Bachelor of Finance and Banking

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Finance and Banking at the University of Adelaide equips students with a comprehensive understanding of finance and banking principles and practices. Through a combination of core courses, electives, and real-world projects, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for successful careers in the industry. The program offers unique opportunities such as The Academy by Deloitte and industry guest speakers, providing students with practical experience and industry connections. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in commercial banking, financial advising, investment management, and other areas of finance and banking.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview:
The Bachelor of Finance and Banking program at the University of Adelaide provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of finance and banking, preparing them for successful careers in the industry.
• Objectives:
The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and maximize money effectively, at both individual and corporate levels. Graduates will be proficient in strategic thinking, political awareness, and business savvy.
• Description:
The program covers a wide range of topics, including international trade, banking and financial markets, retail and institutional banking, monetary policy principles and impact, major asset classes and investment options, specialized financial institutions, wealth and risk management, business data analytics and statistics, and financial modelling. Students will also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills to clearly formulate and deliver monetary advice.
• Core courses to the value of 48 units, including capstone courses to the value of 6 units
• Elective courses to the value of 24 units, including Broadening Electives to the value of 9 units
• Course Schedule and Modules:
The program is typically completed over three years, with courses offered in both February and July intakes. The course schedule includes:
• Level I:
Introductory Accounting, Business Finance, Data Analytics I, International Financial Institutions and Markets I, Principles of Economics I, Open Elective Level I, Introduction to Financial Mathematics I, Applications of Quantitative Methods in Finance I, Mathematics IA, Mathematics IB, Mathematics IM
• Level II:
Financial Institutions Management, Financial Economics II, Business Valuation, Options, Futures & Risk Management, Open Elective Level I, Two open Elective Level I/II, Probability & Statistics II, Intermediate Applied Econometrics II, Business Data Analytics
• Level III:
Financial Modelling: Tools & Techniques III, Four open Elective Level III, Finance Electives, Portfolio Theory & Management, Money, Banking and Financial Markets III
• Module Descriptions:
• Financial Institutions Management:
Explores the role and functions of various financial institutions, such as banks, insurance companies, and investment funds, and their impact on the financial system.
• Financial Economics II:
Examines advanced concepts in financial economics, including asset pricing models, capital budgeting, and corporate finance.
• Business Valuation:
Provides an overview of the principles and methods used to value businesses, including discounted cash flow analysis, comparable company analysis, and precedent transactions.
• Options, Futures & Risk Management:
Introduces the concepts of options, futures, and other derivatives, and their use in risk management and investment strategies.
• Probability & Statistics II:
Covers advanced topics in probability and statistics, including hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and time series analysis.
• Intermediate Applied Econometrics II:
Provides hands-on experience in applying econometric methods to real-world economic data.
• Business Data Analytics:
Introduces the principles and techniques of business data analytics, including data mining, data visualization, and predictive modelling.
• Financial Modelling: Tools & Techniques III:
Focuses on advanced financial modelling techniques, such as Monte Carlo simulation, portfolio optimization, and scenario analysis.
• Portfolio Theory & Management:
Covers the theory and practice of portfolio management, including investment strategies, asset allocation, and performance evaluation.
• Money, Banking and Financial Markets III:
Examines the role of central banks, monetary policy, and financial markets in the economy.
• Finance Electives:
Students can choose from a range of finance electives, such as:
• International Trade III
• International Finance III
• Corporate Regulations and Ethics in Finance
• Takeovers, Corporate Restructuring and Governance
• Topics in Corporate Finance

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Examinations
• Assignments
• Projects
• Presentations
• Assessment Criteria:
Students are assessed on their:
• Knowledge and understanding of course material
• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Team-working skills

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
The program is taught using a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Case studies
• Group projects
• Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of highly qualified and experienced faculty members, who are actively involved in research and industry.
• Unique Approaches:
The program offers several unique approaches to teaching, including:
• The Academy by Deloitte:
Students can choose to be part of The Academy by Deloitte, which provides opportunities for paid internships, industry mentorship, and networking.
• Industry Guest Speakers:
The program regularly invites industry professionals to share their expertise and insights with students.
• Real-World Projects:
Students work on real-world projects, giving them practical experience and industry connections.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in various areas of finance and banking, including:
• Commercial banking
• Financial advising
• Investment management
• Risk management
• Financial consulting
• Government monetary policy
• Opportunities:
The program provides graduates with opportunities to:
• Enter the commercial banking sector and assist businesses with their growth
• Become financial advisors, helping individuals achieve financial security
• Trade financial instruments on the ASX
• Shape government monetary policy
• Outcomes:
Graduates of the program have a high rate of success in securing employment in the finance and banking industry.