Course overview
Our varied and flexible Finance BSc will equip you with a wide range of career-enhancing skills and expose you to diverse experiences.
The curriculum is driven by the latest developments in financial theory and empirical findings. It is designed and taught by faculty who lead the way in finance research. You will also benefit from teaching by industry professionals and professionally qualified staff.
You will develop a working knowledge of a broad and diverse range of areas in finance, including:
- financial markets
- banking
- corporate finance
- financial analysis
Our offering is constantly evolving to remain in step with the ever-evolving landscape of finance. This includes coverage of FinTech, green finance, sustainability, and cryptocurrencies.
As a result, you will develop in-depth knowledge of a wide variety of Finance-related domains. You’ll be able to approach real-world challenges creatively , working both individually and as part of a team.
We offer a range of optional modules, so you can tailor your academic journey to your own personal interests.
Placements and study abroad
If you wish, you can choose to add an extra year to your three-year course. You can take on an industry placement, or spend a transformative year studying abroad.
our course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
- 16th in the UK – The Complete University Guide 2025 (Accounting and Finance category)
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Top 200 for Accounting and Finance – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you’ll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Stage 1
The first year gives you ample opportunities to develop a broad perspective on financial issues and the wider context. As well as learning about finance and accounting, you will:
- explore the economic and legal context in which financial markets and institutions operate
- gain insights into managing business enterprises
- study empirical methods as a key skillset in finance
Compulsory modules
You take the following compulsory modules:
- Introduction to Financial Accounting (20 credits)
- Introduction to Management Accounting and Finance (20 credits)
- Professional Skills for Accounting and Finance (20 credits)
- Introduction to Management and Organisation (20 credits)
- Introductory Economics (20 credits)
- Introduction to Business Law (20 credits)
Stage 2
In the second year, you will be able to focus on financial markets and institutions. You will also further explore financial decision-making within non-financial companies. You’ll learn how to analyse financial information and to value companies. Further optional modules allow you to:
- explore how companies make strategic decisions
- how financial information is gathered and processed within organisations to support decision-making
- how diverse economics structures and processes affect corporate and financial choices
Compulsory modules
You take the following modules:
- Responsible Corporate Finance (20 credits)
- Understanding Company Accounts (20 credits)
- Asset Pricing and Portfolio Investment (20 credits)
- Money and Banking (20 credits)
Optional modules
You choose two 20-credit modules from the following list (except second-year direct entrants taking LAW1054):
- Managerial and Business Economics (20 credits)
- Financial Control (20 credits)
- Intermediate Financial Accounting (20 credits)
- Strategic Business Analysis (20 credits)
Final Stage
- how financial derivatives work
- the types of risks banks face and how to manage them
- how irrational behaviours and emotions can lead to poor decision making, and
- the avenues to identify and mitigate the resulting inefficiencies
You will also gain insights into areas such as:
- FinTech
- cryptocurrencies
- green finance and sustainability
- private equity and venture capital
- other new and emerging financial areas
Under academic guidance, you will conduct an empirical project . This will further develop your skills in quantitative data analysis and project management. Optional modules give you further opportunities to build deeper knowledge of:
- accounting
- financial management
- taxation
- auditing
Compulsory modules
You take the following modules:
- Issues in Behavioural Finance (20 credits)
- Derivative Markets (20 credits)
- Financial Institutions: Measuring and Managing Financial Risks (20 credits)
- Advanced Topics in Finance (20 credits)
- Empirical Project in Finance (20 credits)
Optional modules
You take 20 credits of optional modules, normally selected from the following list. If a module was taken at Stage 2, it cannot be selected again. A maximum of 20 Level 5 credits is permitted at Stage 3:
- Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting (20 credits)
- Management Accounting (20 credits)
- International Financial Management (20 credits)
- Taxation (20 credits)
- Auditing (20 credits)
- Case Studies in Finance, Accounting and Business (20 credits)
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
Most of your course will be delivered through lectures, seminars and workshops.
Seminars form a more important part of your education in later stages, and help build our learning community, where you’ll debate with peers and refine your ideas.
Skills and experience
You will have the opportunity to gain experience through:
- industry visits
- exploring methods for data analysis
- analysing real-world financial data
Real business skills
You will develop real-world business skills through our engaging course activities. You can:
- dive into case studies
- analyse real financial data
- participate in extracurricular career development opportunities
As well as in-depth subject knowledge, you will master a set of valuable transferable skills, such as:
- numeracy and data analysis
- communication
- analytical skills
- logical and critical thinking
- teamwork
- project management
- attention to detail
Research skills
Build essential research skills through this course. You will be able to:
- learn methods for data analysis
- explore real-world financial data
- engage with academic literature to deepen your understanding
Opportunities
Study abroad
Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.
If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.
Find out more about study abroad
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You’ll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year, and your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. A work placement is not available if you’re spending a year studying abroad. Placements are subject to availability.
Find out more about work placements
Facilities and environment
Facilities
Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 3,500 students representing over 80 nationalities. This valuable network extends beyond our current students to include:
- regional, national and international leaders
- over 34,000 alumni in our network, spanning over 150 countries
- leading professionals and practitioners from industry
The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix – an innovation hub and community that brings together industry leaders, businesses and top researchers.
Our facilities include:
- flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city
- Wi-Fi enabled connectivity throughout the building, including three computer clusters housing over 120 PCs
- four large lecture theatres and over 25 seminar and teaching spaces, providing comfortable teaching and group study space
- dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a balanced mix of study space for group work or quiet, individual study
- contemporary café
- employability hub to support your career aspirations
- Bloomberg Room to give you a real feel for the trading room floor
- Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology
This is in addition to our Frederick Douglass Centre at Newcastle Helix, which offers further study and learning spaces including a 750 seat auditorium – the largest in the University.
Support
Each degree offers you a stimulating curriculum and a supportive teaching and learning environment.
You will have an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have.
Your future
Our BSc Finance programme will prepare you for a wide range of roles across the financial sector and beyond.
Typical employment destinations include:
- commercial and investment banking
- asset management
- wealth management/private banking
- securities trading and brokering
- consultancy
- financial risk management
- financial analysis
- FinTech
Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| AAB excluding General Studies. We are willing to consider any combination of A Level subjects (excluding General Studies). No subject is essential but the following may be useful:
⦁ Maths ⦁ Business ⦁ Economics GCSE mathematics and English Language or Literature at grade 6 or B is required if not taken at A or AS Level. Please see the ‘Additional information on GCSEs’ section in the drop down below. |
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| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
| 34 points. Standard Level Mathematics or Mathematical Studies and English (Language and/or Literature) required at grade 5 if not offered at Higher Level.
Please see the ‘Additional information on GCSEs’ section in the drop down below. |
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