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BA (Hons) Business and Finance

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Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: NN13
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

Entry requirements

UCAS points A Level BTEC
112 - 120 BBC - BBB DMM - DDM

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics
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.
For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.
Find out more about International 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.
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UCAS points	A Level	BTEC
112 - 120	BBC - BBB	DMM - DDM

Why choose this course?

Shortlisted for Business School of the Year (Times HE Awards 2019)
This course achieved 98% for student satisfaction (NSS 2019)
Tailor your studies around your core strengths and interests

Open the door to a broad range of amazing career opportunities in finance.
Join an exciting community of like-minded individuals who will not only be your classmates, but friends.
Expand on your knowledge of finance and the financial sector and develop the necessary skills for you to succeed in the dynamic, high-reward, finance and banking industries.
You will be taught by a friendly and supportive group of academics and professionals, who bring their extensive industry and academic knowledge and experiences from different parts of the globe. They are not just here to teach you, but to inspire and motivate you to achieve your full potential.
Access to an excellent range of teaching and learning facilities, including access to a vast range of online business, finance, and economic resources, as well as specialised databases and online discussions with staff and students.

Careers and employability

100% of UH finance graduates are in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018- 2019). In addition to this, the average salary of our finance students 15 months after graduation is £24,000 (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017- 2018).

Many of our graduates have also found work in the public sector and private sector, in roles such as Accountant, Finance Administrator, Billing Co-ordinator, Payroll Assistant, Fund Administrator and Internship in Finance.

In the last few years, our graduates have also gone on to work for reputable employers such as HMRC, PWC, Citibank, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander and Hilton Worldwide.

Our aim is not only to teach you the principles of financial theory but how to use those theories in practical business environments. This is the reason why so many of our students thrive in industries after graduation.

What's the course about?

Indicative course structure

This degree gives you an in-depth understanding of today’s business world. You’ll explore accounting, marketing, and human resources, as well as the fast-moving international financial sector – from financial markets and investments to banking and economics. It’s an ideal choice if you know you’d like a respected business degree and you’re interested in finance but perhaps not yet sure where you’d like to specialise. It enables you to bring both disciplines together and to understand how they interact and impact society.

The course will also have modules specifically focused on your employability and developing and enhancing the skill necessary to thrive in your future career.

The First Year introduces general business and finance modules, namely Principals of Finance and The Finance Professionals, which encompass Economics, Quantitative Methods and Ethics. These modules give our students a firm foundation and help them to build a general understanding of finance in the context of society.

The Second Year explores employability for our students. We focus on the academic concepts covering the general disciplines and the ongoing development of quantitative analysis skills, namely Econometrics, Business Ethics and Analysing Financial Statements. We enable our students to understand and process financial information in businesses so that they apply those skills in their future careers.

The Final Year focuses on analytical areas such as Creative Problem Solving for Managers, Contemporary Issues in Business and Management, and Financial Aspects of International Business. These modules are designed to develop the professional skills that our students need to be successful in their future careers

Work placement/ study abroad option: In this course, students can also have the opportunity of gaining valuable work experience by going on a year-long, paid work placement or studying abroad to polish up their foreign language skills. The Careers and Employment Service on College Lane offers a range of services to students and alumni to help with their career choices, finding employment (including placements), skills enhancement (including CV writing and interview technique), and preparation for the workplace. Also, students can Study Abroad, spending part of their degree course studying, living, and experiencing life abroad at one of our partner universities across the globe.

Your main campus is de Havilland 

You’ll share this campus with students from business, law, sport, education, and humanities subjects. The student housing is close to our Sports Village which includes a gym, swimming pool and climbing wall. You can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner in our on-campus restaurant or bar (in the newly built Enterprise Hub) on days you don’t feel like cooking. You can also use the common room to play pool, video games or just to hang out with friends.  Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.  

What will I study?

