Finance

Finance is concerned with how money is raised, invested, managed and distributed across time and under conditions of uncertainty. It is a discipline that sits at the centre of economic life, shaping the decisions of businesses, governments, households and markets. Understanding finance means developing both the quantitative tools for analysing financial data and the conceptual framework for understanding why financial markets and institutions behave as they do.

At the University of Northampton, this part-time programme includes a sandwich placement year and a work placement, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning in a real financial context while studying flexibly.

You will cover the core areas of financial theory and practice, including financial accounting, investment analysis, corporate finance, financial markets, risk management, portfolio theory and the regulatory environment in which financial institutions operate. You will develop skills in financial modelling, data analysis and the interpretation of financial statements, alongside a theoretical understanding of how markets price risk and return. The combination of academic rigour and professional experience built into the programme prepares you for roles that require both technical knowledge and practical competence.

Graduates move into careers in banking, investment management, financial planning, corporate finance, treasury management, accountancy and financial analysis. The work placement experience makes graduates particularly attractive to employers who value practical readiness alongside academic qualification. Many graduates go on to professional qualifications with bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment, the CFA Institute or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and the degree provides a strong platform for those routes.

Postgraduate study in finance, economics or management is also a natural pathway for those who want to deepen their expertise.