BSc (Hons) (Econ) Financial Economics
Study economic theory in the context of real-world financial practice. Master everything from data analytics to advanced derivatives pricing.
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Course overview
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Get to grips with the intersection of economic theory and financial practice. Our BSc Financial Economics focuses on understanding essential economic principles alongside advanced quantitative and computational techniques in finance. You will learn to assess how markets, regulations, and policies impact financial outcomes, mastering everything from data analytics to advanced derivatives pricing and risk management.
The BSc (Hons) (Econ) Financial Economics aligns modern economic theory and real-world financial practice, with a focus on essential economic principles and analysis, integrated with rigorous quantitative and computational techniques in finance. Throughout the course, you will learn to effectively apply theoretical and IT skills to analyse relevant economic problems, financial instruments, and market regulations.
The programme combines the study of core economic models with a progressive finance syllabus. You will build from data analytics and accounting in your first year, through corporate finance and econometrics in your second year, to advanced derivatives pricing, risk management, and monetary economics in your final year. You will examine trade-offs in economic and financial policy decisions, evaluating how rules and markets impact incentives and outcomes.
We pride ourselves on academic contact, and our tutorials offer unique opportunities for rigorous and dynamic discussion, allowing analytical and financial methods to be demonstrated and assimilated. You’ll also get involved with Excel-based workshops and group work using real or simulated data to develop your hands-on quantitative skills.
Plus, the characteristic international nature of our student body, and the uniquely personalised teaching conditions which Buckingham favours, offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to understand how modern financial markets run in a globalised economy.
Course Highlights
Students will be able to:
- Master both economic theory and advanced financial practice, from corporate finance to derivatives pricing.
- Develop hands-on quantitative and IT skills through Excel-based workshops and financial modelling.
- Apply core economic and financial theory to real-world policy topics, financial instruments, and research problems.
- Learn through rigorous discussion and debate in our small group tutorial environment.
- Evaluate trade-offs in financial policy decisions and understand how regulations impact market outcomes.
- Engage with practical coursework that mirrors industry tasks, including financial report writing and data analysis.
Course breakdown
The degree is structured into three progressive stages, transitioning students from foundational knowledge to practical application and advanced financial analysis.
In Terms 1 and 2 (Level 4), the degree teaches core concepts in Economics, data analytics, and accounting. In Terms 3 and 4 (Level 5), you will progress to corporate finance, econometrics, and the application of core theory to financial instruments and policy topics. In the final two terms (Level 6), you will deepen your understanding of advanced derivatives pricing, risk management, and monetary economics, applying complex quantitative techniques to real-world financial scenarios.
Year 1
In Year 1, you will build mathematical and statistical foundations, learning core economic theories alongside foundational data analytics and accounting. You will develop essential quantitative skills and begin applying analytical methods to basic economic and financial problems.
Year 2
During your second year, you will progress to corporate finance modelling and econometrics. You’ll apply core economic and financial theory to a range of policy topics, financial instruments, and research problems, enhancing your computational techniques. In the latter half of the year, you will tackle advanced derivatives pricing, risk management, and monetary economics. You will synthesize your knowledge to evaluate complex financial trade-offs and apply advanced quantitative methods to dynamic market scenarios.
Placements
The programme offers two placement opportunities.
Academic Experience Abroad (at the end of the programme)
Enhancing the innovative and engaging content the programme offers, you can also experience the Academic Experience Abroad. Graduates will have the opportunity to apply for placements with one of our partner academic institutions abroad during the summer, following the successful completion of your examinations. These placements offer invaluable hands-on experience in research projects and academic work under the guidance of experienced faculty.
Vinson Internships
Our students will have the opportunity to join the Vinson Internships, which are only available for Buckingham students.
View course modules
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Teaching and assessment
We keep class sizes small so you won’t get lost in the crowd. You will be assigned a personal tutor to support you every step of the way, and our academic and student support teams will ensure you have the tools to success in your studies. We value the quality of your learning experience.
Teaching methods
Our small-group tutorials allow you to learn through active and rigorous discussion and debate. This is the best way to test your progress, identify barriers, and enhance your knowledge with tailored content.