You will be studying four 15 credit modules in each semester (this may vary between double modules) and your contact time varies between modules, but usually you will have two sessions per week for each module, a one-hour lecture following by a one-hour seminar/tutorial. Typically, a new topic or theory will be introduced in each lecture and will be followed up with class discussion and feedback in the subsequent seminar. In addition, as part of your study time, you will be collaborating with your peers on tasks and group assignments. Module leaders also offer weekly drop-in and feedback sessions, usually 2 x 1 hour per module as well as revision sessions.

The University’s ‘online learning environment’ means you can access all your course resources, literature and timetables from anywhere in the world.

Usually, assessment is split between coursework and examinations. The style of coursework can vary from presentations to business reports or essays depending on the taught topics.

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 the analytical apparatuses 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 they make when faced with ethical dilemmas is also analysed. Content includes: ethical theorists, child labour, 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 in 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 introduces 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 the analytical apparatuses 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.
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 workshop-based, 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 a vital sector for any economy. 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, complementing the knowledge and understanding of strategic issues developed through studies on the companion module 6BUS1143 Business Strategy. 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 particular 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 begins by examining the life cycle and the various sources of funding available at each stage and moves on an analysis of major business changes, eg 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 the many conflicting perspectives within the subject of strategic management and consider the problems involved in researching and developing strategies and plans and implementing 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 students' professional skills critical to effective strategy development and implementation. In particular, the module focusses 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 SME's, 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.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement

Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements

Check out our student blogs

Alumni Stories

Elizaveta Zaskalko

Meet Elizaveta Zaskalko, who has explored the tourism industry and shared her passion for travel. She works at Expedia Inc as an Account Manager.

Read more stories Find out more about this course

Current job role	Account Manager
Year of graduation	2016
Course of study	BA (Hons) Tourism Management with French

A passion for travel

Elizaveta always had a passion for tourism and knew her career would be within the industry. She works at Expedia Inc as an Account Manager and is responsible for the brand's relationships with Marriott, Hilton, and other chains in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Studying at the University gave her a vast knowledge of the tourism industry and prepared her for entering the sector. Tourism is a diverse and global industry, with many career opportunities for new graduates.

She says, 'When I started my studies, I knew that I wanted to work in the tourism industry but had no idea which part of it. As I progressed, I learned about so many different branches of the industry and it really helped me to narrow it down to the one I actually really enjoyed.'

Strong employment links

'The best thing about my course is that it prepared us for the working world. The programme had a huge focus on employability, which I think was incredibly useful. Coming out of university I knew where I wanted to go, what I wanted to do and how to achieve it.'

The employment focus and links to industry embedded into Elizaveta's degree are what persuaded her to study at Herts. Our courses are designed to give students great opportunities, prepare them for professional life and provide them with direct access to their chosen profession through expert teaching and tangible industry connections.

Elizaveta says, 'An important factor for me choosing to study at the University was being able to do an industry placement year, as it's very hard to get a job without work experience nowadays. My placement year was very challenging but it was one of the most useful experiences I have had so far.'

View our Alumni profiles

Elizaveta Zaskalko
Key staff

Dr Edward Lee
Programme Leader: Finance and Finance & Economics
Find out more about Dr Edward Lee
Dr Frank Currie
Subject Group Leader: Finance and Finance & Economics
Find out more about Dr Frank Currie

Course fact sheets
BA (Hons) Business and Finance	Download

Programme specifications
BA (Hons) Finance	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

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

Apply through our international/EU application portal

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

Apply using the links below:

2023

Start Date	End Date	Link
20/09/2023	31/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time)
23/09/2023	31/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
20/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time)
23/09/2024	31/05/2025	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Fees and funding
Fees 2023
UK Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2023/2024 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £14750 for the 2023/2024 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £14750 for the 2023/2024 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.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

BA (Hons) Business and Finance

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: NN13

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

Careers and employability

What's the course about?

Your main campus is de Havilland

What will I study?

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

Alumni Stories

Meet Elizaveta Zaskalko, who has explored the tourism industry and shared her passion for travel. She works at Expedia Inc as an Account Manager.

A passion for travel

Strong employment links

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

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

2023

2024

Fees 2023

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is de Havilland 