Programme Overview

This programme offers students with knowledge of the major areas of banking and finance, financial management and risk analysis. It provides a solid finance, economics and accounting background for analytical positions in banking and finance industries.

Programme Highlights

• The degree is awarded by the University of London and the programme is academically developed and managed by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE);
• In 2024, LSE was ranked 6th worldwide in the subjects of Accounting & Finance; 7th worldwide in the subjects of Economics & Econometrics; 12th worldwide in the subjects of Business & Management Studies; and 45th worldwide overall in QS World University Rankings.

Programme Objectives

This programme aims to:

1. provide students with an understanding of the ways in which financial intermediaries and institutions operate, and the structure and functioning of financial markets;
2. give students knowledge about the pricing of financial assets, and why and how corporations issue various types of assets;
3. provide students with an understanding of precisely how such intermediaries operate, both on a domestic level and in the international arena;
4. provide students with an understanding of how banks (and other institutions) might use financial assets, for example derivatives, in risk management procedures;
5. provide students with a well-rounded coverage of the major issues and areas of modern financial theory and practice.

Programme Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the programme, students should be able to

1. Knowledge and understanding

1. communicate knowledge and understanding of several of the major contexts within which banking operates, based on a critical evaluation of related theoretical and conceptual frameworks and of empirical evidence as to its effects; 
2. communicate knowledge and understanding of, and appropriate ability to use and critically evaluate, current and major alternative technical languages and practices of banking and finance, together with appropriate ability to apply them; 
3. manipulate financial and other numerical data and appropriate understanding of and ability to apply mathematical and statistical concepts; 
4. communicate and apply knowledge and understanding of the principles of business information systems management to an appropriate level; 
5. analyse business activities and perform financial analyses and projections in appropriate contexts of planning, decision making and control to an appropriate level; and to recognise the limitations of these techniques; 
6. understand the pricing of financial assets and why and how corporations issue various types of assets; 
7. demonstrate appropriate ability to communicate knowledge and understanding of financial management, risk and the operation of financial markets, based on critical evaluation of theories and empirical evidence. 

2.  Intellectual and cognitive skills

1. locate, extract, analyse and draw reasoned conclusions from multiple sources (including electronic sources) of appropriate literature and relevant data and acknowledge and reference sources appropriately; 
2. critically analyse arguments; 
3. assimilate and lucidly evaluate alternative views.  

3. Transferable skills

1. communicate effectively in a written context; 
2. use information technology (spread-sheets, word-processing and online databases) appropriately; 
3. organise information, and to assimilate and evaluate competing arguments; 
4. manage their own learning, including working effectively to deadlines;
5. be open-minded and have a capacity to handle ideas and scrutinise information in critical, evaluative and analytical ways. 

University of London Programmes

The University of London is truly one of the greatest universities in the world. The University is a federation of 18 world-class colleges and 10 specialised institutes, with a student population of more than 120,000. The University's reputation for high academic standards has been built on the outstanding teaching and research of its colleges since 1836, and its degrees are recognised internationally by governments, universities, employers and professional bodies as being of a high academic quality and standard.

For over 150 years, University of London degrees have been accessible to students all over the world through the University of London Programmes. Over the years, many exceptional people who have studied with the University of London Programmes have shaped our world. Former students include seven Nobel Prize winners, leaders of commonwealth countries, government ministers, renowned authors, academics, judges and business leaders. Today, the University of London Programmes are truly international in character with more than 50,000 students in 180 different countries.

Academic Direction: 
​London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

Academic direction for all of the courses offered through the University of London Programmes is provided by the Colleges of the University. Academics at these Colleges develop the syllabi, prepare the study materials, and are responsible for the assessment of students. In the case of the BSc Finance, BSc Accounting and Finance, BSc Economics and Management and BSc Business and Management programmes, academic direction is provided by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Please click here for more details.

LSE has consistently been ranked at the highest level among universities in the United Kingdom.

2024 QS World University Rankings 

45th – Overall ranking worldwide

 

2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject

6th – Subject: Accounting & Finance 
7th – Subject: Economics & Econometrics 
12th – Subject: Business & Management Studies

More Programmes:

• BSc Accounting and Finance
• BSc Business and Management
• BSc Economics and Management

Programme Structure*

The BSc Finance programme offers students with knowledge of the major areas of banking and finance, financial management and risk analysis. It provides a solid finance, economics and accounting background for analytical positions in banking and finance industries. 

The entire programme consists of 12 modules (30 credits each).

Upon completion of 12 modules (360 credits), students will be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Finance by the University of London. No other exit awards are accredited by HKCAAVQ.

* Subject to change

For courses 11 to 12,
i) Students cannot take Managerial Economics with Microeconomics. ∆
ii) Students can only take one course among these courses (h) to (n). #

Remarks:
1. Students who admitted through the Graduate Entry Route will have to take 9 courses, i.e. courses 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, plus one course from courses 11 to 12 selected from electives (a) to (g).

IC may offer some courses, but not all, as electives every year.
The above programme structure is intended to be used as a guide to prospective students. Students must also follow the programme structure, prerequisites and exclusions presented by the University of London Programme ​Programme Specification and Regulations.

Module Description

• Modules

  Introduction to Economics This course aims to introduce students to an understanding of the domain of economics as a social theory; the main analytical tools which are used in economic analysis; the main conclusions derived from economic analysis. It will also develop students’ understanding of their organisational and policy implications and enable them to participate in debates on economic matters.   Mathematics 1 The course aims to enable students to acquire mathematical skills including multivariate calculus and linear algebra, as required for their use in economics-based subjects. It also prepares students for further study in courses of mathematics and/or related disciplines.   Statistics 1 The emphasis of the module is on the application of statistical methods in management, economics and the social sciences. Attention will focus on the interpretation of tables and results and the appropriate way to approach statistical problems. Treatment is at an elementary mathematical level. Ideas of probability, inference and multivariate analysis are introduced and are further developed in the half course 04b Statistics 2.   Introduction to Finance The course aims to introduce students to the fundamental principles underlying finance and financial decision-making by individuals and firms; provide a broad understanding of financial theory, particularly in relation to the valuation of investments (both real and financial), and the main conclusions and implications derived therein; explain the importance of finance, financial markets, and institutions to individuals, firms, and society in general.   Principles of Accounting This course aims to: introduce students to the principles underlying accounting; enable students to apply, interpret and explain key accounting techniques; provide a broad understanding of the theory and practice of financial accounting and management accounting.   Asset Pricing and Financial Markets The course aims to provide students with a thorough grounding in asset pricing; develop students’ skills in applying pricing methods to realistic scenarios; provide a critical overview of the research on financial market efficiency; allow students to develop an understanding of how securities markets operate.   Principles of Corporate Finance This course provides a theoretical framework used to address issues in project appraisal and financing, payout policy, capital structure, mergers and acquisitions, equity offerings, and risk management. It provides students with the tools required for further studies in financial intermediation and investments.   Microeconomics The course aims to: deepen the understanding of the basic theory of optimisation by economic agents and the efficiency of the resulting outcome for the market as a whole; introduce students to the analysis of strategic interaction as well as interaction under asymmetric information; clarify the role of economic policies as tools to improve efficiency in the presence of market failures; promote the ability to think in a structured framework, and clarify the importance of formal arguments; demonstrate the art of modelling which requires simplifying a problem by identifying the key elements without oversimplifying the issue.   Macroeconomics The course aims to bring the students up to date with modern developments in macroeconomics and to help them analyse the macroeconomic issues of the day.   Financial Intermediation The specific aims of this course are to: develop students’ understanding of the theories of financial intermediation; concepts and practices relating to the risk management process and techniques applied within major financial intermediaries; recent developments in financial risk management and regulation, including credit risk models, securitisation, derivative instruments and capital adequacy.   Investment Management This course is aims to provide students to the investment environment in the role of a private or professional investor. Instead, it emphasises the use of pricing theory in investment management. It aims to provide an overview of institutional details linked to financial markets and the trading process; provide an overview of historical trends and innovations in financial instruments and trading processes; provide an overview of various financial instruments; provide insight into the use of finance theory in investment management; provide a guide to the measurement and analysis of risk of financial investments; provide a guide to the measurement of performance of fund management; address key issues in risk management.   Auditing and Assurance The aims of this course are: to introduce students to the principles of external auditing and other assurance services; to provide students with an understanding of the function of auditing and other assurance services and the related processes.   Marketing Management This course aims to introduce students to the fundamental principles of marketing; give students a broad understanding of consumers and the marketing behaviour of firms; explores the relevance of these academic subjects to marketing; encourage students to question the limitations of marketing management and to suggest ways of overcoming its many problems; develop students’ practical skills by applying learned theories to real-world organisational problems.   Organisation Theory: An Interdisciplinary Approach This course explores the ways in which organisations can be designed (by management or others) in order to achieve their objectives. It exposes students to the ways in which economists, psychologists and sociologists address this and related issues. It is, therefore, an interdisciplinary course comparing and contrasting the contribution of the core social science disciplines to the study of organisations. The course draws upon both theoretical and empirical materials and students will be encouraged to draw upon their own local knowledge in pursuing their studies. There will be an emphasis (though not exclusive) on organisations, set up with an economics objective.   