Program Overview
The BSc Finance (Investments) degree equips students with a comprehensive understanding of finance and the financial services industry. Graduates gain expertise in portfolio management, financial modeling, and other core concepts, preparing them for careers in investments, asset management, or related fields. The program incorporates hands-on workshops and practical applications to enhance students' skills and knowledge.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Prepare for a career in the fast-paced industries of investment banking, asset management, corporate finance, or general accounting with our BSc Finance (Investments) degree. Recent changes in finance – including the emergence of financial technology and the focus on sustainability – have necessitated changes throughout the industry. Develop the key skills and knowledge to meet these changes head-on, as you gain a deep understanding of finance and the financial services industry. Experts from Henley Business School will introduce you to the:
- fundamental principles of accounting, finance, and economics
- quantitative techniques of finance
- role of finance in business and society
- ethics required to work in the finance industry. As your studies progress, you’ll gain deeper knowledge of the core concepts in:
- portfolio management
- financial modelling
- corporate finance
- econometrics for finance
- FX and international debt markets
- hedging and trading. You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical workshops, and self-guided study. This will provide the opportunity to discuss subject materials in an in-depth way with your lecturers and fellow students. The University of Reading is a CFA partner university. Within this partnership, a number of scholarships are offered towards CFA exams (partial fee reduction) for which students can apply.
Outline:
Year 1
- Introductory Securities and Markets
- Introductory Finance/Trading Simulation I
- Introductory Economics for Business and Finance
- Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance
- Ethics in Investment Management (BSc)
- Business in Practice: Accounting for Managers
Year 2
- Corporate Finance
- Portfolio Management (BSc)
- Introductory Econometrics for Finance
- FX and International Debt Markets
- Financial Modelling
- Climate Change and Finance
Optional modules
- Trends in Finance
- Programming for Finance
- Sustainable Finance
- Work Mini-Placement
Year 3
- Management of Risk
- Bonds and Money Markets
- Advanced Derivative Securities Hedging and Trading
- Derivative Securities
Optional modules
- Research Project (BSc)
- Private Equity and Venture Capital
- Finance and Occupational Pensions
- Fintech and Cryptocurrencies
- Machine Learning in Finance
Careers:
Careers for BSc Finance (Investments) graduates The skills and knowledge you acquire from your degree in finance will be applicable to, and provide a route into, many areas:
- Asset management
- Banking and investment banking
- Consultancy
- Finance
- Operations
- Trading
- Financial Analysis
- Brokerage
- Hedge funds.
Other:
- Ranked in the top 25 in the UK for Accounting and Finance (23rd in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024).
- Triple-accredited status from the UK, European, and US accrediting bodies (AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB).
- Flexible study options
- Dedicated industry facilities with BSc Finance (Investments)
- A focus on employability
New UK/Republic of Ireland students:
£9,250
- New international students: £27,650
University of Reading
Overview:
The University of Reading is a public research university located in Reading, Berkshire, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation and its commitment to providing a high-quality student experience.
Academic Programs:
The University of Reading offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various subject areas, including:
Arts and Humanities:
Ancient History, Archaeology, Art, Classics, Creative Writing, Drama, English Language and Applied Linguistics, English Literature, Film and Television, History, Languages and Cultures, Linguistics, Museum Studies, Philosophy, Theatre & Performance, War and Peace Studies.Science and Engineering:
Agriculture, Architecture, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Bioveterinary Sciences, Chemistry, Climate Science, Computer Science, Ecology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medical Sciences, Meteorology and Climate, Microbiology, Nutrition, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Zoology.Business and Social Sciences:
Accounting, Business and Management, Consumer Behaviour and Marketing, Economics, Education, Finance, Healthcare, International Development, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Politics and International Relations, Psychology, Public Policy, Real Estate and Planning, Social Policy, Strategic Studies, Teaching.Other:
The University of Reading has a strong research focus and is ranked among the top universities in the world for its research output. It also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area.
Entry Requirements:
A Level:
- ABB
International Baccalaureate:
- 32 points overall including minimum 5 in Maths and 4 in English at standard level
GCSE:
- English at grade B (5)
BTEC Extended Diploma:
- Not accepted unless studied alongside A level or AS level Maths (the BTEC Extended Diploma cannot be accepted on its own to cover the Maths subject requirement).
English Language Requirements:
Successful completion of this 1-year program guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English Language Programme:
- If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
