This programme equips students for one of the fastest growing sectors both nationally and internationally.
This professionally relevant course has been designed to meet the needs of the financial services sector. Finance is the science of making monetary decisions and this course provides the skills and knowledge needed in making these decisions. A partnership with the global professional body Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) gives students a competitive edge.
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The BSc Hons Financial and Investment Management has been designed to meet the needs of the financial services sector.
Year 1 is introductory and focuses on the acquisition and development of personal skills recognised as foundation skills. In this induction period, you will complete a study skills module designed to equip you with the necessary key communication skills, soft skills and learning strategies to enhance your learning and employability.
Building on year 1, at year 2 you will develop the ability to work effectively in teams. You will be involved in the analysis of more complex operational issues, and will continue to develop your IT skills in respect of online financial databases, for example Bloomberg and other software essential for employment in the finance and investment environment.
After successful completion of year 2, you have the option to complete a placement year in a financial services environment. In final year, modules build on core themes to give you an appreciation of the contemporary issues relevant to finance and investment management.
Modules
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
BSc Hons Finance and Investment Management Programme Structure(below is a list of modules in level order)
Year 1
FIN105: Financial Mathematics and Statistics (Level 4, 20 Points, Compulsory)
FIN104: Academic and Professional Skills (Level 4, 20 Points, Compulsory)
ECO112: Microeconomic Principles (Level 4, 20 Points, Compulsory)
FIN101: Accounting for Financial Decision Makers (Level 4, 20 Points, Compulsory)
FIN103: Financial Institutions and Markets (Level 4, 20 Points, Compulsory)
FIN102: Quantitative Methods for Finance (Level 4, 20 Points, Compulsory)
Year 2
FIN308: Career Entrepreneurship (Level 5, 20 Points, Compulsory)
FIN301: International Financial Reporting (Level 5, 20 Points, Compulsory)
FIN302: Corporate Finance (Level 5, 20 Points, Compulsory)
FIN303: Financial Modelling (Level 5, 20 Points, Compulsory)
FIN304: Money and the Economy (Level 5, 20 Points, Compulsory)
FIN305: Principles of Investing (Level 5, 20 Points, Compulsory)
Year 3
ACF312: Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) [International] (Level 5, 60 Points, Option)
ACF329: Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS) (Level 5, 120 Points, Option)
Year 4
FIN501: Regulation and Ethics (Level 6, 20 Points, Compulsory)
FIN505: International Finance (Level 6, 20 Points, Compulsory)
FIN503: Risk Management: Principles & Practice (Level 6, 20 Points, Option)
FIN504: Behavioural Finance (Level 6, 20 Points, Option)
FIN502: Money, Banking and Other Financial Institutions (Level 6, 20 Points, Option)
FIN510: Financial Technology and Data Science (Level 6, 20 Points, Option)
FIN507: Portfolio Management (Level 6, 20 Points, Compulsory)
FIN508: Derivatives (Level 6, 20 Points, Compulsory)
FIN506: Financial Statement Analysis (Level 6, 20 Points, Compulsory)
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Classes are timetabled per semester for full-time students.
Three years full-time or;
Four years full-time if you undertake an optional placement year between Year 2 and Final Year.
I Will Learn
Each module adopts a unique assessment strategy and this may include; computer-based
exercises, class tests, essays, oral presentations (individual and group), case studies and "live projects". Each module is assessed by 100% coursework.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until near the start date and may be subject to change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days of attendance will often be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Masters courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be via one method or a combination e.g. examination and coursework . Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have four learning outcomes, and no more than two items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6 (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Masters degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.
Over 80% of teaching staff hold Fellowship of Advance HE (formely the Higher Education Academy).
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
The Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter.
High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.
Find out more - information about accommodation
At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
Find out more - information about student wellbeing
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
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Grades BCC if including A level Mathematics or
Grades BBC if not completing A level Mathematics.
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DDD in a relevant subject.
OR
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of DMM in a relevant subject.
You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard (provided subject requirements are met). Examples of combinations include:
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade B
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma /OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade C
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades BB
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades BB
For further information on the entry requirements for this course please contact the administrator as listed in Contact details.
112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level). The overall profile must include English at minimum H6 at Higher Level or Grade O4 at Ordinary level plus Maths at H5 at Higher level or O3 at Ordinary Level.
OR
104 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level). The overall profile must include English at minimum Grade H6 at Higher Level or Grade O4 at Ordinary Level. One Higher Level subject must include minimum Grade H3 from Higher Maths.
The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is BCCCC to include minimum of grade B in Mathematics or grades BBCCC if not undertaking Scottish Highers Mathematics.
The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is CDD to include a minimum of grade C in Advanced Mathematics or grades CCD if not undertaking Scottish Highers Mathematics.
Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum 25 points (12 points at higher level).
Overall Access profile 63% to include 60% in NICATs Maths or GCSE Maths grade B/C* or 6/5.
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language, additionally GCSE Profile to include Maths with a minimum grade B/C* 6/5.
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Pass HND with overall Merit to include 45 distinctions at level 5. Plus GCSE Maths Grade B/C*.
Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 75 distinctions at level 4/5. Plus GCSE Maths grade B/C*
You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University (provided subject requirements as noted above are met).
Most students enter Year 1 of the programme. Applicants who can provide evidence of previous relevant study, awarded in accordance with the Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme, (CATS), may be considered for entry to Year 2. In appropriate cases, opportunities exist at the end of Year 1 for reciprocal transfer between this programme and other first-degree programmes in the School.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
BSc Hons Finance and Investment Management graduates are highly sought after as the programme has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the financial services sector. Graduates will be well placed to gain employment in financial centres such as London and Dublin as well as the growing Northern Ireland financial services market. A diverse set of career opportunities are open to suitably qualified graduates and the skill set embodied in the degree is in high demand by employers. Graduates could also pursue careers in general business or the public sector and would be prepared for postgraduate study in finance or related disciplines.
You have the option of a placement year. This will provide a link between the subjects you have been studying and their application in a 'real world' setting, as well as allowing you to further develop your personal profile and finance skills base. Satisfactory completion of the placement year will lead to the award of the Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP).
You have also the option to study abroad for a year; satisfactory completion of a study abroad year will lead to the award of the Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS).
Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.
Recognised by the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA).
Accredited by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for associate membership with that body.
Fees illustrated are based on academic year 22/23 entry and are subject to an annual increase.
If your study continues into future academic years your fees are subject to an annual increase. Please take this into consideration when you estimate your total fees for a degree.
Additional mandatory costs are highlighted where they are known in advance. There are other costs associated with university study.
Visit our Fees pages for full details of fees.
Correct at the time of publishing. Terms and conditions apply.
£4,630.00
£9,250.00
£15,360.00
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees. See www.ulster.ac.uk/student/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/tuition-fees-202223/ni-roi-students for most up to date costs.
Admissions contact:
Jenny Semple
Course Director:
Claire McCann
International Admissions Office
E: internationaladmissions@ulster.ac.uk
