BSc (Hons) Banking and Finance (with Placement Year)

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at the University of Chester are required to have completed their secondary education with a minimum overall percentage of 65% or above.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum score of 6.0 overall, with no individual band score below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based Test (iBT), with no section below 17.
• PTE Academic: A minimum score of 61 overall, with no communicative skills score below 59.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Chester offers various scholarships and financial support options to international students. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, support students with financial needs, and promote diversity and inclusivity. 

International Excellence Scholarship: The International Excellence Scholarship is available to international undergraduate and postgraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. The scholarship provides a tuition fee reduction of up to £2,000 for the first year of study. The selection is based on academic achievement and personal statement.

Chevening Scholarships: The University of Chester is a participating institution in the prestigious Chevening Scholarship program. Chevening Scholarships are awarded by the UK government to outstanding individuals with leadership potential from around the world. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other allowances for a one-year master's degree.

Commonwealth Scholarships: The university participates in the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), offering scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs for selected master's degree programs.

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships are open to international students applying for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Chester. The scholarships provide a tuition fee reduction of £2,000 for the first year of study. Students are automatically considered for this scholarship based on their application.

Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Chester offers country-specific scholarships to students from selected countries. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria, funding amount, and application process. They are designed to attract talented students from specific regions and support their educational journey at the university.

Alumni Discount: The University of Chester offers an Alumni Discount to international students who have previously completed a degree at the university and wish to pursue further studies. This discount provides a reduction in tuition fees for eligible students.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary each year.

The BSc (Hons) Banking and Finance program at the University of Chester equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to pursue diverse and rewarding careers in the financial sector. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to enter roles in banking, investment management, financial analysis, and related areas.  

1. Banking and Financial Services: Graduates can pursue roles in retail banking, commercial banking, investment banking, and private banking. They may work as bank tellers, relationship managers, loan officers, financial advisors, or investment analysts within banking institutions.

2. Investment Management: Opportunities exist in asset management firms, hedge funds, pension funds, and investment companies. Graduates can work as portfolio managers, investment analysts, financial planners, or risk managers, responsible for managing and optimizing investment portfolios.

3. Financial Analysis and Consulting: Graduates can join consulting firms or financial advisory companies, providing expert analysis and strategic advice to clients. They may specialize in financial modeling, valuation, due diligence, or corporate finance advisory services.

4. Risk Management and Compliance: With a strong understanding of financial regulations and risk management practices, graduates can pursue roles in risk assessment, compliance monitoring, and internal auditing within financial institutions.

5. Corporate Finance and Treasury: Opportunities exist in corporate finance departments of multinational companies, where graduates can work on capital budgeting, financial planning, treasury operations, and financial reporting.

6. Insurance and Actuarial Science: Graduates can explore careers in insurance companies, specializing in underwriting, claims management, actuarial analysis, or insurance brokerage.

7. Financial Technology (FinTech): The growing FinTech sector offers opportunities for graduates interested in technology-driven innovations in finance. Roles may involve financial software development, data analytics, or digital banking solutions.

8. Further Study and Professional Qualifications: Some graduates may choose to pursue further study or professional qualifications, such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Banker, or Certified Financial Planner (CFP), to enhance their career prospects and expertise in specific areas of finance.