University of Wales, Bangor

Programme overview

This is a four-year full-time BSc (Hons) in Banking and Finance that includes an integrated foundation year. The foundation year prepares students who lack the usual entry qualifications for direct entry to the three-year honours degree, covering subject-specific basics plus academic and digital skills. The three-year degree that follows examines how financial institutions, markets and regulators operate and interact with businesses and households. The course is currently noted as subject to revalidation.

What you'll study

Teaching blends theory and applied tools relevant to modern finance. During the foundation year you develop academic writing, communication, presentation, teamwork and core IT skills, and sample multidisciplinary teaching alongside students from accounting, economics, management and marketing. On progression to the main degree, topics covered include:

• financial markets, including bonds, equities and derivatives
• investment and portfolio management
• corporate and personal finance
• behavioural finance
• financial techniques and analysis
• banking risk, regulation, market structure, credit and fintech (areas reflected in the School's research)

Practical learning uses industry-standard platforms such as Bloomberg terminals, StockTrak portfolio simulation and Stata for statistical analysis. Optional opportunities include a Placement Year or an International Experience Year, each adding an additional year to the degree.

Entry requirements

The programme is intended as an alternative entry route for applicants who do not meet the normal entry criteria for the three-year BSc; successful completion of the foundation year leads to Year 1 of the honours programme. The course is available through Clearing; further specific entry grades or qualifications are not listed on the source page.

Career prospects

The degree provides specialist knowledge of financial markets, instruments and regulation alongside practical exposure to market tools. Students can strengthen employability through an optional placement year, international experience, and hands-on simulations. The curriculum is aimed at roles that require understanding of markets, portfolio management, financial analysis and banking operations.

Scholarships & funding angle

The course page does not list specific scholarships. Students should consult Bangor University's central finance and scholarships pages and the Careers and Employability Services for information on funding, bursaries, and paid placement opportunities that may be available to support study or work-integrated learning.