Study at Cardiff | Undergraduate

Cardiff is one of the relatively few traditional universities offering a Banking and Finance degree programme. It is of particular interest to those wishing to enter the financial sector as it can provide students with the opportunity to acquire specialist economic knowledge of the operation of the monetary and financial sectors.

This programme of study provides you not only with training relevant to the practice of banking and other financial careers, but also with exemption from certain examinations of the Chartered Institute of Bankers.

Key Facts

Cardiff is one of the relatively few traditional universities offering a Banking and Finance degree programme. It is of particular interest to those wishing to enter the financial sector as it can provide students with the opportunity to acquire specialist economic knowledge of the operation of the monetary and financial sectors.

The Banking and Finance degree shares a common first year with Business Economics and Economics, then the degree programmes diverge progressively during the second and third years. These degrees provide the flexibility of a broad range of options to study along with the opportunity for specialisation within one field.

Trading Room

The Trading Room is used as part of the BSc Banking and Finance programme but is open to all students, supervised by trained PhD students who will help students to become familiar with the new software. Many students on this programme become involved with the Cardiff University Investment Society which meets on Monday and Thursday evenings with opportunities to discuss current issues in financial markets, listen to guest speakers and have the opportunity to manage a global macro investment portfolio.

Students are offered the opportunity to undertake the Thomson Reuters Certification qualification, an industry qualification to prove their ability in using the platform to access all the information that they need. This five-module training process involves one-to-one training and phone conferences with a Reuters representative. The Trading Room gives students the opportunity to become attractive potential graduates in the City, where the job market is becoming ever more competitive.

Year 1 – Requirements

Two double modules

• Applied Statistics and Mathematics in Economics and Business
• Introduction to Accounting

Plus One compulsory double module per semester:

Autumn

• Microeconomics

Spring

• Macroeconomics

Two double modules or one double module and two single modules from each semester:

• Contemporary Economic Issues
• Economic History
• Legal Studies

Autumn

• Principles of Business Management

Spring

• Introduction to Finance

Year 2 – Requirements

Four compulsory double modules

• Introductory Econometrics
• Microeconomic Theory
• Macroeconomic Theory
• Money, Banking and Finance

plus two further modules from

• British Economy
• Economics of the EU
• Managerial Economics
• Law of Commerce, Banking and Investment
• Modern British Economic History
• Social Economics
• Managerial Accounting and Finance
• Financial Markets and Institutions
• Business Finance

Year 3 – Requirements

Three compulsory double modules

• Economics of Banking
• Financial Economics
• International Finance

Plus two double modules and one single module in each semester or three double modules from:

• Applied Welfare Economics
• Business History
• Econometrics
• International Trade
• International Economic History
• Labour Economics
• Accounting Theory and Practice
• Ethics and Morality of Business
• The Economics of Development
• Industrial Economics

Autumn

• Financial Derivatives

Spring

• Security Analysis and Portfolio Management

Cardiff Business School’s teaching is research-led, combining academic rigour with practical relevance. Our faculty consists of world-leading academics who are at the forefront of knowledge within their field. They bring the lessons from their most recent research into the classroom, giving students access to the latest information and business thinking.

You will find that the phrase ’learning and teaching’ is commonly used in UK universities. This phrase emphasises the two-way nature of the process in which you will be taking part. You, we hope, will be doing the learning; we will be providing not only teaching, but also many other things which contribute to a good environment for learning, such as computer resources, a well stocked library, suitable lecture rooms, and so on.

Unless both sides of the ‘learning and teaching’ equation are in place, satisfactory educational outcomes cannot take place. It follows that the responsibility is divided equally between staff and the University as a whole on the one hand, and students on the other. The Business School and University will provide good quality teaching and learning resources, and will be responsive to the needs and views of you, our students. For your part, you will need to put in the necessary amount of work both during and outside formal teaching sessions, and to make good use of the facilities provided. Only when both these aspects are present will you be able to reach your full potential in your chosen subject.

Methods of teaching

Most modules involve a mixture of lectures and small group teaching (classes/seminars/workshops/tutorials). In the lecture, the lecturer will mainly be giving an overview of an aspect of the module content (as well as giving opportunities for the student to ask questions and be reflective), while in classes and workshops you will have an opportunity to practice techniques, discuss ideas, apply concepts and consolidate your understanding in the topic.

Independent Study

All modules will require a considerable element of independent study alongside the formal scheduled teaching. Independent study is designed so that you can expand on the knowledge given to you during lectures, seminars and tutorials. Independent study is an important component of Higher Education because it helps you to develop the ability for enquiry and critical evaluation, which in turn leads to you developing transferable skills, helps you to learn how to respond to change and it is key to ensuring that you have sufficient understanding of the subject you are studying. The amount of independent study you are expected to undertake will increase throughout the duration of your degree as your expertise also increases.

Office Hours

All academic staff in the Business School have designated office hours when they are available to meet with students and these are posted on their office doors along with their contact details. Office hours provide an important source of contact with your lecturers and enable you to ask questions you may not wish to ask in a large class setting. This time can help you to clarify anything you have been taught that is unclear or can give you advice on further reading or preparation for assignments.

Personal Tutors

You will be allocated a Personal Tutor at the beginning of your studies. Normally, your Personal Tutor will teach on your own degree programme and you will keep the same Personal Tutor throughout your course.

Your Personal Tutor will be able to give you advice on academic issues, including module choice and assessment. If you encounter any problems which affect your studies, your Personal Tutor should always be your first point of contact; she/he will be able to put you in touch with the student support services provided by the University and the Students’ Union as appropriate. It is normally the Personal Tutor who writes references for job applications and therefore you should keep your personal tutor informed about how you are getting on. Students are required to meet with their personal tutors at three points during the year but you are also encouraged to get in touch with them at any other point if you need help or advice.

A list of commonly accepted alternative entry qualifications and admissions and selection criteria for this degree programme can be read here.