BSc (Econ) (Hons) Economics Finance and Banking
- UCAS code: LN13
- Mode of study: Full time or sandwich with work placement
- Duration: 3 years full time, 4 years sandwich with work placement
- Entry requirements 2013: 260-300 points from 3 A levels or equivalent.
- Please see details of the range of other qualifications that will also be considered on the 'Entry Requirements' tab below. Please do contact us for advice on other qualifications that aren't listed here.
Find out more:
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 8200
Email: bus.admissions@port.ac.uk
Department: Portsmouth Business School
Course overview
How do economic policies dictate the actions of financial markets? What are the key factors underpinning corporate finance decisions? Are financial markets efficient?
These questions are crucial to the finance and banking sectors, and are fully explored in this degree.
On this course you will look at the complex effects of economic policy and practice on the world of national and international finance and banking. It is designed to provide you with powerful analytical tools and methods to understand the complexities of modern financial markets, so that you will be strongly placed to enter industry in the finance and banking sectors where these skills are greatly in demand. You will also have the option of undertaking a work placement after your second year.
There are five undergraduate programmes. The three BSc courses - BSc (Econ)(Hons) Business Economics, BSc (Econ)(Hons) Economics and BSc (Econ)(Hons) Economics, Finance and Banking - contain a distinctive core of economic theory. In contrast, our BA (Hons) Economics and Management and BA (Hons) Economics with Law enable students to study the fundamentals of economics alongside relevant aspects of business and management and law respectively.
If you have not previously studied economics, you will need to have an interest in the subject and a reasonable aptitude for working with numbers. You will also be dealing with current topics and issues, so an awareness of business and financial developments would be an advantage. Your academic potential and willingness to make a positive contribution are also very important to us.
Applications are also welcomed from appropriately qualified candidates who are seeking direct entry onto a programme.
Course content
Providing a solid basis in all three areas, you will cover microeconomics and macroeconomics, financial accounting, banking and financial structures, investment and finance, and insurance and risk. Understanding is fostered through a variety of stimulating learning activities, including group presentations, case studies and workshops, all of which draw upon our expertise in computer-based learning and data analysis. There is also the opportunity to study abroad through our links with overseas universities or take an internship to apply your skills in the workplace.
Year one
The three BSc programmes – BSc (Econ) (Hons) Business Economics, BSc (Econ) (Hons) Economics, and BSc (Econ) (Hons) Economics, Finance and Banking – share a common first year, enabling you to transfer between these courses should your interests change. Year one involves studying:
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Quantitative Economics
- Business Accounting
- Economic Issues
Furthermore, an essential feature of year one is a unit that is designed to equip students with general study skills and formal careers guidance.
Year two
In year two, microeconomics and macroeconomics are studied in greater depth alongside the study of money, banking and financial markets. Compulsory units in econometrics and research methods will acquaint you with the widespread techniques used for analysing economic data. Additionally, you will have the option to study units introducing more economic theory, such as International Economics, or that focus more on the world of finance, such as Taxation for Finance Pathways.
Work placement
Students will have the option of undertaking a work placement after their second year. We encourage students to take a placement year as an integral part of this degree course. Work experience will help significantly with getting a job after you graduate, as many of our students go on to work full time for their placement employer. Experience is also the best way of finding out if a particular career path is for you. Our Placements Office will support you in maintaining and developing business contacts, advise you of vacancies and help you prepare for interviews and other selection methods.
Final year
In your final year, the BSc (Econ)(Hons) Economics, Finance and Banking course features units that are devoted to Financial Economics and International Banking and Financial Management. In addition, the course permits you to choose from a wide range of options and undertake a compulsory independent study project, providing you with the opportunity to research a topic related to economics, banking and/or finance in substantial depth.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning are usually undertaken in lectures supported by smaller group seminars, workshops, tutorials and practical sessions which enable you to discuss issues in greater depth. The delivery of the lectures and seminars involves extensive use of information technology and other teaching innovations. Staff research and consultancy expertise also actively contribute towards our degree programmes.
You will encounter a variety of assessment methods. Many units use a combination of formal examinations and coursework assessment. Coursework can be the analysis of topical case studies, written reports or essays and formal presentations. The assessed work you complete from the start of the second year onwards can count towards the class of degree you will be awarded.
Considerable emphasis is placed on student support. At the beginning of each academic year you will be assigned a personal tutor, who will be available for regular meetings in order to discuss your progress, as well as help resolve any problems that you encounter throughout your degree course. The University has a range of additional support facilities such as the Academic Skills Unit, the Maths Café, Careers and Recruitment unit, and counselling that you can access if you need to.
In addition, if English is not your first language, there are free courses available to help familiarise you with the use of English for academic purposes.
Career prospects
A good class of economics degree should enable you to obtain a fulfilling and financially rewarding job. It is possible to use this qualification as a basis for a career as an economist in either central government or the private sector. With an economics degree you will also be well placed to enter into the financial and business sector.
Moreover, some of our graduates have been appointed to respected positions within the local government sector, while others have elected to pursue a career in teaching.
Many of our graduates choose to continue with their academic studies. Some proceed to register on taught postgraduate courses, while others seek to achieve a higher qualification by means of research.
The University of Portsmouth is an accredited Centre for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and the Business School is a member of the European Foundation of Quality Management.
Facilities and features
The University has substantially invested in modern facilities. You will attend lectures in the purpose-built Richmond Building, where the Business School is located. Our lecture theatres are equipped with the latest multimedia audiovisual equipment and we have a computer drop-in centre equipped with state-of-the-art computers and software.
The University Library is at the centre of academic life and is only a short walk away. Open from 8am until midnight every day during term-time, it provides a variety of information to help with study and research.
The library has also invested heavily in the purchase of electronic resources. There are thousands of electronic journals and ebooks which can be accessed across campus, from home or wherever there is an internet connection.