Financial Services BA (Hons)

Program Overview

Through a combination of theory and practical skills development, graduates gain the knowledge and abilities to navigate the complexities of global finance and contribute effectively in various roles within the sector and beyond.

Program Outline

Financial Services BA (Hons) - Edinburgh Napier University

Degree Overview:

The Financial Services BA (Hons) program at Edinburgh Napier University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in modern financial services organizations. The program addresses the growing demand for skilled graduates in the financial sector, providing students with up-to-date and relevant learning experiences.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Develop the ability to apply relevant theory and analytical techniques to investigate financial issues.
• Instill a strong foundation in the legal, organizational, financial, and technological environments relevant to the sector, and develop skills in these areas.
• Integrate learning into an analytical, problem-solving, and creative approach to address the challenges and changes facing the financial services sector and its role in the wider economy.
• Develop interpersonal and transferable skills to enable graduates to contribute effectively in business situations or broader policy-making and regulatory environments.
• Promote initiative and enterprise by providing opportunities for students to take responsibility for their own learning.

Outline:

Structure:

• The program is a 4-year, full-time program.
• Students have the option to complete a 24-week work placement in year three.
• Study abroad opportunities are available.

Course Schedule:

• Year 1:
• Introduction to Financial Services Sector
• Accounting for Business
• Research and Study Skills
• Planning Personal Finance
• Principles of Economics
• Year 2:
• Management Science & Statistics
• Marketing Financial Services
• Introduction to Business Ethics and Sustainability
• Financial Services Decision Making and Planning 1
• Planning Personal Finance
• Personal Investment & Portfolio Planning
• Year 3:
• Financial Services Decision Making and Planning 2
• Advanced Personal Financial Planning
• Financial Technology
• Corporate Risk Management
• Behavioural Issues in Finance
• Year 4:
• Honours Dissertation
• Regulatory Risk Management
• Investment Management
• Global Financial Markets
• Accounting for Business: This module introduces students to the principles of accounting and its application in business decision-making.
• Research and Study Skills: This module equips students with the necessary skills for conducting research and academic writing.
• Planning Personal Finance: This module covers the principles of personal financial planning, including budgeting, saving, and investing.
• Principles of Economics: This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of economics, including supply and demand, market structures, and macroeconomic concepts.
• Management Science & Statistics: This module covers the application of statistical methods and quantitative techniques to business decision-making.
• Marketing Financial Services: This module explores the marketing principles and strategies specific to the financial services industry.
• Introduction to Business Ethics and Sustainability: This module examines ethical considerations and sustainability issues in business, with a focus on the financial services sector.
• Financial Services Decision Making and Planning 1: This module delves into the decision-making processes and planning frameworks used in financial services.
• Personal Investment & Portfolio Planning: This module covers the principles of investment management and portfolio construction.
• Financial Services Decision Making and Planning 2: This module builds upon the previous decision-making and planning modules, exploring advanced concepts and applications.
• Advanced Personal Financial Planning: This module focuses on specialized aspects of personal financial planning, such as retirement planning and estate planning.
• Corporate Risk Management: This module covers the principles and practices of risk management in corporate settings.
• Behavioural Issues in Finance: This module examines the psychological and behavioral factors that influence financial decision-making.
• Honours Dissertation: This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice within the field of financial services.
• Regulatory Risk Management: This module focuses on the regulatory landscape and risk management practices within the financial services industry.
• Investment Management: This module explores the principles and practices of investment management, including portfolio construction, asset allocation, and performance evaluation.
• Global Financial Markets: This module examines the structure, operations, and interrelationships of global financial markets.
• Management of Financial Institutions: This module covers the management principles and practices specific to financial institutions, such as banks, insurance companies, and investment firms.

Assessment:

• Most modules are assessed through a combination of written coursework and a formal examination at the end of the trimester.
• Many modules also include an oral or visual presentation as part of the assessment.
• Some modules are assessed solely by two or more written pieces of work without a formal examination, reflecting a more practical focus.
• Assessments can be individual or involve group work.

Teaching:

• The program primarily utilizes formal lectures to cover underlying issues and theory.
• Tutorials provide a more detailed examination of these issues and their application in real-world situations.

Careers:

• Graduates of the Financial Services BA (Hons) program are well-prepared for careers in the financial services sector across the private, public, and third sectors.
• Potential career paths include:
• General management in banks, building societies, and insurance companies
• Investment management roles
• Stock broking
• Financial advising
• Investment administration
• The program also develops skills for entrepreneurship.

Other:

• Edinburgh Napier University is the only university in Scotland to offer an undergraduate degree in Financial Services.
• Students have access to the Bright Red Triangle, the university's start-up incubator, which provides certified business advisors and a co-working space in Edinburgh.
• The program emphasizes the development of practical skills, such as data collection, analysis, interpretation, and understanding.
• Graduates gain an appreciation of the value of education to society and to themselves as individuals.

Disclaimer:

• The study modules mentioned above are indicative only and may change between now and the time of study.

Tuition Fees for 2024/25

| Students from | 2024/25 | 2025/26 | |---|---|---| | Scotland | £1,820 | £tba | | England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland | £9,250 | £tba | | Overseas and EU | £16,680 | £tba |

• Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study.
The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries.
• Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate.
The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries.