource management and behaviour in contemporary organisations. It will consider the micro context of human resource management, performance and development, equality and diversity and international human resource management, predominantly taking an organisational perspective but drawing on other disciplinary approaches where applicable. Students will also explore theories and models related to learning, motivation, teamwork and individual behaviour.
Economics for International Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to enable students to understand the economic context of modern business by introducing and developing an appreciation of the utility of economic approaches in studying the business environment. The basic tools and approaches which economists use; demand and supply and industry analysis, among others; will be introduced and applied to help understand the economic issues involved and the public policy which can be derived. Economics, of course, provides one of the key pillars of a solid education in business and this module represents some first steps in this direction as well as highlighting some of the major contemporary issues in our society and international business.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Macro Foundations for Finance	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module builds on the foundation provided by the module Introduction to Macroeconomics to examine macroeconomic issues on a more rigorous basis. It introduces and develops analytical tools such as the IS-LM model and the AS-AD framework that are employed in macro analysis. It also provides an insight into some of the principal models that have been devised to explain macroeconomic events and to predict the consequences of certain actions by economic agents. Finally, the module evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the various models in relation to macroeconomic developments that are necessary to understand the financial world.
Exploring Business Ethics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to examine and reflect on the ethical behaviour of organisations and employees. To apply ethical theories to real and current organisational cases and activities and reflect on what responsibilities organisations have to society. It discusses guidelines, laws and external pressures and the impact these have on the ethical behaviour of organisations. The behaviour of employees and the individual choices that may when faced ethical dilemmas is also analysed. Content includes. ethical theorists child labour and bribery price fixing working conditions corporate social responsibility and whistleblowing.
Econometrics	15 Credits	Compulsory
Econometrics is concerned with the statistical analysis of economic data. This module is designed for students with only a limited mathematical and statistical background and gives a short introduction to single equation simple and multiple regression models, and the problems which often arise in their use. The emphasis is on developing an ability to use an appropriate econometrics package, with some understanding of the relevant statistical principles. The module begins with a review of the elementary statistics required later, and ends with topics such as heteroskedasticity, serial correlation, multicollinearity and forecasting.
Financial Markets and Instruments	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module considers the development of modern financial instruments, together with their associated risks, so that theoretical and practical issues can be applied to their pricing and use. Such instruments would include shares, bonds, foreign currency, forwards, futures, options/swaps and other derivatives. Financial markets have developed at a fast pace over the last quarter of a century to meet the needs of governments, organisations and individuals. With this market development has come greater sophistication in the instruments available. Together, these two themes require finance managers to appreciate greater challenges within the finance agenda. The module aims to explore markets, institutions and the relevant traded instruments.
Business Finance	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will introduce students to the main theory and practice of the financing of companies, the allocation and management of financial resources within a company and the rewarding of the providers of a company's financing. Specific topics covered include: the financial environment; sources of business finance; capital budgeting; cost of capital and capital structure; dividend policy; investment risk, portfolio theory and the capital asset pricing model; valuation of assets, shares and companies; mergers and acquisitions.
Enhancing Employability in Finance	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will enable students to research employment in finance and to develop an action plan to help them secure eventual employment. It will also help students to continue to develop their employability skills. Students will identify a potential career area, research relevant employment issues and analyse specific opportunities available in this field, before carrying out appropriate personal analysis leading to the formalisation of a career action plan. Students will be directed to scheduled activities held by the employability champions, CAPs and academic skills advisors and will be expected to attend those sessions to which they are directed.
Macroeconomics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module builds on the foundation provided by the first-year module Introduction to Macroeconomics to examine macroeconomic issues on a more rigorous basis. It introduces and develops analytical apparatuses such as the IS-LM model and the AS-AD framework that are employed in the macro analysis. It also provides an insight into some of the principal models that have been devised to explain macroeconomic events and to predict the consequences of certain actions by economic agents. Finally, the module evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the various models in relation to macroeconomic developments that are necessary to understand the financial world.
Analysing Financial Statements	15 Credits	Compulsory
Students will be encouraged to consider specific businesses from the viewpoint of a financial analyst. The module focuses on the skills needed to extract useful information to understand and analyse the three key financial statements in the context of company specific factors, industry specific factors and the wider economy. Students will look at the context of financial statements. They will develop an understanding of the conceptual framework and the role of the financial statements in meeting the needs of users. Students will consider the information available on companies in the public domain and the importance of considering financial statements in context. The three financial statements will be considered in turn and students will calculate accounting extracts and adjustments and develop an understanding of the influence of accounting policies on the preparation and presentation of the financials. Students will calculate ratios and discuss the benefit of these as an analytical tool.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Business and Commercial Awareness	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is essentially supported by lectures and workshops, where students will role play members of an organisational management team as they develop, plan and implement a new product or service for their organisation. The lectures will present theoretical underpinnings for each of the activities required for the case. The workshops will allow students the opportunity to apply theory and develop the skills required via a selection of shorter case-based exercises. The module will consolidate functional business knowledge and provide students with an opportunity to integrate theories and gain experience in a simulated business environment.
Money, Banking and Finance	15 Credits	Compulsory
The financial sector is vital to all economies. It is a major and successful part of the UK economy. This module provides the techniques and concepts to analyse and understand this sector. The major theoretical underpinnings of the financial sector are explored. Thus, the module considers portfolio theory, the term structure of interest rates, demand and supply of money, monetary policy, exchange rate systems, insurance markets and the efficient markets hypothesis.
Leadership and Organisations	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module explores leadership and management within the context of the business organisation. It examines the development of leadership and management theory as well as discussing contemporary applications of theoretical approaches. Leadership styles and models are analysed, including their impact on follower performance. Students will be constantly reminded that the leaders of organisations often experience strategy in action/implementation as a messy, unstructured process. Up-to-date real-world examples will be used, together with textbook cases, to appraise the effectiveness of different organisational leadership styles and to show how strategic leaders and their followers interact in practice.
Corporate Financial Strategy	15 Credits	Compulsory
This single semester module is designed to provide an insight into the area of financial strategy. The module will begin by examining the life cycle and the various sources of funding available at each stage and will move on to an analysis of major business changes, e.g. restructuring, mergers/acquisitions. The module will enable students to build on their business analysis and reporting writing skills, and the knowledge gained about business should significantly enhance their employability.
Financial Aspects of International Business	15 Credits	Compulsory
The international financial system. Foreign exchange rate theories. Foreign exchange risk- definitions. Managing foreign exchange risk - techniques. Devising a hedging strategy. Direct foreign investment risk management.
Strategic Management	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will introduce students to a range of issues and challenges confronting strategic leaders of a diverse range of organisations in a turbulent global environment. It will focus on many conflicting perspectives within the subject of strategic management and consider the problems involved in researching and developing strategies and plans and implement them within the limitations of the organisation. It considers a range of analytical techniques and concepts, both applying them and critically evaluating their usefulness through the use of case study work. The module identifies the contradictions and paradoxical nature of strategic decision-making and strategic planning. It also focusses on the development of student s professional skills critical to effective strategy development and implementation. In particular, the module focuses on analytical and critical research skills, team work, leadership and professionalism.
Digital Economy	15 Credits	Compulsory
Topics will include - Definition of digital economy; Development of digital economy; Digital economy as part of the total company profile; Approaches to digital economy; Internal and external effects of digital economy; International methods of digital economy; Strategic advantage and barriers/ challenges faced through the adoption of digital economy. This will include the impact on the environment as well as the threats to a company s digital operation and assets and ways to avoid and mitigate against these. UK and EU legislation specific to a company s digital world will also be explored.
Advanced Financial Decision Making	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will build on previous studies at Level 5. It will seek to explore the theory underpinning finance and investment decisions. It will also enhance the practical application introduced previously. The investment decision will consider issues, such as, taxation, risk, inflation, options and international implications. The financing decision will take a closer look at cash and risk management focusing on the money markets, treasury and the use of derivatives. It will also consider how alternative organisations approach financing looking at issues for SMEs, public bodies and charities and will also look at Islamic Finance as an alternative. The interaction of the two key decisions will also be explored.

