Finance and Technology BSc with a professional placement year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

This four-year degree blends finance and computer science, giving students the skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving FinTech sector. It suits ambitious learners who want to combine financial expertise with programming, data science, and digital innovation, while gaining a year of professional industry experience.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year introduces the fundamentals of both finance and computing. You’ll study Principles of Finance, Introduction to Accounting, and Financial Institutions and Markets, alongside Introduction to Programming, Programming Concepts, and Mathematical Concepts. This ensures you build a strong foundation in both disciplines from the start.

Year 2

In the second year, you’ll advance your technical and financial knowledge. Core modules include Data Structures & Algorithms, Further Programming, and Financial Markets, alongside specialist topics such as Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and Algorithmic Trading. You’ll learn how to apply computing solutions to financial problems, developing skills that employers in FinTech actively seek.

Year 3 – Professional Placement Year

You’ll spend a year working in industry, applying your classroom knowledge to real-world financial and technological challenges. Sussex’s strong links with FinTech firms, consultancies, and financial institutions — particularly in London — mean you’ll gain invaluable professional experience and build networks before graduation.

Final Year

Your final year consolidates advanced skills in finance and technology. You’ll explore modules such as Multinational Financial Management, Portfolio Management, and Ethics in Finance and Accounting, alongside advanced computing applications. Projects include building web applications and using Bloomberg terminals and Thomson Reuters platforms for real-time trading simulations, ensuring you graduate with both technical and applied expertise.

Focus Areas

FinTech, finance, computer science, blockchain, artificial intelligence, algorithmic trading, risk management, coding, data science.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will master financial analysis, programming, data science, and digital innovation, while developing strong quantitative, analytical, and coding skills to thrive in FinTech and global financial services.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Delivered by the EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School.
Recognised by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute.
Accredited by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), enabling students to sit professional qualifications.
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), offering exemptions from professional exams.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Ranked Top 20 in the UK for Finance (Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025).
Ranked 10th in the UK for Economics and Finance (Research.com Best Universities Ranking 2025).
Ranked Top 20 in the UK for Business and Economics (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025).
86% of Sussex undergraduates complete work experience by graduation (University of Sussex Career Readiness data 2023/24).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most exciting aspects of studying Finance and Technology at Sussex is how much emphasis is placed on hands-on learning and industry-standard tools. You’ll not only explore the theory of finance and computer science but also apply it through coding projects, trading simulations, and access to specialist platforms used by professionals. The program is designed to give you practical exposure to the technologies transforming financial services, ensuring you graduate with both technical and applied skills.

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

Specialist Software and Digital Tools: You’ll gain practical experience using Bloomberg terminals and Thomson Reuters platforms, applying real-time financial data to trading and investment analysis.
Programming and Coding Projects: Modules such as Introduction to Programming, Further Programming, and Data Structures & Algorithms involve group projects and individual coding assignments, helping you build applications and solve financial problems with technology.
FinTech Applications: You’ll explore Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and Algorithmic Trading, applying these technologies in practical coursework and simulations.
Placement and Study Abroad Opportunities: In your third year, you can take a professional placement or study abroad, gaining hands-on experience in financial institutions, consultancies, or technology firms.
Industry Engagement: Sussex Business School connects students with employers through workshops, guest lectures, and networking events, particularly with FinTech companies and financial institutions in London.
Library and Research Facilities: The University of Sussex Library provides access to extensive financial databases, journals, and computing resources to support your independent research and projects.
Collaborative Learning Spaces: You’ll work in modern computing labs and collaborative classrooms designed for project-based learning, ensuring you develop teamwork and problem-solving skills alongside technical expertise.

This combination of coding, trading simulations, and industry engagement ensures you graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with practical, career-ready skills that employers in FinTech and finance value highly.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Sussex’s Finance and Technology program are uniquely positioned to enter one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. Typical career paths include FinTech analyst, investment banking associate, risk management consultant, and software developer in financial services, combining financial expertise with advanced technical skills. With strong industry links and professional accreditation, Sussex ensures you’ll graduate ready to thrive in both traditional finance and cutting-edge FinTech roles:

University Services: Sussex’s Careers and Employability Centre offers tailored support, including CV and interview workshops, employer networking events, and access to exclusive internships. The Business School also provides mentoring and placement guidance, connecting students with FinTech firms and financial institutions.
Employment Stats: Sussex reports that 86% of undergraduates complete work experience before graduation, significantly boosting employability outcomes. Graduates enter high-skilled roles across finance, consultancy, and technology.
Industry Partnerships: The program benefits from Sussex’s strong connections with London-based FinTech companies, investment banks, and consultancies, giving students direct access to employer-led projects and placement opportunities.
Accreditation Value: Accredited by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute, Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the degree provides exemptions and pathways to professional qualifications.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni progress into roles in financial technology development, corporate finance, investment analysis, and consultancy, with competitive salaries and international career opportunities.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc Finance and Technology, students can continue their studies at Sussex through a Master’s in FinTech, MSc International Financial Management, or MBA, deepening expertise in global markets, leadership, and advanced financial innovation. Many graduates also pursue professional qualifications such as the CFA, CISI, or CIMA, leveraging the program’s accreditation to fast-track their professional development.