BSc Finance with Industrial Experience

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BSc Finance with Industrial Experience at the University of Exeter equips students with the skills to make informed financial decisions while developing commercial awareness in areas like sustainability, leadership, and technological transformation. It suits students who want a flexible, industry-focused degree with pathways in Investment Banking, Business Management, or Data Science, preparing them for careers across banking, consulting, and corporate finance.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year introduces the fundamentals of finance, economics, and investment. You’ll study modules such as Introduction to Finance and Investment, Economics for Business, and Statistics for Business, gaining a broad understanding of financial markets and how to analyze data using statistical methods. Ethical issues and sustainability are embedded early, ensuring you develop a responsible approach to financial decision-making.

Year 2
In the second year, you’ll deepen your knowledge with compulsory modules in Corporate Finance, Financial Reporting, and Investment Practice. You’ll also choose from optional modules like Risk Management or Business Analytics, tailoring your studies to your career interests. This year emphasizes applying theory to real-world financial challenges, building technical and analytical skills.

Year 3
If you choose the With Industrial Experience pathway, you’ll spend your third year working in a professional placement with organizations such as Goldman Sachs, PwC, Deloitte, or the Bank of England. Alternatively, the With Year Abroad option lets you study at one of Exeter’s 60 partner universities worldwide, broadening your global perspective and employability.

Final Year
Your final year consolidates advanced finance knowledge with modules such as Financial Modelling, Economics of Financial Crisis, and Strategic Management. You’ll also complete a dissertation or major project, applying your skills to a specialist area of finance. Optional modules allow you to explore cutting-edge topics like Machine Learning for Economics or Bitcoin, AI and the Metaverse, depending on your chosen pathway.

Focus Areas

Investment banking, corporate finance, risk management, data science, sustainability, business management

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop professional, industry-accredited knowledge, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to apply financial decision-making in global contexts

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Exeter is a partner of the CQF Institute, giving students free membership, access to exclusive resources, and a 30% discount on CQF programme fees. Depending on modules taken, students may also be part-qualified towards professional certifications

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Top 5 in the UK for Accounting and Finance graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)
Top 10 in the UK for Accounting and Finance overall (Complete University Guide 2026)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most exciting aspects of Exeter’s BSc Finance with Industrial Experience is how much emphasis is placed on practical, hands-on learning. You won’t just study finance in theory—you’ll actively apply it using professional-standard tools, real-world projects, and industry placements. The program is designed to mirror the challenges faced in global finance, ensuring you graduate with both technical expertise and workplace-ready skills. From working with Bloomberg terminals to engaging in consultancy projects and optional industrial placements, Exeter gives you the facilities and opportunities to practice finance as professionals do.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded in the program:

Bloomberg Terminals in the Finance Lab: Access to live global financial data and analytics tools used by investment banks and asset managers worldwide.
Specialist Databases and Digital Tools: Students use S&P Capital IQ, Datastream, and other financial databases available through the University Library, ensuring industry-standard market analysis.
Group Consultancy Projects: Collaborative projects with real businesses, where students deliver consultancy reports on issues such as sustainability, project management, or financial risk.
Industrial Placements: The “With Industrial Experience” pathway allows students to spend a year working with employers such as Goldman Sachs, PwC, Deloitte, and the Bank of England, gaining invaluable professional exposure.
Study Abroad Opportunities: The “With Year Abroad” option lets students study at one of Exeter’s 60+ partner universities worldwide, broadening global perspectives and employability.
Business School Facilities: Modern lecture theatres, breakout rooms for teamwork, and access to the University’s Main Library and specialist business collections.
Career Zone Support: Exeter’s dedicated employability service provides tailored workshops, employer networking events, and internship guidance specifically for finance students.
Research and Dissertation Projects: In the final year, students complete an independent dissertation or major project, often linked to industry-relevant topics such as financial modelling or crisis economics.

This combination of cutting-edge financial technology, collaborative projects, and global opportunities ensures that Exeter’s BSc Finance is more than a degree—it’s a launchpad into the professional world.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Exeter’s BSc Finance with Industrial Experience are highly employable, moving into roles such as financial analyst, investment banker, risk manager, and corporate consultant. The program’s strong industry links and professional accreditation ensure that students leave with both technical expertise and practical experience, making them stand out in the competitive finance sector:

University Careers Support: Exeter’s award-winning Career Zone and the Business School’s dedicated Employability team provide one-to-one guidance, employer networking events, and tailored workshops to help students secure internships and graduate roles.
Employment Stats: According to national Graduate Outcomes data, 92% of Exeter graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation, with average salaries for Accounting and Finance graduates around £28,000 after 15 months.
Industry Partnerships: The Business School collaborates with leading employers such as EY, PwC, Deloitte, HSBC, and Goldman Sachs, offering consultancy projects, placements, and guest lectures that connect students directly with the financial sector.
Accreditation Value: Exeter is a partner of the CQF Institute, giving students free membership, access to exclusive resources, and discounted fees for the Certificate in Quantitative Finance. This long-term professional recognition adds weight to your degree.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni progress into careers in investment banking, corporate finance, and consulting, with many advancing quickly into leadership positions thanks to Exeter’s reputation as one of the UK’s most targeted universities by top employers.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc Finance, students can continue their studies at Exeter through specialist postgraduate programs such as the MSc Finance and Investment, MSc Financial Technology (FinTech), or MSc Accounting and Finance. These advanced degrees build directly on the undergraduate foundation, offering deeper expertise, research opportunities, and professional development that position graduates for senior roles in global finance and management.