Financial Economics BSc (Hons)

Why choose this course?

How is our economy affected by financial markets and institutions? What might their economic impact be from an organisation's decisions on pricing and corporate finance?

This course offers you an understanding of how the economy and the financial system are connected. Through a distinctive, pluralist approach, the course examines both traditional and alternative theories and their real-life applications.

You'll explore the interplay of financial markets, instruments, and institutions, as well as their impact on the economy. You'll develop many skills that are highly valued by employers. These include analytical, numerical, data analysis and problem-solving skills, and the use of specialist statistical software.

Apply for this course in Clearing

Attendance	UCAS code/apply	Year of entry
3 years full time	L111	2023 (Clearing) 2024
4 years full time including foundation year	L11A	2023 (Clearing) 2024
4 years full time including sandwich year	LA11	2023 (Clearing) 2024
6 years part time	Apply direct to the University	2023 (Clearing) 2024

Location

Penrhyn Road

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Reasons to choose Kingston University

We are ranked number 3 in London for Economics (Guardian University Guide 2023).
You'll study both mainstream and heterodox schools of thought in a pluralist department, giving you a wide range of perspectives on economics.
After your first year, you'll have the flexibility to switch to pure Economics or Business Economics.
You'll be able to study abroad at one of Kingston's partner universities.

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)

I did a placement year in the civil service. I was a student economist at the Department for International Trade. I was based in the Chief Economist's office where I assisted the Chief Economist in a range of tasks, including producing macroeconomics briefings and working on strategic trade papers. I plan on becoming an economist in the future, which is a very theoretical and analytical career. I think my course will help me develop these necessary skills to become a competent economist.

Mahima Moolchand, Business Economics with Professional Placement BSc (Hons)

Kingston's Department of Economics

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 group work. 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.

Introductory Mathematics and Statistics for Economics

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.

Mathematical Economics and Econometrics

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 develops and builds 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 this 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

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 the world economy.

The module 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.

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.

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.

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

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

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

Learn employability enhancing Future Skills

A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

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.

Themed week: an inter-play of subjects

Students experience the interdisciplinary nature of their subject

Entry requirements

If you would like to join us through Clearing 2023, please call our Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334 (or +44 020 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK) and speak to our friendly and knowledgeable hotliners who will be able to provide information on available courses and will guide you through your options.

Please note the entry requirements listed below are for 2024 entry only.

Typical offer 2024

120-136 UCAS tariff points (to include at least two A-levels or equivalent qualifications); Degree with foundation year 64
BTEC Lvl3 National: Distinction, Distinction, Merit (DDM)
Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Typical offer 2023

112-128 UCAS tariff points (to include at least two A-levels or equivalent qualifications); Degree with foundation year 48
BTEC Lvl3 National: Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM)
Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Additional requirements

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

International

We welcome applications from International Applicants. Please view our standard entry requirements from your country.
All non-UK applicants must meet our English Language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no element below 5.5

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

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

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

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 coursework assignments, and preparing and giving presentations. 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, support you throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.