Economics, Finance and International BusinessBSc (Hons)

Data Science, Research and Analysis

This module offers a fundamental understanding of data science and computer software, specifically focusing on how they facilitate the collection, analysis, and presentation of accounting data. Designed to prepare you for careers in accounting, economics, finance, and related fields, this module emphasises developing crucial academic and practical skills, particularly in research and the application of AI. Students will gain proficiency in analysing data, interpreting, and effectively communicating both qualitative and quantitative results.

A key aspect of this module is its focus on the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of accounting and financial data through measuring variable changes and associations. Learners will acquire essential skills in gathering and comprehending financial and non-financial information, building a comprehensive understanding of client businesses and their operating environments. This knowledge will be vital for preparing robust business plans and advising on their implementation. Ultimately, this module hones students' data science and research abilities to provide innovative solutions to challenges within the accounting and finance sectors, with a strong emphasis on leveraging AI.

Introduction to Financial Markets and Institutions

The module focuses on the organisation, structure and functions of financial markets and market participants. It provides the theoretical and practical framework for understanding the operation of financial markets and institutions.

Managing People in Organisations

This module provides an introduction to the management of people in organisations, or as it is commonly known ‘Human Resource Management’. It is aimed at students from a variety of disciplines, and not just those looking to pursue a career in HRM. Ultimately, the management of people is often the responsibility of line managers and supervisors so it is important that all graduates of Guildhall School of Business and Law are equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement this effectively in practice. This module will take a critical perspective, illuminating to students not only the ways ‘good’ people management can contribute to performance and employee well-being but also the potential problems implementing this in practice.

Maths and Stats for Economists

This module will equip you with the mathematical and statistical skills that form a basis for all the Economics courses at the university. It will enable you to express social and business problems in numerical forms conducive to commercial and empirical analysis. You will learn how to apply a variety of quantitative methods via statistical software to generate solutions and insights. The two key focuses of the module will be on (1) a foundational level of data fluency and (2) key skills that you will apply both during your undergraduate degree and in your future career.

The aims of the module are:

- To understand how the real world can be expressed as data generating processes, the importance of their structure and how this can be compared to common statistical distributions.
- To learn how to graph and analyse data in a commercial context.
- To understand all the concepts and components of ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, testing for significance and potential problems.
- To apply OLS regression using an econometric software package.
- To introduce how to write an empirical research paper.
- To be able to use probability to calculate expected returns and expected outcomes.
- To be able to understand and draw conclusions from all the methods within the module.

Political and Social Aspects of Economics

The Social and Political Aspects of Economics module integrates economic history and political economy subjects to form a coherent learning programme. The combination is adapted to first year (level 4) Economics students. Integrated approach means that you will be equipped to view issues in the real world from a variety of contrasting perspectives.
You will learn to distinguish key economic schools and their historic development. You will understand the timeline and reasons of the major global economic recessions of 20th and 21st century. Furthermore, you will study four industrial revolutions and will be equipped to understand the current industry 4.0 and its implications to future economic and social development. You will be introduced to modern economic theories on Economic Growth (such as Porter and Solow) and learn to relate to previous lessons on evolvement of economic schools, industrial revolutions (Innovation), and business cycles. You will gain understanding of the interactions between economic theory and political processes and the ways in which economics and politics are inescapably intertwined. You will be equipped to recognize the role of political & social institutions in economic growth.
Overall objective of the module is to obtain skills to apply Economic theory to the analysis of real-world events. Module complements Microeconomics and Microeconomics as it is designed to provide students with knowledge on how the theory learnt translated and can be used in the real-world cases. Module introduces key concepts of Economic History and Political Economy – with emphasis on economic recessions, business cycles and economic growth.

Principles of Macroeconomics

The module will introduce students to key themes and theories of macroeconomics, providing a secure foundation for students pursuing specialist degrees in Economics, Business Economics, Banking and Finance, Economics and Finance, and Economics, Finance and International Business.

Students will be guided through the main concepts of macroeconomic theory, national income accounting, simple macroeconomic models and policy issues. The module will look at the role of government in managing the national economy and explain the main determinants of economic growth, short-run fluctuations in economic activity and business cycles, inflation, unemployment, balance of payments and exchange rates. The underlying theme of this module will be the application of macroeconomic principles and policies to contemporary macroeconomic issues, and the exploration of their relevance in the context of business and finance.

The module also aims to develop a number of transferable skills of students, e.g. communication skills, numeracy, research, analytical and problem-solving skills

Principles of Microeconomics

The module will introduce students to key principles of microeconomics, providing a secure foundation for students pursuing specialist degrees in Economics, Business Economics, Banking and Finance, Economics and Finance, and Economics, Finance and International Business.

The module will cover the central concepts of microeconomic theory and explore the relevance of these to the operations of businesses including financial services firms. The main themes are the role of markets, individual consumer behaviour, and the operations of individual firms.

The module also aims to develop a number of transferrable skills of students, e.g. communication skills, teamwork, numeracy, analytical, decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Understanding and Managing Data

Data analysis is a top business priority. It drives the opportunity for performance improvement and, with advances in technology and software, data are generated at an ever increasing rate. As such, it is not surprising business data analysis and software skills are among the top graduate skills sought by employers today. Understanding and Managing Data, responds to these market demands by providing the underpinning skills required to make effective use of quantitative and statistical analyses and develops students’ interpretation and reporting skills.

The module introduces data-based decision making and performance measurement and provides students with the practical experience of using Excel to transform data into meaningful information. It further introduces students to forecasting, target setting and project management. As such, it provides students with an understanding of the fundamentals of statistical methods for business decision making. In doing so, it provides the skills and knowledge required for levels 5 and 6 modules, including the dissertation and consultancy project, that develop and evaluate the quantitative aspects of business management.

Overall, this module develops the analytical and communication skills relevant to understanding business information, with an emphasis on problem-solving techniques in the context of business management, decision making and performance measurement.

Applied Macroeconomics

This module builds on the foundations of macroeconomic theory covered at level 4. It aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of key macroeconomic concepts, issues and policy alternatives that have been discussed and applied in the rapidly changing UK economy in recent decades.

The module will explore the key macroeconomic processes that determine equilibrium in the short-run, medium-run and long-run. It will examine the workings of financial, goods and labour markets, and relationships between these markets and the wider economy. It will also consider microeconomic foundations to macroeconomics in terms of consumption, saving, investment, productivity, and employment. Reference will be made to key macroeconomic variables and the relationships between these variables. It will proceed to the discussion on macroeconomic policies, and the competing and apparently conflicting policy goals pursued since the start of the new millennium. Public spending and taxation policy will be reviewed in relation to monetary policy, with an investigation into increasing pressures to return to expanding fiscal policy as a central tool of economic management in recent years. This is further developed throughout by considering the impacts of the global financial crisis, Brexit, Covid-19 pandemic, and other economic ‘shocks’ on the British economy.

In addition to the subject specific knowledge, the module aims to develop a number of transferable skills of students, e.g. critical thinking, problem solving, oral and written communication skills, subject research, quantitative and analytical skills.

Applied Microeconomics

This module enables students to acquire a systematic understanding and knowledge of intermediate-level applied microeconomics. It provides appropriate tools of analysis to examine contemporary consumer and producer theory, market structures and market failure. It allows students to develop an appreciation of issues and problems facing policy makers and a capacity to apply economic reasoning in a critical manner.

The aims of this module are:

1. You will acquire deep understanding of microeconomic concepts and principle and their practical applications.

2. You will develop an in-depth understanding of different market failures, sustainability challenges, and the role of government in addressing correcting them.

3. You will be equipped with the ability to interpret and critically assess empirical evidence in contemporary microeconomic policy debates.

4. You will develop employability skills: subject research; academic reading and writing; problem solving and application; analytical thinking and critical evaluation; reflection and ethical and socioeconomic awareness.

International Business

This module enables students to understand and analyse the dynamics of international business operations and management; strategic issues and evolving world markets. The module explores the decision-making process behind the organisation and management of operations and resources within a global context.

International economic issues influence the formulation of trade and investment policies as well as business strategies. In recent years dramatic economic changes are arising on account of factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit and the growing role played by emerging economies. The aim of this module is to give students a strong understanding of key theories, policies and issues which will be analysed in the light of current international debates.

This module provides opportunities for developing the student’s strategic thinking, understanding, analysis and assessment of a range of topical issues challenging international businesses in the global economy.

While the balance of geopolitical influences is tilting and the role and intervention of global institutions are being challenged, the business community still sees major economic groupings like Europe’s single market as useful launchpads to internationalisation. Hence, the module examines economic integration and trading blocs with a particular focus on the European Union (EU). The UK and EU competition policy will also be examined.

Using economic theories, the module aims to explain the development of international business, the globalisation process and challenges and debate.

The module also aims to develop students' employability skills, in particular: subject research; problem solving and application; academic writing; academic reading and critical thinking, evaluation, analysis and reflection.

Investment

The aim of this module is to provide rigorous training in the modern theory of investment and capital markets and a good understanding of their central concepts.

This module provides a theoretical and practical framework for understanding the relationship between markets and corporations and the interactions between them. The module critically explores the current theoretical perspectives and specifically considers their practical application in relation to investment strategies and corporate decision making.

The contents of the module cover financial markets and instruments, financial investment strategies, the valuation of securities and derivatives, bond portfolio immunisation, risk and return, and the evaluation of investment performance.

Analysis of theories in finance and investment and financial models includes the Efficient Market Hypothesis, Portfolio Theory, the Capital Asset Pricing Model, Arbitrage Pricing Theory and the Dividend Valuation Model.

The module provides a thorough knowledge of investment and guides students on assessing risks and managing risks for businesses and investments. The module builds up the strong quantitative, written, critical and analytical skills required for employment in the finance industry. This includes a ‘live brief’ where an external industry expert will deliver on key stakeholders, regulation and topical subjects affecting the industry, culminating in a presentation assessment.

A blended teaching and learning approach may include the use of websites, videos, guest talks from industry and support for employability enhancing classroom activities.

Software / databases such as Bloomberg, EViews, NVivo, ONS, Python, SPSS may be used to deliver teaching sessions in seminars.

Principles of Finance

The module is designed to introduce students to the basic theory of finance and to apply the theory to the selection and management of financial and investments portfolio. The module will help students to understand theories of finance to develop the skills of valuing investments and critically evaluate the frameworks for pricing securities, risks and reward relationships.

These are core module aims to prepare students as follows

1. You will be equipped with a solid grounding in the core principles and theories of finance.
2. You will develop analytical and modelling skills for informed financial decision‑making using industry‑standard tools.
3. You will learn and develop a clear and professional communication skills of financial analysis and recommendations.
4. You will acquire ethical awareness, responsible behaviour, and employability skills valued in finance profession

Problem Solving: Methods and Analysis

This module aims to develop students’ ability to understand and apply problem solving methods and analysis in relation to issues that may arise in business and management subject areas. It seeks to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the business environment and develop their data management and data analysis skills using IT packages as appropriate.

The module provides the quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills that underpin the success of an empirical research project. This module helps to build the sound foundation required to undertake the final year dissertation modules.

You will have an opportunity to collect, present, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data from a variety of data sources such as ONS and other sources.

Creating a Winning Business 1

Why do some companies succeed while others fail? Are some business ideas fundamentally better than others? How can you tell which ideas and/or solutions are worth investing time and money in and which are not?

This module is a key introduction to identifying, critically assessing and developing new business opportunities. The approaches and processes covered can be applied equally to new commercial ideas, social enterprises or new ventures within an existing business.

The foundation of the module is a live client brief with a real organisation, where you will develop your own solutions leading to a presentation and designing a consultancy type. At each stage you will learn the concepts covered in the module by applying them to the brief.

This module will be delivered through weekly lecture/seminars. The sessions will consist of a combination of theoretical input and problem-based tasks, supported by multimedia, including videos, case studies and student-centred discussions. You absolutely need to attend regularly each week to keep up.

Students will be able to receive support from the work placement team at the University for how to identify a relevant business for the assessment tasks.

The Student Enterprise at London Met will provide guidance to any student considering setting up their own business or wishing to utilise their knowledge to work as a freelancer.

The module is particularly relevant to anyone engaged in business or working at setting up his/her own business. Those considering starting their own business, working for an SME or taking on an intrapreneurial role within a large organisation will find application and a plethora of take-aways.

Please note:
● International students on a Student Visa must ensure their placement meets UKVI monitoring requirements. This includes:
• Prior approval of consultancy dates and hours by the Module Leader and the University Visa Compliance Team.
• Submission of timesheets signed by a line manager/supervisor.

Learning through Work

This Work Based Learning module enables students to undertake a short period of professional activity either: part-time/vacation employment; work placement; not-for-profit sector volunteering or a professional/employer led project.

Work Based Learning modules are designed to enhance students’ personal and professional development and assist in preparing students for their future careers. The module aims to facilitate application and progression of knowledge and skills gained via the learner’s studies and wider life experience. Students will be introduced to a range of professional skills and techniques, including: reflective self-assessment; preparation for employment; being a critical employee and developing approaches for co-operative and collaborative working.

• Students will be contacted prior to the semester to provide support in securing work based activity in good time.
• It is a student's responsibility to apply for opportunities and to engage with the Work Based Learning team to assist them.
• The suitability of any opportunities will be assessed by the Module Team and all roles must meet the Health and Safety requirements for Higher Education Work Placements.
• Learners may be able to utilise existing employment, providing they can demonstrate it is personally developmental and involves a relevant level of responsibility.
• In addition, students may be able to complete the Work Based Learning hours during the summer prior to the academic year a student is taking the module.
• Tier 4 International students will be required to submit weekly timesheets for the hours undertaken for the work based learning activity to meet the requirements of their visa. These will need to be signed by their line manager/supervisor.

The module aims to enable students to:
• Effectively express and understand their current skills and abilities in relation to their career values and goals.
• Practically apply the knowledge gained through their course programme to a work environment.
• Gain an in-depth insight of a work environment
• Make a positive contribution to the employing organisation and demonstrate inclusive workplace practice.
• Recognise their personal and professional development learning and apply to their future goals.

Please note:
● Students will be contacted prior to the semester to provide support in securing a Placement in good time.
● Students are responsible for applying for opportunities and to engage with the Module Team/Employer Engagement and Placements Team to assist them.
● The suitability of any opportunities sourced by the student will be assessed by the Module Team/Employer Engagement and Placements Team and all placements must meet Health and Safety requirements for Higher Education Placements.
● Students on a Student Visa must ensure their placement meets UKVI monitoring requirements. This includes:
• Prior approval of placement dates and hours by the Module Leader.
• Submission of timesheets signed by a line manager/supervisor.
• Ongoing engagement with the Module Leader and the International Student Support Team.

Developing Inclusive Organisations

We live in a more diverse society than ever before. Structural changes in labour markets have led to increasing numbers of women, older workers and disabled people in employment, with fewer younger people in many industrialised economies. Globalisation and migration have also led to greater ethnic diversity. We are also clear about the business for diverse workforces, and the benefits this can bring to society. However, there is a question as to whether a diverse workforce always equals inclusion. There is evidence that many of these groups are marginalised and face employment disadvantages in practice. The aim of this module is to illuminate some of the inequalities experienced by these groups, and then to examine theoretical perspectives helping explain these and provide insights into how these can be better remedied in practice.

Whilst arguably the principles of inclusion transcend the protected characteristics (Equality Act, 2010), it is clear that these groups tend to suffer more inequalities in the workplace than others (despite law that protects against this). This module will therefore look at the meaning of inclusion and how it differs from concepts of equality and diversity – what it adds and where it might be lacking. We will examine closely the different dimensions of diversity (gender, age, race/ethnicity and so forth) to understand the specific barriers these groups experience, and what methods organisations can develop to ensure more inclusive workplaces, so that everyone feels valued regardless of identity or background.

A broader aim of the module is to provide students with an opportunity to ‘step into the shoes’ of diverse marginalised groups and the specific barriers they face, so they are better prepared to identify and promote inclusive workplaces, as social justice champions of our future. This is something our society needs and London Metropolitan University is passionate about developing values driven graduates who make a positive contribution to the world.

Sustainability, Business and Responsibility

‘Sustainability, Business and Responsibility’ addresses the critical issue of sustainability, explaining why the current human lifestyle is unsustainable. It shows the consequences of humanity’s exploitation of planetary resources and the impact it has on humans, the planet, and businesses. The module focuses on understanding how businesses affect sustainability and how sustainability affects businesses, in order to recognise the fundamental need to change business models into more sustainable ones.

Sustainability has become the essential focus of governments, global financial institutions, and international organisations. Post COP-21 in Paris (2015), organisations, businesses, communities, and individuals are expected to understand and take responsibility for their economic, environmental, and social impacts. It isn’t a “nice to know about” subject anymore; it is an essential aspect of business education, growing in importance to recruitment, career prospects, and professional development

The module tries to shift the focus from the negative, overwhelming inertia to the positive changes leading to a more sustainable future, learning how multiple individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses innovate to reach the set sustainability goals of Net-Zero by 2050.

Aim of the module:
You will develop a full understanding of what is meant by sustainability, who decides what constitutes sustainability principles, and how these principles are applied.
You will recognise perspectives of governments, business, and communities, and the challenges and conflicts these present.
You will explore the varied tools and techniques used to assess sustainability in business.

Development Economics

This is a core module on all Economics undergraduate courses. It enables students to acquire a systematic knowledge and understanding of the main theories, issues, policy debates, and empirical evidence in economic development with particular focus on emerging economies.

It will equip students with the analytical tools to critically evaluate the economic challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries and assess policies designed to address issues such as poverty, inequality, education, health, trade and climate change.

It develops students’ ability to examines different perspectives on economic development and apply economic principles and analysis in a variety of contexts in policy formulation.

It encourages students to reflect and draw on their diverse socio-cultural backgrounds.

The aims of this module are:

1. You will acquire deep knowledge and understanding of the main theories, issues and policies in economic development such as poverty, inequality, education, health, trade and climate change.

2. You will be equipped with the ability to interpret and critically assess empirical evidence in economic development and policy debates in a range of areas such as poverty, inequality, education, health, trade and climate change.

3. You will develop a global awareness of the economic, social, political, cultural, ethical and gender dimensions of sustainable development goals and challenges. issues.

4. You will be able to critically examine comparative economic development in selected emerging economies such as India, China and Russia.

Dissertation

This module aims to enable students to complete a research focused dissertation on a chosen topic or issue appropriate to their undergraduate degree. Students are required to reflect on relevant research questions, theoretical concepts/hypotheses, prior literature, ethical approaches, research methodologies and data analyses in an independent and disciplined manner. Students are expected to develop an in-depth understanding of their chosen research topics, research methods/approaches and the ability to appropriately seek out data samples required for research in a selected topic. The module aims to develop analytical, critical thinking, referencing and time management skills in independently undertaking and reporting on a research project.

Financial Instruments

This module aims to provide students with a knowledge of the trading of the major exchange-traded and over-the-counter traded financial products and develop an understanding of their use as investment vehicles, hedging tools, engineered products, arbitrage mechanisms, and speculative instruments.

The module discusses the characteristics, pricing and valuation of the fundamental instruments, terminologies and contract specifications for the trading of those financial instruments in both cash markets and derivative markets. The module evaluates the relationship between cash instruments and financial instruments, identifies the risk exposure on investments and explores the use of financial derivatives for risk hedging.
Students will also develop skills for data collection and analysis which may include the use of Bloomberg and MS Excel spreadsheets.

