International Economics & Finance - BSc/BScEcon (Hons)
The course seeks to provide an appropriate mixture of economics and finance modules to provide students with a combination of economics and finance analytical skills as well as a strong understanding of UK and international financial markets. The unique strength of our course is the clear emphasis on application and critical understanding. The course aims to create highly skilled individuals that are able to undertake analytical tasks rather than just knowing about finance and economics.
In your final year, you will be supervised and guided by a member of staff specialising in your area of interest. This allows you to apply the research skills developed throughout your studies in a longer piece of work, which will provide evidence of your skills to prospective employers.
Your tutors within the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance and staff from the Cardiff School of Management are committed to providing you with the necessary support to enable you to realise your full potential. Our innovative teaching methods include experiments and the very latest teaching materials.
Course Content
Year One:
In the first year you will get an introduction into microeconomics and macroeconomics, as well as being equipped with the necessary quantitative and academic skills to succeed not only in your studies, but more importantly in your future careers. You will be introduced to law, the field of finance both in terms of managerial use of accounts to make financial decisions, and also the wider financial services sector, in particular the regulatory and ethical framework adopted in the UK.
Year Two:
The economics component of the second year concentrates on the more advanced study of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Whilst in the finance modules you will consider the impact of risk and uncertainty on investment portfolios, as well as studying the UK and international investment institutions in greater depth. To further develop your analytical skills you will be shown how to use statistical and empirical work within your own research. As with all CSM courses a workplace module is also included in the second year of study to prepare students for their careers after completing their studies.
Year Three:
The third year concentrates on applying the knowledge of microeconomic, macroeconomic and finance theory that students have acquired throughout their first two years of study. In addition, you may choose from a number of alternative finance and economic modules, allowing you to specialise in preparation for your future career. Options will include topics such as: monetary economics (why money matters and what central banks do), behavioural finance, derivatives markets and management of investments. You will also undertake your own research in an area of economics or finance that interests you in the form of a dissertation.
Career Potential
The course provides a combination of the analytical skills possessed by economists that are demanded in both the private and public sector as well as a comprehensive specialist knowledge of financial markets.
This will provide graduates of the course with a wide variety of career options, but will be particularly useful to those wishing to work as analysts within the financial services industry.
Work Placements:
The provision of work-placements as an assessed part of your academic programme of learning is so important that we provide you with the opportunity to undertake placement as part of your second year studies. We have strong links with the business community and the work-placement programme is designed to enhance your future employability prospects.
Entry Requirements
Five GCSE passes including English Language and Mathematics (at least grade C) or equivalent, plus one of the following:
- 280 points from at least 2 A Levels / Scottish Advanced Higher passes to include grades CC
- QCF BTEC Diploma / Extended Diploma 280 points
- 280 points from the Irish Leaving Certificate at Highers (C2 minimum grade considered)
- Pass Access with 45 credits at Level 3
- 280 points from the Welsh Baccalaureate to include grades CC at A level or equivalent, Core counted as third subject
If your qualification isn't listed above, please refer to the UCAS website.
Applicants with less than 280 UCAS points will be considered on their merits and should contact the Programme Director for further information..
Key Facts
UCAS Code(s): LN13
Campus: Llandaff
School: Cardiff School of Management
Course Length: Three years full-time
Assessment:
A wide range of methods are used including tests, presentations, reports, essays, and examinations. Coursework is generally of a very practical nature and geared towards doing and achieving.
How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made online to UCAS at http://www.ucas.com/.
For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiff.ac.uk/howtoapply
International Applicants:
Before making an application, international students (those outside of the EU), should contact the International Office at Cardiff Met to discuss the necessary procedures in relation to studying with us. For further information visit www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/international.
Selection Procedure:
Selection is normally based on the receipt of a completed UCAS application.
Tuition Fees and Financial Support:
For up to date information on tuition fees and the financial support that may be available please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/fees.
Bursaries & Scholarships:
The university also offers a bursary and scholarship scheme to help students whilst at university. To see if you are eligible, visit www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/scholarships.