This one year top-up degree programme is designed specifically for students who have been unable to pursue a full degree programme in Banking and Finance previously. The BA (Hons) Banking and Finance (Top-up) programme is aimed at students from a generalist background who want a specialist focus.
- It builds upon previously acquired business and finance knowledge and skills, and concentrates on the complexity of global banking and finance practices.
- You will be part of a highly diverse international student cohort which will enhance your understanding of cultural diversity and international business awareness. You will join our highly successful network of alumni working around the world.
- You will benefit from our unique approach to employability, networking with our regional experts and international business leaders and working towards gaining the University of Derby Futures Award in Networking and Economic, Financial and Commercial Awareness in International Business. You will also have access to a first class professional career service even after graduating.
- Every student on our programme gets support and advice on academic achievement and career development from a personal tutor who is part of the programme team.
- You will use the same real-time information and technology as top financial professionals worldwide – in our impressive Financial Markets Lab
- If you want to continue your studies in international business at postgraduate level, this programme is explicitly paired to our MSc International Business and Finance, or can lead smoothly on to our MSc International Business, MSc International Business and HRM or MSc International Business and Marketing.
Banking and its role in the economy is rarely out of the headlines. This course takes you behind the rhetoric, complexities and controversies and, with an international focus, trains you to take your place in a key business sector.
Whether you are from the UK, EU or from overseas, if you have a business HND or equivalent or are about to complete your second year of university business studies, this final year degree top-up programme will give you the choice and flexibility to graduate with a Banking and Finance degree. The top-up is a particularly good financial deal for international students, who can obtain a globally recognised UK degree, at the cost of only one year of study in the UK.
Extremely relevant to today’s competitive job market, this course has been intuitively designed to combine modules in international economics and banking, financial accounting, management accounting and financial risk management. You’ll be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the workings of financial markets and institutions, and analyse the impact of current international financial events.
You’ll learn how businesses use financial assets in their international activities and how international business is affected by changes in financial markets. You’ll also look at international banking and finance regulations, and their impact on business strategies. You gain practical skills and knowledge, allowing you to confidently approach international and finance-related companies, as well as employers in general business.
With an international flavour, the programme provides the knowledge, capability, and skills to pursue graduate employment opportunities across the globe. We’ll help you to develop the skills employers look for in their graduate employees, from report writing and analysis, through to presentation skills.
Keeping right up to date with what’s happening in the world economy, you will use actual case studies and benefit from the insight of expert speakers from the international financial sector. You will network with London City experts and share experience with many other international students. We’ll also help you develop the skills employers look for in their graduate employees, from report writing and analysis, through to presentation skills.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
A wide range of coursework assessment methods are used on the course. Many are designed to improve your transferable skills. You may be creating strategy documents, international business analysis reports, creating presentations or videos, or analysing information from Bloomberg on international markets and organisations. You may be working alone or as part of a team and you may be marked on elements of reflective practice. You may be writing essays, creating a portfolio of relevant work or undertaking computer based assessments.
Feedback will be provided at every opportunity in order to enable you to monitor your own progress and development.
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
Find out more about personal academic tutoring
You need to have an HND or Foundation degree in a relevant subject.
You need at least five GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English at grade 4/C or above.
When you apply, please send us a transcript of the modules you have already studied so that we can make sure that the HND or foundation degree is compatible with the top-up programme.
English language requirements
IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
Setting sights on your future
The demand for graduates in the financial and banking sectors is considerable, and graduates could enter the sector at home or internationally.
The practical skills and knowledge obtained from the course will ensure you are employable in international and finance-related companies, as well as general business.
The course also provides another point of entry to the MSc programmes available at the University of Derby including MSc International Business and Finance, MSc International Business and Marketing, MSc International Business and HRM and MSc International Business. You can enjoy 10% alumni discount when progressing onto a Masters programme.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Contact us Contact us Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
Included in your fees
- Database usage within modules with access to Finance Lab for specified assessments and statistical analysis software
- Some taster events - transport costs covered
- Opportunities to enter IBM University Business Challenge, CIMA Global Business Challenge and University Trading Challenge or equivalent
Optional costs not included in your fees
- Printing
- Textbooks
- Opportunity to apply for CMI student membership and Institute of Directors membership
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.