A blended teaching and learning approach includes the use of websites, videos, guest talks from industry and support for employability enhancing classroom activities.

The financial market Lab Bloomberg may be used to deliver teaching seminar sessions.

Financial and Economic Modelling

The module develops students’ understanding of financial and economic modelling using foundational econometrics and financial data analysis skills introduced at earlier levels. It provides an in-depth exploration of diverse financial and economic models, leveraging both traditional econometric software such as EViews and programming languages such as Python. Students gain comprehensive exposure to classical financial theories including the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT), and the Fama-French model, alongside main economic models such as consumption, production and investment functions, and growth models, and their practical empirical applications in finance, and economics.

International Banking

The module aims to provide an in-depth understanding of theoretical and applied issues in relation to the activities of international banks. The module focuses on main theories of banking and provides an overview of the crucial operations in the context of international banking. It also seeks to provide students with a critical awareness of different approaches of assessing bank risk and performance and how they are used in practice by shareholders, investors and financial and banking experts.

Practising Business Strategy (with simulation)

By the end of this final-year core module “Business Strategy”, you will have the ability to:

- Develop your knowledge and understanding to critically apply a range of practical strategic management tools for analysis, choice-making and implementation across public, private and not-for-profit organisations of all sizes across all sectors internationally;
- Translate your analysis of contemporary organisations and contexts into persuasive, creative and realistic proposals for an international organisation’s future strategic direction
- Apply structured insight into the realities of an international organisation’s internal and external context in order to develop implementation plans which help maximise achievement of their strategic objectives; and
- Enhance your employability by developing transferable skills such as research, analysis,
evaluation, decision-making, team-work, presenting, and influencing others, across different cultures

Strategy is a crucial subject, concerned with the development, success and failure of all
kinds of organisations, from multinational corporations (MNCs) to entrepreneurial start-ups, from international charities to global agencies, and many others. Accordingly, strategy constitutes a key element of all professional business and management qualifications:

- It equips aspiring managers and leaders with the knowledge, skills and techniques required to critically analyse contemporary organisations within changing environments nationally and globally; and
- to formulate, evaluate and defend realistic and creative proposals for future
strategic direction; and
- to plan for the effective implementation of the strategy selected.

NOTE: the deadlines for completion of the formative Seminar Task, plus the final summative Assignment, are deliberately early, in order to allow students to focus on their final projects and exams

In addition, this Module has been designed following University guidelines and policies on:

- Artificial Intelligence:
https://student.londonmet.ac.uk/your-studies/student-administration/guidance-on-the-use-of-artificial-intelligence/#

- Education for Social Justice Framework (ESJF):
https://www.londonmet.ac.uk/about/centre-for-equity-and-inclusion/a-fair-outcomes-approach-to-teaching-and-learning/the-degree-awarding-gap/education-for-social-justice-framework/

Sustainability:
https://www.londonmet.ac.uk/about/sustainability/

Financial Engineering

The aims of this module are to provide students with the use of a wide range and in-depth knowledge of the major exchange-traded and over-the-counter traded financial instruments to construct financial products and manage financial risk.
The module discusses the characteristics, pricing and valuation, terminologies and application of financial innovation to create the structured products in derivative markets.

Students will further develop an understanding of the use of the financial instruments as investment vehicles, hedging tools, arbitrage mechanisms, and speculative instruments. Students will further develop skills for data collection and analysis utilising software systems such as Bloomberg and spreadsheets.
A blended teaching and learning approach includes the use of websites, videos, guest talks from industry and support for employability enhancing classroom activities.
Bloomberg may be used to deliver teaching sessions.

Issues in Labour Markets

This applied module examines contemporary issues and challenges in labour markets, drawing on recent empirical research and policy debates.

It blends theoretical insights with real-world applications, analysing how firms design incentive systems, how trade unions influence wage outcomes, and how broader economic forces such as globalisation, migration and technological change and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping work.

This module enables students to acquire a systematic knowledge and understanding of economic theories, applications, current issues, policies and empirical evidence in the labour market.

It develops the ability to think independently about labour market issues; apply economic principles and analysis in a variety of contexts to the labour market, business and government and drawing on the models and tools developed.

It examines a wide range of labour market challenges such worker recruitment, retention, pay, reward, wage differentials, income inequality, gender and race pay gaps, and trade unions,

The aims of this module are:

1. You will examine a wide range of labour market challenges such labour recruitment, retention, pay, compensation, shirking, wage differentials, income inequality and collective bargaining by trade unions.

2. You will critically assess how gender, ethnicity, race and occupational segregation create inequality in labour market outcomes in terms of pay, employment and unemployment.

3. You will develop an appreciation of the economic dimension of social, political, national and international human resource issues.

4. You will be encouraged to reflect and draw on your socio-cultural backgrounds, education and work experiences.

Personal Finance

This module has been nationally promoted by the UK financial regulator the Financial Services Authority (FSA), [now Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)], as a ‘unique idea’ in their ‘National Strategy for Financial Capability in Higher Education’ (2009), and disseminated to all universities as an exemplar for raising student interest, expertise and enthusiasm in personal finance. FSA refers to London Metropolitan University as one of only four universities awarded the FSA Curriculum Development Grant for “unique ideas” put forward for the creation of a financial capability module, the unique idea for this University being the innovative Competency Based Action Learning (CoBAL) curriculum which is the outcome of doctoral level research conducted in collaboration with real-world organisations such as the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), the FSA, and the National Research and Development Centre for adult literacy and numeracy (NRDC).

The module underlines the role personal judgement plays in personal finance, and the many perspectives that inform personal judgement, enabling the student to formulate and employ Action Learning strategies for the development of knowledge, skill and attitudinal competencies in personal finance, and for increased ability and confidence in dealing with the complexities of making financial decisions in the five domains of financial capability identified by the FSA.

This is an option for all GSBL courses, and is also an Extension of Knowledge (EoK) module which any student on any course in the University is able to take as an option module subject to their course incorporating a relevant slot in their course structure. The module’s EOK status recognises the need for students of all subjects to have a good grasp of Personal Finance.

Professional Experience Year Placement

A Year in Industry (‘sandwich placement’) module is often one of the most effective ways to secure a professional career following graduation.
This module provides an additional 30 credits between Levels 5 and 6, offering a four-year course programme. It is specifically designed to enhance your employability and improve your future prospects by undertaking a minimum of 44 weeks of full-time, professional-level employment related to your graduate career goals.

Pre-placement preparation workshops and one-to-one support will assist you in your search for a suitable placement. Year-long placements are advertised by a wide range of organisations, and we will support you in accessing these opportunities.

During the placement year, you will be supported by a Placement Tutor who will provide guidance on all aspects of your workplace experience and module assessments.

Placement employers will be asked to complete a feedback form evaluating your performance in the role.

The module aims to enable you to:
• Apply the knowledge gained through your course and any previous employment in a practical, professional work environment.
• Gain in-depth insight into a particular industry, including analysing work-based problems and proposing solutions.
• Develop industry-focused, graduate-level employability skills.
• Make a positive contribution to the employing organisation and demonstrate inclusive workplace practices.
• Articulate industry-specific and transferable skills to support your future career—whether through recruitment processes, self-employment, or further professional/postgraduate study.

Please note:
• You will receive support well in advance of the placement year to help secure a suitable placement in good time.
• You are responsible for applying for appropriate opportunities and engaging with the Module and Placements Team for assistance.
• The suitability of any placement will be assessed by the Module and Placements Team, and all placements must meet Health and Safety requirements for Higher Education placements.
• Students on a Student Visa must ensure their placement meets UKVI monitoring requirements. This includes:
• Prior approval of placement dates and hours.
• Submission of timesheets signed by a line manager or supervisor.