Key information
UCAS code:
LN13
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points from 3 A levels, or equivalent
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Apply for 2024 entry
If you have your results, you can apply directly to us now to start in 2024.
Prepare for a career in the well-paid and fast-moving sectors of banking, finance and risk management with this BSc Economics, Finance and Banking degree.
Economics is the study of how societies produce, distribute, and consume goods and services. Finance examines financial systems and how money moves around, including banks, loans and investments.
This degree equips you to be a finance professional. You'll learn core economic theory using real, topical data from organisations such as HSBC, Barclays, the Bank of England and the UK Government's annual budget. You'll also learn how finance systems work, including:
- futures, forwards, swaps, and options markets
- monetary policy and financial regulation
- portfolio management and stock selection
- contemporary issues in finance and banking
- behavioural finance and the psychology of investment
You can apply this knowledge during an optional paid placement year after your second or third year. Previous students have worked at places like Lloyds Bank, Santander and BMW.
The Business School is really good. I enjoyed learning Bloomberg and the variety of topics studied. The theory is applied to real scenarios. It's challenging - you're constantly learning new things.
Course highlights
- Benefit from expert teaching informed by our academics' close relationships with organisations such as the Bank of England and the Office for National Statistics
- Gain a Bloomberg Certificate (a trading platform that's used by 250,000 financial service professionals) in our dedicated Bloomberg Suite
- Be employment-ready by using the same software (EViews and STATA) and the same financial databases (Eikon and S&P Global IQ) as professional economists
- See economics and finance from a different angle by spending a year abroad at a partner university in the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe or the Far East
- Get support to set up your own business from our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme
- Learn a foreign language as part of your degree
90%
overall student satisfaction for our BSc (Hons) Economics, Finance and Banking course
(NSS, 2022)
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
The University of Portsmouth has earned business accreditation from the AACSB in recognition of the outstanding quality of its business and management education. Less than six percent of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB business accreditation.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Apply for 2024 entry
If you have your results, you can apply directly to us now to start in 2024.
How to apply for accommodation
We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk
See our accommodation page for more information.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Your facilities
Bloomberg Suite
Access data from the world's global financial markets and gain experience using industry standard software.
Entry requirements
BSc (Econ) (Hons) Economics, Finance and Banking degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 29
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 29
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Ideal skills and qualities for this course
We're looking for good literacy and good numeracy skills. As well as teaching you how to use theories and tools to understand economic data, this course has a strong focus on interpreting and communicating that data in ways people can understand.
Students who get the most from this course are those who have an interest in investment decision making and the impact of financial regulation on the economy and society.
Careers and opportunities
The skills you learn on this degree are in high demand in the public and private sectors.
When you complete the course, you'll be prepared for work in areas including commercial and investment banking, tax consultancy and risk management. Through your choice of optional modules during the course, you could also set yourself up for further study and prepare for accountancy exams.
Graduates of this course have gone on to jobs as:
- Banker
- Business analyst
- Project manager
- Associate financial data analyst
- Account analyst
- Trainee accountant
- Quantitative researcher - machine learning/ AI
- Treasury solutions executive
- Financial recruitment
Graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:
- Bank of Ireland
- State Street Bank & Trust
- J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.
- Bank of East Asia
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Barclays
- Santander UK
- Accenture PLC
- S & P Global (data insights)
- Fujitsu (global IT)
You could also choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level, or set up your own business with help and support from the University.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Work placement year
You can boost your employability by taking an optional paid placement year between years 2 and 3 of your degree, or after year 3.
Previous students have had placements in organisations such as:
- Lloyds Banking Group
- Santander
- Office for National Statistics
- BRUIN Financial
- IBM
- Amazon
- BMW
- Government Economic Service
Economics placements
Economics students Mani, Jason and Ting-yi tell of their experiences doing work placements at Microsoft, ONS and HM Treasury.
Adam: I think it's really important for students to be really immersed and engaged in the real business environment. One of the most exciting opportunities is taking an industrial placement.
Mani: I relied on the placement office massively. They were so helpful, such as reviewing my CV before I was applying, they ran mock assessment centres and interviews and I went to them, which I found so beneficial.
Jason: The responsibility was pretty big right from the beginning.
Mani: At Microsoft, they encourage you to join extracurricular stuff going on. I joined the Social Impact team, where I had the opportunity to lead and create events.
Jason: One the first things I did was coordinating big bank meetings for the Business Department.
Ting-yi: I wrote a report which is called Changes in the Economy since the 1970s. It got published on the website.
Jason: At the end of the placement, I managed to oversee the entire thing, working with the Chancellor’s office. You get a lot to do.
Adam: That year long experience really does something to a student. They are a true economist.
Mani: We are really encouraged to do placements, which I had a great time doing so I definitely recommend it.
Read blogMy placement role was amazing. I got the opportunity to work at one of the largest entertainment companies in the world and learn so much throughout the whole process.
