BSc International Business, Finance and Economics with Industrial/Professional Experience

This course is designed so you don’t just study business, finance and economics in theory — you actually get to apply them. The highlight is a full year working in industry, where you’ll take the skills you’ve built in lectures and seminars and put them into practice in a real company. Along the way, you’ll also learn through case studies, group projects and practical modules, giving you the kind of experience employers really value.

Here’s how that looks in practice:

• Year-long placement: In your third year, you’ll spend 12 months working in a professional role. Students have secured placements at top firms in finance, consultancy, and multinational businesses, gaining a salary and hands-on experience.

• Career support: The University’s award-winning Careers Service and Alliance Manchester Business School’s dedicated placement team help you secure opportunities, prepare applications and get interview-ready.

• Group projects and case studies: Many of your modules include teamwork, where you’ll solve real business problems, analyse financial data, or develop strategy proposals together.

• Language study: You can choose to study a foreign language, which not only broadens your horizons but can also make a big difference if you want to work internationally.

• Business school facilities: As part of Alliance Manchester Business School, you’ll have access to specialist teaching spaces, up-to-date resources for finance and economics, and opportunities to learn with digital tools for data analysis and business modelling.

• Entrepreneurship opportunities: If you’re interested in starting your own venture, you can get involved with the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, which runs practical modules and projects focused on innovation and enterprise.

Graduates from this programme step into careers that are both exciting and diverse. Many go on to become financial analysts, management consultants, economic analysts, or strategy managers, using the mix of business, finance and economics they’ve mastered at Manchester. Thanks to the built-in work placement and strong employer connections, you’ll already have real experience on your CV before graduation — a big advantage when applying for competitive roles.

Here’s how Manchester helps you get there:

• Dedicated careers support: Alliance MBS has its own careers team who’ll guide you through CV building, applications, mock interviews, and connect you with recruiters from day one.

• Graduate outcomes and salaries: Students on the placement route consistently achieve top results — 96% graduate with a First or 2:1. Average placement salaries are around £21,000, with some students earning up to £36,000. Long-term, graduates from this degree report average earnings of around £28,500 within 15 months of finishing.

• Industry partnerships: Alliance MBS works closely with major employers through talent partnerships, recruitment events, and guest lectures. The course is also affiliated with the CFA Institute, which adds extra weight if you’re considering a finance career.

• Accreditation and reputation: Being part of a globally respected business school means your degree carries weight with employers worldwide. Manchester is regularly ranked among the UK’s best for business, economics and finance.

• Graduate destinations: Alumni have gone on to roles in top firms like KPMG, PwC, and RBS, often in finance, consulting, and strategy positions.

Further Academic Progression:

If you’d like to continue studying, this degree opens the door to postgraduate options such as Master’s programmes in Finance, Economics, International Business, or Business Analytics. Some graduates also pursue professional pathways like the CFA qualification, giving them an extra edge in the financial sector.