Finance (Hons) Lancaster University

Overview

The Finance (Hons) course from Lancaster University  offers a perfect balance of academic theory informed by cutting-edge research and valuable practical experience.

You will gain a strong understanding of finance while also improving your skills in communication, teamwork, data analysis, programming, use of AI, and leadership.

There are opportunities to study abroad, complete an internship, and take the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) level 1 examination as part of the course. This degree also prepares you to pursue a specialised MSc at leading UK and international universities.

This degree is flexible, career-focused, and professionally designed to prepare you for highly remunerated jobs at leading employers in investment and finance. You will benefit from our strong connections with top firms in the financial sector. Our specialist Accounting and Finance career coaching team provide support with landing internships and placements in the financial industry.

Students graduate from this course as independent thinkers and skilled communicators. They have strong analytical and quantitative skills and are valued for their expertise in financial modelling and investment decision-making capabilities. Our graduates go on to achieve professional roles, including:

• Investment Banker
• Financial Analyst
• Trader
• Financial and Asset Manager
• Risk Manager
• Actuary

You will explore a wide range of topics essential for finance-oriented careers. You will cover traditional finance building blocks such as financial markets, corporate finance, investment, and asset pricing. We will also address highly topical subjects such as financial technology (FinTech), blockchain and cryptocurrency, applications of AI and machine learning, big data in finance, climate finance, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues.

The course also covers key data analysis skills, including programming in Python and R - two modern programming languages that are key requirements in the area. You will learn financial modelling and risk management, along with how to use data platforms such as Bloomberg effectively. Important practical skills include critical thinking, effective communication and teamwork, problem-solving, project management, strategic planning, and leadership. This will help you work confidently and become a future leader in the challenging, fast-changing, but exciting financial world.

Career opportunities:

As a BSc Finance graduate, you will leave Lancaster with deep knowledge of financial markets, trading strategies, risk management and topical subjects such as AI, machine learning, FinTech, blockchain and cryptocurrency. You will also have developed strong quantitative, teamwork and communication skills. Past students have secured roles in industries such as:

• Investment banking

• Asset management

• Trading

• Data analysis

• Financial consultancy

• Risk management

• Quantitative research

• Corporate finance and governance

• Sustainable finance and ESG

Previous students have gone on to work at organisations including:

• Bloomberg

• UBS

• Deloitte

• Deutsche Bank

• EY

• Goldman Sachs

• HSBC

• Hang Seng Bank

Many of our graduates are also inspired to continue their academic studies and embark on postgraduate education, such as pursuing an advanced specialised master’s at Lancaster or other top universities in the UK or overseas.

Our BSc (Hons) Finance degree also equips you with highly desirable transferable skills, allowing you to explore careers in the less well-known financial sectors of credit rating agencies, custodian banks, interdealer brokers, wealth management, vendors and insurance, as well as professional jobs in related industries such as accountancy, business and management, both locally and globally.

The Management School has an award-winning careers team that provides dedicated careers and placement services, offering a range of resources for LUMS students. Our high reputation means we attract a wide range of leading global employers to campus, allowing you to interact with graduate recruiters from day one of your degree.