MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
BSc (Hons) Finance with Placement Year
Loughborough
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
Loughborough University, a top-ranked UK institution known for academic excellence, innovation, and industry links, offers the BSc (Hons) Finance with Placement Year as a dynamic and career-focused undergraduate degree. This program is designed for students aiming to pursue careers in finance, banking, investment, and financial management. It blends in-depth academic knowledge with hands-on experience through a year-long professional placement, equipping students with both the technical expertise and practical skills required in the modern financial sector. Accredited by key industry bodies and shaped by real-world demands, the program is highly respected by employers across global markets.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BSc Finance with Placement Year at Loughborough University is structured to build a robust foundation in finance and investment principles, while progressively advancing toward more specialized topics. In the early stages, students study core modules such as financial accounting, corporate finance, economics, and quantitative methods. As the program progresses, they delve deeper into areas like financial markets, risk management, investment analysis, portfolio management, financial modelling, and international finance. Elective modules allow further customization, giving students the flexibility to align their studies with their career interests. Throughout the course, students also develop key skills in data analytics, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making—crucial for thriving in competitive finance roles.
Research Focus: Loughborough University is globally recognized for its cutting-edge research in finance and economics. The School of Business and Economics conducts influential research in areas such as asset pricing, behavioural finance, banking regulation, fintech innovation, and sustainable finance. This strong research culture directly benefits students, as the curriculum is enriched by the latest findings and real-world applications. Final-year students often undertake a research-based dissertation or project, offering a chance to explore financial topics of their choice while developing critical thinking and research skills under expert academic supervision.
Industry Engagement: A key highlight of the BSc Finance with Placement Year program is its emphasis on real-world industry engagement. Loughborough University has established strong partnerships with leading financial institutions, banks, and multinational corporations, offering students access to placement opportunities, guest lectures, case competitions, and networking events. The placement year—typically taken in the third year of study—allows students to gain invaluable work experience in finance-related roles such as investment banking, risk analysis, accounting, or financial consulting. This not only enhances employability but also enables students to apply theoretical knowledge to actual business challenges, making them job-ready upon graduation.
Global Perspective: Loughborough’s finance program is designed to reflect the increasingly global nature of today’s financial markets. Students explore international financial systems, global investment strategies, and cross-border risk management. The diverse student body, opportunities for studying abroad, and globally relevant course content all contribute to a strong international outlook. By the time they graduate, students are equipped to navigate the complexities of global finance, work in multinational environments, and address issues such as economic inequality, regulatory challenges, and market volatility across different regions.
Location
Loughborough
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25500
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 75% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Loughborough University offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their education and make studying in the UK more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, financial need, and the potential for students to contribute to the university community.
International Excellence Awards: These are merit-based scholarships offered to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These awards typically cover part of the tuition fees and are designed to attract outstanding students from around the globe.
Global Scholarships: Loughborough offers various global scholarships based on geographical location, supporting students from specific regions or countries with reduced tuition fees.
Loughborough University Elite Sports Scholarships: These are available for students who are competing at an elite level in their sport. The scholarship includes financial support, as well as access to the university's world-class sports facilities, coaching, and training programs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Loughborough University offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate high academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country upon graduation.
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Finance with Placement Year program from Loughborough University enjoy a wide array of career options due to the strong foundation in finance, economics, and business management that the program offers. The placement year, which allows students to gain practical work experience in the finance industry, significantly enhances their employability.
Investment Banking: Investment banking is one of the most prestigious and high-paying fields for finance graduates. Loughborough University’s finance program prepares students for roles such as investment banker, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) analyst, and corporate finance consultant. Graduates work for leading investment banks, helping clients with financial strategies, capital raising, mergers, and acquisitions. The program’s focus on financial markets, risk management, and corporate finance provides the essential knowledge needed to succeed in this fast-paced and competitive industry.
Financial Analyst/Consultant: Many graduates pursue careers as financial analysts or consultants, providing companies with advice on managing finances, analyzing investment opportunities, or evaluating business strategies. A financial analyst's role involves examining financial data, preparing reports, and making recommendations for improvements. Graduates can work in various sectors, including banking, investment firms, insurance companies, and multinational corporations. Loughborough’s curriculum, which includes modules on financial modelling, portfolio management, and financial analysis, prepares students for these roles by developing their analytical and problem-solving skills.
Risk Management: The field of risk management is an important and growing area in finance. Graduates from Loughborough University can pursue roles such as risk analyst, credit risk officer, and operational risk manager. In these roles, finance professionals assess and manage risks associated with investments, lending, and other financial activities. They use financial instruments, quantitative models, and market analysis to mitigate risk and ensure business stability. Loughborough’s focus on financial theory, quantitative analysis, and financial risk management equips students with the tools needed to excel in this sector.
Corporate Finance: Corporate finance professionals play a crucial role in managing the finances of businesses. Graduates can take on roles such as financial manager, financial controller, or treasurer, where they manage the company's financial health, oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, and guide investment decisions. Loughborough’s in-depth study of corporate finance, financial strategy, and valuation techniques gives graduates the expertise to make key decisions that affect a company’s financial growth and sustainability.
Financial Planning and Wealth Management: Graduates interested in helping individuals manage their personal finances can pursue careers in financial planning and wealth management. In this role, finance professionals advise clients on investments, tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and more. Wealth managers and financial planners work with high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses to create personalized financial strategies. The BSc (Hons) Finance with Placement Year program at Loughborough provides students with strong knowledge of investment theory and financial planning, making them well-suited for roles in this field.
Accounting and Auditing: Accounting and auditing is another key career path for finance graduates. Many graduates go on to work as auditors, management accountants, or financial accountants in firms ranging from small businesses to multinational corporations. In these roles, professionals are responsible for ensuring financial compliance, preparing financial statements, and conducting audits. Loughborough’s comprehensive understanding of financial accounting, auditing, and business ethics equips students with the necessary skills for these roles. Graduates may also pursue professional certifications such as ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) or ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) alongside their careers.
Commercial Banking: Commercial banking offers a range of career opportunities for finance graduates. Roles in commercial banking include relationship manager, credit analyst, and lending officer. These professionals work with businesses and individuals to provide financial products, such as loans, lines of credit, and mortgages. Loughborough’s strong emphasis on financial products, risk analysis, and banking systems ensures that students are prepared for a range of roles in this industry, which is fundamental to the global economy.
Fintech and Digital Finance: The rapid rise of financial technology (fintech) has created new career opportunities for finance graduates, particularly those with an interest in technology and innovation. Fintech professionals work on creating and implementing digital solutions for financial services, such as mobile banking apps, blockchain technology, and peer-to-peer lending platforms. Loughborough’s forward-thinking curriculum, which includes modules on emerging financial technologies and digital finance, allows students to gain the technical and financial skills required to excel in the growing fintech sector.
Entrepreneurship: For those with an entrepreneurial mindset, a BSc in Finance from Loughborough provides the knowledge and skills necessary to start and run a business. Graduates can launch their own financial advisory firm, fintech startup, or other finance-related business. The program also offers support for students interested in entrepreneurship, including access to Loughborough’s business incubation services, mentorship, and networking opportunities with successful entrepreneurs.
