Finance and Investment
with a Year in Industry
Develop the expertise, skills and experience to propel your career into banking, investment or risk management.
Develop the expertise, skills and experience to propel your career into banking, investment or risk management.
If you’re a problem solver who wants a career making data-driven decisions, then our BSc Finance and Investment is the course for you.
Build a strong knowledge of key financial principles and techniques while exploring topics such as data analysis, econometrics, derivatives, portfolio, and risk management. Develop data handling skills by working on real-time business data in our Bloomberg Lab, using industry standard trading floor simulation software. Grow the confidence and expertise you’ll need to advise on the financial risks that businesses face and spot the investment opportunities available to them.
Kent Business School is a supportive community, where you’ll work closely with your academic adviser and our world leading academic staff. We’ll work with you to develop the knowledge, skills, and experience that you’ll need to pursue sought-after careers in banking, investment or risk management.
You take a Year in Industry following your second year of study, enabling you to apply your expertise in a work setting while earning a salary.
Gain work experience with a paid year in industry.
Study at a ‘Triple Crown’ business school accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS.
Take a ‘selfie year’ and bring your business ideas to life at our aspire centre.
This course has been acknowledged under the CFA University Affiliation.
Our typical offer levels are listed below and include indicative contextual offers. If you hold alternative qualifications just get in touch and we'll be glad to discuss these with you.
ABB
DDM
128 Tariff points from your IB Diploma, Typically H5, H6, H6 or equivalent.
Mathematics grade 5 / B
Pass the University of Kent International Foundation Programme.
The University will consider applicants holding T level qualifications in subjects closely aligned to the course.
Access to HE Diploma with 45 Credits at level 3 with 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit.
This module listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
Your first year is a compulsory introductory year, designed to provide you with a strong foundational understanding of key concepts and ideas in finance, like how financial markets and systems operate. It will give you an insight into key areas that will support a career in finance and investment including economics, data analysis, and statistics.
Data is everywhere and crucial for business decisions, so if you can make sense of data, you can deliver success and become a valuable asset to any business. You’ll get a full introduction to the world of data analysis for business, so you’ll be ready to develop as an analyst. Through collecting, interpreting, evaluating and using data through a hands-on approach, you’ll make rapid progress and be ready to start a career in any business environment.
In today's interconnected world, businesses operate across borders, facing challenges and opportunities in a dynamic global environment. You’ll develop expertise in the complexities of international business and acquire the skills to analyse the impact of globalisation, trade, investment, political systems, and ethics on business operations. You’ll understand the global business world and develop analytical skills to turn data into valuable information for business decisions and position yourself for success in international business.
Quantitative skills are a must-have if you want to work in the Big Four accounting firms, global banks or hedge funds. You’ll understand basic mathematical statistical concepts from probability distributions to basic calculus – and develop the key analytics skills needed for accountants and financial professionals in today’s financial organisations.
How does the financial market work? Who are the players in the financial market? How does the central bank's monetary policy affect the financial market? You’ll understand the financial system and the market within the system, the roles of financial intermediaries and various financial instruments, as well as the interrelationships within the wider economy. You'll be equipped with knowledge and skills that are ready to be deployed to analyse the current development in the financial market and the wider economy, ideally placing you for a career within finance.
The business environment is constantly changing because of technological improvements, stakeholder expectations, high competition and other pressures. Given these constant changes, how can financial accounting help managers create budgets, improve efficiency and develop short-term and long-term strategies to stay competitive? Study the core principles, concepts and policies, and the necessary adjustments that underpin the preparation of final financial statements of sole traders, partnerships and limited liability companies.
You can invest in almost anything, but how do you to assess whether an investment is worthwhile? You’ll study the role of investment and finance in an organisational context, and then look to financial markets and the links between investors and businesses. An understanding of why and how financial and investment decisions are made is essential no matter what your role in different types of organisations. You’ll be ready to progress to the advanced level of finance and investment studies, as well as work in industry to make financial and investment decision in the future.
This module introduces students to economics in its two main components, microeconomics and macroeconomics. The module is designed to explain the main ways in which economists think about economic problems faced by individuals, firms, markets and governments.
The first part of the module focuses on explaining a selection of microeconomic topics including, the behaviour of individuals and firms; demand and supply of goods and services and determination of prices; costs in the short and long term and market structures. The second part aims to introduce the core of macroeconomic topics; for instance, macroeconomic objectives and trade-offs; unemployment; inflation; international trade; balance of payments and exchange rates; and the main types of economic policies that are implemented by governments. Overall, the application of economics to contemporary issues illustrates how economic analysis can be used to understand the different parts of the economy and to inform and evaluate policy interventions that support a range of different economic outcomes.
The module is self-contained to provide a basic understanding of economic concepts and debates. It is a suitable module for students interested in taking economics further, either as part of another degree programme or as part of a future professional qualification.
My lecturers are fantastic! They are very engaging and do their best to interact with and engage students during lectures.Jordan Pali
Your second year allows you to develop your critical thinking about finance and investment with greater emphasis on the bigger picture of the world of finance. You’ll learn about the world of international banking, understand derivatives, and develop your skills in Excel.
Nearly all listed companies in the European Union and the United Kingdom have to prepare consolidated financial statements that comply with IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). You'll develop knowledge and skills in understanding and applying IFRS and the theoretical framework in the preparation of financial statements of entities, including groups and how to analyse major elements of those financial statements. You'll also be able to identify trends and potential obstacles to financial reporting while being able to track financial performance in real time. These skills are what managers are looking for from finance professionals, giving you an edge in a competitive career market.
Financial markets are undergoing rapid evolution. In this dynamic era, it's crucial for financial participants to leverage modern technology to uncover the intrinsic value of financial assets and analyse economic activities. You'll explore the practical application of financial theories, prioritising their use over the derivation of proofs or the memorisation of formulas. You'll be brought up to date with all the recently developed approaches in the field - accessible without prior knowledge of econometrics. Through applying statistical and econometric techniques within a financial context, you’ll develop and implement effective tools for financial analysis and planning models. By the end of the module, you’ll have the ability to utilise various financial models and theories to address real world challenges in your career.
How does the financial market work? Who are the players in the financial market? How does the central bank's monetary policy affect the financial market? You’ll understand the financial system and the market within the system, the roles of financial intermediaries and various financial instruments, as well as the interrelationships within the wider economy. You'll be equipped with knowledge and skills that are ready to be deployed to analyse the current development in the financial market and the wider economy, ideally placing you for a career within finance.
Explore the significance of aligning right and wrong with the evolving societal understanding of social issues. By studying socially responsible management you'll learn to embrace reflection as a core skill making sense of societal changes and its deeper meaning for you and your future in business.
You'll gain a strong understanding of the ethical concerns in business through the study of example cases and key issues such as shareholder activism, employee discrimination, working conditions, ethical issues in marketing such as consumer protection, accountability and collaboration with civil society organisations. You'll begin to see the importance of a collaborative approach with internal and external stakeholder groups as you apply key concepts, theories and frameworks related to social responsibility in different contexts.
In the rapidly evolving world of finance, Excel is the industry standard software for data processing and modelling. You'll engage with the most commonly used financial approaches of the field as you learn to implement finance techniques using Excel functions and methods. Using realistic problems and extensive exercises, you'll learn how to adjust your decision-making to satisfy client expectations. These practical skills in putting Excel to use as a strategic tool for financial analysis and management will enhance your professional toolkit for the demands of the finance industry.
Develop the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to stand out in a competitive labour market. The focus is on understanding the graduate labour market and securing work experience through placements, internships and the University’s award-winning Employability Points scheme. You'll learn how to compete and stand out when applying for graduate opportunities. You'll practice all stages of the recruitment process, from the application to psychometric tests, virtual job interviews, assessment centres and more. Secure the jobs of today and tomorrow.
In the wake of the largest economic crisis in recent times many causes have been proposed for the turmoil. At the centre of the argument is banks' excessive risk-taking behaviour, especially through abundant lending, over-leveraging and dramatic expansion in the usage of credit transfer products in the years leading up to the crisis. On the policy side, incompetence of regulators overseeing the banking system is voiced. Therefore, understanding the banking business and regulation from an international perspective is of paramount importance to prevent future economic crises that may be caused by banks. In this perspective, the module examines the different types of banks, their financial features and risk in banking. It introduces several international banking activities that link national financial markets globally. Particular focus is placed on the importance of regulation from an international perspective through Basel accords.
Indicative topics covered in this module may include:
• Introduction to financial intermediation
• Activities of International Banks and relationship banking
• Banks' balance sheet and income statement
• Perceptions of the global banking before/after 2007/08 financial crisis
• Income structure and balance sheet of banks and bank risks: Retail vs. Investment banks
• International activities of banks: Syndicated lending and asset securitisation
• Bank regulation and supervision: Basel I, II and III
• The 2007/2008 global banking crisis: Causes, the aftermath and implications for banks and regulators
You have the option to take a 12 month placement which is integral to your chosen degree programme between the 2nd and 3rd year of study
You are supported by a dedicated placement team and a programme designed to ensure that you gain experience in the functional areas and industries of your choice.
The placement allows you to experience, first hand, many of the issues addressed in the taught programme and to use the tools, techniques and applications in a real business setting. It will become a vital component of your CV and will give you a distinct advantage over other business graduates.
You need to pass Stage 2 to progress to the Year in Industry. Find out more about the placement year with the Kent Business School.
The following modules are offered to our current students. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation:
The Year in Industry to which the module relates provides a structured opportunity to combine appropriate developmental work experience or entrepreneurial activity with academic study. The Year in Industry experience allows students to develop and reflect on managerial and / or professional practice in real and often complex situations, and to integrate this with the study of the relevant subject(s) of their main programme. Where relevant, they develop, reinforce and apply professional and / or technical expertise in an employment or entrepreneurial context.
The ability to integrate this work based learning with the modules of Stages 1, 2 and 3 is a high level cognitive task. The particular combination of the student's degree programme and choice of modules together with the great variety of increasingly diverse Year in Industry situations make the "curriculum" of each Year in Industry unique. The unifying features, with which the project for this module is concerned are integration of theory and practice, and the development of the student as an independent learner and reflective practitioner.
This background is why the report for the module has to be linked to the Year in Industry portfolio.
The assembly, content and organisation of this activity are assessed in BUSN6990 Year in Industry Experience. This module assesses how effectively the student can use this to demonstrate integration of theory and practice, self-assessment of achieved learning and reflection on this.
The Year in Industry experience provides you with a structured opportunity to combine work experience or entrepreneurial activity with academic study.
The Year in Industry allows students to develop and reflect on managerial and/or professional practice in real and often complex situations, and to integrate this with the study of the relevant subject(s) of your main degree programme.
Where relevant, students develop, reinforce and apply professional and/or technical expertise in an employment or entrepreneurial context. The placement portfolio requires students to document their experiences in relation to both their university studies as well as to a wide range of employability skills.
In addition, the portfolio allows demonstration of professional development through the collection and presentation of relevant evidence.
To be able to undertake this module it is necessary for the student to secure a placement or to have validated a Business Start-Up during Stage 2.
The Business Start-Up should build on the student's planned business activity as developed and validated by the ASPIRE Business Start-Up Journey.
The particular combination of the student’s degree programme and choice of modules together with the great variety of increasingly diverse Year in Industry situations make the "curriculum" of the Year in Industry essentially unique.
This module documents and assesses the evidence of Year in Industry learning being achieved.
Your final year has a greater focus on capstone finance and investment areas such as risk management, portfolio management, alternative investments, and fixed income securities. You’ll also choose from a range of optional modules that may include more specialised areas relating to your course like Fintech and behavioural finance, or more general areas, including business law. Equally, you’ll have the option to do an individual research project and develop your skills of working independently.
How do you successfully manage a portfolio in turbulent financial markets? How can you deliver long-term stable portfolio performance? You’ll understand concepts across risk-return trade-offs and master the art of developing a portfolio by spreading investments across different asset classes to generate a risk-justified return. You’ll use real world financial data from various sources and advanced Excel techniques to learn modern portfolio management skills and techniques. You’ll be able to evaluate portfolio performance and gain valuable skills in decision-making, risk assessment and financial planning.
How do interest rates affect so many aspects of our daily lives? Why are they considered the most complex macro-economic variable? Learn how to untangle that complexity by constructing a range of yield curves. In this way you'll understand the structure and pricing of various fixed income financial products including money-market debt instruments and interest rates derivatives used in hedging interest rate risk.
You'll learn important techniques which will help you to compute the fair prices of numerous financial products such as bonds, certificates of deposit, forward rate agreements and repo contracts, as well as learning how to develop simple mortgage schedules and pension schemes. These are extremely valuable analytical skills that will serve you well towards a career as a financial analyst, pension officer or mortgage adviser.
Explore numerous types of alternative assets and the investment strategies behind them. You'll learn about innovative forms of investments such as start-up venture capital (VCs) and leveraged buyouts (LBOs), often discussed in everyday financial news. Alternative assets are a subset of an existing asset class, however they are rather different. Understanding them benefits both strategic and tactical asset allocations conducted by either dividual or institutional investors in their pursuit of portfolio diversification. You’ll gain qualitative and technical analyses within a broader portfolio management context, expanding your knowledge beyond traditional assets investing and exposing you to the possibility of exciting new career pathways such as hedge funds and private equity firms.
Delivered in collaboration with employers, industry professionals and alumni of Kent Business School, you'll master the selection processes used by graduate recruiters and develop the ability to manage your career throughout your working life. Reach your potential and develop lifelong career management skills.
In a world where financial landscapes are marked by escalating risk exposure, Risk Management delves into the principles of effective oversight and value generation, with a specific emphasis on financial risk dynamics.
You’ll rigorously examine advancements in risk governance, regulatory frameworks and industry risk management practices, focusing on in-depth evaluations of financial risk. As you develop your understanding of financial risk types through real world examples, you'll emerge with specialised insights into managing financial risks in professional, financial and business contexts.
We empower students to explain complex risk management concepts, think critically in uncertain situations, and approach risk-related problems systematically. Prepared with this expertise, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the financial risk management challenges in the global business arena.
How do business leaders make decisions? Using advice from great financial accountants, which you'll become when you study with Kent Business School. You’ll master techniques for preparing complex financial statements to international requirements. You’ll go beyond the numbers to enable you to make sound, ethical business decisions and advise senior leaders – so you are ready to take a giant leap towards launching your accounting career.
Businesses need to make decisions about everything, often at pace and always ensuring positive results. But making decisions can be difficult, which is why those that have the skills and confidence to make the right calls are valuable to business. You’ll be able to take a structured and coherent approach to decision-making, involving a wide range of quantitative and graphical methods for representing and assessing alternatives to decide a best course of action. Leading companies across a wide range of sectors use decision analysis and you’ll understand how to apply it to a wide range of business situations, giving you the skill set you need to launch a successful career.
Gain sought after skills in independently scoping, researching and reporting a problem as you develop a research project on a topic you want to explore. You'll get support from a series of workshops that cultivate key research skills like scoping a project, using databases to do secondary research, asking good interview or survey questions, coding data that you've collected, and reporting professionally on your findings. You'll be supported by a supervisor in your field, offering guidance as you shape and complete your project.
How do financial markets provide investors with alternative assets beyond classic financial securities? Are you familiar with technical alternative asset jargon? You'll understand the investment strategies behind super asset classes and what makes them different. How can they be used by either individual or institutional investors in conducting both strategic and tactical asset allocations? Gain the confidence to apply qualitative and technical analyses within a broader portfolio management context while conducting due diligence. While acknowledging the new trends in the private equity marketplace, you'll comparatively assess several case studies of underperforming hedge funds based on empirical evidence.
The business environment is constantly changing because of technological improvements, stakeholder expectations, high competition and other pressures. Given these constant changes, how can financial accounting help managers create budgets, improve efficiency and develop short-term and long-term strategies to stay competitive? Study the core principles, concepts and policies, and the necessary adjustments that underpin the preparation of final financial statements of sole traders, partnerships and limited liability companies.
The financial sector is being disrupted and transformed by new banking technology, big data analytics, new payment systems and more. Insights into the dynamic phenomenon of financial technology are now more vital than ever. You’ll be equipped with knowledge of how financial technology (Fintech) is transforming and disrupting the way financial services are conducted, and you’ll be empowered with additional employability skills via hands-on access to contemporary Fintech tools.
You’ll develop knowledge of financial regulations and address the potential negative impacts of the disruption caused by these technologies and sustainability. As you develop an awareness of the contexts, which have given rise to different views on managing technological change in financial services, you’ll be able to identify the main spaces where these theories, views and frameworks emerged and identify the various dimensions of technical change and automation, so you are placed to take advantage of rapidly evolving technologies to deliver success for business.
The law affects the commercial world in many ways. This module focuses on how businesses fulfil their legal obligations to customers, suppliers and their workforce. As well as exploring how businesses are structured and the duties on directors and partners it also considers the legal obligations individuals and organisations have over those to whom they have a duty of care. The module further covers the main laws governing the employment of staff and contractors. By applying the law to real-world business situations students are able to fine-tune their problem solving skills, and their ability to construct well-reasoned and persuasive arguments.
Indicative topics are:
The English Legal System, Legal Process, Dispute Resolution and the impact of European Union Law in the UK;
Law of Negligence – including general principles and negligent misstatement;
Law of Business Organisations - classification of business organisations; main principles applying to general and limited liability partnerships and registered companies, and directors' duties;
Employment Law - the general scope of the legal obligations owed by employers to employees, including the employment contract, discrimination and dismissal.
Our enthusiastic team of international teaching staff are all experts in their field of study and are regularly published in leading journals worldwide. They guide and support your learning, bringing their subject to life and drawing you into the conversation through lectures, seminars, presentations and computer-based simulations.
Your progress is assessed through a mix of coursework – including reports, essays and presentations - and exams. Undergraduate students can expect around 8 contact hours per week, depending on year of study and optional module choices made. The remainder of the working week consists of self-guided study.
As part of your studies it is also possible to take a foreign language module in stage 1 and for students going on a Year Abroad in year 1 and 2 subject to programme requirements. Alternatively, our university also offers language courses as part of extra-curricular activities.
For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours. The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules.
Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules.
Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.
For programme aims and learning outcomes please see the programme specification.
Our graduates look to make their mark on the organisations they join, whether they are large multinational companies or small local firms in Kent.
Kent Business School students make their ambitions known, working at companies like:
The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.*
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
Fees for undergraduate students are £1,850.
Fees for undergraduate students are £1,385.
Students studying abroad for less than one academic year will pay full fees according to their fee status.
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details.
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
We welcome applications from students all around the world with a wide range of international qualifications.
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