This programme equips students for the financial services sector, 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 on this programme a competitive edge through the opportunity to take professional qualifications.
The CFA Society of the UK recognises the significant alignment between the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) and the BSc Hons Finance and Investment Managementat Ulster University Business School. The IMC is the UK's benchmark qualification for the investment profession.
The Certificate in Quantitative Finance (CQF) is the largest professional qualification in quantitative finance and is recognised by financial companies worldwide. Ulster University Business School is one of the few Universities partnered with the CQF Institute and our students can register as free members and have the opportunity to access the latest CQF Institute membership resources, including events, research, careers tools, workshops and thought leadership content.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
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 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, year 2 develops your 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 with respect to 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 the financial services sector. 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 Planning and Skills Development (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: Insurance and Risk Management (Level 6, 20 Points, Option)
FIN504: Behavioural Finance (Level 6, 20 Points, Option)
FIN502: Money, Banking and Financial Development (Level 6, 20 Points, Option)
FIN510: Financial Technology and Data Science (Level 6, 20 Points, Option)
FIN512: Sustainable Finance (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 close to the start date and may be subject to some 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 and periods of attendance will 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, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses 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. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s 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 a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
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, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. 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 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 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 module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
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 Master’s 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 from the academic year 2022-2023.
Over 85% of teaching staff hold Fellowship of Advance HE (formery the Higher Education Academy).
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
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 and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance 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 from the academic year 2022-2023.
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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.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to key concepts and models used by economists to analyse the microeconomic problems and issues characteristic of contemporary market economies. Emphasis is given to market activity and the consequences this has for different groups within society. The module will allow students to understand the need for government intervention and regulation of market forces within a market economy.
Year: 1
Status: C
Accounting for Financial Decision Makers provides students with an understanding of the financial statements, standards and concepts relevant to those working in the field of finance and how to use that information to make financial decisions.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module equips students with basic mathematical techniques necessary for understanding and employing quantitative modelling methods commonly employed in economics, finance and investment management.
Year: 1
Status: C
To provide students with an overview of the financial system. It seeks to develop students' understanding of financial markets, institutions and the environment within which they operate.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module provides an introduction to the development of a professional identity for undergraduate students at an early stage of career planning. This module provides students with an opportunity to consider, reflect on and develop the key skills that will provide the basis for successful study on their programme of study and in their future professional life.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module develops students' quantitative skills and provides the building blocks for subsequent quantitative analysis.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module provides students with the knowledge and practical skills for applying business intelligence and data analytics principles to support strategic decision making in a business context. The module also help develop students' data management, business analysis and data visualisation skills to derive valuable insights from data in a business context. The module will help students to design, develop and deploy digital artefacts to support performance management for a selected case organisation.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
Students of finance and investment are required to be thoroughly comfortable reading and interpreting the published financial statements of limited companies. Gaining such skills adds breadth and depth to the financial and commercial awareness of students of finance and prepares students for 'Financial Statement Analysis' and will provide students with a grounding for the rigour of industry.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module introduces students to the financial environment within which firms operate and equips them with the skills and knowledge to evaluate the corporate finance decisions: investment, financing and dividend policy.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
Understanding the diverse career options open to students is essential if students are to understand and develop the skills and attributes that employers across different markets are seeking. This module aims to engage students in their own employability development as well as aid their understanding of what recruiting employers look for and in particular why they look for specific attributes.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module introduces students to Digital Business Skills concepts. The module aim is to enable students to study and develop digital literacy skills in order to collect, analyse and report on data from a variety of digital sources. It seeks to develop the student's ability to identify appropriate methods and techniques for analysis from different data sources in order to report on this and to develop and enhance their employability skills.
Year: 3
Status: C
The primary objective of this module is to provide an introduction to econometric theory and techniques especially linear regression analysis, hypothesis testing and application with financial time series. With extensive use computer packages such as Python or Microsoft Excel students will be able to use real data to analyse financial models. This module emphasises the role of econometrics in supporting evidence-based decision making.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module introduces students to the macroeconomic environment and modelling, the role of money and central banking in the economy, the rationale for monetary policy and its effects on economic performance alongside government fiscal policy. In all cases placing particular emphasis on example case studies: China, USA and Northern Ireland.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand the relevance and importance of functioning financial markets, develops knowledge of the global financial services industry, financial assets and investment products and to critically evaluate competing and complementary trading and investing styles.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides an understanding of the regulatory compliance issues critical to a role in financial services in the 21st Century.
