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Financial Services (Top-up) BSc Honours

Our Financial Services (Top-up) BSc Honours will help you develop the essential knowledge and skills necessary for success in one of the most vital industries.

BSc Financial Services (1 year top-up)

Code
N304
Start
September 2024
Duration
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK)*
£16,600 (INT)*
Course leader
Ann-Ngoc Nguyen

The financial services industry is one of the UK’s biggest. Learn how to succeed in an international finance career with our course.

Why choose Financial Services (Top-up) BSc Honours at Middlesex?

This advanced course offers you the essential knowledge and skills required to excel in the financial services industry, one of the largest and most influential sectors in the global economy.

Your studies will cover the evolving needs of the global financial services market, including banks, investment management, insurance companies, building societies, and a wide range of other institutions.

The course builds on your existing knowledge to ensure that you not only meet but also surpass the rapidly escalating demands of employers and the global economy.

Our London campus provides ample opportunities for you to gain access to a premier global financial centre, home to some of the world's largest financial institutions and start-ups. This enables you to cultivate valuable professional experience even before graduating.

What you will gain

With 145 years of experience in delivering professional, creative, and technical education, we have consistently prepared our students for successful global careers. On this particular course, we ensure that you receive the best possible preparation for your future in the financial services industry.

  • You will be equipped with both technical and theoretical knowledge, encompassing the latest developments and contemporary issues within the financial services industry
  • You will have exclusive access to our state-of-the-art Financial Markets Lab, where you will be trained to use industry-leading tools such as the Bloomberg Terminal Platform, DataStream & Eikon financial databases, and Sage - one of the world's most popular accounting software
  • You will have the opportunity to earn certificates in Bloomberg and Sage accounting, enhancing your professional credentials and signalling your proficiency in these industry-standard tools
  • You will have the opportunity to acquire skills in financial data analysis and modelling software, including Excel, Minitab, SPSS, and STATA. These tools will equip you with transferable skills for a career in finance
  • You will develop and enhance the critical skills demanded by financial services professionals, including analytical prowess, numerical aptitude, and proficiency in information technology. These competencies will equip you for success in the fast-paced and dynamic field of financial services
  • You will acquire proficiency in business writing and effective communication techniques, enabling you to excel in professional communication within the business realm.

All this opens a lot of different career doors. Previous graduates have gone on to work as financial advisors, financial analysts, insurance brokers, and many others.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Award-winning department
    Our Accounting and Finance department received global recognition after winning the CIMA Campus Culture Excellence Award – Global Champion, 2022
  • Access industry-standard software
    Enhance your employability prospects through practical learning with software commonly utilised in the workplace, including Xero, Sage, OneSource and our state-of-the-art Financial Markets Lab
  • Our graduate destinations speak for themselves
    We are proud to see many of our graduates securing banking and finance roles at a range of organisations, including Citibank, Credit Suisse, Deloitte and Royal Mail

What you will learn

On this comprehensive course, you'll gain knowledge of domestic and international financial markets, exploring market instruments, financial institution operations, and asset and risk management strategies. Analysing international financial regulation, like the Basel Capital Accords, in the context of global crises, you'll develop a deep understanding of the financial industry.

Examining the impact of regulatory frameworks and market dynamics, you'll explore financial services marketing. By evaluating real-life scenarios, you'll derive effective solutions, equipping you with the skills to drive successful marketing strategies in the complex financial landscape.

You'll also acquire expertise in applying analytical quantitative techniques to diverse financial areas. Proficiency in software like Excel, Minitab, SPSS, or STATA will enable you to analyse financial data, make informed decisions, and excel in finance roles.

Furthermore, you'll have the opportunity to specialize in investment analysis, international finance, or business finance, developing advanced expertise in your chosen field.

This course provides a comprehensive education, empowering you for success in the multifaceted financial industry.



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Through studying the core modules in this course you'll explore the issues involved in delivering financial services in a real-world context and examine regulatory and ethical issues.

You'll also develop an understanding of the theory and practice of the marketing approaches employed in the sector and the marketing function of financial services.

Further, modules will train you in quantitative and computing methods applicable to financial data analysis.

Duration

  • 1 year full-time:  September 2023 to June 2024
  • 2 years part-time: September 2023 to June 2025

Modules

  • Modules - Compulsory

    • Global Issues in Financial Services (30 credits)

      This module primarily aims to provide students with the technical and theoretical knowledge necessary to understand and critically review the global financial system and contemporary issues in the financial services industry.

      The module introduces the structure of domestic and international financial markets, characteristics of market instruments, and gives students an overview of the strategies used to manage risks faced by investors and savers. Students will review the operation of financial institutions and the application of financial instruments and techniques used in managing the financial assets and risks. In addition, they will examine the role of international financial regulation, viz., the Basel Capital Accords from the perspective of global financial and banking crises.

    • Marketing for Financial Services (30 credits)

      This module aims to explore the impact of national and international regulatory and market experiences that impact financial services marketing.

      Drawing on the theoretical frameworks and practical applications of both marketing and the business of financial services, the module enables the student to identify, critically evaluate and apply relevant knowledge and derive viable solutions to complex real life situations that currently impact the marketing of financial services.

      Students will be introduced to a wide range of analytical, managerial and theoretical techniques and concepts which experts in the field believe to be relevant and useful for financial services marketing. They will also be introduced to new developments in the field including issues surrounding the ethics, professional practice and industry standards that affect financial services marketing.

    • Financial Data Analysis (30 credits)

      This module aims to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of financial data analysis techniques used in financial services.

      The module uses mathematical and statistical techniques to develop an understanding of the models underlying finance, and statistical and probability methods used in analysing financial data. Throughout the module, computer software is used to develop a deeper understanding of the techniques.

  • Modules - Optional

    • Investment Analysis (30 credits)

      The module aims to develop your knowledge of modern investment theory and practice. A detailed study of classic portfolio theory provides the basis for an appreciation of, and further investigation into, themes that are currently at the forefront of reflection and research in investment theory, including sceptical views of the classic paradigm whose status has been boosted by the international banking crisis that began in 2008.

      In tandem with a critical approach to theory, the module offers insights into the quantitative methods (and supporting technology) that are used to inform the construction and management of investment portfolios. Furthermore, you will analyse institutional, product and technological innovation in the sphere of investment management, particularly in relation to a heightened concern with risk control, market liquidity and disclosure of information.

    • Business Finance (30 credits)

      This module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of contemporary corporate finance and the tools to solve the financial problems confronting business today. Students will develop their understanding of the main aspects of corporate finance, including investment decision, financing choices, and dividend decision. It will enable a critical appreciation of the interaction between financial decision-making and capital market behaviour.

      Students will be able to rationalise and apply their financial skills to practical problems solving, case studies and coursework to develop their understanding of corporate finance within business environments and prepare themselves for a future career.

    • International Finance (30 credits)

      This module aims to provide level 6 students with knowledge of theories of exchange rate and balance of payments, and skills of managing international financial assets and exchange rate risks in a global environment.

      Students have the opportunity to study the operations of the world capital markets, grasp the principles essential to understanding of global financial issues and policies, and apply tools to effectively evaluate and manage foreign exchange risks in order to succeed in international financial environment.

To find out more about this course, please download the specification for the Financial Services (Top-up) BSc Honours (PDF).

  1. Teaching and independent learning
  2. Coursework and assessment

We offer a range of industry-standard software and the training required to master accounting and finance.

We have a number of specialist facilities which can be accessed through our ‘Financial Markets Lab located on the first floor of the Sheppard Library. The facilities include ten computers that connect to the Bloomberg Terminal, DataStream Advance and Eikon data providers in the Lab. You might be granted access to those databases from home. As mentioned above, training can be provided. You may also be able to ask for help with data collection from available technicians.

English language support

Tailored English language and learning support classes will be provided to support you during your studies on this course. A one-hour English session will be provided each week from weeks 2-12 to develop both written and spoken English for International students and help develop confidence in essay writing and study skills.

Student Support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.

International Student Advice

International Student Advice Team provides information and advice on visa and immigration concerns, for both international applicants and current international students.

Chinese Student Liaison Officer

Chinese Student Liaison Officer – providing assistance to Chinese-speaking students of our community.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability Advice and Support service.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above.

Financial Support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

How can our BSc Financial Services (Top-up) BSc Honours support your career?

This course provides a strong academic foundation if you're looking to pursue a career in the financial services sector, or in quantitative aspects of consultancy, government or NGOs.

To support you, we run a comprehensive series of weekly employability and skills sessions, which have been recognised as excellent by one of our professional bodies and we have been awarded a CIMA Employability Global Silver Excellence award.

Graduate job roles

Graduates have gone on to jobs such as financial adviser, insurance broker, investment analyst, investment banker and financial manager.

Graduate employers

You could go on to work for organisations like:

  • Goldman Sachs
  • JP Morgan
  • HSBC
  • Citibank
  • Deloitte
  • Barclay capital
  • Bank of England or any other central bank
  • Hedge funds or investment management companies
  • Insurance companies.

You can also study further on courses such as MSc in Investment and Finance, MSc Banking & Finance, MSc Financial Management, MSc in International Banking & Development, and MSc Technology & Innovation Management.

MDXworks

Our Careers & Employability Service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognised with the following awards:

  • The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023 
  • A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023

MDXcelerator Student Start-Up Support

Want to be your own boss? You'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

  1. UK entry
  2. International
  3. How to apply

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:

UK students1

Full-time: £9,250

Part-time: £77 per taught credit

International students2

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free access to everything on your reading list
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

  • MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
  • Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
  • Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.

Fees Disclaimers

1. UK Fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International Students. Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Dr Ann-Ngoc Nguyen
Course Leader / Senior Lecturer

Dr Nguyen was awarded her master's degree by the Johns Hopkins University Graduate School of Advanced International Studies. She subsequently obtained her Doctorate at Brunel University. During her career, she has been awarded a number of prestigious commercial and governmental scholarships. Prior to joining Middlesex University, she held appointments within the educational sector and government agencies.

Dr Edward Bace
Senior Lecturer

Dr Bace has spent a long career in finance and banking in New York and London. He has worked for Standard & Poor's, Lehman Brothers and EBRD, among others. Now he specialises in transmitting his experience and expertise in credit, commercial and investment banking in educational settings. He is a frequent speaker and participant in international conferences, is involved as a journal editor, is a CFA and a Charter Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment. He has served on the global Ethics Committee of the Professional Risk Managers' International Association, of which he is also a member, and is on the Board of Trustees of the Council for British Archaeology.

Dr Azizun Nessa
Senior Lecturer in Economics

Dr Nessa joined the Department of Economics at Middlesex University in October 2012. She is a senior Lecturer, and Program leader of BSc Business Economics and BSc Foundation Economics.

Her teaching experience primarily revolves around subjects such as Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Applications of Economics, Economic Policy Evaluations, Econometrics, and International Finance.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

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Banking and Finance BSc Honours

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Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years full-time with placement, 6 years part-time

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Business Management (Finance) BA Honours

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Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years full-time with placement, Usually 5 years part-time

Code: N302

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