Banking and Finance with Foundation Year

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

• Develop a solid foundation in banking and finance before exploring specialist areas.

• Study for a degree and a professional qualification in state-of-the-art facilities.

• Develop critical hard and soft financial skills using industry-standard technology.

• Apply your knowledge to real-world situations on placements and live projects.

• Learn from industry experts on a course that’s developed with professional institutes.

Study key banking and finance concepts, from the principles of investment – working with derivatives and managing risk – to cryptocurrency and blockchain. You’ll learn how to apply your learning effectively, gaining experience with our Bloomberg terminals, trading floor facilities and in the real world. You’ll be prepared for a rewarding career in personal banking, wealth management or corporate finance.

If you don't meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) course, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation course – which has been designed to encourage exploration and experimentation.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

Our BSc (Hons) Banking and Finance course offers a holistic approach that blends theory with hands-on experience – preparing you for a successful and fulfilling career in the sector. Our academics are highly skilled professionals, bringing their cutting-edge knowledge and industry research into the classroom.

Key Themes

You’ll gain a comprehensive foundation in banking and finance, equipping you with practical skills essential for investment management. You’ll develop a strong grasp of fundamental finance concepts, such as the time value of money and risk/return, while also enhancing your quantitative skills.

As you progress through your studies, you’ll benefit from a diverse array of teaching methods. These encourage in-depth knowledge acquisition, industry-inspired projects, problem-solving and teamwork. By actively engaging in these learning strategies, you’ll not only excel academically – you’ll also cultivate essential skills for continuous self-development.

In your final year, you’ll complete a consultancy project for a real-world organisation. With the guidance of a dedicated project supervisor, you’ll conduct research and put into practice the knowledge and skills honed throughout the course. This capstone project prepares you to become a proficient finance professional.

Applied learning

Live Projects

During the first and second years of your course, you'll work on real-world client-based projects. These involve conducting research and analysis to formulate findings and recommendations which address the client's business challenges. You'll present your results both in writing and verbally – gaining valuable experience of professional practice.

Previous students have had the opportunity to work on projects for huge organisations such as Lifetime Investment Management. Many students successfully secure placements and graduate jobs with their host company as a direct result of their outstanding performance in these live projects.

Work Placements

During the course, you'll be able to engage in an extended work placement between your third and fourth years.

This hands-on experience not only builds your skill set, but also allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma, a valuable addition to your CV.

In the past, our students have had the opportunity to work for organisations such as Lloyds Bank, Charles Stanley and Jarrovian Group.