Overview
Do you love numbers and strategy? Finance professionals enable business transformation and strategic growth. The UK is a worldwide leader in financial services and Scotland is a key part of that economy. Finance skills are in high demand with employers. In return, finance offers dynamic, high-growth careers.
This course takes a deep dive into finance with a global business perspective. You’ll understand how stock markets work and how companies reduce foreign exchange risk. You’ll explore why corporate governance matters and why things go wrong.
You'll learn from our expert lecturers with significant industrial experience. You'll study:
- quantitative analytical skills
- accounting
- financial modelling
- mergers, acquisitions and business growth strategies
- investment strategies, portfolio management, and trading simulations
- financial markets and risk management
Work towards chartered status
On this finance course, you’ll work towards globally recognised professional CFA and CISI qualifications while you study. This helps you to progress towards chartered status as a financial analyst.
Our course is recognised by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University Affiliation Program. We embed part of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) into the curriculum. This prepares students for the CFA Program exams.
We are also affiliated with the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI). You’ll have the opportunity to obtain a recognised professional qualification with the CISI. This will give you a competitive advantage when entering the job market.
Practical learning for your future career
Finance needs to be agile and adaptive to new realities. We’re here to help you navigate a fast-changing landscape with lifelong career skills. The course creates confident, adaptable, innovative, decision makers and strategic finance professionals.
- Gain practical insight by applying theory to real-life scenarios through case studies and live projects.
- The award-winning global financial trading boot camp run with our partner, AmplifyMe, lets you trade in real-time.
- Manage real investment portfolios through the Student Managed Investment Fund.
- Networking opportunities with companies such as KPMG, Johnston Carmichael and Wbg.
- Opportunities to network with professional bodies.
- Find out about financial services career paths through the Barclays Finance Experience.
- Gain soft career skills such as communication critical thinking and presentation.
We are AACSB accredited
The University of Stirling is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is the world's largest global standard-setting body for business education. Only 6% of the world’s leading business schools achieve this accreditation. This recognises our excellence in business education and societal impact.
Top reasons to study with us
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
Highers
AABB
A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
28
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Preferred subjects
Mathematics National 5 (B), Intermediate 2 (C), Standard Grade (3), GCSE (C/4) or equivalent.
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Year 2 entry – Three-year honours
Advanced Highers
ABB
A-levels
ABB
IB Diploma
32
Essential subjects
To include Accountancy and Economics at Higher, A-level or equivalent
Preferred subjects
Mathematics National 5 (B), Intermediate 2 (C), Standard Grade (3), GCSE (C/4) or equivalent
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP Access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Preferred subjects
Mathematics National 5 (B), Intermediate 2 (C), Standard Grade (3), GCSE (C/4) or equivalent.
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above
Preferred subjects
Mathematics National 5 (B), Intermediate 2 (C), Standard Grade (3), GCSE (C/4) or equivalent.
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Advanced entry is not available for this course.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening and 20 in speaking.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
Develop your careers skills with our HeadStart Programme
We go beyond textbooks and lecture rooms to focus on your personal and professional development. HeadStart will help you develop practical career skills such as effective public or conflict management.
Study and careers support
You'll have a mentor who will guide you through your studies. The Careers Service provides support for CV design, interview skills and other career skills.
Modules
Course details
Teaching
Everything you learn in your Finance degree is rooted in cutting-edge research and reflects the latest developments in finance theory and practice. You’ll learn through a series of lectures, tutorials, computer-based workshops and independent study. Every step of the way, you’ll be encouraged to enhance your interpersonal skills and gain an awareness of how those skills meet the needs of an employer in a business setting.
Assessment
Your final grade for each Finance module will be based on a combination of coursework and exams. Assessed coursework typically includes essays, problem-solving exercises or tests. In your final year, you’ll write a dissertation – a major opportunity to sharpen your skills in research, data analysis and communication.
Study abroad
On this BA in Finance, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your horizons and study abroad through our well-established connections with several international universities.
Contact
Dr Dimos Kambouroudis, Course Director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
Scottish students
This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy and terms and conditions.
International students (including EU)
Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Funding
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will receive our Stirling Success Scholarship which is worth £5,000.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £10,000-£20,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
An undergraduate finance degree prepares you for career roles in insurance, banking, finance, accountancy and business.
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