The Law of Business Organisations This course aims to: develop in the students an understanding of the core principles of the laws that regulate business organisations; develop the independent and individual skills needed for students to take their knowledge further, and to apply it, for example, in practice, in industry, or in an academic environment; inspire and to stimulate endeavor.   Human Resource Management This course aims to: give students an introduce to the key elements of human resource management (HRM); demonstrate how the social sciences can assist in understanding the management of human resources; and to evaluate human resource policies and practices of organisations; help students examine the different theories which try to explain the relationship between HRM and organisational performance; develop students’ ability to analyse and critically evaluate HRM policies and practices.   Strategy The course aims to provide students with an understanding of strategy formulation in firms and its main challenges. There is a particular emphasis on the practical application of the analysis of strategy.   Management and Innovation of E-business The objectives of the course are to explain the growth of e-business to date, both business-to-consumer and business-to-business, using relevant theories from business, management and the social sciences; examine the interaction between technological trends and the business and social context of e-business; identify innovations within the domain of e-business by presenting cases of the innovative use of e-business and network technologies; present relevant theories from business, management and the social sciences that help to explain the development and growth of e-business; discuss different e-business (business) models and strategies, including global supply chain management; electronic markets; shared economy and digital marketing; introduce the notion of new organisational forms, and discuss their business implications.   Monetary Economics The aims of the course are to develop students’ understanding of the theories that relate to the existence of money, explaining why it is demanded by individuals and used in the trading process; develop students’ understanding of the monetary transmission mechanism, whereby decisions made by the monetary authorities concerning money supplies or interest rates can have real effects on the economy; introduce a number of macroeconomic models through which monetary policy can be evaluated, including Classical and Keynesian schools of thought so as to understand why monetary policy matters and when monetary policy decisions may be impotent; develop understanding of the uncertainties policy-makers face and how policy makers may deal with these.   Managerial Economics The course aims to: enable students to approach managerial decision problems using economic reasoning; present business practice topics using an analytical approach, using equations and numerical insight.   Financial Reporting The aims and objectives of the course are to: stimulate theoretical enquiry into financial accounting issues; develop students’ knowledge and understanding of financial accounting; prepare for further academic study in accounting and related areas; enable students to pursue a professional accountancy qualification; equip students for employment in areas where an understanding of accounting issues and tools is helpful.   Management Accounting This course is designed to equip students with knowledge of the concepts and the ability to apply techniques of management accounting, in order to be able to contribute to the success of an organisation. Modern management accounting is concerned with decision making, planning and control. It supports decision makers in their daily and strategic decisions, contributes to short- and long-term planning and produces information for control, performance measurement and management. This may also include nonfinancial information in management accounting reports, where it is used in combination with financial information to construct broader pictures of the contribution that different processes, procedures, functions, activities and divisions make to the strategic achievements of a firm.   Information Systems Management The module aims to: provide the fundamental concepts needed to understand information technology management in orgainsation from the perspectives of information systems, organisation and management theory; introduces critical ideas to address the problems related to the use of implementation of information technology in organisations.   Business and Management in a Global Context This module aims to: give students a research-based grounding in the shifting context of, and changing priorities in, the international business including globalising trends, formal, and informal institutions, the political, economic, social, technological and legal issues and the resultant diversity of international business. Specifically takes into account the impacts of the 2020-21 pandemic and economics crises; prepare students to be able to discuss cultural, ethical and social issues for international business and suggest policies of corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices; provide an introduction to and develop students’ ability to assess international trade and investment, multilateral organisations and regional integration and the global financial system; prepare students to be able to discuss how firms develop international business strategies, enter markets and alliances, and operate and manage on the global stage; give insight through frameworks, studies and examples of how businesses manage marketing and research & development, organisational structure and architecture, sourcing and the supply chain, exchange rates, information systems and human resources, in different parts of the globe, globally, regionally and domestically; prepare students to understand and assess project and change management practices in an international context; provide an introduction to the major emerging digital technologies, and how to manage these into operation and become digital businesses internationally; Overall, give students insight into the contexts of international business and enable students to work within these contexts to make judgements on strategizing and managing operations in the global economy. Also, to help students understand and assess the future trends and challenges for international business.

