BSc Finance and Management Including Placement Year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Essex

Program Overview

This degree blends rigorous financial training with management expertise, preparing you for careers that demand both analytical precision and leadership skills. It suits students who want to understand how financial decisions shape organisations while gaining the practical experience of a paid placement year to boost employability.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year builds a strong foundation in finance, management, and economics. You’ll study Quantitative Methods and Finance, Introduction to Finance, and Introduction to Management, alongside modules such as Professional and Academic Development (Finance), Understanding Value and Values, Introduction to Accounting I, and Introduction to Economics. This year ensures you gain essential analytical, accounting, and organisational knowledge while exploring the ethical dimensions of value creation.

Year 2

In your second year, you move into applied finance and strategic management. Modules such as Corporate Finance, Financial Modelling (using EViews software), and Portfolio Analysis sharpen your ability to evaluate investments and manage risk. At the same time, courses like Organisational Behaviour, Business Strategy, and Leadership in Organisations develop your understanding of workplace dynamics and effective leadership. You’ll also engage with Research Methods in Management and Marketing, preparing you for independent projects.

Placement Year

In your third year, you’ll undertake a work-based placement with an external organisation, gaining up to 12 months of professional experience. Recent Essex students have secured placements with companies such as BMW, Samsung, and Cummins, giving you valuable industry contacts and practical skills to enhance your CV.

Final Year

Your final year focuses on advanced financial instruments and strategic HR management. You’ll study Options and Futures, Risk Management and Financial Institutions, and Strategic Human Resource Management, alongside optional modules to tailor your expertise. A dissertation or major research project allows you to apply your skills to real-world challenges, demonstrating your readiness for graduate-level roles.

Focus Areas

Finance, corporate strategy, leadership, risk management, human resources, and international financial markets.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will master quantitative analysis, financial decision-making, portfolio management, and leadership skills, while developing critical thinking and ethical awareness for modern business.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

ACCA: Exemptions from some professional examinations.
CIMA: Accredited degree accelerated route with exemptions.
CFA Institute University Affiliation Program: Scholarships available for CFA Level One exam.
Q-Step Affiliate Status: Enhanced quantitative skills pathway with bursaries for work placements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Ranked Top 175 globally for Business and Economics (THE World University Rankings by Subject 2025).
Ranked Top 200 globally for Accounting and Finance (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).
Essex graduates have secured roles at Credit Suisse, EY, and PwC, highlighting strong employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the biggest advantages of choosing Finance and Management at Essex Business School is how much emphasis is placed on hands-on experience. You’ll not only learn the theory behind financial markets and organisational leadership but also apply it through industry-standard tools, collaborative projects, and a full placement year that gives you real-world exposure. The program is designed to ensure you graduate with practical skills that employers immediately recognise, supported by Essex’s modern facilities and global resources.

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

Bloomberg Virtual Trading Floor: Train with Bloomberg Terminals to analyse live financial data, simulate trading, and build investment strategies — the same tools used by professionals worldwide.
Financial Modelling Software: Modules such as Financial Modelling integrate digital tools like EViews, giving you practical experience in econometric and quantitative analysis.
Placement Year: Gain up to 12 months of professional experience with employers in finance, consulting, or management. Essex students have secured placements with companies such as BMW, Samsung, and Cummins, building industry contacts and workplace skills.
Group Projects and Case Studies: Collaborate with peers on applied finance and management challenges, sharpening teamwork, leadership, and presentation skills.
Essex Business School Building: Study in the UK’s first zero-carbon business school building, featuring modern lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and collaborative spaces designed for interactive learning.
Libraries and Digital Resources: Access the Albert Sloman Library and online databases, including specialist financial journals, market reports, and management resources.
Professional Accreditation Links: Benefit from exemptions with ACCA and CIMA, plus CFA Institute affiliation, which provides scholarships and exam preparation support.
Global Networking Opportunities: Engage with guest lectures, employer events, and career fairs hosted by Essex Business School, connecting you directly with industry leaders.

This combination of cutting-edge facilities, professional placements, and accredited pathways ensures you graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with industry-ready skills and global experience — making you confident to step into roles in investment banking, corporate finance, or management consulting.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program leave Essex Business School with both technical finance expertise and practical management skills, strengthened by a year of professional placement. Typical career paths include financial analyst, investment banker, management consultant, and corporate strategist, with many alumni securing roles in leading firms worldwide. The placement year ensures you graduate with proven workplace experience, making you highly competitive in the job market:

Career Services Support: Essex students benefit from the Student Development Team, Essex Startups, and tailored support from the Francesco Centre for Career Development, offering CV workshops, interview coaching, and employer networking events.
Employment Stats: Over 88% of Essex graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023).
Industry Partnerships: Essex Business School maintains strong links with employers such as EY, PwC, and Credit Suisse, where graduates have secured roles.
Accreditation Value: Professional exemptions from ACCA and CIMA, plus affiliation with the CFA Institute, provide long-term recognition and career acceleration.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni progress into high-demand sectors including investment banking, corporate finance, risk management, and strategic consulting, with competitive starting salaries in the UK finance sector averaging £30,000–£35,000.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc Finance and Management (Including Placement Year), students can continue their studies at Essex through a Master’s in Finance, MSc International Management, or MBA, deepening expertise in global markets and leadership. Many graduates also pursue the CFA qualification or other professional certifications, leveraging the program’s exemptions and affiliations to fast-track their professional development.