Program Overview

BSc (Hons) Banking and Finance (Foundation Year)

The BSc (Hons) Banking and Finance (Foundation Year) is a stepping stone to a degree and an exciting career in the banking and finance sector. This course is designed to prepare students for studying the BSc (Hons) Banking and Finance degree, helping them develop the skills and knowledge needed to study for the full honors degree, even if they don’t currently meet the academic requirements.

Course Overview

This course will help students develop their study skills, including academic writing, and personal and professional development, to start them off in the best possible way for their degree. Students will learn more about business in a global and national context, and approaches to leading and managing in organizations. The foundation year also gives students the ability to develop their analytical skills and learn how to incorporate data to add real value to achieve organizational objectives.

Features and Benefits

• Triple accredited – the business school holds the globally recognized trio of accreditations from EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA, placing it among the best business schools in the world.
• Funding support – students can apply for student finance (e.g., tuition fee loan, student loan, and student maintenance grant) in the same way as other students.
• Enhance employability – through activities including internships, volunteering, or learning a new language. With the award-winning ‘Rise at Manchester Met’ program, students can gain extra academic credits towards their degree.
• Progress to a degree course – after the Foundation Year, students can join the banking and finance degree. Develop skills further and choose an optional industry placement year or a year studying abroad.

Accreditations, Awards, and Endorsements

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business: The business school is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, meaning it is internationally recognized for meeting global standards of excellence in business and management education.
• Business School Impact System (BSIS): The BSIS scheme is designed to determine the extent and nature of a business school’s impact upon its local environment.
• EFMD Quality Improvement System: The business school holds the EQUIS accreditation – a leading international system of quality assessment, improvement, and accreditation of higher education institutions in management and business administration.
• Chartered Insurance Institute: The alignment with the CII gives undergraduate banking and finance students the opportunity to gain a CII qualification in addition to their university degree, through self-directed study and at a reduced academic rate.
• Teaching Excellence Framework: The university has received an overall gold status in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), meaning it is rated as an outstanding university for its student experience.

Year 1

Students will study eight 15-credit modules. The following list of modules is indicative and may be subject to change.

Core Modules

• Study Skills: This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and understanding in areas such as academic writing, personal and professional development.
• Business Intelligence: The main aim of this module is to introduce students to the vital role that data analysis plays in modern organizations and equip them with related fundamental skills.
• Fundamentals of Marketing: This module introduces students to the fundamentals of marketing.
• Finance for Business: The main aim of this module is to introduce students to the theories and concepts of finance in a business environment.
• Business Economics: This module aims to provide an applied introduction to key theoretical aspects of microeconomics and macroeconomics through a range of case studies, policy debates, and application to topical issues.
• Introduction to Management: This module will introduce students to the importance of creativity and responsible management in business decision-making, before outlining business strategy.
• Understanding and Managing People: The main aim of this foundational module is to enable students to appreciate introductory topics related to understanding and managing people at work.
• Customer Service Management: There is a critical need in all business sectors for the delivery of good customer service, and this is particularly challenging for managers within the service industry.

Study and Assessment

• Study: Year 1 - 25% lectures, seminars, or similar; 75% independent study
• Assessment: Year 1 - 90% coursework; 10% examination

Placements

If students progress onto the full degree course, they will have the opportunity to do a placement, study or work abroad in year 3 of their degree.

Entry Requirements

These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2026/27 academic year.

• Typical offer: 72-80 UCAS tariff points
• IELTS score: 5.5 overall with no individual element below 5.5
• UK students:
  • Level 3 qualifications: 72-80 UCAS tariff points
  • Level 2 qualifications: GCSE grade D/3 in English Language or Level 2 Functional Skills English pass and GCSE grade D/3 in Mathematics or Level 2 Functional Skills Mathematics pass
• International students:
  • IB Diploma: IB Diploma with minimum 24 points overall or 72-80 UCAS Tariff points from Higher Level
  • IELTS: 5.5 overall with no individual element below 5.5

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are still being finalized for all courses.

Careers Support and Prospects

• Employed or in further study: 88.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time, first-degree graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.
• Explore options and build sought-after skills: Through the Careers Service, students will be supported and encouraged to get ready for further study or working life, including starting their own business.

A Career as Unique as You

A banking and finance degree can lead to a wide range of career opportunities with high pay and a high profile. This foundation year will ensure students have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their full degree course. It will pave the way for their career in this sector, whatever their aspirations. Graduates of the full degree course have gone on to work in a wide range of financial services sectors, including financial planning, banking, retail finance, investment, and wealth management. Many start their careers with top employers, including KPMG, Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), Handelsbanken, and BNY Mellon. Because the course is accredited or approved by professional bodies, the degree can also pave the way to professional or chartered status.