What if I need support?

You'll benefit from dedicated support teams within the Business School, including Academic Support, Wellbeing, and a personal tutor who will assist you in adjusting to the demands of university learning and living.

Additional support is available from our Student Success team, which focuses on inclusive learning, as well as our dedicated Future Success network, which helps with work experience, placements, and graduate jobs.

You can join and engage with the Business School Student Voice community, consisting of a team of student representatives who regularly meet with staff to provide feedback and ensure the effectiveness of teaching.

Our in-house Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) is available to all Business School students, offering additional support in areas such as academic writing, numeracy, and referencing.

Optional sandwich year

At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge CV booster!

Professional work experience is the biggest contributor to your future employability. It allows you to put your knowledge into action, while learning how a business operates and making some handy professional connections.

We'll help you make the most of the experience, holding your hand from start to finish. You also get assistance with your CV, plus help preparing for interviews and presentations, at our ground-breaking mock Assessment Centre Experience.

Students have enhanced their careers in companies as diverse as Avnet Bidco, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons Co, Disney, Enterprise Rent-a-car and Moore Kingston Smith Group Services Ltd.

Find out more about work placements

You can choose to take a sandwich year abroad, making that decision in your second year. Studying at one of our international partners is a tremendous personal development opportunity and an amazing experience.

More and more companies are now operating on an international scale, and the experience of living in another country will make a significant impression on future employers. Put your knowledge into action, learn how businesses operate, and establish professional connections.

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world truly is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office will provide guidance on your options to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you will not be required to pay any tuition fees, whether it is to the partner university or to us.

Find out more about study abroad options

At the end of your second year, you have the option to experience a year of working life with a placement, or a shorter internship, a huge CV booster!

Students have enhanced their careers in companies as diverse as Avnet Bidco, Latvijas Mobilais Telefons Co, Disney, Enterprise Rent-a-car and Moore Kingston Smith Group Services Ltd.

Find out more about work placements

With over 100 partners in 40 countries, the world truly is your oyster! Our dedicated study abroad office will provide guidance on your options to help you make the most of this opportunity.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you will not be required to pay any tuition fees, whether it is to the partner university or to us.

Find out more about study abroad options

Where you'll study

You'll be taught on our modern de Havilland Campus, with our 24/7 Learning Resources Centre, offering open and private study spaces. You also get online self-study materials to further support you.

There are dining options, a bar, and a recreational space on campus where you can shoot some pool or play video games. It also houses Hertfordshire Sports Village, featuring a gym, swimming pool, coffee shop and climbing wall.

Discover the Enterprise Hub, a vibrant destination where local firms and students work and learn in comfort.

The Student Union bar and additional facilities are only a 20 minute walk (or short bus ride) away at our second campus, on College Lane. Student housing is available at both campuses.

A train to central London takes just over 20 minutes, and you are also conveniently located on the A1(M) with access to the road network, making travel quick and convenient.

Who you'll learn from

Your teachers include doctoral staff and industry experts who will impart their knowledge and expertise, sharing their stories and experiences. The teachings are firmly grounded in solid business principles and reinforced through case studies that will be valuable throughout your career.

There is a strong emphasis on proactive learning, with a significant portion of your education based on real-life experiences and scenarios shared by your tutors and alumni.

Individual interests and backgrounds span various areas, including information technology, marketing, consumer behaviour and psychology, employee well-being, and work-life balance.

You will also benefit from the guidance of an academic support team, a well-being team, and a personal tutor who will assist you in adjusting to the demands of university learning and campus life.

By working together, your teaching and support team are committed to helping you realise and achieve your true potential.

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

We offer a range of support services, from childcare to counselling, ensuring that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying, having fun, and have the support you need.

Find out more about support and wellbeing

Entry requirements

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

Typical offer (UCAS points)	112–120
Typical A Level offer	BBC–BBB
Typical IB offer	112–120
Typical BTEC offer	DMM–DDM
GCSE	Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Access courses	112–120
Additional information	Find out more about our Undergraduate Entry Requirements.

English language	All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.
Additional information	Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

English language

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

Additional information

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Start date	Study type	Apply
September 2024	Full time	Apply via UCAS
September 2024	Full time with placement year	Apply via UCAS

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Fees and funding

At Herts, we’re dedicated to providing world-class teaching supported by industry-level facilities and incredible social spaces. We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to higher education, and we strive to keep both our standard and additional costs as low as possible.

	Study type	Fees
UK students	Full time	£9,250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU students	Full time	£15,500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
International students	Full time	£15,500 for the 2024/2025 academic year

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries	Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship, grant or bursary to support your studies.
Disabled Students' Allowance	The Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover any study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.
Student loans	Find out about securing a student loan, from how much you could be eligible for to when you need to start making repayments.
Accommodation costs	We offer a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.
Additional course fees	Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet.

More about the course

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) Business and Finance	Download PDF

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Finance	Download PDF

Additional information
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Sandwich, 4 Years

BA (Hons) Business and Finance

Explore the financial sector with a focus on its relationship to business, and look at areas that can transform the way businesses operate, such as FinTech.

Typical offer: 112–120

Fees: £9,250 per year (UK)

UCAS code: NN13

Course length: Various

Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Institute code: H36

Work placement option

Study abroad option

Course overview

Why choose this course?

Professional accreditations

Your future career

See what recent graduates are up to

Sanika Morjaria

Sanika Morjaria

The best of both

Getting involved

Working for the Civil Service

Her future ambitions and advice

What you'll study

What if I need support?

Optional sandwich year

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Where you'll study

Who you'll learn from

How we support our students

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible.

Entry requirements

UK applicants

International applicants

Ready to apply?

UK applicants

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

International applicants

International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Additional information

More about the course

Further information

Not ready to apply?

Undergraduate subjects

Student Life at Herts

Chat with students and staff

Location:
University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield