BA (Hons) Business and Finance

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, examinations may be replaced by an alternative form of assessment during the academic year 2020/2021. Please refer to the Programme Specification on these pages for further details.

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

This course includes the sandwich year options of:

Work Placement*

Study abroad*

*No fees are charged for this year


UCAS code	NN13
Institution code	H36
School of study	Hertfordshire Business School
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Entry requirements

UCAS points A Level BTEC

96 CCC MMM

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English and Mathematics
All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6 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
96	CCC	MMM

Why choose this course?

Strengthen your knowledge on how to smoothly combine business and finance.
Dive straight into understanding how business operates.
Benefit from our links with local industry and commerce.
Enhance your experience through a work placement or study abroad year.

What's the course about?

Indicative course structure

A business degree is a powerful, career-launching qualification, and if you’re interested in a career in business, combining two subjects will give you sought-after skills, exciting experiences and a whole world of future career opportunities.

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 on society.

What will I study?

Alongside traditional teaching methods of lectures, seminars and tutorials, we operate a web-based student support system called StudyNet where you can expect to find a range of material and communications about every module.

The teaching method for most modules on the course is a one hour lecture followed by a one hour seminar. Typically, a new topic will be introduced in each lecture. The seminars provide an opportunity to discuss and obtain feedback on the topic introduced in the previous week's lecture. Usually, assessment is split between coursework and examination. Coursework may take a variety of forms and could be individual or group work.

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.
Economics for 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.
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.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Managing People	15 Credits	Compulsory
Managing People aims at providing students with an introduction to the management of people in organisations. Content includes: - The development of HRM, theory and practice, contextual factors, strategic approaches. - Recruitment and selection - role of R&S, models of R&S and their application. - Equality and diversity - the case for equality and diversity. Approaches to implementing equality and diversity policies and tackling discrimination in organisations. - Flexibility - managing flexibility. - Performance and reward management - managing people for performance, motivation and the link with reward management. - Employee participation and involvement - definition of terms. Factors affecting the success of employee involvement (EI). Effective communication. - Learning and development - contribution it can make to people performance and business success from identifying needs to evaluation of the outcomes. Managing people activities will be introduced from both strategic and operational perspectives. The role of the HR function and the line manager will be introduced.
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 that may when faced ethical dilemmas is also analysed. Content includes: ethical theorists, child labour, bribery, price fixing, working conditions, corporate social responsibility and whistleblowing.
Enterprise	15 Credits	Compulsory
In this module, students study the nature of enterprise and entrepreneurship, its importance to society and the individual personal opportunities that developing enterprise skills provides. Students will also work in a team to identify a new business opportunity and take this idea through the full business planning cycle, ending in a formal presentation of their proposed enterprise. Topics covered will normally include: - Concepts of enterprise and entrepreneurship - The economic impacts of enterprise - Insights into developing new ideas - Construction of business plans - Sources of advice and support schemes - Net working
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.
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 ratio’s and discuss the benefit of these as an analytical tool.
Enhancing Employability	15 Credits	Optional
The module is designed to equip the students with knowledge and understanding pertinent to employment and their personal skills to assist them to enhance their employability prospects while maintaining and enhancing their academic skills. It will enable students to research employment in their chosen sector or role 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 activities organised by the Business School, CEE and academic skills advisors and will be expected to attend those sessions to which they are directed
Professional Development for Business	15 Credits	Optional
The module provides students with a series of academic skills and study strategies which will underpin their subsequent studies. Students will identify a variety of study strategies to enhance their learning and maximise the opportunities offered in the virtual learning environment. These will include Harvard referencing, academic writing, revision techniques and time planning. The module is composed of several themes which will include communication, thinking and methods of enquiry, IT-literacy, numeracy and the nature of knowledge. Students will be expected to operate in teams, reflect on their practice and recognise aspects for self-development and improvement.

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.
Business Strategy	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will introduce students to a range of issues and challenges confronting strategic leaders of public, private and third sector 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 includes a comprehensive review of current strategic issues, identifying the contradictions and paradoxical nature of strategic decision-making and strategic planning. This module’s coverage of the themes of strategic position and strategic choice is designed to complement the study of strategy in action/implementation in the companion module 'Leadership and Organisations'.
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
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.
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

This course offers you the opportunity to study abroad through the University's study abroad programme. Study abroad opportunities are available worldwide and in Europe under the Erasmus+ Programme.

