University of Derby offers a BA (Hons) Business Management and Finance degree course that combines theory with practice. The course makes students equally proficient in the field of study of business management and finance, which opens wide career opportunities in the corporate world. What sets Derby apart is the ability to graduate with a CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership, which enhances your professional status before you even step onto the job market.
• You'll learn about corporate finance, strategic decision-making, and managing financial risk, as well as building a perspective on where finance sits within the business environment.
• Curriculum updates are made regularly in consultation with practitioners to provide you with an understanding of what is most important in the current changing world.
• You will be exempt from professional membership bodies like CIMA and be able to obtain your professional certifications in a short time.
• Modules have practical orientations and you have an opportunity to master skills like analytical thinking, leadership, and financial modeling.
The course structure encourages a combination of classroom teaching, industry interaction, and experiential learning:
• Year 1 consists of core business modules like finance fundamentals, operations, and business economics.
• Year 2 consists of financial markets, corporate governance, and strategic management.
• Year 3 entails a large consultancy project, where you get to work on real businesses and present actionable recommendations.
Accreditation:
The course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), meaning you’ll graduate with a professional qualification alongside your degree—something that sets Derby’s program apart.
Campus Location:
Located in Derby, a city rich in business and industrial heritage, the university is career-focused and collaborative in its learning environment. The Business School is located on the Kedleston Road campus, which boasts highly equipped teaching rooms, a Bloomberg Trading Suite, and simulation rooms that mimic real business environments.
Derby learning goes far beyond textbooks—there's a strong emphasis on real-world exposure and skills practice:
• Live Consultancy Projects: In your final year, you’ll tackle a real business challenge for an external organisation—offering solutions, presenting findings, and gaining firsthand consulting experience.
• Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab: This cutting-edge lab gives students access to global financial data and analytics tools, simulating a live trading environment to develop market awareness.
• Internships and Industry Links: With contacts to organizations like HSBC and Barclays, students can find internships or placement deals which truly enhance their CVs.
• Global Exposure: Derby also offers the opportunity to study abroad or take part in global business weeks in cities like Barcelona, allowing students to gain a global perspective.
• Professional Guest Lectures and Workshops: Periodic workshops with industry professionals provide insight into career development and industry trends.
Derby graduates are identified as workplace-ready, with confidence and skills to excel in demanding jobs.
• The university's career development service offers personalized advice on career planning, CV writing, and practice interviews.
• There are frequent career fairs and employer events on campus where students have the opportunity to meet and greet recruiting managers from top companies.
• They are also qualified to enter Derby's Futures Award, which recognises extracurricular activity and leadership experience—a valuable credential for any career application.
Employability:
Students graduating from the course have proceeded to build careers in financial analysis, banking, management consultancy, and accounting. Others have gained employment in major institutions like HSBC, PwC, and local councils. The dual qualification (degree + CMI Diploma) serves the purpose of making Derby graduates stand out on the job market.
Greater Academic Advancement:
A number of students pursue postgraduate studies in Finance, Business Analytics, or Management, and a few others continue to obtain professional certifications such as CIMA or ACCA to specialize.
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