Program Overview

Introduction to the Banking and Finance Program

The Banking and Finance program at Cardiff University is a three-year undergraduate course designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the banking and financial services sector. The program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing students for a wide range of careers in finance, banking, and related fields.

Why Study Banking and Finance

This program offers several unique benefits, including:

• Opportunities for professional placements or study abroad between the second and final years.
• Learning from a diverse faculty with expertise in their fields, bringing unique insights into the classroom.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a 65-terminal trading room from the first year.
• The ability to tailor studies through optional modules in the final year, allowing students to focus on areas that best fit their interests and career aspirations.

Program Structure

The program is structured over three years, with each year comprising a combination of compulsory and optional modules. The modules are designed to progressively build students' knowledge and skills in banking and finance.

Year One

In the first year, students take compulsory modules in macroeconomics, microeconomics, and mathematics and statistics for economists. These modules lay the foundation for understanding markets and the national economy, as well as the mathematical tools necessary for economic analysis. Additional modules introduce students to the financial sector and provide hands-on experience in trading strategies using the university's trading room facilities.

Year Two

The second year continues with the study of core micro- and macroeconomics, incorporating mathematical tools for more precise analysis. Students are also introduced to econometrics, which involves identifying statistical patterns in economic data. Alongside these core modules, students can choose from applied optional modules to start specializing in areas of banking and finance that interest them.

Year Three

In the final year, the focus shifts to applying the technical skills and knowledge developed in the previous years to questions in fields matching students' interests and future career plans. A wide variety of optional modules is available, emphasizing the evaluation of competing models and theories, and highlighting the importance of empirical work in determining the suitability of different approaches.

Learning and Assessment

The program employs a diverse range of teaching methods, including lectures, example sessions, small group tutorials, and online independent study activities. Assessment also varies, including coursework, exams, and more innovative approaches such as policy briefs, economic analyses, presentations, and videos. The marking criteria are transparent and consistent across modules, ensuring fairness and clarity in assessment.

Careers

Graduates from the Banking and Finance program have excellent career prospects. The unique combination of technical, analytical, and abstract thinking skills, alongside critical evaluation, argumentation, and communication skills, makes them highly sought after in industries such as finance, banking, accountancy, consultancy, and financial journalism. The program's emphasis on employability, through modules like Professional Skills for Economists and a range of learning activities and assessments, prepares students well for their future careers.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the program requires meeting specific academic criteria, including:

• A-levels: AAB-BBB, including Maths.
• International Baccalaureate: 34-31 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects, including grade 5 in HL Maths.
• BTEC: DD-DM in a BTEC Diploma in Business and grade B in A-level Maths.
• Other qualifications are considered on a case-by-case basis, with equivalences and specific subject requirements detailed on the university's website.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for the program vary depending on the student's fee status (home, island, or overseas). For the 2026 entry, home students are charged ｣9,535 per year, while overseas students are charged ｣24,700 per year. The university also offers financial support to eligible students, with more information available on the university's funding section.

Additional Costs

Students should also consider additional costs, including accommodation and living expenses. The university offers a range of residences and provides guidance on living costs in Cardiff, which is considered one of the UK's most affordable cities.

Conclusion

The Banking and Finance program at Cardiff University offers a comprehensive and engaging education in the banking and financial services sector. With its strong focus on employability, state-of-the-art facilities, and diverse faculty expertise, the program prepares students for successful careers in finance and related fields.