Find out more about study abroad
Work placement
As with all our courses students have the opportunity to complete a sandwich placement, which will usually last for one year. During this time you will be employed by the company and will subsequently be paid; for students on placement salaries have ranged from £11,500 - £14000. In past years students have completed placements with:
- KPMG
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Clark & Co Accountants
- Lloyds TSB

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 currently works at Expedia Inc as Associate Market Manager.

Current job role	Associate Market 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 currently works at Expedia Inc as Associate Market Manager in the Join Expedia Team (JET) and is responsible for the acquisition of new hotels in Kent.

She started at Expedia straight after graduating from the University in 2016, in the role of Market Associate in the Account Management team. After a year in post she decided to step out of her comfort zone and apply for a promotion in the expanding JET team.

Studying at the University gave her a vast knowledge of the tourism industry which she previously lacked 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.'

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.

Alumni Stories

Abbshay Simfukwe

Meet Abbshay Simfukwe who since graduating in 2010 has taken his skills across the world. He is currently working as a Financial Administrator for FSG Zambia and continues to work on this promising career.

Current job role	Financial Administrator
Year of graduation	2010
Course of study	BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance

University experience

Throughout his career Abbshay has worked at Ernst and Young as an Audit Assistant and was later promoted to Audit Senior. In his current role, Abbshay develops and maintains accurate financial statements, reporting in accordance to International Accounting standards. He also manages the cash flow of the company.

Abbshay says, 'Studying Accounting and Finance at the University of Hertfordshire helped shape my career due to the facilities and expert lecturers. These were essential, helping me acquire the knowledge needed to succeed in my chosen career. The LRC was a great place to access all the materials I needed and my lecturers made my academic experience engaging and interactive. Since studying I've been able to put this experience into practice professionally.'

He chose to study at the University of Hertfordshire due to our strong reputation and our close proximity to Central London. He also says he considered the University to be one of the most technologically advanced institutions in Europe. These factors were hugely important as they allowed Abbshay to obtain a high-quality education that carried great value back home in the Zambian accounting industry.

Internationally recognised

Studying provided Abbshay with an internationally recognised degree which he could take all around the world. Accountancy is a truly global industry, presenting opportunities to visit and work in new countries worldwide. This was of enormous value to Abbshay as he intended to establish an international career.

Abbshay says, 'The University of Hertfordshire also provides students with incredible social and educational activities and the close proximity to Central London is perfect for visiting the capital. The University also has a wonderful community of people from all over the world.'

He adds, 'Social events held by the University's Students' Union helped me meet, interact and share knowledge with people from different cultures.'

Aspirations for the future

Abbshay is a strong advocate of continued study and pursuing accountancy as a career. He says, 'I encourage new students and recent graduates to pursue a career in accountancy as it can offer excellent job prospects. With a strong degree graduates can work their way right to the very top of an organisation.' With six years in the industry, Abbshay hopes to obtain his PhD in 2020 in Finance. On this future career, he says 'I wish to be a CFO and contribute to the growth of an internationally recognised company.'

Studying Accounting and Finance at the University of Hertfordshire helped shape my career due to the facilities and expert lecturers. These were essential, helping me acquire the knowledge needed to succeed in my chosen career.

View our Alumni profiles

Elizaveta Zaskalko Abbshay Simfukwe

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

International applicants

Apply through our international application portal

Home and EU applicants

Apply using the links below:

2020

Start Date	End Date	Link
23/09/2020	31/05/2021	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2021

Start Date	End Date	Link
20/09/2021	31/05/2022	Apply online (Full Time)
23/09/2021	31/05/2022	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Fees and funding
Fees 2020
UK/EU Students

Full time
- £9250 for the 2020/2021 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £13000 for the 2020/2021 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

Please note that some of the images and videos on our course pages may have been taken before social distancing rules in the UK came into force.

Apply through Clearing

Apply through Clearing

BA (Hons) Business and Finance

This course includes the sandwich year options of:

Work Placement*

Study abroad*

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

What will I study?

Check out our student blogs

Student Blogs

My week at a glance

Student Blogs

Something interesting for a prospective student to consider

Student Blogs

What I love most about my course

Student Blogs

Alumni Stories

Meet Elizaveta Zaskalko who has explored the tourism industry and shared her passion for travel. She currently works at Expedia Inc as Associate Market Manager.

A passion for travel

Strong employment links

Alumni Stories

Meet Abbshay Simfukwe who since graduating in 2010 has taken his skills across the world. He is currently working as a Financial Administrator for FSG Zambia and continues to work on this promising career.

University experience

Internationally recognised

Aspirations for the future

International applicants

Home and EU applicants

2020

2021

Fees 2020

UK/EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation