Course Overview
Course summary
Sound and ethical financial management lies at the heart of every successful business: to generate sufficient income, optimise resources, reduce risk and gain a good return on investments. On this course, you’ll learn to strategically plan, organise, direct and control finances in a rapidly evolving global financial sector.
Our Finance and Business Management degree has been purposefully designed to meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI). Although exemptions are not available, our Course will provide you with the necessary set of skills to sit several professional exams.
With an emphasis on learning through practice, it provides a solid foundation of finance theories, systems and procedures, developing your skills for complex modelling and analysis. Gaining a greater appreciation of strategic financial decision-making with a specific focus on ethics and sustainability, you’ll be prepared for a fast track and rewarding career in the international financial services sector or in management.
You will learn to analyse financial markets to forecast financial performance, using real data – live and historic – in our Finance Markets Suite (FMS) with its replica trading floor. You’ll also hear directly from current professionals through guest speakers, field trips to financial institutions and professional training sessions.
Business School graduates have gone on to work for large banks and other financial institutions, including Vanguard, Standard Chartered, Citibank, Société Générale and Paribas, and governmental agencies, such as the World Economic Forum.
Top reasons to study with us
- Access to one of the largest financial databases in our state-of-the-art Bloomberg virtual trading room
- Programmes delivered by a multicultural, research active, teaching body, with professional experience and established international links
- Use of business computing and software, including Datastream, Eviews and SPSS
- Guest lectures from industry practitioners: recent talks feature former city traders with extensive experience
- Field trips to financial institutions: in the past, students had a guided tour of the new Bloomberg HQ in London
- Optional placement year or internship, for example, working in the finance department of an NHS Trust
- Free online subscription to The Financial Times
Course structure
This degree combines business and analytical skills with sound financial knowledge to help inform business strategy. In each year of study, you will take a combination of core and option modules, which cover specialisms such as personal finance or international financial management. The flexible nature of the course allows you to choose topics that most suit your interests or career aspirations – even if these change as your course progresses.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
You will investigate and learn how businesses operate, looking at how people are managed, how you manage projects and business operations and how managers make key decisions. You will also study modules to further develop your knowledge and expertise in finance, through corporate finance, security analysis and corporate financial management. Within corporate finance you will explore: the financial decision-making processes of organisations, the role of financial managers and the external factors which impact financial decisions. You will discuss and debate some of the issues facing modern markets, including the challenges of cyber-security, dealing with market abuse, ensuring good corporate governance and the impact of internationalisation.
Subjects of study include:
- Corporate Financial Accounting
- Introduction to Finance
- Introduction to Financial Markets
- Marketing for Finance and Accounting
- Organisational Behaviour for Finance and Accounting
You will also have the opportunity to take one option module from: Creating and Managing an Online Presence, and The Role of the Manager. You may also choose a foreign language as your option module.
Credit Level 4
You will investigate and learn how businesses operate, looking at how people are managed, how you manage projects and business operations and how managers make key decisions. You will also study modules to further develop your knowledge and expertise in finance, through corporate finance, security analysis and corporate financial management. Within corporate finance you will explore: the financial decision-making processes of organisations, the role of financial managers and the external factors which impact financial decisions. You will discuss and debate some of the issues facing modern markets, including the challenges of cyber-security, dealing with market abuse, ensuring good corporate governance and the impact of internationalisation.
Subjects of study include:
- Corporate Financial Management
- Corporate Governance
- Financial Modelling and Statistics
- Managing and Leading People for Finance and Accounting
You can also choose two options from: Digital Business for Finance and Accounting, Leadership and Management, and Project Management.
Credit Level 5
Optional work placement/study abroad year
Between Years 2 and 3, you can take an optional work placement or study year abroad. The work placement year is a one-year full-time business work placement. Past students have completed placements in a variety of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and prestigious organisations, including Barclays Bank, British Airways, Disney UK, IBM and the National Health Service (NHS). The study abroad year allows you to follow a programme of study at one of our partner institutions, giving you the opportunity to experience life in another country and learn Business from a different cultural viewpoint.
You can also choose to split your year abroad into a first semester exchange and a second semester work placement, both conducted overseas.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
You will be introduced to environmental auditing and consider how sustainability impacts are measured, monitored and improvements planned. Developing your specialist knowledge further by studying international investments, personal finance and current themes in finance, you will investigate the challenges facing organisations at a strategic level, whether this be the safety measures to handle fluctuating markets or increasing digitisation of business and the need for talent equipped to deal with today’s fast pace of change. In doing so, you will undertake research on an aspect of finance of your choice – past students have, for example, looked at how to make financial markets safer, Brexit and financial markets turmoil, the need for financial regulation, and the role of central banks during the crisis and afterwards.
Subjects of study include:
- Company Law
- International Investments
- Strategic Perspectives for Finance and Accounting
- Sustainable Finance
You can also choose two options from: Project and Programme Management, Risk Management in Finance, and Banking and Wealth Management.
Credit Level 6
Programme recognition
The course content has been designed to meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), the leading professional body for securities, investment, wealth and financial planning professionals. Although exemptions are not available, our course will provide you with the necessary set of skills to sit several professional exams.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
This degree is designed to prepare you for a managerial role in the financial and broader business sector. Employers in this industry seek graduates with entrepreneurial flair and analytical mindset to make informed business and management decisions. Graduates emerging from this programme will have the confidence to take on exciting professional and management projects to solve complex problems and make sound business decisions. We expect them to work for international organisations in the financial services sector, for multinationals or in their own entrepreneurial financial management practices. You could go on to work as a financial manager, analyst or advisor in a wide range of private, public or third-sector organisations.
The University's Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Develop your innovation and entrepreneurial skills
Develop your innovation and entrepreneurial skills in The Big Idea competition, sponsored by Santander.
Kickstart your career
Learn how to use social media in your job hunt or LinkedIn to kickstart your career.
Develop your CQ
Develop your cultural intelligence – or ‘CQ’ – studying alongside students and staff representing more than 100 nationalities.
Industry links
Our course was designed with input from a range of industry professionals with expertise in financial markets, institutions and financial regulation. To retain currency and relevance, we receive ongoing feedback from the School’s Employability Advisory Board, whose members include practitioner representatives from Vanguard, JPMorgan and Global Structured Finance, as well as former students now working in the finance industry who provide suggestions on how to improve employability for current students.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Analyst or researcher
- Business development manager
- Financial advisor
- HR business partner
- Management consultant
Graduate employers
Graduates from the Business School have found employment at organisations including:
- Amazon
- Citibank
- Financial Conduct Authority
- Paribas
- Santander
- Sberbank
- Société Générale
- Standard Chartered
- World Economic Forum
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Samuel Ze-To
Senior Lecturer
Dr Samuel Ze-To is the Course Leader of the Finance and Business Management BA at Westminster Business School. He obtained a PhD in Finance at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Dr Ze-To graduated with a Bachelor degree from the University of Hong Kong (HKU). He also studied an MBA program from the same university and graduated with distinction. Before joining the University of Westminster, he worked for Hong Kong Baptist University as an Assistant Professor, and as a Senior Lecturer as well as an Associate Director of the Applied Accounting and Finance MSc.
Dr Ze-To is also a fellow member of ACCA and an Associate Financial Planner of CFPHK. He has extensive teaching experience on undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the areas of finance and accounting including corporate finance, financial management, international finance, financial derivatives, investment and portfolio management, financial accounting and management accounting.
When you pour out the old, you can fill in the new.
Course Team
- Dr Stefan Van Dellen - Senior Lecturer in Finance
- Professor Abdelhafid Benamraoui - Professor
- Dr Xin Li - Senior Lecturer in Finance
- Dr Kristina Vasileva - Senior Lecturer in Finance
- Kamala Balu - Senior Lecturer
- Rachel Lander - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Vincent Rich - Staff
- Dr Samuel Ze-To - Senior Lecturer
Accounting and Finance courses
Learn more about Westminster's Accounting and Finance courses from our students and staff. Find out about their experience studying at Westminster, including what it's like to study at the University's Marylebone campus in the heart of central London.
Why study this course?
Outstanding facilities
State-of-the-art Bloomberg-powered Financial Markets Suite (FMS) featuring industry-leading technology and software.
Professional software
Free access to professional software including Bloomberg, Datastream, Fame, Factiva, EViews, Matlab, Nvivo, SPSS, Sage, Statista, EIU Viewswire, Mintel, Passport (Euromonitor) LinkedIn Learning.
Expert teaching staff
Expert teaching staff will share their professional experiences of working as financial and credit risk analysts, and as economic, business and digital consultants.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels – BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 112 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
- BTEC Diploma – D*D*
- Access – 112 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
- International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate and International Year One courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English Language Requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
What our students say
Filippo Iguera
Finance and Business Management BA Honours - 2022
My favourite part about the Finance and Business Management BA was being able to take advantage of the several opportunities that Westminster gives you. I was able to take a 3-month summer internship at PwC in Italy, and I also had the chance to spend a semester abroad at Copenhagen Business School.
Laurent Gerxhalija
Business Management (Finance) BA
I was told that the transition to university would be eye opening and it really has been. The workload is much more demanding and challenging, however teaching standards at Westminster are high quality and the ethics followed are perfect to ensure that everyone receives the right level of learning. The professors are very knowledgeable and know how to make a student feel at home at the University. My course is a great way to expand your array of knowledge while also having a great time. Years 2 and 3 should be a belter!
Marco Amato
Business Management (Finance) BA
My time at the University of Westminster has been amazing! The University offers fantastic opportunities to increase students' employability, such as exchange programmes, summer schools and business trips. In addition, I found the Business Management (Finance) BA really practical - the course provided me with the essential skills that helped me to succeed during my second-year summer internship in the consulting industry.
What our students say
Evelyn Namutebi
Business Management (Finance) BA
My dream is to become a finance director. Westminster has supportive lecturers, detailed study materials on Blackboard and well-equipped libraries. They also have a dedicated Careers and Employability Service, which offers work-related support.
Gabriela Koleva
Finance and Business Management BA
I began my studies with no previous knowledge in finance or business management and coming this far already has definitely been rewarding and intellectually stimulating. The best part of being a Westminster student is the diverse environment, and everyone is very supportive and ready to help.
Filip Olofsson
Finance and Business Management BA
The course is a great blend between learning the hard skills of finance and learning the soft skills of management and people. The best part of the course was learning skills that were directly applicable in the real world, putting me in a great place to take on roles within the industry before graduation.
Learn new skills
Develop your creativity
Develop your creativity to think outside the box.
Learn to critically evaluate
Learn to critically evaluate the strategies that managers use to help organisations adapt in an uncertain or complex environment.
Improve your problem-solving skills
Improve your problem-solving skills to better understand and tackle people management issues.
Westminster Business School blog
Read our blog and get an insight into life and studies at Westminster Business School.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Student work
On our doorstep, the London Stock Exchange is a major part of the financial industry and our students have the opportunity to experience a day in the life of the markets, participating in a half-day special educational programme. You’ll learn about the role of the different participants, from companies and governments seeking to raise finance, to investors, traders and the regulators. You’ll also consider the challenges companies face when exploring their finance options.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Facilities
The Learning Platform
Lecture theatres
Library
Bloomberg Financial Market Suite
Digital Marketing Lab
Meeting spaces
Cafe
Course Location
Our Marylebone Campus has benefited from a multi-million-pound refurbishment resulting in new workshops, digital studios and development of the Marylebone Library. The campus is home to Westminster Business School and our award-winning Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Westminster Business School
Based in the heart of London's political, media and financial services, Westminster Business School has excellent industry links and a strong commitment to social enterprise.
Our courses are accredited by professional bodies including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Our practical teaching relates learning to the real world, and we develop graduates who are ready to respond to contemporary business challenges.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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