BA (Hons) Finance

Our highly-rated CFA-affiliated degree is versatile and practical. Take a closer look at how financial studies at Stirling can boost your future opportunities.

Key facts

Award BA (Hons)
Start date September 2021, January 2022
Duration 48 months or 36 months
Mode of study Part-time, Full-time
UCAS Code N300
Study abroad opportunities

Accreditations

CFA Institute University Affiliation Program

Overview

Find out more about Changes at Stirling, including how you'll be taught, start dates and how we're making campus safer.

Study Finance at the University of Stirling and discover why we're ranked in the top 5 universities in Scotland for Accounting and Finance and Top 20 in the UK (The Complete University Guide 2021).

Our BA Hons Finance is the first undergraduate degree in Scotland to have Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Affiliation Program status and this confirms our close relationship with the profession and embedded employability skills as well as our cutting edge syllabus.

Rooted in cutting-edge research and shaped by the latest developments in finance theory and practice, this course will give you a comprehensive understanding of how stock markets work, how companies reduce foreign exchange risk, why corporate governance matters and why financial crises occur. As you study, you’ll gain a thorough grounding in the theoretical and analytical skills needed for a career in corporate finance, investment management or financial services.

Your studies in Finance can also be combined with one of four complementary subjects, including our industry-accredited Accountancy course. Graduating with an Accountancy and Finance degree from Stirling means you’ll be granted significant exemptions from professional exams when the time comes to kick-start your career.

Finance at Stirling is ranked among the best courses of its kind in the country and has a 88% student satisfaction rating (National Student Survey 2020), making it the perfect starting point for a world of exciting opportunities.

Amplify Trading Boot Camp

Students on the BA Finance or studying a combined degree with Finance have the opportunity to participate in this innovative week-long global financial trading and training boot camp run by our partner Amplify. The Boot Camp won the CFA Institute Innovative Delivery of Education (IDEA) global award and gives you the chance to trade futures contracts on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. By letting you trade in real time, but with virtual money, the boot camp bridges the gap between an academic understanding of financial markets and how they function in practice.

Student Managed Investment Fund

Our students have established a Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF), with support of our academics within the Accounting and Finance Division. The SMIF allows you to gain practical experience of managing investments. A student-led project, it will help you to enhance your employability before you graduate – giving you exceptional practical understanding of theoretical aspects of investment valuation. Particular emphasis is placed on the principles of responsible investment, including the use of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria when selecting stocks. Find out more about the Student Managed Investment Fund, the regular guest speakers and how you can get involved at the SMIF website.

Top reasons to study with us

Ranked in the top 5 in Scotland for Accounting and Finance and Top 20 in the UK (The Complete University Guide 2021)

88% student satisfaction rate (The National Student Survey 2020)

Combine Finance with a complementary subject – including our quadruple-accredited Accountancy course

Professional accreditation

The BA Hons Finance is a member of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, a designation awarded to academic courses that embed a significant proportion of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge into their curriculum.

We’re the only affiliated partner undergraduate course in Scotland, one of a small number in the UK and one of a select group globally.

The CFA Institute is the largest association of investment professionals in the world. Successful completion of the CFA Program leads to the award of the Chartered Financial Analyst credential, the most respected and recognised investment management designation globally.

To become a CFA Charter Holder you must study the CFA curriculum and take exams at CFA Levels I, II and III. At least 70% of the learning outcomes of Level 1 of the CFA curriculum are covered on the BA Hons Finance making the course an ideal route for those wishing to achieve the CFA qualification.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for your country/region

Please select your country/region of residence:

Year 1 entry – Four-year honours

SQA Highers
AABB – by the end of S5
AAAB – by the end of S6

GCE A-levels
BBB

IB Diploma
30

BTEC (Level 3)
DDM

Essential subjects
Mathematics National 5 (B), Intermediate 2 (C), Standard Grade (3), GCSE (C/4) or equivalent

Preferred subjects
Mathematics at Higher, A-level or equivalent

Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.

Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.

Year 2 entry – Three-year honours

SQA Advanced Highers
ABB

GCE A-levels
ABB

IB Diploma
35

Essential subjects
To include Accountancy and Economics at Higher, A-level or equivalent

Mathematics National 5 (B), Intermediate 2 (C), Standard Grade (3), GCSE (C/4) or equivalent

Preferred subjects
Mathematics at Higher, A-level or equivalent

Other Scottish qualifications

Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.

Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.

SWAP Access course - for mature students only. Please check the SWAP progression routes document for details.

Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.

Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B

Essential subjects
Mathematics National 5 (B), Intermediate 2 (C), Standard Grade (3), GCSE (C/4) or equivalent

Preferred subjects
Mathematics at Higher, A-level or equivalent

Other qualifications

English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions

English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above

Essential subjects
Mathematics National 5 (B), Intermediate 2 (C), Standard Grade (3), GCSE (C/4) or equivalent

Preferred subjects
Mathematics at Higher, A-level or equivalent

Advanced entry

Advanced entry is not available for this course.

Additional information

General entrance requirements apply

If you’ve taken exams over two sittings, repeated an exam, or been upgraded, the entrance requirements may be higher.

Other routes of entry

INTO University of Stirling offers an International Foundation programme for international students who don’t meet the required academic and English-language criteria. This course offers a pathway to study at the University of Stirling through an excellent teaching and learning experience in the high-quality study facilities on campus.

International Foundation

Successful completion of the International Foundation in Business, Finance, Economics and Marketing to the required standard provides direct entry to year two of a range of BA Honours programmes, including Finance.

Subject to additional entry qualifications, year-three entry to the BA Honours in Finance is also available to INTO International Foundation students via the Integrated International Year Two pathway.

For more information, and to apply, visit INTO University of Stirling

English language requirements

Due to disruption in English Language testing caused by COVID-19, we are accepting alternative English Language tests (including online English Language Tests).

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

IELTS Indicator 6.0 with 5.5 in each skill
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill
IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
Trinity ISE II Pass overall and Pass in each sub-skill, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
Duolingo 95 overall with a minimum of 90 in all sub-skills
LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - Pass with minimum 33 in each sub-skill

Last updated: 1 February 2021

If you are from India, Ghana or Nigeria please also check your country specific page for any additional, or changes to, English language requirements.

For more information on ways that you can meet our English language requirements, including options to waive the requirement, please read our information on English language requirements.

Pre-sessional English language courses

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.

Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses

Course details

You can study Finance as a four-year single honours degree or take it in conjunction with one of four other subjects to earn a combined honours degree. In the first three semesters you will study the core modules in Finance, Accounting and Economics, and two other subjects per semester. Semesters 4-8 cover core advanced modules, including Mergers and Acquisitions, International Finance, and Financial Analysis. You can also choose further advanced modules in Accounting and Finance from a list of electives or from those required by the particular degree course you are following.

Modules

The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery in the current academic intake of this course. These may be subject to change in future years as the University regularly revises and refreshes the curriculum of our taught programmes.

Course details

Teaching

Everything you learn in your Finance course is rooted in cutting-edge research and reflects the latest developments in finance theory and practice. You’ll learn through a series of lectures, tutorials, computer-based workshops and independent study. Every step of the way, you’ll be encouraged to enhance your inter-personal skills and gain an awareness of how those skills meet the needs of an employer in a business setting.

Assessment

Your final grade for each Finance module will be based on a combination of coursework and exams. Assessed coursework typically includes essays, problem-solving exercises or tests. In your final year, you’ll write a dissertation – a major opportunity to sharpen your skills in research, data analysis and communication.

Study abroad

You’ll have the opportunity to broaden your horizons and study abroad through our well-established connections with several international universities.

Find out more about studying abroad.

Contact

Dr Dimos Kambouroudis, Course Director

+44 (0)1786 467296
d.s.kambouroudis@stir.ac.uk

Fees and funding

Fees and costs

Select fee status:

Academic year:	2021/22
Scottish students	£1,820*
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland	£9,250
European Union students	£15,100
Overseas students (non-EU)	£15,100

* This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.

You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.

Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, students domiciled in Scotland can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government. If you’re unsure of your fee status, you can check your eligibility.

If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you’ll be liable for an additional fee.

For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.

Note for EU students

The Scottish Government has confirmed that EU students enrolling in the 2020/21 academic year will be entitled to free tuition fees in Scotland. EU students will retain that status for the duration of their four-year degree.

This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.

You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.

You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, Islands or Ireland and are starting a course of study in Scotland in session 2021-2022 will be entitled to apply to SAAS for funding. See more information on the SAAS website.

We also offer additional funding – such as our Honours Year Scholarship – for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities below for more information.

If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.

For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.

For EU students starting studies in academic year 2021/22, we will award an automatic scholarship of up to £30k over the duration of your course. This is subject to eligibility criteria.

Students from the Republic of Ireland should see the fee and funding information under England, Wales, NI and Republic of Ireland.

You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.

If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.

For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.

You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.

If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.

For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.

Additional costs

There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.

Funding opportunities

See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.

Students domiciled in Scotland

The University of Stirling offers undergraduate funding opportunities for students domiciled in Scotland. To find out if you’re eligible to apply for an award, use our scholarship finder.

EU students

For EU students starting studies in academic year 2021/22, we will award an automatic scholarship of up to £30k over the duration of your course. This is subject to eligibility criteria.

Students domiciled in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland

The Undergraduate Choice Scholarship provides a £1,000 cash award to all students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland who meet the conditions of their offer and select the University of Stirling as their Firm or Insurance choice on UCAS.

The University also offers the Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, which is awarded to selected students and provides a £1,000 cash award per year for years 1-3 of study. To be considered for the Merit Scholarship, students require a minimum of AAB at A-level or equivalent.

In addition, students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland who enter in year 1 and progress successfully through years 2 and 3 will receive our Honours Year Scholarship, which covers the cost of undergraduate tuition fees in the Honours year of study.

You don’t need to apply for the awards listed above - we'll automatically identify your eligibility as part of the admissions process.

To explore other scholarships and learn more about funding opportunities, use our scholarship finder.

Students domiciled overseas

The University of Stirling offers generous undergraduate funding opportunities for overseas students. To find out if you're eligible to apply for an award, use our scholarship finder.

Cost of living

If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.

EU and overseas students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.

Find out about the cost of living for students at Stirling.

Payment options

We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.

After you graduate

What jobs can you get with a Finance degree?

Good Finance courses give you a firm grasp of the theoretical and analytical skills needed for a career in business and the financial sector. Many major decisions taken by companies are based on the kind of the knowledge and professional judgement you’ll develop during your degree at Stirling, and we seek to give you every advantage in the job market – not only through the content you study, but also via our range of specialist career services.

Find out more about how we prepare you for the world of work.

More than 95% of all undergraduates were in employment or further study fifteen months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020, HESA)
Tailor your degree toward a specific career by selecting a combined course.
Combine Accountancy and Finance for an industry-certified degree that grants professional exam exemptions.

Following your studies in finance you’ll be well positioned to pursue careers across the whole spectrum of business. Roles related directly to your degree include:

financial analyst for a fund management institution
dealer on the stock exchange
financial planner
investment banker
financial market regulator

Finance graduates from Stirling are applying their skills in a range of jobs all over the world – from the UK and Ireland to Japan, Canada and beyond. Recent Stirling graduates have started their careers in some of the following roles:

Inland Revenue Officer, HMRC
Customer Relationship Advisor, Santander
Commercial Strategy Analyst, Virgin Atlantic

Other graduates have forged careers in the following positions:

Senior Analyst, Lloyds Banking Group
Senior Partner, Clydesdale Bank plc
Security Analyst, Tsubasa Securities
Group Financial Controller, Melrose Resources Plc

Employability skills

Your employability is one of our highest priorities, and we want to make sure you have every possible advantage when you enter the job market. Our module in Professional Development and Practice (Semester 8) places a special focus on preparing you for the workplace, and our overall focus on personal and professional development is designed to help you achieve your career ambitions.

Your course will equip you with skills in the following, plus much more:

Discover Uni

Discover Uni provides official data on each university's undergraduate courses, including satisfaction scores from the National Student Survey, details of graduate jobs and salaries, and other key information for prospective students.

What our students said

View more student stories

Robert Leck
United Kingdom
BA (Hons) Economics and Finance

The ability to take a joint honours degree was highly beneficial. I was able to select a wide range of modules that interest me. The crossover between the two subjects – Economics and Finance - meant I could draw on methods from each.

Gregorio Rossi
Italy
BA (Hons) Economics and Finance

The opportunities I was offered to improve my skills and employability, such as the mentor programme and Amplify, really positions Stirling as peerless.

Read Gregorio's story

View more student stories

Flexible study

Are you interested in more than one of our courses? You might not have to choose between them. Here at Stirling, we believe in choice and offer more than 220 course combinations.

Finance and Accountancy	UCAS code for this combination: NN43
Finance and Business Studies	UCAS code for this combination: NN13
Finance and Economics	UCAS code for this combination: LN13
Finance and Mathematics	UCAS code for this combination: GN13

BA (Hons) Finance

Key facts

Accreditations

Student Managed Investment Fund

Discover Uni

What our students said

Flexible study

Related courses

What next?