BSc Banking and Finance

Key points

• a degree with an international flavour set within a strong social science framework
• provides a thorough understanding of the ways in which financial intermediaries and institutions operate, and the structure and functioning of financial markets
• develops critical skills for a wide range of real world professional situations
• an excellent preparation for a career in accountancy, consulting, commercial or investment banking, trading and sales or risk management
• flexible study programme, not limited by class times or geographical location
• flexible study period of between 3-8 years (minimum 2 years
  on the Graduate Entry Route)
• total cost £2,687 if completed in 3 years (Graduate Entry Route costs just over £2,000 if completed in 2 years).
  

Structure and Syllabus

You will be required to make a serious attempt in the examination for 12 units on the Standard Route of the degree. On the Graduate Entry Route you must take and pass 9 full units.

You can take the Foundation and Further units in any order, provided you satisfy any prerequisites (units which you must have already passed). Prerequisites are shown in italic text in brackets. Most students, however, would normally take the Foundation units first because, as their name suggests, they are the 'building blocks' – the foundation – for the units that follow.

*23 Investment management must be taken with or after 92 Corporate finance.

How you study

Studying as an External student offers you maximum flexibility in planning your studies; you can study at a time and place to suit yourself using the introductory study materials we provide as the starting point. These have been specifically commissioned and written by academics of the University with the needs of independent learners in mind.

Although you may study independently, you may wish to network with other registered students to plan a mutually supportive study programme. In a growing number of countries there are institutions which offer a range of full-time, part-time, correspondence or online tuition. A range of other study opportunities, and support such as weekend courses or summer schools may also be available.

When you first register as an External student for the BSc Banking and Finance, you will receive:

• Studying for a Degree in the Humanities and Social Sciences by P. Dunleavy (Macmillan)
• a Student handbook
• subject guides for each unit studied
• past examination papers and Examiners' reports
• an IOLIS: CD-ROM (for certain legal units)
• a copy of the Regulations
• access to the University of London Online Library with a comprehensive selection of links to relevant materials.

Each year you continue to register as an External student, you will receive an updated Handbook; the relevant course pack for any additional courses you begin studying; any sample/past examination papers and reports not previously received.

A note about textbooks: In addition to the materials we provide, you will be advised to buy some books, and others you will need to refer to in a library. As far as possible, you should consider the facilities available locally to you, and how accessible books are likely to be before registering as an External student. The Introductory booklist provides you with initial reading for the subjects you are most likely to take in your first year. 

Entrance requirements

If you do not satisfy the criteria for automatic acceptance we will still consider your application on an individual basis or under our Special Admissions procedures.

If we cannot accept you with your current qualifications and experience, we will advise you what qualifications you could take in order to become eligible in the future.

Application for the Graduate Entry Route

Applicants who meet the above criteria and also hold a full first degree completed in a minimum of three years duration on a full-time basis or equivalent, from a university or other institution acceptable to the University of London may apply for entry to the Graduate Entry Route of the degree.

Exemptions

Although we use the word 'exemption', other institutions often use the term 'credit transfer'.

An exemption means that you are not required to take a particular unit as part of your degree.

To be eligible you must satisfy the University that you have already passed examinations that compare in level, content and standard to the syllabuses from which you want to be exempted. Some exemptions we award are automatically granted; all others are considered on a non-automatic basis.

To be considered for exemption you must satisfy our criteria and make an application. Any exemption awarded is only valid for a limited period which will be specified in your decision letter. If you do not attempt an examination during this period, the exemption will expire. If you still want the exemption to count towards your degree you will need to apply again.

You may apply for exemption from up to four Foundation units.
All non-automatic exemptions are considered on payment of a fee, currently £50 per unit / £25 per half unit.

Fees

Please note that fees are subject to annual review.

Note: the University reserves the right to amend previously announced fees, if necessary.

All fees must be paid in pounds sterling, which may be paid either by a credit card recognised by Mastercard International or by the Visa group OR by banker's draft, cheque or postal order, made payable to 'The University of London' and crossed 'a/c payee'.

Other costs         
Besides the fees payable to the University, you should also budget for:

textbooks (approximately £300 per year)

tuition costs (if studying at a teaching institution)

if you are taking exams outside London you will have to pay an additional fee to your local examination centre (this fee will vary).