International Finance and Economics – BA (Honours)

At a glance

Gain a detailed knowledge of economics and learn how to apply its principles to the everyday operations of financial institutions and business processes. You learn the key skills required by employers and then have the opportunity to apply them during a year in industry with major employers such as the Treasury and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Key points
• Learn from tutors that have real world finance and economics experience and have held senior roles in some of the world's largest organisations.• Attend lectures given by industry specialists, such as HSBC's senior economist along with speakers from other blue chip companies and key professional bodies.
• Apply your taught concepts and ideas to real world scenarios through case studies.
• Complete a placement and take the opportunity to work with major employers such as the HM Treasury.

What is international finance and economics?
This course is subdivided into microeconomics, which examines the behaviour of firms, consumers and the role of government; and macroeconomics, which looks at inflation, unemployment, industrial production, and the role of government alongside a wider understanding of financial markets, organisations and roles.

This course

Gain a detailed knowledge of economics and learn how to apply its principles to the everyday operations of financial institutions and business processes. You study both finance and economics to gain a wider understanding of the corporate world and international financial markets. Thanks to the international focus of the course, it is well suited for study by international and UK students.

In the first year, you get a broad grounding in finance and related topics, to ensure that you have a sound platform on which to build. Starting in the first year, and throughout your course we regularly provide you with opportunities to develop your IT and numerical skills.

In your second and final years you start to specialise and focus on different forms and concepts of economics whilst also studying more in depth finance modules.

In your third year you can apply what you have learnt on placement in a professional organisation. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable insight into the workings of that organisation and increases your career potential. You build professional relationships with potential employers that can lead to the offer of a permanent job after you graduate.

Previous placement employers have included large organisations such as HM Treasury, PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Mercedes AMG.

All students returning from placement study the career management and professional development module. This module asks students to reflect upon their placement experiences and plan future career moves. Students who don't go on placement take a period of work-based learning in their final year.

Key areas of study
This course gives you an in depth knowledge of economics and finance and covers key areas such as • financial and management information • macro-economics • micro-economics • industrial economics • international financial markets • contemporary issues in micro-economics.

Enhanced study experience
We embed a wide range of extras into your course to enhance your study experience and to give you greater employability and technical skills after graduating. Visit the enhanced study media box to view examples of our many initiatives.