Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This honours degree blends core business subjects with focused finance learning. In early stages you study foundations such as principles of management, marketing, organisational behaviour, economics and quantitative methods to build a broad commercial understanding. Finance-specific topics introduced early include financial accounting and business finance.

In intermediate years you deepen your technical skills with modules typically covering corporate finance, financial reporting, management accounting, investment and portfolio theory, risk management, and business analytics. Teaching emphasises applied learning: case studies, group projects, data-driven assignments and live briefs with organisations.

The final year combines advanced finance options with strategic and professional practice elements. Typical final-year components include a finance-focused dissertation or applied business project, advanced corporate finance, strategic financial management, and electives such as banking and financial institutions, treasury management or behavioural finance. Assessment is a mix of exams, coursework, presentations and project work, reflecting Bournemouth University's applied learning approach.

Students can often choose a professional placement or an extended industry-engagement year to gain workplace experience and strengthen employability. Shorter work placements, consultancy projects with real clients and opportunities for international study are commonly available as part of the programme.

Entry requirements

Bournemouth University seeks applicants with a mix of academic attainment and potential for professional practice. Typical applicants will hold a secondary school qualification with good passes in two or three subjects, and evidence of numeracy (for example A-level Mathematics or a numerate subject). Relevant vocational qualifications such as BTECs and international equivalents are welcomed.

Applicants should demonstrate competence in English; international students will need an approved English language qualification. Mature applicants and those with relevant work experience are considered on an individual basis, and the university offers pathways and advice for students returning to study or transferring from other programmes.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a wide range of roles in finance and business. Common career destinations include financial analyst, junior investment/credit analyst, management accountant, corporate finance or treasury assistant, banking and financial services roles, and positions in financial planning, business development or consultancy. The programme also prepares students for entry to graduate management schemes with corporations, professional services firms and financial institutions.

Many students progress to professional qualifications or postgraduate study after graduation — for example postgraduate master's programmes in finance, or professional routes such as ACCA/CA/ACA depending on further training and training contracts. The emphasis on practical projects and placements helps graduates demonstrate workplace-ready skills valued by employers.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University is known for its applied learning and the Fusion curriculum, which integrates academic study with professional practice and research-informed teaching. The Business School fosters strong links with industry and local, national and international employers to provide real-world learning opportunities, live projects and guest speakers from business.

Students benefit from dedicated support for employability, a professional placement unit that helps secure work experience, and campus resources tailored to business and finance students, including specialist computing and data facilities. The university's emphasis on small-group teaching, practical assessment and career-focused activity makes this programme attractive for students who want to combine management knowledge with practical financial skills and workplace experience.