MBA Master of Business Administration
The MBA program at Durham University is a full-time, intensive course aimed at developi...
BSc Finance with Placement Year
Durham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc Finance with Placement Year program at Durham University offers a comprehensive education in financial theory, quantitative methods, investment analysis, and financial markets. Students in this program benefit from an academically rigorous curriculum that provides a deep understanding of finance, while also having the unique opportunity to gain real-world experience through a year-long industry placement. The placement year, which takes place between the second and final year of study, allows students to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting, honing their skills and gaining valuable insights into the finance industry. The program prepares students for a wide range of careers in finance, investment banking, financial consulting, and corporate finance by combining theoretical learning with the practical experience needed to succeed in the global financial landscape.
Curriculum: The BSc Finance with Placement Year program at Durham University is structured to provide a strong foundation in finance and equip students with the analytical and quantitative skills required for success in the finance industry. In the first year, students take core modules in subjects such as Financial Accounting, Introduction to Finance, Economics for Finance, and Quantitative Methods for Finance. These modules provide students with a broad understanding of key financial concepts and principles. In the second year, students delve deeper into more specialized topics, including Corporate Finance, Financial Markets, Investment Analysis, and Risk Management. The program places a strong emphasis on developing students' problem-solving and analytical skills through case studies, group projects, and financial modeling exercises. The placement year allows students to gain practical experience and apply their learning in a professional finance setting. Upon returning for the final year, students take advanced modules in areas such as Advanced Corporate Finance, Derivatives, Financial Modeling, and Risk Management. Students can also choose elective modules that align with their interests and career goals. The combination of academic rigor and practical industry experience ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the finance industry with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed.
Research Focus: Durham University is recognized for its world-class research, particularly in the fields of finance, economics, and business. The university’s Business School is home to leading researchers who specialize in areas such as financial markets, corporate governance, risk management, and sustainable finance. The BSc Finance with Placement Year program benefits from the university’s strong research focus, ensuring that students are taught the latest insights and developments in financial theory and practice. Faculty members actively engage in research that addresses current financial challenges, and this research is integrated into the curriculum, giving students access to cutting-edge financial knowledge. Students are encouraged to engage with research through seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects, which help develop their critical thinking and analytical abilities. The university’s research-led teaching approach ensures that students receive an up-to-date, evidence-based education that is relevant to the fast-changing finance industry.
Industry Engagement: Durham University’s BSc Finance with Placement Year program offers extensive industry engagement opportunities, ensuring that students gain practical experience and develop professional connections. The placement year is a key feature of the program, allowing students to work in a real-world finance environment and apply their academic learning in a professional setting. Durham University has strong links with a wide range of industries, including investment banking, asset management, consulting, and corporate finance, providing students with access to numerous placement opportunities. The university’s strong ties with employers ensure that students gain valuable work experience with top-tier organizations, enhancing their employability and providing them with insight into the day-to-day workings of the finance industry. In addition to the placement year, the university offers career services, networking events, and employer-led workshops, which help students build their professional networks and connect with potential employers. The industry engagement opportunities offered by Durham University ensure that students are well-prepared for the competitive finance job market.
Global Perspective: The BSc Finance with Placement Year program at Durham University provides students with a global perspective on finance, which is essential in today’s interconnected and fast-paced financial environment. The program covers global financial markets, international investment strategies, and cross-border finance, ensuring that students understand the complexities of doing business in a global context. The diverse student body at Durham University, along with the university’s international connections, fosters a global learning environment where students can gain insights into how finance operates across different regions and markets. The university’s partnerships with universities and institutions around the world also offer students the opportunity to participate in exchange programs or study abroad, further enhancing their global exposure. This international focus ensures that graduates are well-prepared to work in multinational companies, global financial institutions, or any other organization with an international reach. By providing a global perspective on finance, the program equips students to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the global finance industry.
Location
Durham
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 29500
- Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 85% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
- English language proficiency is essential, and students are required to provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92, with at least 23 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
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.
Durham University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to both domestic and international students.
Durham University Scholarships and Bursaries: These are awarded to both undergraduate and postgraduate students based on academic excellence, financial need, or specific criteria such as subject area or country of origin.
Durham International Scholarships: These are awarded to exceptional international students who are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the university. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition fees and is renewable for the duration of the course.
Government Scholarships: Durham University participates in a number of government scholarship programs, including the Chevening Scholarship and the Commonwealth Scholarship.
College-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges at Durham University offer scholarships and bursaries to their students, such as the Van Mildert College Music Scholarship and the St. Mary's College Travel Grant.
Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at Durham University offer scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships may be discipline-specific or focused on supporting students from specific regions or countries.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships: The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships are prestigious scholarships awarded to exceptional international students across all academic disciplines. These scholarships cover the full tuition fees and provide a generous living allowance for the duration of the program. The selection process is highly competitive and based on academic merit and leadership potential.
Durham University in the UK offers a BSc in Finance with Placement Year, a comprehensive program that combines academic study with a year-long industry placement to provide students with practical experience and enhance their career prospects.
Investment Banking: Students who undertake a placement year in an investment bank can gain valuable experience and develop skills in areas such as financial analysis, investment research, and deal execution. This can lead to career opportunities as investment analysts, traders, or corporate financiers within investment banks.
Corporate Finance: A placement year in a corporate finance department allows students to work on financial analysis, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions, and financial modeling projects. Graduates can pursue careers as financial analysts, corporate finance managers, or M&A specialists within corporate finance teams of companies or financial advisory firms.
Asset Management: Students can undertake a placement year in asset management firms, where they can gain experience in portfolio management, investment research, and asset allocation. This can lead to careers as portfolio managers, research analysts, or investment strategists within asset management companies or wealth management firms.
Financial Planning and Wealth Management: A placement year in a financial planning or wealth management firm provides students with practical experience in assisting clients with financial planning, investment strategies, and retirement planning. Graduates can pursue careers as financial advisors, wealth managers, or financial planners within financial planning firms or private banking institutions.
Risk Management: Students who undertake a placement year in risk management departments of financial institutions can gain exposure to risk assessment, risk modeling, and risk mitigation strategies. This can lead to careers as risk analysts, risk managers, or compliance officers within banks, insurance companies, or consulting firms.
Insurance and Actuarial Science: A placement year in an insurance company or actuarial firm offers students the opportunity to work on insurance product development, underwriting, or actuarial calculations. Graduates can pursue careers as underwriters, claims analysts, or actuaries within insurance companies or actuarial consulting firms.
Financial Analysis and Research: Students can undertake a placement year in financial research firms or corporate finance departments, gaining experience in financial analysis, market research, and investment recommendations. This can lead to careers as financial analysts, equity researchers, or investment analysts within research firms, investment banks, or corporate finance departments.
Commercial Banking: A placement year in commercial banking provides students with practical experience in areas such as retail banking, credit analysis, and relationship management. Graduates can pursue careers as relationship managers, credit analysts, or branch managers within commercial banks or retail banking divisions of financial institutions.
Financial Regulation and Compliance: Students who undertake a placement year in regulatory bodies or compliance departments of financial institutions can gain insights into financial regulations, risk management, and compliance frameworks. This can lead to careers as compliance officers, risk managers, or regulatory analysts within regulatory bodies or financial institutions.
Professional Development: A placement year offers students the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and time management. These skills are highly valued by employers in various sectors, enhancing graduates' employability and opening up career opportunities beyond finance.