Year: 3
Status: C
The objective of the module is to provide students with a broad overview of the related subject areas of risk and insurance. Initially risk will be considered in terms of the primary risks encountered by financial services companies and how risk can be incorporated into the decision-making process. Subsequently the UK insurance sector will be examined by considering the main categories of insurance provided, the main market participants and the impact of FinTech disruption upon the sector.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module covers the international financial system, balance of payments, open-economy macroeconomics, exchange rates, and will discuss current issues within international finance.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Year: 4
Status: C
The module aims to provide students with a more strategic understanding of published financial statements. Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate & interrogate published financial statements in the context of their value relevance. This module will focus on the skills and techniques applied in contemporary fundamental analysis and equip students with the knowledge and skills to carry out and scrutinise firm valuation.
Year: 4
Status: C
The module provides a deeper understanding of portfolio management, the role of the portfolio manager, the tools at the disposal of the portfolio manager and the dynamics of the portfolio management environment. Subjects examined within the module include: fund construction and performance measurement, equity and bond fund management, risk management and market efficiency and the implications of behavioural finance.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module provides up-to-date coverage of the main aspects of financial derivatives. Moreover, it gives an overview of the mechanics of futures markets, the hedging strategies using futures, the determination of forward and futures prices, the mechanics of options markets and the swaps, and the Greek letters. The module presents the corner stone of financial derivatives, namely the Black-Scholes-Merton Model and Binomial Trees method.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module considers the development and functioning of the financial system, with a particular focus on the evolution of money and banking institutions. This facilitates a long-run view, incorporating both historical and modern perspectives, and enables the identification of trends, weaknesses and sustainability issues.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
The module aims to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of theoretical and empirical limitations of traditional finance theory and presents the foundations of behavioural finance. Students will have the opportunity to explore the opportunities for behavioural investing and systematic trading model design and be able to evaluate different trading models.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
Through studying this module learners will acquire an understanding of the impact of FinTech and what the future holds for financial services. This will also provide a practical understanding of how data science is driving transformation in the financial sector. Finally, the learner will appreciate the role financial technology has to play in achieving some of the SDGs; specifically, from the viewpoint of this module, SDGs 1, 9, and12.
Status: O
Year: 4
This module is optional
This module provides an understanding of the concept of sustainable finance and the crucial role that the financial industry must play in order to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement - COP 21. The module will look at how sustainable finance is measured and reported and the latest regulatory frameworks governing the industry. This course will act as an introduction and guide for the future finance professionals that are required to support the industry transition and manage sustainability risks, in order to move towards a more sustainable and circular economy.
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.
In this section
BBC; or
BCC including one of Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma
Award profile of DMM.
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - our Equivalence Entry Checker.
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - View our Undergraduate Entry Requirements
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 grade H6 at Higher Level or grade O4 at Ordinary Level plus Mathematics 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. This course also requires you to achieve H3 in one of Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting. If Mathematics is not passed at H3, you will be required to achieve a minimum H5 at Higher Level or O3 if studied at Ordinary Level in addition to one of the subjects above.
Grades BBCCC or grades BCCCC if undertaking one Scottish Higher from Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting.
Grades CCD or grades CDD if undertaking one Scottish Advanced Higher from Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting.
Overall profile minimum 25 points (12 points at higher level).
Overall profile of 63% (120 credit Access course) (NI Access course). To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 60% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics at 60% as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma or GCSE Mathematics grade C*/5.
Overall profile of 15 credits at distinction and 30 credits at merit in taught modules (60 credit Access course) (GB Access course)
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, plus Mathematics with a minimum grade C*/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 Mathematics.
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 score.
Acceptable alternative qualifications include:
Pass HND with overall Merit to include 45 distinctions at level 5. Plus GCSE Mathematics grade C*/5.
Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 75 distinctions at level 4. Plus GCSE Mathematics grade C*/5.
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).
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 the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
