BA (Hons) Business and Finance (2026 entry)
Build your future in finance with a degree that blends business strategy and financial insight. Learn to analyse data, manage risk, and make confident decisions in a global marketplace.
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Typical offer: 120
Entry requirements -
Fees: TBC
Full details -
UCAS code: NN13
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Course length: Various
Find out more -
Location:
- University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
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Institute code: H36
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Work placement option
Find out more -
Study abroad option
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Tailor your studies around your core strengths and interests
A practical programme combining knowledge and professional skills
93% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22)
Course overview
The BSc (Hons) Business and Finance is designed for ambitious, analytical students who want to develop a strong foundation in business with a specialist focus on finance. Whether you’re aiming for a career in banking, investment, corporate finance, or consultancy, this degree equips you with the financial insight and strategic thinking needed to thrive.
You’ll begin with a broad first year exploring core business areas, such as marketing, operations, and innovation, alongside introductory finance and career development modules.
From your second year of study, you’ll specialise in finance, with modules covering financial principles, investment decisions, corporate performance, and financial strategy. You’ll also develop key business skills including leadership, digital literacy, and decision-making under pressure.
The course is shaped by current industry trends and employer needs, ensuring you graduate with relevant, applied knowledge. You’ll tackle real-world challenges through live briefs, simulations, and project-based assessments, building practical experience and problem-solving skills.
Typical career paths include financial analyst, investment associate, corporate finance executive, or business consultant. You’ll also gain transferable skills in communication, critical thinking, and data interpretation, opening doors across a wide range of sectors.
With the option to undertake a placement or study abroad, and a graduate success portfolio to showcase your skills, you’ll leave Herts ready to make confident, informed contributions in the finance sector and beyond.
Why choose this course?
This course blends the strategic insight of business with the analytical depth of finance: From risk management to investment decisions, you’ll develop the skills employers demand in financial services, consultancy, and corporate finance.
Assessment is 100% coursework, designed to reflect real business practice: You’ll engage in simulations, group projects, case studies, and live finance challenges, building confidence in applying what you learn to real-world scenarios.
Modules like Corporate Performance and Decisions and Advanced Financial Strategies are shaped by industry input and current financial trends: You’ll explore contemporary finance topics with relevance to today’s global economy.
Through the Personal and Professional Development modules and a personalised graduate success portfolio: You’ll build leadership, data literacy, critical thinking, and career confidence year by year.
Learn from experts: Our teaching team brings together academic researchers and former finance professionals with experience in banking, investment, and consultancy. Their insights bring classroom learning to life.
Just 25 minutes from the UK’s central London: You’ll have access to finance-related employer events, guest lectures, and work experience opportunities in one of the world’s leading business hubs.
Strong employment prospects: 93% of Herts graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22).
Professional accreditations
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
The BSc (Hons) Business and Finance degree at Herts is aligned with the professional standards of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the UK’s leading authority in management and leadership. The course is currently undergoing CMI accreditation, and once approved, students will graduate with both a university degree and a CMI Certificate in Management and Leadership.
This dual award gives you a competitive advantage by demonstrating not only financial expertise, but also the practical leadership and decision-making skills employers seek in business and finance professionals. It shows that you’re prepared to lead teams, manage resources, and contribute to strategic financial planning with confidence.
As a CMI-aligned student, you’ll gain access to exclusive resources including management toolkits, digital learning materials, leadership webinars, and networking opportunities. These resources extend your learning beyond the classroom and help you develop essential soft skills such as communication, team leadership, and problem-solving.
The CMI accreditation also supports your progression toward Chartered Manager status, a prestigious professional designation that can boost your long-term career growth and earning potential.
Whether you’re planning to work in banking, investment, consultancy, or corporate finance, the CMI endorsement ensures you graduate with a blend of technical finance knowledge and strong leadership capability, ready to succeed in today’s competitive business environment.
Your future career
Graduates go on to careers in banking, investment, financial analysis, and corporate strategy. The course develops analytical, decision-making, and leadership skills highly valued by employers. 93% of Herts graduates are in work or further study within 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes, 2021/22).
Typical career paths for business and finance graduates include:
- financial manager
- financial controller
- investment banker
- commercial investor
- commercial manager
- management consultant.
Employability is built into every stage of the course, from industry-informed modules and live finance projects to professional accreditation and personalised career support, ensuring you graduate with the confidence, skills, and experience to succeed in a wide range of business and finance roles.
See what recent graduates are up to
Sanika Morjaria
Business management at The Civil Service
Meet Sanika. Her passion for business and finance brought her to Herts, and she is now working in business management for the Civil Service.
The best of both
Sanika’s parents run their own business, and for Sanika, this experience growing up sparked a passion that brought her to Herts. She says, ‘I enjoyed learning about business and finance, and Herts offered the opportunity to study both in the same course.
‘I visited Herts for an open day and spoke to Student Ambassadors from Hertfordshire Business School. After speaking to them I knew that I wanted to study at Herts. I have no regrets about my decision.’
Getting involved
Sanika participated in many extracurricular activities at Herts, where she met many of her best friends. In her first year at Herts, she joined the Bollywood Dance Society and in her second year, she became the Vice President of the Hindu Society. She was also a Student Ambassador. Sanika says, ‘I loved getting involved in many different things and these experiences have shaped the person I am today. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Herts.’
Working for the Civil Service
Sanika now works in business management for the Civil Service in the Ministry of Defence (MoD). She has joined several staff networks at the MoD and is now Co-Vice President for the MoD Hindu Network and a member of their Diversity and Inclusion Network.
Sanika says, ‘During my second and final year at Herts, I did some enterprise and employability modules, which have prepared me well for my current role.
‘In my spare time, I like to volunteer at sporting events. I volunteered for the UEFA Euro 2020 Final at Wembley Stadium and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022. I am also the Membership Secretary for the Young Lohana Society in my local community. All these experiences have hugely helped my confidence.’
Her future ambitions and advice
Sanika plans to continue working in the Civil Service and hopes to gain experience in different Government departments. Her long-term ambition is to progress into a human resources role and gain her Level 5 CIPD qualification. She would also like to continue volunteering at sporting events.
Sanika’s advice to others is to get involved in societies whilst at Herts and make the most of your time here. She adds, ‘There are unique and rewarding experiences at Herts, which will help you develop as a person and meet new people. If you’re in your final year, make sure you have a balance. Put time aside to relax and have fun and make use of the Careers and Employment Service. I booked appointments with a Careers Consultant, and they helped me write a CV and prepare for interviews.’
What you'll study
The BSc (Hons) Business and Finance is a full-time, three-year degree designed to develop your understanding of financial principles within a broader business context. You’ll build strong analytical, strategic, and decision-making skills that reflect the needs of today’s finance sector.
You’ll typically have 10–12 hours of contact time per week, including interactive lectures, workshops, and seminars. Learning is practical and applied, with a focus on problem-solving, teamwork, and real-world scenarios. Assessment is 100% coursework-based, including reports, simulations, presentations, and consultancy-style projects, there are no exams.
In your first year, you'll be introduced to key business functions, including marketing, operations, innovation, and communication, alongside your first finance modules such as Skills for Success in Finance and Developing Your Future Career in Finance. This year builds core knowledge and helps you develop academic and professional skills.
In your second year is where your finance specialism deepens, with modules like Principles of Finance and Corporate Performance and Decisions. You’ll also explore data analysis, decision-making, and operations within financial contexts.
Your third year of study focuses on advanced financial strategy, ethical business practice, and the wider business environment. You’ll complete your graduate success portfolio and take on a live business challenge, a consultancy project with real-world application.
This structured progression ensures you graduate with the technical knowledge, business awareness, and professional mindset needed to succeed in finance careers.
What if I need support?
At Herts, studying business and finance means you're supported from day one through to graduation. You’ll be matched with a dedicated Personal Tutor, your advisor, coach, and mentor, who will help you navigate university life, monitor your progress, and support your academic and professional development.
Throughout your modules, you’ll receive tailored support from your Programme Leader, experienced module tutors, and Teaching Assistants, who will guide you through key finance and business topics, help you manage coursework, and build your confidence in applying financial concepts to real-world scenarios.
You’ll also benefit from our expert Future Success team, who offer one-to-one career coaching, CV and LinkedIn reviews, mock interviews, and access to finance-related placements and graduate roles. Whether your ambition lies in corporate finance, investment banking, or consultancy, they’ll help you plan your next steps.
For academic development, our Centre for Academic Skills Enhancement (CASE) provides personalised workshops on academic writing, numeracy, referencing, and study strategies to support your success in all aspects of your course.
You’ll also be part of the business school student voice community, where your feedback helps shape the student experience, ensuring it remains inclusive, relevant, and responsive.
Wherever your business and finance degree takes you, whether that is corporate, consultancy, or global enterprise, we’ll be with you every step of the way, providing the support you need to thrive.
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 boost to your CV.
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.
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.
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 boost to your CV.
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 placementsYou 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 optionsWhere 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 an inspiring space.
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
The business and finance teaching team at Herts brings together a rich mix of academic expertise and real-world financial experience. Many of our lecturers have worked in sectors such as investment banking, corporate finance, accounting, and consultancy, giving you access to insights shaped by practice.
Our staff are actively involved in industry through research, consultancy, and professional networks. Some are contributing to financial education policy, while others engage in live consultancy projects with regional and international firms, ensuring your learning is shaped by up-to-date practice and global developments in business and finance.
You’ll also benefit from lecturers who lead research in financial sustainability, FinTech innovation, and ethical investment, topics that increasingly shape decision-making in today’s finance sector.
This diversity of experience ensures that what you learn is not only academically robust but also grounded in the demands of real-world finance, equipping you to succeed in a variety of professional contexts.
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.
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) | (enter tariff range) |
|---|---|
| Typical A Level offer | (enter range) |
| Typical IB offer | (enter range) |
| Typical BTEC offer | (enter range) |
| Typical T Level offer | (enter range) |
| GCSE | EG: Grade 4/C in English Language and 4/D Mathematics |
| Access courses | EG: An overall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3. |
| Additional information | Find out more about our standard and contextual 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. |
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| 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 2026 | Full time | Apply via UCAS |
| Full time with placement year | Apply via UCAS | |
| Full time with study abroad year | Apply via UCAS |
International and EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK
Apply through Clearing
Our Clearing hotline is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10.00-16.45, Tuesday 11.00-16.45 and Friday 10.00-15.45. When the phone line is closed, please apply online.
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.
| Fees for 2026 entry will be published soon |
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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. |
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| 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
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
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Applications open to international and EU students |
Yes |
Course length |
Full Time, 3 YearsSandwich, 4 Years |
