Financial Economics BSc (Hons)

Financial Economics BSc (Hons)

Why choose this course?

This Financial Economics BSc (Hons) enables you to explore financial markets, instruments and institutions and their impact on the economy. You will have the opportunity to gain specialist understanding of the financial system and the role it plays in how the economy works.

Our degree provides you with both traditional and alternative approaches to economics ensuring that you develop a wide perspective and knowledge of how economics works. It means that you will graduate with a broad understanding and well-rounded way of thinking that will increase your employability.

This course focuses on the real-life application of economic knowledge and understanding. You will develop your analytical, numerical, data analysis and problem solving skills. And will establish an ability to deeply understand a problem from a range of theoretical perspectives and go on to suggest and develop numerous possible solutions.

You will graduate from this degree with solid problem solving skills and experience essential for use throughout your chosen career.

Apply for this course

Attendance	UCAS code/apply	Year of entry
3 years full time	L111	2020
4 years full time including foundation year	L11A	2020
4 years full time including sandwich year	LA11	2020
6 years part time	Apply direct to the University	2020

Location

Penrhyn Road

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Reasons to choose Kingston University

You'll have the option to study abroad at one of our partner universities.
You'll gain a critical understanding of the wide variety of thought and theory in financial economics. This well-rounded approach can increase your employability.
After your first year, you'll have the flexibility to switch to pure Economics or Business Economics, or remain on this Financial Economics programme.

What our graduates say

The lecturers are very approachable - and they seem to know everything! You come up with a question out of the blue and they immediately know the answer - it's quite amazing! You don't expect anyone to know this much, but they do. I have learnt a great deal during the course - especially how to look at the economy as a whole and pay attention to small things. The course has strengthened my ambition to become a stock trader.

Asad Shahid, Financial Economics BSc (Hons)

I have found the atmosphere is really good at Kingston. In the first year you are really looked after. You are told about all the help that's available and the places you can go, both inside and outside the University. So far I have enjoyed the whole experience of being at University, going to lectures and finding my way around. It's nice being more independent than you are at school. You realise that you have to work for yourself - but the lecturers are very clear about what you need to do.

Letty Gibbs, Financial Economics BSc (Hons)

What you will study

This course builds your knowledge of core topics and different schools of thought in economics. The Financial Economics BSc (Hons) explores the interplay of financial markets, instruments and institutions and their impact on the economy.

Year 1

Year 2

Optional year

Sandwich year

Final year

Year 1 provides a historical background to modern economics, whilst exploring a range of economic principles and perspectives. You will also begin to study the mathematical and statistical foundations essential to the study of economics.

Core modules

Becoming an Economist

30 credits

The module is designed to help you develop many of the basic skills used in the discipline of economics. The module explores and covers a variety of study and research techniques. You will develop skills in the use of language, writing, ICT usage, data collection, data interpretation and groupwork. Key threshold economic concepts will also be incorporated. Particular emphasis will be placed on small group learning and personal development planning.

Economic Policy and Principles

30 credits

In this module, you are introduced to the techniques of model building and analytical reasoning used in microeconomics. Some of these techniques are then used as an input into the analysis of economics at the macroeconomic level. In the early phase of the module, you are taught about microeconomic models and explore the application of these models, to current economic issues. Whilst, in the later phase, you learn about the main macroeconomic aggregates, the basic model of aggregate demand and supply and the importance of the time horizon in macroeconomics.

Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on highlighting and considering the pros and cons of the suggested solutions to real problems faced by market economies.

Economics Quantitatively Treated 1

30 credits

This module provides an introduction to mathematical and statistical techniques; you will be prompted to appreciate how mathematical reasoning is used in economics and develop skills in the numerical, graphical and statistical analysis of economic data. The course starts with a review of material that may have been encountered in your previous studies, such as mathematics at GCSE or IB level, and moves on to developing your knowledge, understanding and ability to apply quantitative concepts, of particular relevance for microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics.

Capitalism

30 credits

This module is a core course for students pursuing full-field programmes in Economics.

This module offers a detailed survey of the origins and emergence of capitalism and the economic thinking that paralleled these developments. It will develop key aspects of the contemporary economy - firms and competition in the national and international environment and the role of the state in national and supra-national contexts. It will then proceed with an introduction to the role of finance in capitalism and the nature and causes of financial crises.

Year 2 further develops your knowledge of microeconomics (individual or company decisions) and macroeconomics (national decisions). You'll consider mainstream and alternative approaches to economic modelling. And begin to explore economic perspectives within corporate finance and investment.

Core modules

Corporate Finance and Investment

30 credits

This module provides an introduction to modern finance and financial markets. Core elements of corporate finance are examined in the broader context of the working of financial markets and institutions, and the pricing of financial assets. We will discuss key analytical concepts, tools and theories of financial decision making and the functioning of financial markets, and examine empirical information about trends in the global financial system.

Economics Quantitatively Treated 2

30 credits

This module will extend knowledge of mathematical and statistical techniques acquired at level 4 and will introduce you to multivariate techniques in mathematics and statistics.

It will assist your comprehension of level 5 economics modules and encourage you to understand the benefits of using a mathematical and statistical vocabulary and reasoning to analyse economic models.

This module will equip you with sufficient quantitative techniques to be able to undertake any level 6 module in economics requiring quantitative analysis.

Macroeconomics

30 credits

This module aims to develop and build mainly on knowledge acquired in the Economic Policy and Principles module at level 4 but also the economics quantitatively treated module of the same level. It provides fundamental knowledge on the key areas of macroeconomic theory and policy in the short-run and long-run and within both closed and open economy settings. Real world applications are signposted at the earliest opportunity.

On completion of the module you will be able to comprehend key macroeconomic theories and policies and illustrate the application of macroeconomic models and principles in the context of policymaking.

Microeconomics

30 credits

This module will develop the model building techniques encountered at level 4, and extend the scope of these models to a wider range of problems. It will show the use of microeconomic models in a problem solving context and provide an analytical basis for subsequent elective modules.

On completion of the module, you will have a good knowledge of the major techniques and issues in modern microeconomic theory and policy and how to apply this knowledge in the discussion and evaluation of contemporary microeconomic issues.

Study abroad optional year

You have the option to take an additional year to study abroad or to undertake a year-long work placement overseas (or even a mix of both).

This course has a sandwich year option which takes place between Year 2 and your final year. During this sandwich year you will take a placement within a relevant setting, ensuring you gain essential experience to add to your CV and help you secure a graduate job.

In your final year, Finance, Risk Management and Instability provides an in-depth study of financial economics such as bond pricing and dividend policy, and the development of risk-management tools. In Working as an Economist you will focus on a topic in financial economics, and develop your research, writing and communication skills. You will also choose two optional modules.

Core modules

Finance, Risk Management and Instability

30 credits

This module is a core course in the field of Financial Economics for students at level 6. It may also be taken by students from the Business and Economics fields.

The module introduces students to the contemporary workings of financial markets with emphasis on risk management. The module will cover some of the main topics of financial theory including economic risk, portfolio theory and the efficient markets hypothesis. It will also introduce students to the key instruments of derivatives markets, analyzing their trading mechanisms and established patterns. The module will further deal with advanced aspects of corporate finance and it will conclude by addressing the policy responses in the context of a contemporary world characterized by increasing financial instability. Core factual material is provided via Canvas with keynote lectures and selected worksheets used to explain concepts. The module provides the essential groundwork not only for the understanding of practical issues regarding financial markets and corporation management but also for a successful postgraduate studies.

Working as an Economist

30 credits

The capstone module is designed to further your skills in writing and presenting economic analysis, together with achieving a higher level of understanding in a chosen economic subject area. You will refine your ability to communicate economic subjects to a broad audience in an academically sound fashion.

Optional modules

Advanced Economic Policy and Principles

30 credits

This module considers recent developments in micro and macroeconomic theory and policy. Inter alia this involves the incorporation of market imperfections and institutions into formal models and the use of more advanced techniques in economics. The interaction between models and data in macroeconomics is emphasised where appropriate.

Development Economics

30 credits

This module will introduce the economic structure of developing countries, the specific challenges they face and their position in world economy today. It is an optional module for all Economics full-fields and Applied Economics. It should interest all students who wish to acquire a good background in issues of growth and development in lower income countries and their significance for world economy.

The will start by introducing theories of economic development and measurement issues. It will examine some problems affecting all or groups of these countries, such as population growth, poverty, environment, income distribution, structural adjustment and volatile capital flows. It will also deal with policy issues specific to developing countries.

Econometrics

30 credits

This module introduces and develops new topics based on knowledge acquired in Economics Quantitatively Treated 1 and 2. It provides fundamental knowledge on statistical techniques and their applications to real world data. On successful completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate quantitative analytic skills for assessment of economic theories with matching data, which will be helpful for various career opportunities and advanced study of economics and business at postgraduate level.

International Trade and Finance

30 credits

The module analyses the essential theoretical and policy issues of international trade and finance. In doing so care is taken to link both international trade and finance theory with real world events.

Mathematical Economics

30 credits

This module will build on the mathematical presentation and analysis of economic models taught in the level 5 module EQT2. It is designed to inform students of the deeper aspects of the models they have seen hitherto as well as to enable them to appreciate the benefits of dynamic forms of analysis. A good performance in this module should enable a student to approach an MSc in Economics with some confidence in their mathematical training.

Money, Banking and Financial Markets

30 credits

The module focuses on understanding the monetary sector of the economy. The role of banks and financial markets will lay the foundations for understanding the ensuing topics. The module proceeds to explain the interaction between money and the economy, and moves on to monetary policy institutions and strategies. The module closes with a discussion of financial crises.

The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.

Foundation Year - Social Sciences

If you would like to study this degree at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you may want to consider studying this course with a foundation year.

Find out more about the foundation year

Life on the course

Careers and employability series

Dedicated to giving Economics students' advice and opportunities to plan for their future at whatever stage of their journey.

Pluralism in economics

Are four answers better than one?

Themed week: an inter-play of subjects

Students experience the interdisciplinary nature of their subject

Entry requirements

Typical Offer

112 UCAS tariff points (to include at least two A-levels or equivalent qualifications)
BTEC Lvl3 National: Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM)
Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects grades A*-C including Mathematics and English Language (or comparable numeric score under the newly reformed GCSE grading).

Additional requirements

Entry on to this course does not require an interview, entrance test, audition or portfolio

Alternative Routes

Mature applicants (21 years and older) will need to pass a QAA-approved Access to Higher Education Diploma in a relevant subject with 60 credits, minimum 45 credits at Level 3 including 21 at merit + GCSE English Language grade C + GCSE Maths grade C (or comparable numeric score under the newly reformed GCSE grading).
Applicants under 21 years will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Teaching and assessment

Timetabled teaching and learning on this course includes lectures, small group tutorials and seminars.

Guided independent study

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.