Finance with Placement Year

As financial markets across the world grow more closely connected, this specialist degree develops the necessary quantitative and analytical skills you’ll need to pursue a career in the financial services industry. The course combines academic excellence, insightful research and exceptional global business connections, equipping you with the tools to become an innovative business thinker in your career and beyond.

This four-year degree includes a placement year to give you a real-world taste of work. The placement is a valuable opportunity to gain first-hand industry experience and start building a network of business contacts in preparation for graduation.

Our flexible study programme puts you in control. The curriculum links academic theory with practical experience through a combination of core and optional modules that offer plenty of opportunities to tailor your studies as your interests evolve. As an alternative to the placement route, you have the option to complete the degree in three years or spend a year abroad.

In the first year, you study compulsory modules that provide the key fundamentals to examine and evaluate modern financial markets.

The second year is made up of finance modules which will give you the skills to examine financial issues and institutions, markets and securities across global markets. You’ll also learn to interpret financial data and price financial securities.

The final year offers more flexibility. You can choose modules tailored to your interests and career aspirations. The dissertation, on a finance topic of your choice, makes up a third of your final year marks.

Facilities
You’ll be able to access up-to-date financial and market research information from sources such as FAME, Mintel, IMID, European Business asap and Pro-Quest. There’s also a wide range of information available via online databases, including Emerald, Mintel, Lexis-Nexis, Reuters Business Insight, IMF Statistical Service Online.
In addition, you’ll have access to Durham University’s prestigious libraries and archives.

Rankings
3rd in the UK Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
5th in the Guardian University Guide 2026
5th in the UK Complete University Guide 2026
Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026

Career Opportunities
Our students graduate with subject-specific knowledge such as economic theory and data analysis, as well as the commercial awareness, IT and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers across the world. This combination of academic knowledge and transferable skills will open up a range of career possibilities in the economics and finance sector and beyond.
Our focus on employability stretches beyond the classroom. You will benefit from events that will give you a competitive edge in the job market. From employer talks and interview advice to business-tailored careers fairs, we work with you to achieve your goals.
Previous Economics graduates have gone on to work for global innovators and leaders in their sector including Ernst and Young, Deloitte, Lloyds Banking Group, PwC, JP Morgan and for government departments such as the National Audit Office, HMRC and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.

For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.

Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations, written assignments and reports, projects and presentations and a final year dissertation.

The range of assessment methods is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the material, test your capacity to solve problems, enhance your written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues.

In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/