Finance BSc (Hons) with placement year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Loughborough University

Program Overview

This CFA-affiliated program blends rigorous finance theory with practical industry experience, making it ideal for students who want to combine academic excellence with a year of professional work. It suits ambitious learners aiming for careers in investment banking, corporate finance, asset management, or consultancy, while offering the chance to gain real-world skills through a structured placement year.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year builds a strong foundation in finance, accounting, and economics. You’ll study modules such as Financial Accounting Fundamentals, Principles of Finance, and Economics for Financial Studies, alongside Responsible Management Practice and Quantitative Business Skills A/B. This year ensures you develop both technical knowledge and analytical skills, preparing you for advanced study.

Year 2

In the second year, you’ll deepen your expertise in financial markets and corporate finance. Compulsory modules include Financial Markets and Derivatives Fundamentals, Corporate Finance, and Accounting for Management Decisions. You’ll also select optional modules such as Digital Technologies for Accounting and Finance, Programming for Business Analytics, or Marketing, allowing you to tailor your studies to your career interests.

Year 3 – Placement Year

You’ll spend a year working in industry, applying your classroom knowledge to real-world financial challenges. Loughborough’s strong employer links mean students secure placements at firms such as Goldman Sachs, HSBC, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, IBM, and Morgan Stanley, gaining invaluable professional experience and building networks before graduation.

Final Year

Your final year consolidates advanced financial knowledge and prepares you for professional roles. Core modules include Financial Risk Management, Portfolio Management, Multinational Financial Management, and Ethics in Finance and Accounting. Optional modules let you specialise further, with choices such as Audit and Assurance, Corporate Governance, and Behavioural Finance, ensuring you graduate with both technical expertise and applied skills.

Focus Areas

Finance, investment banking, asset management, corporate governance, risk management, financial markets, ethics in finance.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will master corporate finance, investment analysis, risk management, and financial reporting, while developing strong quantitative, analytical, and ethical decision-making skills valued across global financial services.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is affiliated to the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute, giving graduates a head start in securities, investment banking, and fund management.
Delivered by a triple-accredited UK business school (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), ensuring international recognition of your qualification.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Ranked Top 10 in the UK for Accounting and Finance (Guardian University Guide 2026).
Ranked Top 10 in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Accounting and Finance (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).
2nd for job prospects among UK universities (StudentCrowd Best UK Universities 2025).
Graduates have secured roles at Goldman Sachs, HSBC, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, IBM, and Morgan Stanley, reflecting strong industry connections.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most exciting aspects of studying Finance at Loughborough is how much emphasis is placed on hands-on learning and industry engagement. You won’t just study financial theory — you’ll actively apply it through placements, trading simulations, and access to specialist facilities. The program is CFA-affiliated, meaning your coursework is directly aligned with professional practice, and you’ll graduate with both academic knowledge and career-ready skills.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded into your degree:

Placement Year: You can choose to spend a year working in industry, with students securing placements at firms such as Goldman Sachs, HSBC, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, IBM, and Morgan Stanley. This gives you invaluable professional experience before graduation.
Trading Simulations and Digital Tools: The program integrates financial trading simulations and quantitative analysis, preparing you for roles in investment banking and asset management. You’ll also gain exposure to specialist financial software aligned with CFA standards.
Group Projects and Case Studies: Many modules use real-world case studies and collaborative projects, helping you develop teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation skills while tackling financial and business challenges.
Specialist Facilities: You’ll study within Loughborough Business School, a triple-accredited institution (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), with access to modern lecture theatres, collaborative learning spaces, and digital resources tailored for finance students.
Library and Research Resources: The University Library provides extensive databases, journals, and financial market resources to support your coursework and independent research.
Industry Engagement: Benefit from employer-led workshops, guest lectures, and career fairs, connecting you with leading financial institutions and building networks while you study.
Professional Accreditation Pathways: As a CFA-affiliated program, your modules are designed to prepare you for the Chartered Financial Analyst exams, giving you a head start in professional qualifications.

This combination of placements, trading simulations, and access to industry-standard tools ensures you graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with practical, career-ready skills that employers in finance value highly.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Loughborough’s Finance program are highly employable, combining CFA-aligned training with practical industry experience. Typical career paths include investment banking analyst, corporate finance associate, risk management specialist, and asset management consultant, with alumni securing roles at leading global firms. The program’s strong professional focus ensures you’ll graduate with both technical expertise and workplace-ready skills:

University Services: Loughborough’s Careers Network provides tailored employability support, including CV workshops, interview coaching, and access to employer-led events. The Business School also offers placement support, connecting students with top financial institutions.
Employment Stats: Loughborough is ranked Top 10 in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Accounting and Finance (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026). Finance graduates report strong outcomes, with many securing roles in high-skilled financial services within months of graduation.
Industry Partnerships: Students have secured placements and graduate roles at Goldman Sachs, HSBC, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, IBM, and Morgan Stanley, reflecting the program’s strong employer connections.
Accreditation Value: The degree is CFA-affiliated, meaning your modules are aligned with the Chartered Financial Analyst curriculum, giving you a head start in professional qualifications.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni progress into roles across investment banking, corporate finance, consultancy, and asset management, with competitive salaries and international career opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc Finance, students can continue their studies at Loughborough through a Master’s in Finance, MSc International Financial Management, or MBA, deepening expertise in global markets, leadership, and advanced financial management. Many graduates also pursue professional qualifications such as the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), leveraging the CFA affiliation of the program to fast-track their professional development.