DURATION OF STUDY

Minimum 3 years (AD/HD graduates with full exemptions on 3 courses may complete the programme in 2 years).

TEACHING MODE

The teaching methods include lectures and tutorials. Staff members consist of HKU SPACE and overseas lecturers.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment will be done by examination. Each course is assessed by one written examination determined by the University of London. All examinations are held once a year in May/June^.

^Some modules will be available in the second examination session in October/November.

TEACHING STAFF

• Teaching Staff - University of London

  ABDEY, James Spencer	BA, MSc Exeter; PhD LSE
  ADAMSON, Maria	PhD York; FHEA; MCIPD
  ALI, Haider	BSc, PhD Lond; MPhil Cranfield
  ARABSHEIBANI, Gholamreza	BA Nott Trent; MSc, PhD LSE
  BAKOUSH, Mohammed	BSc KFS; MSc, PhD Soton
  BEAUREGARD, Tanya Alexandra	BA UW; MIRPM; PhD LSE
  BUCKLE, Michael John	BA Newcastle; MSc Warwick; PhD
  CHANDLER, Roy Anthony	BSc (Econ), FCA
  CORDELLA, Antonio	BSc Bologna; PhD Info Sys Gothenburg
  DYKE, Eric George Lewis	BSc, MSc QMC
  HASLAM, James	BA Sheffield; PhD Essex
  LASSOU, Philippe Jacques Codjo	BSc INE; MSc, PhD Birmingham
  TIMMS, Jill	BA Keele; MSc UCD; PhD LSE
  VIRDI, Arhat	MA Oxford; MSc, PhD LSE
  WHEATLEY, Sharon Jayne	BSc UCL; MRes, DPhil KCL

• Teaching Staff - HKU SPACE

  CHAN, Ken	BEcon Lond; MEcon Sydney; MFin HK
  CHEUNG, Antony	BBA, MSc CUHK
  CHEUNG, Mandy	BA(Hons) OBU; MSc Aston
  FUNG, Andy	BSc Ohio; MBA Illinois
  FUNG, Libon	BSc, MSc, PhD Lond
  HUI, Nelson	BA Winn; MA Tor
  KWOK, Hermione	BEcon&Fin, MEcon HKU
  LAM, Philip	BMath Wat; MInfo Tech CSU; PhD Info Sys Curtin; FHKLA; MIEEE
  LEE, Allan	BA HKU; MAcc CSturt
  LEE, Kenneth	BSc Western Ontario; MBA Bradford; DBA Australia
  NG, William	BA HKU; MBA Bradford
  SIU, Phoebe	BBA HKBU; MCom USYD
  TSE, Jason	BCom UNSW; CFA, FRM
  TSUI, Brian	BA UMich; MBA Chicago Booth
  YEE, Thomas	BEcon, MEcon, PCEd HKU

Note: The list of teaching staff is subject to change. 

Tuition Fee*

Tuition fees* of the entire programme for 2025/26 include HKD206,400 to HKU SPACE and GBP7,596 to University of London and HKD15,730^{^} to HKEAA (12 courses and to be completed in 3 years).

An application fee GBP60 payable to the University of London also applies. 

^{^}To be adjusted in February 2025.
^{^}The fee payable to the HKEAA is based on the number of papers.

*The published tuition fee is a reference for degree students who take the Standard Route and complete the programme within the shortest possible duration (3 years) without any re-sits. Fees are subject to change or year-on-year increases without prior notice. The amount of fees paid in GBP also depends upon the exchange rate differences.

Financial Assistance Schemes

This programme has been successfully accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ). Full-time students are eligible to apply for Hong Kong government grants and low-interest loans, i.e. Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP) and Non-means tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS). For details, please refer to www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/sfo.

IC Scholarship 

more Details 

Progression Path