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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 with our business and finance degree.

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Tailor your studies around your core strengths and interests

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A practical programme combining knowledge and professional skills

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98% for student satisfaction (NSS, 2019)

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 business and 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 on the business and finance degree.

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 on our business and finance degree. 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 fulfil 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 business and finance alumnis, 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

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

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 during the business and finance course.

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.

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.

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 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

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.

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 offerBBC–BBB
Typical IB offer112–120
Typical BTEC offerDMM–DDM
Accepted T LevelsDesign Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services.
Access courses112–120
GCSEGrade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Additional informationFind 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.

Typical offer (UCAS points)120–128
Typical A Level offerBBB–ABB
Typical IB offer120–128
Typical BTEC offerDDM
Accepted T LevelsDesign Survey and Planning for Construction; Design Production, Design and Development; Education and Childcare; Healthcare Science; Health; Science; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Onsite Construction; Building Services Engineering for Construction; Accounting; Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing; Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control; Finance; Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing; Management and Administration; Agriculture, Land Management and Production; Legal Services.
Access courses120–128
GCSEGrade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.
Additional informationFind 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.

Ready to apply?

UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK
Start date Study typeApply
September 2025Full timeApply via UCAS
Full time with placement yearApply via UCAS
Full time with study abroad yearApply 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 typeFees
UK studentsFull time£9,250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU studentsFull time£15,500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
International studentsFull 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.

Study typeFees
UK studentsFull time£9,250 for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU studentsFull time£15,965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
International studentsFull time£15,965 for the 2025/2026 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 YearsSandwich, 4 Years

Not ready to apply?