Our BSc (Hons) Finance and Investment course explores how financial markets and investment decisions shape businesses, organisations and the wider economy. You’ll develop a strong understanding of and practical skills in financial analysis, investment management and the principles that underpin decision-making in the investment sector, applying your knowledge to practical financial scenarios and contemporary issues. Alongside your technical knowledge, you’ll develop the analytical, problem-solving and communication skills needed to work effectively in finance and investment roles. We are a Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) Education Partner and are also affiliated with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute, with the course content aligned to the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge. You’ll also have opportunities to develop your wider employability through our BCU Award scheme, helping you connect your academic learning with the skills and experience expected across the finance and investment sector. Based in Birmingham, the UK's second city and a major financial centre, you will study in a vibrant, diverse environment with strong connections to local, national, and international businesses. You will be taught by a highly qualified academic team with substantial industry and professional experience, bringing real-world insight into every aspect of your learning. What's covered in this course As you progress, you will become more effective and creative in problem-solving, as well as being able to critically advise individuals and companies in the UK and internationally. The modules are designed to enhance and develop your theoretical understanding but also to apply acquired knowledge to the finance and investment sector. You will be equipped with the data-driven analytical skills that are increasingly essential in modern financial markets. The course has some mandatory subject areas which help you gain the key underpinning knowledge for the course; however, in your second and final year, you also have the opportunity to select some subjects based on your specific areas of interest, enabling you to specialise in areas, as well as allow you to tailor your course to a specific career path. The course also offers the option of a professional placement year, giving you hands-on industry experience, the chance to put your learning into practice and valuable experience to take into your future career. The diversity of our student body and the teaching team, plus the use of international teaching materials, gives the course an international focus. Moreover, you can choose to spend a year or a full semester studying your modules overseas at a partner institution. Professional Placement Year This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies. If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course. Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.