Finance Lancaster University

BSc (Hons) Finance prepares you for a successful career in highly sought-after and well-compensated jobs at top employers in investment and finance. Potential careers include Investment Banker, Financial Analyst, Trader, Financial and Asset Manager, Risk Manager, and Actuary. The course offers a perfect balance of academic theory informed by cutting-edge research and valuable practical experience.

You will gain a strong understanding of finance while also improving your skills in communication, teamwork, data analysis, programming, the use of AI, and leadership.

There are opportunities to study abroad, complete an internship, and take the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 1 examination as part of the course. This degree also prepares you to pursue a specialised MSc at leading UK and international universities.

Why study BSc Finance at Lancaster University?

Our BSc Finance allows for a high degree of flexibility and optionality, including the possibility to switch to other suitable BSc programmes offered in the Accounting and Finance department after the first year, tailor your courses more towards skills required for specific careers in Finance, and choose electives and a capstone project according to your personal interests.

This degree is flexible, career-focused, and professionally designed to prepare you for highly remunerated jobs at leading employers in investment and finance. You will benefit from our strong connections with top firms in the financial sector. Our specialist Accounting and Finance career coaching team provide support with landing internships and placements in the financial industry.

Students graduate from this course as independent thinkers and skilled communicators. They have strong analytical and quantitative skills and are valued for their expertise in financial modelling and investment decision-making capabilities. Our graduates go on to achieve professional roles, including:

• Investment Banker

• Financial Analyst

• Trader

• Financial and Asset Manager

• Risk Manager

• Actuary

What is covered in the course?

You will explore a wide range of topics essential for finance-oriented careers. You will cover traditional finance building blocks such as financial markets, corporate finance, investment, and asset pricing. We will also address highly topical subjects such as financial technology (FinTech), blockchain and cryptocurrency, applications of AI and machine learning, big data in finance, climate finance, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues.

The course also covers key data analysis skills, including programming in Python and R - two modern programming languages that are key requirements in the area. You will learn financial modelling and risk management, along with how to use data platforms such as Bloomberg effectively. Important practical skills include critical thinking, effective communication and teamwork, problem-solving, project management, strategic planning, and leadership.

Throughout your studies, you will be taught by world-leading academics who work on major interdisciplinary research projects. These include investigating how to apply AI to banking, studying the art, precision and effectiveness of factor investing and hedge fund strategies, and developing state-of-the-art methodologies for risk and volatility modelling and real-time detection of extreme market movements such as flash crashes.

We leverage our strong connections with the financial industry through our in-house Industry Engagement and Knowledge Transfer Series (IEKTS). This includes regular talks and events featuring guest speakers from leading global financial institutions, top asset management companies, financial regulators, and economists from around the world.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

AAB. This should include Mathematics or Statistics.

Access to HE Diploma

Our typical entry requirement would be 36 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 9 Level 3 credits at Merit, but you would need evidence that you had the equivalent of A level Mathematics or Statistics grade B.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD accepted alongside A level Mathematics or Statistics grade B

BTEC in combination with A levels

A level at grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade AB plus BTEC at D. This should include A level Mathematics or Statistics grade B.

International Baccalaureate

35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects, including 6 in Mathematics HL (either analysis and approaches or applications and interpretations)

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Only accepted alongside A level Mathematics or Statistics

GCSE requirements

English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.