Course overview

Our BSc (Hons) Finance programme is designed for students seeking a comprehensive foundation in finance covering areas of financial management, investment management and banking. Throughout the programme, you will explore key financial concepts, theories, and models, developing a strong understanding of how these underpin effective financial decision-making in real-world contexts. The course places a strong emphasis on analytical and quantitative skills, enabling you to confidently interpret financial data and financial markets.

You will be supported in developing the knowledge and practical skills required for careers such as investment analyst, corporate financial manager, and roles across banking and financial services. Applied learning and real-world perspectives are embedded throughout the programme to ensure you are well prepared for employment after graduation.

The programme also offers professional recognition, providing accreditation or exemptions from leading professional bodies including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

The course is delivered by Aston Business School which is part of an elite group of global business schools that hold the gold standard of ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

"Aston [University] stood out to me after attending an open day event where the atmosphere on the campus was simply amazing. I loved the library, the Students' Union building and the overall natural feel of the campus."

Why Finance at Aston University?

Recognised for quality

Aston Business School is proud to be among 1% of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation

Professionally accredited

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants(ACCA)

Professionally affiliated

Affiliated University of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute

Professional partnerships

We are a Chartered Market Technicians Association academic partner

Professional exemptions

Graduates could claim a Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) ‘standard award’, giving credit towards CII professional qualifications in financial services and insurance

Top 5% in the world

Top 5% of global evaluated institutions (QS World University Rankings 2026)

Inspiring academics

We have a worldwide reputation and inspirational staff who can pass on the benefit of genuine commercial experience.

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.

AI & Digital

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Inclusive Leadership

Environmental Sustainability

Discover Power Skills

Course description

BSc (Hons) Finance

Our BSc (Hons) Finance degree at Aston University will equip you with the theoretical and experiential knowledge, along with analytical skills to succeed in the financial sector.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK’s second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you. You will enjoy a rewarding, fun learning experience with group work, idea sharing, real-world case studies, real-time financial data and engaging virtual tools like games and simulations.

We are also an Adobe Creative Campus meaning you will have access to top-notch software licenses, including Adobe and Solidworks, commonly used in industry.

What you will provide
You will bring motivation and a determination to succeed in your studies. Throughout your degree, you must be willing to grow as an independent learner, self-direct yourself to take full advantage of our lecturers expert knowledge and innovative facilities, and you must be adaptable and demonstrate a willingness to push yourself.

What skills we teach
Through a range of activities, you will develop the core skills sought after by any employer such as communication, teamwork and effective decision making. You will have the ability to interpret and critically analyse small to large scale financial data to apply these to real-world company performance questions.

Placement year
We all know that taking a placement year will boost your employability – it’s what makes Aston University graduates some of the most employable in the country. It’s for this reason that we encourage every student to take one. The placement year gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills.

The placement year is compulsory for BSc (Hons) Finance students. International students can request permission to opt out of the placement year, but we strongly recommend that it is completed where possible.

Career prospects
As an Aston University Finance graduate, you will be equipped for a range of different career options. Our recent graduates have gone on to work across the public, private and third sectors for organisations including: Barclays Bank, JCB and Amazon Logistics.

How you will learn

Our teaching approach is innovative, comprehensive, and practical, emphasising real-world application. The BSc (Hons) Finance programme employs diverse teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, case studies and presentations. At the start of your course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who can offer individual study advice and guidance.

Our emphasis is on practical knowledge application, with guest lectures from prominent business leaders and mentoring programs offering unique insights. Our renowned Visiting Professors, top UK business figures, share their expertise and expectations from students and graduates.

Our virtual learning environment enhances traditional teaching with access to Bloomberg trading terminals for applied real-world experience. You'll have access to the University Library's extensive collection of over 25,000 books and electronic journals. University-wide services like the careers service, Jobshop, counselling and advice services, sports facilities, and Chaplaincy enhance your overall university experience and prepare you for your professional career.

Aston University also offers an array of extracurricular activities, including clubs and societies like Aston Bright Futures, which works with leading businesses across various sectors. These activities not only enrich your student experience but also help you explore your specific interests and career pathways.

What you will learn

Driven by the needs of industry, our course provides you with a comprehensive and critical understanding of finance, management and economics alongside the opportunity to specialise in areas of finance that interest you.

First year

In your first year, you will develop a strong foundation in the core principles of finance and business. Modules introduce you to key areas such as principles of finance, accounting, economics, and business analytics, alongside data intelligence and quantitative methods for finance. These subjects will equip you with essential analytical and numerical skills, forming a solid base for more advanced financial study and decision-making in later years.

Second year

Building on this foundation, the second year focuses on applying financial theory to practical and contemporary contexts. You will study areas such as corporate finance, commercial banking, trading strategies, personal wealth planning and management, and financial technology (FinTech). This year is designed to deepen your understanding of how financial institutions, markets, and individuals make strategic financial decisions in a rapidly evolving global environment.

Placement year

The Aston University placement year forms an integral part of your educational journey and gives you the chance to put theory into practice, gain relevant work experience, and develop professional and transferable skills. Our award-winning careers and placements team are on hand to support you through every step of your placement journey.

Placement stories

Final year

In your final year, you will engage with advanced and specialist areas of finance, including investment and portfolio management, financial derivatives, investment banking, and Python for finance. You will also be able to tailor your degree by choosing from a range of optional modules such as sustainable finance, corporate governance, Islamic finance, and international finance, allowing you to align your studies with your career aspirations and interests.

Accreditations and affiliations

Our BSc (Hons) Finance programme is a CFA institute affiliate programme and hold accreditations by several prestigious professional bodies, including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

We are also affiliated with Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) and Chartered Market Technicians Association (CMT Association) as academic partners and with CFA UK as Investment Management Certificate (IMC) Advantage Partner. These partnerships provide our BSc finance students with valuable opportunities and enrichment experiences such as scholarships for professional qualifications and certifications, internships, ambassador programmes, investment competitions, and professional networking events.

Tolu Olugunju Business and Politics student

My placement year experience

Tolu Olagungu completed two placements as part of his degree - at Redbull and Mercedes Benz. His experiences opened his eyes to the world of opportunities out there.

Discover Tolu's journey

Course objectives

Enable students to acquire sound knowledge and understanding of fundamental financial concepts, principles, accounting, economics, and terminology, and their application within business and financial contexts.
Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of financial markets, institutions, instruments, banking systems, and trading activities within domestic and international economic and regulatory environments.
Develop students’ ability to apply quantitative methods, statistics, data intelligence, business analytics, and advanced digital tools (including programming) to analyse, model, and interpret financial data.
Enable students to apply managerial, corporate, and investment finance principles to evaluate financial decisions in organisational and personal finance settings.
Foster the ability to critically evaluate financial information, strategies, and market behaviour, recognising uncertainty, ethical considerations, risk, and regulatory constraints.
Develop students’ capacity to communicate financial analyses, arguments, and recommendations clearly and effectively using appropriate written, numerical, graphical, digital, and professional conventions.
Equip students with autonomy, decision-making and teamwork skills through applied learning, preparing them for graduate employment and professional roles in finance-related careers.
Encourage high standards of professional and ethical conduct, reflective practice, and continuous learning to support career progression, professional qualifications, and lifelong engagement in the finance profession.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Principles of Finance	15
Quantitative Methods for Finance	15
Accounting for Business	15
Principles of Microeconomics	15
Financial Markets and Institutions	15
Data Intelligence for Finance	15
Principles of Macroeconomics	15
Foundations of Business Analytics	15
Total	120

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of finance, equipped with the necessary quantitative skills.
Demonstrate an understanding of key principles in economics.
Utilise basic statistics and mathematics techniques to analyse business and managerial decision making.
Represent economic ideas graphically using appropriate techniques.
Work effectively as an independent and self-managed learner to complete tasks by deadlines.

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Managerial Finance	15
Fintech	15
Personal Wealth Planning and Management	15
Corporate Finance	15
Commercial Banking	15
Trading Strategies	15
Total	90

In term 1 you will choose one of the following optional modules*:

Module Title	Credits
Sports Economics and Finance	15
Applied Business Economics	15
Strategic Analysis and Leadership	15
Intermediate Macroeconomics	15

In term 2 you will choose one of the following optional modules*:

Module Title	Credits
Real Estate Economics & Finance	15
Accounting Information for Management Decisions	15
Taxation Principles	15
Optimisation and Decision Analytics	15
Intermediate Microeconomics	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the structure of financial markets as well as the roles of different agents and financial assets in the functioning of financial markets.
Discuss critically the application of accounting, economic and finance theories and concepts to the study of relevant problems in business and management.
Communicate accounting, economic and finance concepts, models and techniques in a clear and precise style.
Demonstrate awareness of ethical and sustainability issues within the fields of accounting, economics and finance, as well as wider social and management issues and cultural diversity within a global context.
Demonstrate a knowledge of core trading techniques and develop the practical knowledge and skills required to implement investment strategies.
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the rationale for banking regulation, in particular, the regulatory reforms post financial crisis.

Placement year modules

You will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement year

Module Title	Credits
Integrated Placement Year	120

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

Identify and analyse an issue or process relevant for your placement organisation using academic theory and/or techniques.
Recommend appropriate actions for your placement organisation.
Evaluate the use of academic theories and/or techniques in analysing issues, processes, and supporting recommendations.
Reflect upon and articulate your own learning, plan and implemented strategies to build upon this learning.

Final year modules

In your final year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Financial Derivatives	15
Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management	15
Python for Finance	15
Investment Banking	15
The Consulting Challenge	15
Total	75

In term 1 you will choose two of the following optional modules*:

Module Title	Credits
Islamic Finance	15
Advanced Taxation	15
Financial Economics	15
Further Topics in Microeconomics	15

In term 2 you will choose one of the following optional modules*:

Module Title	Credits
International Finance	15
Governance, Ethics and Sustainability	15
Applied Data Mining and Exploration	15
Further Topics in Macroeconomics	15
Behavioural Economics	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Final year outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of financial decision-making.
Critically evaluate advanced theories and models used in finance.
Apply a range of advanced finance and quantitative models for the purpose of financial decision-making and explain the rationale behind the use of alternative finance models by financial managers.
Use correctly a variety of quantitative methods to analyse data and draw reasoned conclusions.

We regularly review our modules to provide the best possible teaching and learning experience, incorporating academic developments, student feedback and employer feedback.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any changes to modules at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints may mean it isn’t possible to take some module combinations. The structure of some courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

ASTON POWER SKILLS

Built into every undergraduate degree

Gain the skills employers look for worldwide.
As an Aston student, you will develop expertise in four key areas:

AI & Digital

Join the rise of the humans. Don't fear AI, master it and use it for good. Develop digital skills for the future, whatever career you want to pursue.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Don't follow the rules, rewrite them. Today’s fast-changing world needs original thinkers. Creators. Innovators. Risk takers. So get ready to think smart and reach the next level.

Inclusive Leadership

Make space for every voice to be heard. Be the one who brings people together with a shared vision. Learn to break down barriers and be the leader the future needs.

Environmental Sustainability

It's not game over for our planet. It's game on. Together we can create a greener tomorrow. The world urgently needs graduates who can shape more sustainable and ethical ways of working. The future depends on it.

Entry requirements

A Levels

BBB (standard offer)
BBC (with EPQ minimum grade B)
BBC (contextual offer)
Contextual offers

Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

BTEC Extended Diploma – DDD (standard offer)

BTEC Extended Diploma – DDM (contextual offer)

The University also accepts the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma and BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/BTEC Level 3 Diploma for entry onto degree programmes, provided that they are studied in combination with other qualifications that are equivalent to three full A2 Levels.

31 points overall in the IB diploma with grades 5,5,5 in 3 higher level subjects.

You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language

We accept the QAA-recognised Access Diploma which must consist of 45 credits at Level 3.

You must obtain a minimum of 21 credits at distinction and the rest must be at merit or distinction.

Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification and you must meet the GCSE entry requirement.

The following T Levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction - grade D
Digital Production, Design and Production - grade D
Education and Childcare - grade D
Onsite Construction - grade D
Building Services Engineering for Construction - grade D
Digital Business Services - grade D
Digital Support Services - grade D
Health - grade D
Healthcare Science - grade D
Science - grade D
Accounting - grade D
Finance - grade D
Management and administration - grade D
Design and development for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
Maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing - grade D
Legal Services - grade D

GCSE Maths – grade B/5
GCSE English Language or English Literature – grade C/4

Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a first year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A Level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.

Year 2 entry: Please note that second year transfers are not part of the standard admissions process and is up to the discretion of the admissions team and tutor. Applications are only considered if there is space on that year of the programme. Typically, applicants for second year entry must meet the GCSEs and A Level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have successfully passed (or be expected to pass) your first year with 120 credits on an equivalent programme at another recognised university with very similar module content. The equivalency of the programme is reviewed by the Admissions Tutor and you will be required to provide an official copy of the programme specification of this. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference.

Year 3 entry onwards: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3 or final year.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

The fees set out below are not confirmed. We will update this webpage with the confirmed fees for 2027/28 by 31 July 2026.

UK students
(2027/28)

First year tuition fee:	£10,050*
During placement year:	£1,250*

International students
(2026/27)

First year tuition fee:	£23,500**
During placement year:	£2,500**

*UK students (Home Undergraduate):

Subject to parliamentary approval, the first year tuition fee will be £10,050, increasing annually in line with inflation for subsequent academic years.

On 20 October 2025, the Government announced that tuition fees in England will be increased annually in line with inflation, starting in 2026. The Government have since confirmed that it intends to determine the inflation-linked increase using the Retail Price Index, although this is subject to parliamentary approval.

According to the Department for Education’s Policy Paper published on 26 November, the annual tuition fee for the Programme commencing in the academic year 2027/28 is expected to be £10,050, subject to parliamentary approval. If you are holding an offer at Aston, when the annual tuition fee for your Programme for the 2027/28 academic year has been confirmed, we will write to update you. We will also provide as much information as we can about the inflation-linked increase in tuition fees for future academic years.

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this webpage and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its terms and conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. Please note that our current Terms and Conditions are for 2026 entry. We expect to publish our 2027 entry Terms and Conditions in summer 2026. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Placement year fee

The placement year fee stated here is for September 2026 entry for this course. The updated placement fee for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

**International students (Overseas Undergraduate):

The first year tuition fee and placement year fee are not confirmed. The annual tuition fee and placement year fee stated here are for the September 2026 entry for this course. The updated fees for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its terms and conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. Please note that our current Terms and Conditions are for 2026 entry. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

Placement year fee

The placement year fee stated here is for September 2026 entry for this course. The updated placement fee for September 2027 entry will be updated on this page by 31 July 2026.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

Assessment is provided through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations and practical assessments. In addition, you will also be assessed on your portfolio that will be produced as part of your placement experience. You will reflect on your experience and evidence your analysis of a situation identified within the placement organisation which draws on learning from your previous studies.

Career prospects

Our BSc (Hons) Finance programme will prepare you for a range of careers across the public, private and third sectors. Our graduates are among the highest paid in the country, earning on average £33,200 three years after graduating, and £42,000 five years after graduating (Longitudinal Education Outcomes, 2025).

The transferable skills that our finance programmes provide mean that our graduates are successful in finding employment in a wide range of roles such as:

Finance reporting analyst
Area manager
Accountant
Associate auditor
Investment analyst
Operations analyst
Audit associate
Banking analyst
Group buyer

Our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as Lidl, PwC, JP Morgan, Barclays Bank, Airbus, Bank of England, Ford Motor Company, KPMG, JCB and Bank of New York.

Dreaming big

Ali-Reza Panjwani talks about his experience at Aston University and how it propelled him to becoming an executive director at J.P. Morgan in New York City.

Discover Ali-Reza's journey

Aston Business School graduates achieve some amazing things - whether it's setting up their own businesses, landing competitive graduate schemes, or making real differences within their communities.

Hear from our graduates

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni services

Simba's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I went on The Apprentice

Sunjay's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I worked with Kylie Minogue

Christine's journey beyond graduation

After Aston, I founded a global football franchise

Frequently asked questions

Why study finance?

Not only will you develop your understanding across finance, economics, accounting and management, but you’ll gain invaluable, real-world career experience during your placement year. You’ll develop excellent financial literature skills and our BSc (Hons) Finance programme has numerous accreditations and exemptions, meaning you’ll not only gain a degree but a career path to progress into a number of settings.

Does accreditation matter for finance?

Yes. Accreditation can instantly be applied, whether that’s specifically in an accounting role or more broadly within business. You’ll get theoretical, accredited and practical experiences within this degree.

What is the Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway?

You can deepen your learning and stand out from other graduates whilst gaining a fantastic learning experience overseas. The Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway is similar to an exchange programme, but during your placement year you’ll follow a particular curriculum, setting you on the track for our partner institutions degree award. This means, if successful, you will graduate with two undergraduate degrees.

Exchange Partnership Second Degree Pathway

How will a placement year benefit me?

Whether you choose to study abroad or do a work placement, Aston University’s links with employers and universities around the world mean you will have a wide range of options to boost your employability and explore the world of work.

Our work placements give you the opportunity to apply what you have learnt on your course while gaining valuable professional and paid experience. It can enhance your graduate employment prospects and help you to make more informed career decisions. Around one in five of our placement students are offered graduate jobs by their placement employer.

Find out more

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham