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Finance

BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · 21/09/2026 · UndergraduateMain Site

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

This degree prepares you for a successful career in highly sought-after and well-compensated jobs at top employers in investment and finance. Potential careers include Investment Banker, Financial Analyst, Trader, Financial and Asset Manager, Risk Manager, and Actuary. The course offers a perfect balance of academic theory informed by cutting-edge research and practical experience.

You will gain a strong understanding of finance while also improving your skills in communication, teamwork, data analysis, programming, use of AI, and leadership.

There are opportunities to study abroad, complete an internship, and take the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) level 1 examination as part of the course. This degree also prepares you to pursue a specialised MSc at leading UK and international universities.

Why Lancaster?
This degree is flexible, career-focused, and professionally designed to prepare you for highly remunerated jobs at leading employers in investment and finance. You will benefit from our strong connections with top firms in the financial sector. Our specialist Accounting and Finance career coaching team provide support with landing internships and placements in the financial industry.

Students graduate from this course as independent thinkers and skilled communicators with strong analytical and quantitative skills and are valued for their expertise in financial modelling and investment decision-making capabilities. Our graduates go on to achieve professional roles, including:

  • Investment Banker

  • Financial Analyst

  • Trader

  • Financial and Asset Manager

  • Risk Manager

  • Actuary

You will explore a wide range of topics essential for finance-oriented careers. You will cover traditional finance building blocks such as financial markets, corporate finance, investment, and asset pricing. We will also address highly topical subjects such as financial technology (FinTech), blockchain and cryptocurrency, applications of AI and machine learning, big data in finance, climate finance, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues.

The course also covers key data analysis skills, including programming in Python and R - two modern programming languages that are key requirements in the area. You will learn financial modelling and risk management, along with how to use data platforms such as Bloomberg effectively. Important practical skills include critical thinking, effective communication and teamwork, problem-solving, project management, strategic planning, and leadership. This will help you work confidently and become a future leader in the challenging, fast-changing, but exciting financial world.

As part of the course, there are opportunities to carry out internships and placements at top firms in the financial industry or complete a period of study abroad at one of our international partner universities, subject to availability. You may also opt to take the CFA level 1 examination.

Throughout your studies, you will be taught by world-leading academics who work on major interdisciplinary research projects. These include investigating how to apply AI to banking, studying the art, precision and effectiveness of factor investing and hedge fund strategies, and developing state-of-the-art methodologies for risk and volatility modelling and real-time detection of extreme market movements such as flash crashes.

We leverage our strong connections with the financial industry through our in-house Industry Engagement and Knowledge Transfer Series. This includes regular talks and events featuring guest speakers from leading global financial institutions, top asset management companies, financial regulators, and economists from around the world. These sessions offer opportunities to gain insights from both top academics and industry practitioners.

Important Information
For the most up-to-date course information and more details, we recommend that you revisit our website before submitting your application.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 21/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
N300
Institution code:
L14
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

Lancaster University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
N300
Institution code:
L14
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Finance at Lancaster University: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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  • Finley

    Lancaster University
    Management and Business
    I studied Business, Maths, and Computer Science at A-level at my local sixth form and achieved grades of ABC. These grades were enough to get me accepted into my first choice, Lancaster University, to study accounting and finance. However I realised during my first year that Accounting and Finance wasn’t the right course for me, and I decided to move to business management, where I really enjoyed the entrepreneurship module so decided to go into 2nd year on the Business Management (entrepreneurship) course. The current career path I am exploring is business consulting; I feel it suits my personality well and it is a well established industry. During my free time, I regularly go to the gym, and play football with my friends.

  • Aimée Olivia

    Lancaster University
    Zoology
    Hi, my name is Aimée and I come from Switzerland. I am a fourth year Zoology student with an interest genetics, and using it to conserve the species of our planet. I chose to study at Lancaster after falling in love with the campus on an open day. Last year I completed a placement year working in the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's WildGenes genetics laboratory. At university one of my favourite things to do is discover new coffee shops around Lancaster with my friends. Besides this I can usually be found in Waterstones buying yet another book or at home playing my latest Nintendo Switch obsession!

  • Ailiya

    Lancaster University
    Business Analytics
    As an international student from Taiwan, a small island with a rich cultural heritage, I’m excited to bring a global perspective to my role as a university buddy ambassador. Currently pursuing my studies in business, I aim to become a business analyst within the financial sector, driven by my interest in data and strategic decision-making. Beyond academics, I’m passionate about staying active with badminton and yoga training, and I find creative expression through fine art painting. Traveling is another passion of mine, and I love exploring new places and cultures, which has greatly enriched my own university journey. As a buddy ambassador, I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences and insights, supporting new students in their transition, and helping them thrive both academically and personally.

  • Crystal

    Lancaster University
    Mathematics and Statistics
    Hi! I'm Crystal, a second-year MSci Computer Science and Mathematics student with a special interest in Data Science and ML. When I started university, I wasn’t entirely sure about my future career path. However, through various opportunities at university, I’ve developed a strong passion for data science and I now feel much more confident about the direction I want to take in my career. Often spotted around campus carrying badminton rackets because nothing beats badminton after a long day for stress-relief... On my off days I explore places nearby Lancaster, play games with my friends and try out new recipes. Whenever I get homesick, I make Malaysian chicken curry (and it's perfect for winter). Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you have, whether it's about doing a joint degree, life at Lancaster, or even to talk about any data science/coding projects! I'm interested to hear what you think.

  • Davina

    Lancaster University
    Data, Computing and Communications
    I’m a 3rd year Computer Science student and Student Ambassador Leader at Lancaster University. I’m from North London but I’m originally from Nigeria. I love weight lifting, crochet and I play the bass guitar!

  • Emily

    Lancaster University
    Environmental and Earth Sciences
    Hi I’m Emily! I’m in my third year studying Earth and Environmental Science, with the hopes of becoming a volcanologist in the future. I’d swapped from studying Geography in my first year, so am able to answer questions on either degree. I’ve loved living on campus and in town, I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about the uni or Lancaster in general :) I’m also on the study abroad scheme so can answer any enquiries about this.

  • Annika

    Lancaster University
    Engineering
    Im currently studying Nuclear Engineering and in my second year. Im an international student and used to live in Dubai and South Africa. Im very interested in Nuclear Fusion and uses for nuclear in the medical field.

  • Gail

    Lancaster University
    Mathematics and Statistics
    Hi! 🌟 I'm Gail! I'm currently studying for my PhD in Computer Science within the SCC department at Lancaster University, but my academic journey began with an MSci in Mathematics and Computer Science! Please feel free to message about absolutely any queries you may have, such as with academia itself, or just general university life queries! I would be more than happy to help. :)

  • Kathryn

    Lancaster University
    Environmental and Earth Sciences
    Hello! I'm Kathryn and I am an Environmental Science PhD student. I also did a BSc in Environmental Science at Lancaster University. I am researching the chemistry of halogens in the troposphere.

  • Ella

    Lancaster University
    Data, Computing and Communications
    Hi, I'm Ella, a 4th year MSci Computer Science student. I love walks on the beach, ice cream, elephants, our rescue Dog Loki and annoying my siblings (we're triplets!). I completed my third year project on Mitigating Gender and Racial Bias in children, creating an educational game and am undertaking a placement with Burlington Stone in Cumbria developing software for their stone production! I'm not entirely sure what I want to do on completion of my degree but I'm interested in HCI and Computing For Good so hopefully along those lines and put my degree to good use. Please get in touch with any questions you have!

  • Krish

    Lancaster University
    Accounting and Finance
    Hi, I’m a penultimate year BSc Hons Accounting and Finance (Industry) student at Lancaster University. I’m from Mumbai, but have been brought up in Dubai, UAE. I like spending my time playing Cricket and listening to bollywood music.

  • Josh

    Lancaster University
    Data, Computing and Communications
    Hey, I'm Josh, a fourth year MSc Cyber Security student at Lancaster University. I am originally from Greater Manchester. I have many passions alongside my degree, such as dance and music. I work as a Student Ambassador Leader for the university.
  • See all

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAB

Subject requirement: B in A level Mathematics or Statistics

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

May be considered alongside A level Mathematics or Statistics

Access to HE Diploma

May occasionally be accepted

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 35 points

35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 Higher Level subjects including 6 in HL Mathematics (either analysis and approaches or applications and interpretations)

GCSE requirements: English Language grade C or 4

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

At Lancaster, we are committed to widening access to higher education for all. As part of this we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, taking into account exceptional circumstances and potential as much as we can. We run a Contextual Offer Scheme which incorporates a reduced grade offer for applicants that meet our eligibility criteria. For more information on the scheme, and other widening participation activity such as the Lancaster Access Programme, please visit our website.

Learn more on the Lancaster University website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For Lancaster University, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data. Learn more here .
BBB Most common
  1. AAA
  2. Highest grades
  3. BCC
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

96% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

55 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

75 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For information on our fees, please see www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding.

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