Financial Services BA (Hons)



Edinburgh Napier is currently the only university in Scotland to offer an undergraduate degree in Financial Services.

Overview

The programme is designed to supply you with the knowledge and skillset relevant to the operation of modern financial services organisations.

We developed this programme to meet the financial sector’s increasing demand for skilled graduates. The course provides students with up-to-date and relevant learning experiences, whilst equally developing the skills necessary to excel in the modern workforce.

There is flexibility within the programme structure, allowing students to follow individual specialisms. In addition, 6-month paid work experience opportunities within the financial services sector are available to students in the second trimester of Year 3.

Students from the course typically begin their career within the financial services sector shortly after graduating or use their qualification to progress into postgraduate studies.

Some of our graduates choose the entrepreneurial route, and for them, the Bright Red Triangle – the university’s start-up incubator with certified business advisors and a co-working space in heart of Edinburgh – is available to take advantage of.

Photo of Edinburgh Napier University student smiling for the camera

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

N340

Placement:

Yes

Study Abroad:

Yes

Course details

 You will study a range of Modules which are designed to:

  • Provide a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the operations and issues inherent in the UK and international financial markets, including issues related to their regulation and control.
  • Support this knowledge by developing the ability to use relevant theory and analytical techniques in the investigation of financially-centred issues.
  • Instil a sound knowledge of the legal, organisational, financial and technological environment relevant to the sector, and to develop skills in these areas as appropriate.
  • Integrate learning into an analytical, problem-solving, creative approach in relation to the challenges and changes facing the financial services sector and its role in the wider economy.
  • Develop inter-personal and transferable skills which will enable graduates to contribute effectively in business situations or in broader policy-making and regulatory environments.
  • Promote initiative and enterprise by providing opportunities for students to take responsibility for their own learning.

You will be given the opportunity to acquire and develop many valuable practical skills such as the ability to collect, analyse, interpret and understand data and information. On completing this programme you will have been given opportunities to gain an appreciation of the value of education to society and to you as an individual.

  • calendar

    How you’ll be taught

    This is mostly formal lectures to cover the underlying issues and theory. The tutorials involve a more detailed examination of these issues and tend to be linked to how they are applied in practice in real world situations.
  • note and pen

    Assessments

    Most modules will involve one written piece of coursework and a formal examination at the end of the trimester. In addition many modules will include an oral or visual presentation as part of an assessment.

    There are some exceptions to this where modules are assessed solely by two (or more) written pieces of work without any formal examination. This reflects the more practical focus in certain modules that are best assessed with an applied assessment rather than a summative assessment. Certain assessments will be on an individual basis while others may involve an element of group work.
  • briefcase

    Work placement

    Students on our Financial Services programme have the option to complete a 24-week work placement in year three. It’s the ideal way to glean real insight into the industry and ensure that you are work-ready.

    Placement and Study Abroad opportunities are subject to UK and Scottish Government health and travel advice.

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Introduction to Financial Services Sector 
  • Accounting for Business 
  • Research and Study Skills 
  • Planning Personal Finance 
  • Principles of Economics

Year 2

  • Management Science & Statistics 
  • Marketing Financial Services 
  • Introduction to Business Ethics and Sustainability 
  • Financial Services Decision Making and Planning 1 
  • Planning Personal Finance 
  • Personal Investment & Portfolio Planning

Year 3

  • Financial Services Decision Making and Planning 2 
  • Advanced Personal Financial Planning
  • Financial Technology
  • Corporate Risk Management 
  • Behavioural Issues in Finance

Year 4

  • Honours Dissertation 
  • Regulatory Risk Management 
  • Investment Management 
  • Global Financial Markets  
  • Management of Financial Institutions

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Financial Services?

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

Can you go straight into second year of university?

Advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3 of this course is possible for students with suitable qualifications. See the individual year tabs for more information.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the undergraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

Minimum Year 1

SQA Higher

  • Standard Entry Requirement: BBBB
  • Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BCCC
You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.

A Level

  • BCC

Irish Leaving Certificate

  • H2, H2, H3, H3 at Higher Level

BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit).

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3

  • Minimum grades D*D

BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A level

  • Minimum grades DM (Distinction, Merit).
  • A Level grade C

T level

  • Merit.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4. 

Scottish HNC

  • Other HNC subjects may be considered for year 1 entry where a C in the graded unit is achieved.

Minimum Year 2

HNC

  • Pass HNC Business with grade B at SCQF Level 7 in the graded unit.
  • Pass HNC Financial Services with grade B at SCQF Level 7 in the graded unit.

Minimum Year 3

HND

  • Pass HND Business/Financial Services with grades BB in all SCQF Level 8 in the graded units.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2023/24 2024/25
Scotland £1,820 £1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,250 £9,250
Overseas and EU £15,160 £16,680
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Careers

Edinburgh Napier students chatting and smiling as they work

What can you do with a Financial Services degree?

By studying Financial Services at Edinburgh Napier University, you will gain the knowledge and skillset to be able to work within Finance across the private, public and third sector, as well as developing the skills to go into entrepreneurship. You will become a strong communicator and an expert in collecting, analysing and tracking financial data. If you are a keen problem solver with an interest in tracking data and trends, then this might be the right course for you. On completion of your degree, you may go onto a career such as general management in banks, building societies and insurance companies, or into investment management roles, stock broking, financial advising or investment administration.

What does a financial adviser do?

As a financial adviser, you will provide guidance and advice on finances to individuals or businesses in order for them to make informed decisions about their finances, set-up financial goals and plan for the future. In this role you will have strong communication and analytical skills.

Daily tasks and responsibilities within this role may include:

  • Creating financial plans for clients or businesses
  • Investment advice
  • Retirement plans for individual clients
  • Risk management
  • Budgeting and debt management
  • Monitoring and adjusting plans and investments
Photo of student smiling while using laptop