MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
BSc (Hons) Business Management and Finance (with a Placement Year)
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BSc (Hons) Business Management and Finance (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is a comprehensive four-year undergraduate degree meticulously designed to equip students with a robust understanding of both core business operations and specialised financial principles. This extended program integrates a vital year-long work placement, typically undertaken between the second and final academic years, providing students with invaluable practical experience in a professional setting. Developed by industry professionals, including experienced accountants and directors, the curriculum emphasises applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking, and instilling a strong ethical foundation. Graduates are prepared to navigate the complexities of financial markets and management roles, making them highly sought-after professionals in diverse sectors.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BSc (Hons) Business Management and Finance (with a Placement Year) is strategically structured to progressively build students' expertise across business and finance disciplines. The initial year establishes a solid foundation with modules covering Contemporary Marketing Practice, Introduction to Management, Organisational Behaviour, Introduction to Accounting, and Financial Management. In the second year, students delve deeper into Corporate Finance, Behavioural Economics, Business Economics, and Management Accounting, alongside opportunities to explore leadership or global people management. The pivotal third year is dedicated entirely to the compulsory work placement, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a professional environment and gain significant industry insight. The final academic year then focuses on advanced areas such as Financial Markets and Institutions, Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility, and Strategic Management, culminating in a significant Consultancy Project or Independent Study.
Research Focus: While primarily an undergraduate degree, the BSc (Hons) Business Management and Finance (with a Placement Year) program at St. Mary's University is profoundly informed by current business and financial research, as well as prevailing industry best practices. The academic team, comprising experienced professionals and active researchers, ensures that the curriculum reflects the latest developments and critical insights in financial markets, economics, and management. Students are actively encouraged to develop robust research and analytical skills throughout their studies, particularly through real-world case studies, practical exercises, and their final-year consultancy project or independent study. This hands-on, research-informed approach cultivates a critical understanding of financial issues, market dynamics, and management strategies, enabling graduates to conduct informed analysis and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.
Industry Engagement: St. Mary's University places a significant emphasis on direct industry engagement, a cornerstone of the Business Management and Finance (with a Placement Year) program. The compulsory placement year offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to gain substantial, hands-on professional experience, applying their academic learning in real business and financial settings. The university’s strategic location in Twickenham provides excellent access to London’s vibrant financial district and diverse business sectors, offering a rich pool of potential placement opportunities. Beyond the placement, students benefit from regular interactions with industry professionals through guest lectures, workshops, and networking events. The curriculum itself is designed by academics with extensive practical experience, ensuring that the skills taught are highly relevant and directly applicable to current employer demands, significantly boosting graduate employability.
Global Perspective: Recognising the increasingly interconnected nature of global finance and business, the BSc (Hons) Business Management and Finance (with a Placement Year) program at St. Mary's University integrates a strong international perspective throughout its curriculum. Students explore how global economic trends, international financial markets, and diverse cultural contexts influence business strategy and financial operations across borders. The program fosters an understanding of multinational corporations, global investment strategies, and the ethical considerations of operating in a diverse global marketplace. While the placement year typically occurs within the UK, the immersive professional experience enhances adaptability and a global professional mindset, preparing graduates to confidently pursue careers with multinational corporations or within global financial centres, making them competitive in the worldwide job market.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% 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 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 55.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
The BSc (Hons) Business Management and Finance (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, provides graduates with an exceptional blend of comprehensive business understanding and specialised financial expertise. The integrated placement year is a significant asset, offering practical, real-world experience that enhances employability and allows students to apply theoretical knowledge directly. This programme cultivates adaptable, analytical, and commercially astute professionals highly sought after in the job market.
Financial Analyst: Graduates can excel in this role by analysing financial data, forecasting economic trends, and providing crucial insights for investment decisions. The blend of management and finance skills, reinforced by practical experience, makes them adept at interpreting financial performance within a broader business context.
Management Consultant: Leveraging their dual expertise, graduates can advise diverse organisations on improving operational efficiency, strategic planning, and financial performance. Their exposure during the placement year provides a practical foundation for addressing complex business challenges.
Corporate Finance Executive: Within a company, these professionals manage financial planning, capital structuring, and investment decisions. The program's focus on both business management and finance prepares them to optimise financial resources and support strategic corporate objectives.
Project Manager: Armed with strong organisational and financial management skills, graduates can lead projects across various industries. The placement year provides valuable experience in managing resources, budgets, and timelines, ensuring successful project delivery.
Investment Banker: For those seeking a dynamic career in the financial services sector, investment banking involves advising clients on mergers, acquisitions, and raising capital. The degree provides a solid understanding of financial markets and corporate strategy.
Risk Analyst: Graduates can work in financial institutions or corporations to identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks. Their comprehensive understanding of business operations and financial instruments, augmented by practical experience, is vital for effective risk management.
Auditor (Internal or External): Specialising in financial scrutiny, auditors ensure financial records are accurate and compliant with regulations. The program's blend of business and finance modules provides the necessary knowledge to understand both accounting practices and their implications for business operations.
Treasury Analyst: This role involves managing a company's liquidity, investments, and financial risk. Graduates with this degree are well-prepared to handle cash flow forecasting, foreign exchange management, and short-term investment strategies.
Business Development Manager: These professionals identify new business opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and drive revenue growth. Their financial acumen, combined with a solid understanding of business operations, enables them to assess the viability of new ventures and negotiate profitable deals.
Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Analyst: Working within corporate finance departments, FP&A analysts support decision-making through budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling. The placement year and integrated curriculum provide the practical and theoretical knowledge to excel in financial planning and performance management.