Throughout our modules, we provide a combination of lectures, workshops, and interactive tutorial sessions. Finance modules specifically develop your quantitative and applied skills progressively through Excel-based workshops, group work, and the use of real or simulated data. Problem-based learning is adopted across courses relating to financial decision-making and monetary economics, requiring you to apply theoretical tools to realistic scenarios.
You will also benefit from specialised seminars and conferences hosted by research institutes based on campus, such as the Vinson Centre and the Institute of International Monetary Research. These institutes offer an impressive range of events, providing opportunities to discuss key policy and financial issues with senior economists, government officials, and leading academics from the UK and abroad.
Timetabled activities
In your first year, you can expect:
| Activity | Hours per week |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 8 |
| Tutorials | 2 |
| Optional activities | 1 |
Assessment Methods
Economics modules are mostly assessed by a written examination (weighted at 50%) and a substantial coursework component (50%), including research essays and technical data assignments.
Finance modules mostly prioritise mathematical precision under time-constrained conditions, assessed mainly by a written examination weighted between 50-75%. This summative focus is balanced by continuous assessment, including mid-term class tests, quantitative problem sets, and practical coursework like financial report writing and data analysis.
After your course
The BSc (Hons) (Econ) Financial Economics equips graduates with a rigorous grounding in economic theory and advanced quantitative finance skills. This unique combination prepares you for highly analytical and strategic roles across the financial sector, including investment banking, risk management, and economic consultancy. Graduates are exceptionally well-positioned for competitive graduate programmes in the city.
Furthermore, the programme provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study, allowing students to progress to MSc programmes in Finance, Financial Economics, or Data Science, or pursue professional qualifications.
Here are just some of the career opportunities and skills that can stem from studying on this course:
Career opportunities
- Investment Banking and Corporate Finance
- Risk Management and Compliance
- Financial Analysis and Trading
- Economic Consultancy
- Data Analytics in Finance
- Central Banking and Regulatory Agencies
Career skills
- Advanced quantitative and computational techniques
- Financial modelling and derivatives pricing
- Risk assessment and management
- Critical evaluation of financial policies and regulations
- Data literacy and econometric analysis
- Professional communication and financial report writing.
Careers and Employability Support
Our courses strive to effectively combine academic challenge with the transferable skills that will stand you in good stead for future employment. The Buckingham tutorial teaching model means that our students are well prepared as they embark on their careers and future study.
Find out more about our Careers and Employability Service.
Postgraduate study
Our two-year degrees mean you can begin your postgraduate studies quicker than your peers.
“Buckingham helped make the impossible, possible. The strong support offering and small class tutorials make the degree less daunting.”
Reni, Undergraduate student
Entry requirements
See our general University entry requirements for information on flexible entry, mature students and alternative qualifications.
UK Offers
The standard entry requirements for this course are: A-level BBB-BBC, IB: 31-32 or equivalent qualifications.
Applicants must also have: GCSE English and Maths at Grade C / Grade 4, or above (or equivalent).
International Applicants
We have a number of standard entry requirements for our international applicants:
If you are uncertain on whether you will be eligible to apply for this course, please contact our Admissions team.
Course fees
The fees for this course are:
| Start | Type | 1st Year | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Month Year Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £00,000 | £00,000 |
| INT | £00,000 | £00,000 | |
Month Year Full-time (2 Years) | UK | £00,000 | £00,000 |
| INT | £00,000 | £00,000 |
The University reserves the right to increase course fees annually in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI). If the University intends to increase your course fees it will notify you via email of this as soon as reasonably practicable.
Course fees do not include additional costs such as books, equipment, writing up fees and other ancillary charges. Where applicable, these additional costs will be made clear.
Scholarships and bursaries
How to apply
We welcome applications in two different ways – directly via our online application form, or through UCAS.
Apply direct
Apply online from this page as:
- The most flexible option.
- You can apply until shortly before the course starts.
- There are no application fees.
- Apply as an additional option to your UCAS choices.
You can apply directly through our website by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button.
Apply via UCAS
Alternatively, if you do not wish to apply directly with us, you can apply via UCAS where you can easily make Buckingham one of your UCAS choices.
Do bear in mind that the application and decision deadline are set by UCAS and there is an application fee to UCAS.