Bachelor in Economics and Finance

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Bologna

Program Overview

The Economics and Finance program is a three-year bachelor's degree taught entirely in English that equips you with the analytical tools to understand how markets function, how economic policies shape economies, and how growth drives real-world prosperity. This program is perfect if you're curious about finance, eager to think quantitatively about complex economic problems, and want to study alongside talented students from around the world.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: You'll build foundational knowledge in economic theory and quantitative methods, establishing your understanding of how markets work and developing the problem-solving skills you'll use throughout the program. Core courses introduce you to essential economic principles and mathematical frameworks that underpin financial analysis and policy evaluation.

Second Year: Your studies deepen into specialized financial topics, where you'll engage with Financial Economics, learning portfolio theory, the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), and Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT). You'll also explore fixed income securities analysis, including concepts like yield curves, duration, and convexity, which are critical for understanding bond markets and portfolio hedging strategies. These courses prepare you to think like a financial professional by examining how investors make choices and manage risk in real markets.

Third Year: You'll refine your expertise with advanced coursework in risk management and financial instruments, including options pricing and behavioral finance. Your studies integrate real-world applications, exposing you to contemporary challenges in financial markets and preparing you for seamless transition into master's programs or professional roles in finance.

Focus Areas

International perspective through English-language instruction and diverse cohorts; quantitative finance and portfolio management; economic policy and market dynamics; problem-solving approaches to complex financial challenges.

Learning Outcomes

You'll develop the ability to analyze financial assets and their fair pricing; understand and apply portfolio theory and risk management techniques; evaluate how economic policies and market structures affect real-world outcomes; approach novel economic problems with rigorous analytical thinking.

Professional Alignment

Graduates typically pursue world-leading master's degrees in Economics, Finance, and Business, positioning you competitively for advanced professional credentials and leadership roles in financial institutions and policy organizations.

Reputation

The program's strong international orientation, English-language delivery, and focus on quantitative methods align with global standards for economics education, supported by Bologna's reputation as a leading European university.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Bologna's Economics and Finance programmes—like the first-cycle degree on the Bologna Campus or the second-cycle Economics and Management on the Forlì Campus—you'll dive into hands-on learning that builds real-world skills in finance, markets, and business strategy. Courses emphasize practical application through case studies, real financial data analysis from websites, and blended learning formats that mix theory with problem-solving sessions. You'll get networking opportunities, job placement events, and direct pathways to internships that connect you to the professional world, all backed by strong ties between faculty—who often have industry experience—and businesses.

This experiential focus shines through in specific programme features and campus resources:
- Case-based projects and real-data analysis: In courses like Corporate Finance, you'll tackle practical cases using live data from financial websites, applying tools like NPV, IRR, and beta calculations to assess investments and risks—evaluated in exams that test your hands-on abilities.
- Internship and job networking opportunities: Programmes offer dedicated events for placements and internships, plus double-degree options with schools like NEOMA and ICN Business School to boost your international edge and employability.
- Group discussions and case studies: Classes in areas like Economics and Management of Banking include projector-supported case-study discussions on lending, FinTech, and sustainability, building teamwork skills for bank management and corporate services.
- PC rooms and digital tools: Access dedicated PCs for database research, web browsing, scanning, and printing at the Rimini Campus Central Library (near Forlì programmes), plus university-wide Wi-Fi for financial software and analysis—ideal for quantitative finance tasks.
- Specialized monitoring for market relevance: Curriculum stays current through internal/external reviews, ensuring training in high-demand areas like quantitative market analysis and specialized finance topics.

Imagine putting these skills to work right away—it's why our graduates hit the ground running in finance careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a Bachelor’s in Economics and Finance from the University of Bologna gives you a strong foundation in understanding how markets work and how financial decisions are made. This prepares you for roles such as economic analyst, financial consultant, investment advisor, or data specialist. The programme combines rigorous academic knowledge with practical, real-world skills, so you’ll be ready to step confidently into professional settings in both private and public sectors:

The university offers career services, including internships and job vacancy portals, connecting students with opportunities in banks, consulting firms, public institutions, and more, helping you gain real experience while you study
Structured internships and study-abroad opportunities with international organisations and partner institutions give you a competitive edge in the global job market
Courses are designed to develop practical skills in analytical thinking, financial evaluation, and economic forecasting that are directly relevant to employers such as banks, insurance companies, research bodies, and multinational firms
A degree from one of Europe’s oldest and most respected universities enhances your CV and long-term credibility with employers across sectors
Many graduates go on to work as economic and financial analysts, advisors, consultants, or planners in both private firms and public administrations because the programme equips you with both theory and applied skills

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this bachelor’s degree, you can continue your studies at the master’s level in areas like economics, finance, business, or management. Many students choose a Laurea Magistrale to deepen their expertise, specialise in fields such as financial economics or econometrics, or pursue professional master’s programmes in advanced financial analysis or international business — opening doors to senior roles or further academic research.