Business and Finance

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Salford

Program Overview

This degree equips you with both managerial expertise and financial programming skills, preparing you for high-impact roles such as corporate finance specialist, investment banker, or financial officer. It suits students who want to combine business knowledge with advanced financial analysis and digital tools, gaining practical experience through placements, live projects, and industry-standard software.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year builds a strong foundation in business and finance. Modules such as Understanding Organisations, Essentials of Corporate Finance, and Introduction to FinTech introduce you to how businesses operate, the principles of corporate finance, and the impact of digital technologies like blockchain and open banking. You’ll also study Data Driven Decision Making and Global Business and Sustainable Digital Futures, developing analytical and digital skills while exploring sustainability and innovation.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll move into applied financial practice. Modules like Securities and Investments, Advanced Data Analytics, and Financial Automation sharpen your ability to evaluate investments, apply data tools, and design automated financial processes. You’ll also take Project Management and a Live Project for Finance, working directly with organisations to solve real-world challenges, while developing teamwork and consultancy skills.

Optional Placement Year

Between your second and third years, you can complete a paid work placement or study abroad. This gives you professional experience in industry or international exposure, enhancing your employability and global outlook.

Final Year

Your final year focuses on advanced financial management and leadership. Modules such as Advanced Corporate Finance, Financial Programming (Python), and Fixed Income Derivatives equip you with high-level technical and analytical skills. You’ll also study Sustainable Finance and Organisational Strategy and Leadership, preparing you to lead responsibly in global financial contexts.

Focus Areas

Corporate finance, investment management, financial programming, fintech, automation, sustainability, leadership.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will master financial analysis, investment strategies, programming for finance, and sustainable business practices, while developing leadership and strategic decision-making skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Training in Python, R, SQL, Power BI, and Xero Accounting Software.
Industry-informed curriculum with live projects and employer engagement.
Placement and study abroad opportunities integrated into the program.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Salford Business School is known for its industry-focused teaching and strong employer links.
Graduates progress into roles such as corporate finance analyst, investment banker, financial planner, and wealth manager.
Alumni highlight the value of placements and live projects in securing employment immediately after graduation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most exciting aspects of studying Business and Finance at Salford is how much emphasis is placed on real-world practice. You won’t just learn theories — you’ll actively apply them through live projects, industry placements, and hands-on training with professional software. The program is designed to ensure you graduate with practical skills employers immediately recognise, supported by Salford Business School’s strong industry links and modern facilities.

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

Live Projects with Industry Partners: Work on real business challenges through modules such as Live Project for Finance, collaborating directly with organisations to deliver solutions.
Professional Software Training: Gain proficiency in Python, R, SQL, Power BI, and Xero Accounting Software, ensuring you graduate with digital skills that are in high demand across finance and business sectors.
Placement Year Option: Between your second and final year, you can complete a paid industry placement or study abroad, giving you valuable professional experience and global exposure.
Group Projects and Consultancy Work: Develop teamwork and leadership skills by working with peers on applied finance and management problems, often in partnership with external organisations.
FinTech and Automation Modules: Explore cutting-edge topics like Financial Automation and Introduction to FinTech, applying digital tools to real-world financial scenarios.
Peel Park Campus Facilities: Study in modern lecture theatres, collaborative learning spaces, and access specialist labs for data analytics and financial programming.
Library and Digital Resources: Access the Clifford Whitworth Library, which offers extensive digital databases, journals, and financial market resources to support your studies.
Industry Engagement: Benefit from Salford’s strong employer connections, with opportunities to network through guest lectures, career fairs, and employer-led workshops.

This combination of live projects, professional software training, and placement opportunities 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 corporate finance, investment banking, or financial consultancy.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Salford’s Business and Finance program are equipped with both managerial expertise and advanced financial programming skills, making them highly employable in diverse sectors. Typical career paths include corporate finance specialist, investment banker, financial officer, and wealth manager, with alumni progressing into roles that demand both strategic leadership and technical financial analysis. The program’s strong industry connections and focus on practical learning ensure you graduate ready to make an immediate impact:

Career Services Support: You’ll benefit from Salford’s Careers and Enterprise team, which provides tailored employability workshops, CV and interview coaching, and access to employer networking events. The Salford Business School Employability Hub also connects students directly with industry opportunities.
Employment Stats: Salford Business School highlights strong graduate employability, with many students securing roles in finance and business immediately after graduation thanks to placements and live projects.
Industry Partnerships: The program integrates live projects with employers and has strong links with organisations across Greater Manchester’s financial and business sectors, giving you direct exposure to real-world challenges.
Accreditation Value: Training in Python, R, SQL, Power BI, and Xero Accounting Software ensures long-term recognition of your digital and financial skills, aligning with industry standards.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni progress into high-demand roles in corporate finance, investment management, and consultancy, with competitive starting salaries in the UK finance sector averaging £28,000–£32,000.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc Business and Finance, students can continue their studies at Salford through a Master’s in Finance, MSc International Business, 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 their undergraduate training to fast-track professional accreditation.