The average salary for a 12-month paid placement is £19,800 for students in the Faculty of Business and Law. It could be more or less than this amount depending on your placement. You'll only pay a very small percentage of your tuition fee for this year.
You could also set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
Ways to enrich your study
Study abroad year
Between your second and third year, you can choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe, Asia, Australia or North America. All classes are delivered in English and you'll still be able to get both your tuition fee and maintenance loans. You may also qualify for a government travel grant.
"Students that go abroad are more likely to obtain first-class honours [and] more likely to be in graduate employment than their non-mobile peers."
Universities UK International: 'Gone International, Rising Aspirations', 2019
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
Core modules
This module will address the following Hallmarks of a University of Portsmouth graduate through learning and assessment:
- Have a critical and reflective knowledge and understanding of their subject, with both the ability and readiness to question its principles, practices and boundaries
The module provides opportunities for students during practical sessions to develop their own views and reasoned arguments for overcoming developmental problems.
Specifically, the module aims to:
- Develop an understanding of current issues in global development
- Develop an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of traditional approaches to economic development and critically assess the alternatives by assessing the role of traditional development paths e.g. agriculture vs. non-traditional interventions e.g. fisheries in the global development
- Understand how factors including education, health, inequality, access to finance, trade, climate change impact economic development
- Assess the role of institutions and development regimes in economic development by exploring, for example, the role of government, NGOs and markets on economic growth
- Use economic tools to understand and analyse development problems in low income developing countries
Students will also learn basic experimental techniques commonly applied in behavioural economics. The lectures will cover behavioural topics as well as the basics of experimental research. In the seminars we will further discuss topics from the lecture and demonstrate research techniques with immersive experiments. Students will develop a research project, and present their design in class.
This module mirrors Financial Management delivered at the University of Portsmouth but is contextualised for Singapore law and GAAP.
Core modules
Optional modules
As well as developing graduate skills in critical analysis and research design, students will also develop practical skills as the techniques employed to complete the project are used by economic consultants and the Government Economics Service.
The module takes an applied approach, focussing on contemporary issues within the sports industry through the lens of economics, finance and governance. Topics covered include: Competitive balance in sporting contests, demand for live events, cross subsidisation between leagues, match outcome forecasting, financial sustainability, return on investment, streams of income, corruption, and governance.
You'll spend your working industry, with support from our Placement Office.
You'll complete a placement portfolio for the duration of the placement, which will outline your key learning activities, and attend a Placement Student Day at the University to discuss your placement experience with the Placement Officer or your course leader.
When you successfully complete your placement it will be recognised in your degree transcript of achievement, and your degree certificate will state `in the sandwich mode'.
You may also choose to receive a Certificate of Professional Practice from the Faculty of Business and Law.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Alternative economics courses
If you're not sure whether to focus on economics or business management, take a look at our Economics and Management degree, which combines elements of both.
If you want to build a solid foundation on your way to becoming a professional economist by studying economic theory and practicing to an advanced level, take a look at our Economics degree.
This course shares most of the same first year modules as our BSc Economics course. This means you can choose to swap between these courses at the end of your first year
Teaching
Around 20% of your timetabled teaching will be online.
The majority of your learning will be face-to-face and will include:
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops
- tutorials
- practical sessions
In this course there's an emphasis on using the latest software and tech to support your learning and develop your practical knowledge.
We pride ourselves on the academic support we offer our students. You'll have a personal tutor, student engagement officers and study support staff to help you throughout your studies.
Assessment
Your assessment will depend on which modules you take. The majority of assessment is through coursework, but assessment methods are likely to include:
- analysis of topical case studies
- written reports
- essays
- presentations
- self-led independent study project
Teaching staff profiles
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for this degree.
Your total study time will depend on the modules that you take, but in your first year this is what your week may look like:
- timetabled teaching activities (lectures, seminars, tutorials, classes and workshops) = about 13 hours a week
- independent study (research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group) = about 22 hours a week
You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student engagement officers. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing, and refer you to specialist support services if you need extra help or support.
The Maths Cafe offers free advice and help with maths skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop, or use our online resources.
You'll have help from a team of study support tutors. Based within the Faculty of Business and Law, these tutors are familiar with the specific requirements your assignments and work closely with faculty academics. This means they can give you focused support with the specific study skills you need to be successful on your course. They're available face-to-face, by phone, email, and by video call.
They can help with:
- academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- reflective writing skills
- critical thinking skills
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you're a mature student, specialist support to help you return to learning is available.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)
You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)
You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You’ll need to cover additional costs, such as travel costs, if you take an optional placement or placement abroad.
These costs will vary depending on the location and duration of the placement, and can range from £50–£1000.
During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, tuition fees for that year are:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £2,875 a year (subject to annual increase)
The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.
How to apply
Apply for 2024 entry
If you have your results, you can apply directly to us now to start in 2024.
Applying for year 2 or 3
If you've already completed part of this course with us or another university and would like to apply for the second or third year with us in September 2024, use our online application form.
September 2025 applications
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – LN13
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.