Durham University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
As financial markets across the world grow more closely connected, this specialist degree develops the quantitative and analytical skills you’ll need to pursue a career in the financial services industry. Learning from expert lecturers and guest speakers, the degree will give you a taste of real-world finance. We combine academic excellence, insightful research and exceptional global business connections, equipping you with the tools to become an innovative business thinker in your career and beyond. Our flexible study programme puts you in control. The curriculum links academic theory with practical experience through a combination of modules that offer plenty of opportunities to tailor your studies as your interests evolve. You have the option to complete the course in three years, alternatively, you can add a placement year or spend a year abroad. In the first year, you study the key fundamentals to examine and evaluate modern financial markets. The second year will give you the skills to examine financial issues and institutions, markets and securities across global markets. You’ll also learn to interpret financial data and price financial securities. The final year offers more flexibility. You can choose modules tailored to your interests and career aspirations. The dissertation, on a finance topic of your choice, makes up a third of your final year marks.
Modules
Year 1 Core modules: Foundations of Finance introduces the key principles of corporate finance and their importance to firms. From bonds and stocks to capital structure and dividend policy, it provides you with a solid grounding in issues of finance as they relate to the business and financial markets. Introduction to Economics examines the basic principles of economics. The study of subjects like market structure, fiscal policy and economic growth will provide a solid foundation for modules in micro- and macroeconomics. Introduction to Financial Accounting covers the basic concepts and techniques involved in financial accounting reports, including the preparation of basic financial statements. Quantitative Methods introduces the analytical and statistical techniques you will need throughout your degree. Introduction to Management Accounting provides the basic concepts of management accounting and will give you an understanding of the objectives of management accounting within an organisation. Examples of optional modules: Business Environment and Functions Introduction to the International Economy. Year 2 Core modules: Corporate Finance provides theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of key theories in finance and corporate policy decisions. Macroeconomics for Finance develops knowledge and understanding of international macroeconomic analysis, performance and its importance for the business community. Introduction to Financial Econometrics teaches you about statistics and business models in preparation for a project in applied financial econometrics. It equips you with the mathematical, statistical and analytical skills required to interpret literature in business finance and provides a strong foundation for higher level study. Financial Markets and Institutions provides you with a background in the economic principles governing the operation of a financial system. You will develop knowledge of the structure of financial markets and institutions, and an understanding of how and why institutions operate in financial markets. Examples of optional modules: Principles of Business Law Corporate Financial Reporting Auditing and Assurance Introduction to Taxation Banking and Financial Technology Microeconomics for Finance. Year 3 Core modules: Security Investment Analysis builds on the skills gained in previous years. It provides a thorough grounding in investment and portfolio management, focusing on theoretical concepts and practical applications. The Dissertation, on a finance topic of your choice, develops your ability to plan and manage your own learning. It provides you with an opportunity to research the topic and present your findings and conclusions. Examples of optional modules: Financial Derivatives and Financial Engineering Computational Quantitative Finance Behavioural Finance Islamic Economics and Finance Real Estate Finance Financial Econometrics Contemporary Issues in Accounting and Finance Big Data Analytics Corporate Governance.
Assessment method
Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations, written assignments and reports, projects and presentations. The range of assessment methods is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the material, test your capacity to solve problems, enhance your written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues. The 12,000-word dissertation makes up one-third of your final-year marks.
How to apply
31Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher - AAABB
Scottish Advanced Higher - AAB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 36 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) - Not accepted
Extended Project - Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2, H3
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, M2
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDD
T Level
Our contextual offer for this programme is A level BBB/ABC (or equivalent). Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics, or B in Core Maths if Maths not taken as an A level. Will go down to Grade 5 in GCSE Maths if taking Economics or a Science or Math related A Level. To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| EU | £26250* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| International | £26250* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Additional fee information
The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE