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This innovative course allows you to top up your existing qualifications to an honour’s degree in two years full-time or three years sandwich, whilst benefiting from all that Northumbria University and the city of Newcastle has to offer. 

This new course has been designed to give you the ideal balance between a broad understanding of business, whilst developing your specialist knowledge in international banking and finance as well as transferable professional and managerial techniques.

This course supports your academic skills development and employability opportunities while providing knowledge of contemporary business management models and frameworks while developing your expertise about the theory and practice of banking and Finance.

You will develop skills and knowledge through the identification of contemporary professional banking and Finance practice in discipline specific modules such as financial forecasting, financial markets, investments, and risk management. You’ll gain first-hand experience of financial markets through using our Bloomberg terminals and taking advantage of opportunities to build a track record and portfolio.  

With a banking and finance specialism as part of your degree award, you’ll have an extra edge in employability you will build your professional and practice capabilities through problem-based and experiential learning. This approach will equip you with the skills and qualities sought by employers across the private, public, and not-for-profit (NFP) regionally, nationally and internationally.

The relevance, rigour and internationalisation of this course are set to meet some of the highest and most demanding levels of accreditation. This course is covered by the prestigious AACSB accreditation for Newcastle Business School, which was ‘Business School of the Year’ at the Times Higher Education Awards 2015.

What’s more, when you study at Northumbria, you’ll be part of a leading, business-focused university. Northumbria ranks within the sector as in top 30 for further study, sustained employment or both for Business and Management, 12 months after graduation (LEO 2020).

There’s plenty of support for you to develop the academic study skills that are required. Whatever your background, we’ll help you take the more critical, deeper, and research-informed approach that’s needed for an honour’s degree at a UK university.

This innovative course allows you to top up your existing qualifications to an honour’s degree in two years full-time or three years sandwich, whilst benefiting from all that Northumbria University and the city of Newcastle has to offer. 

This new course has been designed to give you the ideal balance between a broad understanding of business, whilst developing your specialist knowledge in international banking and finance as well as transferable professional and managerial techniques.

This course supports your academic skills development and employability opportunities while providing knowledge of contemporary business management models and frameworks while developing your expertise about the theory and practice of banking and Finance.

You will develop skills and knowledge through the identification of contemporary professional banking and Finance practice in discipline specific modules such as financial forecasting, financial markets, investments, and risk management. You’ll gain first-hand experience of financial markets through using our Bloomberg terminals and taking advantage of opportunities to build a track record and portfolio.  

With a banking and finance specialism as part of your degree award, you’ll have an extra edge in employability you will build your professional and practice capabilities through problem-based and experiential learning. This approach will equip you with the skills and qualities sought by employers across the private, public, and not-for-profit (NFP) regionally, nationally and internationally.

The relevance, rigour and internationalisation of this course are set to meet some of the highest and most demanding levels of accreditation. This course is covered by the prestigious AACSB accreditation for Newcastle Business School, which was ‘Business School of the Year’ at the Times Higher Education Awards 2015.

What’s more, when you study at Northumbria, you’ll be part of a leading, business-focused university. Northumbria ranks within the sector as in top 30 for further study, sustained employment or both for Business and Management, 12 months after graduation (LEO 2020).

There’s plenty of support for you to develop the academic study skills that are required. Whatever your background, we’ll help you take the more critical, deeper, and research-informed approach that’s needed for an honour’s degree at a UK university.

Course Information

UCAS Code
N4N3

Level of Study
Undergraduate

Mode of Study
2 years full-time or 3 year sandwich

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2023

Fee Information

Module Information

Department / Newcastle Business School

Newcastle Business School has a global reputation for delivering some of the best business management education in the UK.

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Book an Open Day / Experience International Banking and Finance BSc (Hons)

Visit an Open Day to get an insight into what it's like to study International Banking and Finance BSc (Hons).

Entry Requirements 2023/24

Standard Entry

Standard Entry

BTEC HNC or equivalent in a related subject.

If you have taken a BTEC HNC programme, we will usually expect you to have performed to an average of Merit standard.

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2023/24 Entry

UK Fee in Year 1*: £9,250

* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.



EU Fee in Year 1: £19,000


International Fee in Year 1: £19,000


Scholarships for 23/24 have not yet been announced.  For information on scholarships awarded in 22/23, please see the main Funding Pages.


ADDITIONAL COSTS

TBC

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Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

AF5030 -

Financial Markets and Institutions (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn the key aspects of the regulations, ethics and professional body requirements that define the ‘rules’ for the financial sector. You will draw from a range of historical case studies to see how regulation within the financial system has transformed. You will be encouraged to discuss and critique the latest regulation changes using academic literature to back up your arguments. You will explore the main financial instruments that are issued and traded including: money market instruments; bonds; equities; foreign exchange; and Insurance. You will learn about these instruments in the context of risk taking and the worldwide markets in which they are traded as well as the principal institutions that use these instruments. To apply the knowledge acquired in this module, you will be using real-time financial information. Therefore, throughout the module you will be required to keep up to date with the latest developments within the financial markets and sector commercial awareness to enable you to contribute to this module.

More information

AF5043 -

Decision Making in the Financial Environment (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn how different types of financial decisions are made in the business environment. You will cover three main areas; how financial statements are used in financial decision making; how managers can use cost and revenue information to make short terms decisions; and strategic investment decision making based on investment appraisal techniques. Specific topic areas will include:


Financial statements for decision making:
The reporting frameworks and ethical principles that underpin financial reporting and the importance of international reporting standards
The informational content of financial statements using ratio analysis – an introduction to fundamental analysis.

Short term decision making:
The nature of cost behaviour and an introduction to Cost, volume, profit analysis
Relevant costs for decision making
Budgeting and control (including the use of big data and AI)
Dealing with risk and uncertainty

Strategic decision making
Investment appraisal techniques (payback, accounting rate of return, net present value and internal rate of return) including how to treat taxation and inflation
Practical aspects of investment appraisal (capital rationing, repeated investment decisions and lease v buy decisions)
Managing investment in working capital
Introduction to cost of capital.

The indicative schedule will be
1. Introduction to the module – decision making in the financial environment (to include introduction to financial statements)
2. Using financial statements to make decisions
3. Short term decision making – The nature of cost behaviour and introduction to CVP
4. Short term decision making – Relevant costing
5. Short term decision making – Budgeting and control (Big data, AI)
6. Short term decision making – Risk and Uncertainty
7. Strategic decision making – Investment appraisal – basic techniques
8. Strategic decision making – Investment appraisal incorporation of taxation and inflation
9. Strategic decision making – Specific investment decisions including how to treat risk and uncertainty.
10. Strategic decision making – Managing investment in working capital
11. Strategic decision making – Introduction to the cost of capital
12. Review of module

More information

AF5045 -

International Finance, Trade and the Banking Sector (Core,20 Credits)

On this module you will consider the management issues faced within the international business environment that many contemporary companies face on a day-to-day basis. It is designed from a real-world relevant point of view, and examines practical situations, with real world cases being used in seminars to highlight issues. As a result of the real world focus you will also be introduced to the key documents that are needed for international trade as well as consider how these issues impact the world of banking.

In particular you will study:

• Financial goals and corporate governance
• Raising international finance
• International investment decisions
• International business currency
• Financing international trade
• Guest lectures to explore International finance and the role of banking
• Professional and business ethical behaviour in an international context.

You will learn through lecturers, seminars, guided learning, and independent study. There will be two hours of lectures per week which will cover theories and concepts that will enable you to benefit from the experiential learning aspects of the seminars. There will be one hour of seminars per week which will be facilitated by group tasks, team working, communication and interpersonal skills and will allow you to reflect on your learning.

Use of the modules e-learning portal will be essential as this will support the work you will be undertaking in the lectures and seminars.

More information

HR9537 -

Management Research and Analysis (Core,20 Credits)

In this research-based module you will experience a comprehensive coverage of research methods and analysis that will prepare you both for work placement or study abroad opportunities alongside preparation for your final-year “capstone” research module of either Dissertation, Management Enquiry or Consultancy Project and for your future employment, enterprise or entrepreneurial activity.

You will learn how to develop a research question, and linked to this, be able to choose an appropriate method of research, dovetailing both learning experiences to the development of a critical assessment of the academic literature. You will gain a basic understanding of research philosophy, whilst the coverage and importance given to research ethics will play an important part of your learning within the module and you will appreciate as part of your learning how this underpins research of quality and integrity. The role of Ethics in research will cover study design, participant selection, data collection, data handling and storage and presentation of research findings.

You will learn how to apply quantitative and qualitative methods. In the quantitative applications, you will learn about questionnaire design, sampling, presenting and summarising data, statistical inference and hypothesis testing. You will have the opportunity to use a range of appropriate software tools, including Excel and SPSS. In the qualitative part of the module, techniques covered will include interviewing and focus groups to collect data, supported by analysis methods including content analysis and thematic analysis. You will learn how to execute a critical and effective analysis of your research data for both approaches, as well as appreciating the importance of piloting.

More information

HR9588 -

Academic Skills and Employability (Core,20 Credits)

This module has twin aims, firstly supporting your transition into UK higher education by developing your specific skills and attributes to both manage your studies, and to communicate your ideas effectively within the academic community and give you an insight on how these skills contribute to your professional development. The second aim is to equip you with the necessary knowledge and transferable skills to maximise your chances of finding a placement or entering a graduate level role on completion of your degree.

This module will provide you with the skills to manage your studies effectively at level 5. It develops your skills in effective communication, independent and critical thinking, and explores how these can be applied to independent research projects. You will consider how to effectively manage yourself and your studies, how to find appropriate information and use this in your academic writing, develop your academic voice across different communication styles, as well as developing your critical and ethical skills in your studies.

The module evolves through group work and independent study, exploring the concept of employability and career development. You will examine the process of recruitment and selection, and be supported in the production of CVs, cover letters and the use of psychometric tests in order to ensure that you make an impactful application to any employer.

More information

MK9525 -

Digital Business: Models, Marketing and Operations (Core,20 Credits)

Throughout this module you will be introduced to the opportunities and challenges posed by doing business in an increasingly digital domain. This module is designed to give you an understanding of how using online channels impacts upon different parts of the organisation, and will focus upon 3 core areas of business:

• Digital Business Models: You will develop an understanding of the cost structures associated with using digital channels and different business models (including omnichannel business strategies)
• Digital Marketing: In this part of the module you will consider how consumer behaviour has changed in the digital era, and evaluate the ever-increasing range of digital tools available for marketers online. This will include understanding Google search rankings, social media and mobile marketing.
• Supply Chain Management and Information Systems: You will also develop an appreciation of the role of supply chains in serving global markets, addressing issues such as the application of various systems to facilitate digital transactions (e.g. ERP, CRM) and issues related to web performance.

You will be encouraged to think about digital business as a cross-disciplinary issue that requires the buy-in and contribution of various business functions to truly succeed.

More information

NX9527 -

Newcastle Business School Study Abroad Semester (Optional,60 Credits)

The Study Abroad Semester module is a semester long 60 credit module which is available on degree courses which include the option to study abroad in Semester 2 of Year 2. You will undertake a semester abroad at a partner university equivalent to 60 UK credits.

The study abroad placement is an important element of your course structure and gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning.

When taken and passed the study abroad semester will be recognised in your transcript as a 60 credit Study Abroad Module. The learning and teaching on your study abroad placement will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded in the learning agreement signed by you, the host University, and the University.

More information

NX9525 -

Newcastle Business School Work Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)

The Work Placement Year module is a full year 120 credit module available on degree courses which include a work placement year which is taken as an additional year of study between levels 5 and 6. The placement consists of 48 weeks of full time work experience in a host organisation which is relevant to your studies.

The placement is an important element of your course structure and it will provide you with the opportunity to:

• Experience the environment of a real workplace which will help you decide the type of career you would like to follow after graduation
• Develop your organisational and interpersonal skills required to enable you to work efficiently as a member of a team
• Acquire and develop relevant technical skills associated with the nature of your work
• Identify, analyse and discuss with experienced practitioners how theoretical concepts are adapted and applied to suit practical requirements
• Apply knowledge that will help you to plan and evaluate future study and career development.


This is a Pass/Fail module and so does not contribute to your degree classification. When taken and passed, however, the Placement Year is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Work Placement Module and on your degree certificate in the format “Degree title (with Work Placement Year)”. The learning and teaching on your placement will be recorded in the training agreement signed by you, the placement provider, and the University.

More information

NX9526 -

Newcastle Business School Study Abroad Year (Optional,120 Credits)

The Study Abroad Year module is a full year 120 credit module which is available on degree courses which include a study abroad year which is taken as an additional year of study between levels 5 and 6. You will undertake a year abroad at a partner university equivalent to 120 UK credits.

The study abroad placement is an important element of your course structure and gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. At the end of the module you will have adapted to and appreciated a different cultural and learning environment and developed ability. You will have developed your interpersonal and intercultural communication skills as a result of your learning in an international environment.

This is a Pass/Fail module and so does not contribute to your degree classification. When taken and passed, however, the Study Abroad Year is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Study Abroad Module and on your degree certificate in the format “Degree title (with Study Abroad Year)”. The learning and teaching on your study abroad placement will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded in the learning agreement signed by you, the host University, and the University.

More information

NX9528 -

Newcastle Business School Blended Placement Year: Work Placement Semester (Optional,60 Credits)

The Work Placement Semester module is a semester long 60 credit module which is available on degree courses which include the option to take a blended placement year of Work and Study Abroad which is taken as an additional year of study between levels 5 and 6.

On this module you will undertake a semester long work placement. The placement consists of a period of full time work experience in a host organisation equivalent to a full semester of study which is relevant to your studies.

The placement is an important element of your course structure and it will provide you with the opportunity to:

• Experience the environment of a real workplace which will help you decide the type of career you would like to follow after graduation
• Develop your organisational and interpersonal skills required to enable you to work efficiently as a member of a team
• Acquire and develop relevant technical skills associated with the nature of your work
• Identify, analyse and discuss with experienced practitioners how theoretical concepts are adapted and applied to suit practical requirements
• Apply knowledge that will help you to plan and evaluate future study and career development.


This is a Pass/Fail module and so does not contribute to your degree classification. When taken and passed, however, the Placement Year is recognised in your transcript as a 60 credit Work Placement Module. The learning and teaching on your placement will be recorded in the training agreement signed by you, the placement provider, and the University. Combining this with the study abroad semester as part of the third year out of the University, this will be recognised on your degree certificate in the format “Degree title (with Study Abroad and Work Placement Year)”.

More information

NX9529 -

Newcastle Business School Blended Placement Year: Study Abroad Semester (Optional,60 Credits)

The Study Abroad Semester module is a semester long 60 credit module which is available on degree courses which include the option to take a blended placement year of Work and Study Abroad which is taken as an additional year of study between levels 5 and 6.

You will undertake a semester abroad at a partner university equivalent to 60 UK credits.

The study abroad placement is an important element of your course structure and gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. When taken and passed the study abroad semester will be recognised in your transcript as a 60 credit Study Abroad Module. The learning and teaching on your study abroad placement will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded in the learning agreement signed by you, the host University, and the University. Combining this with the work placement semester as part of the third year out of the University, this will be recognised on your degree certificate in the format “Degree title (with Study Abroad and Work Placement Year)”.

More information

AF6002 -

International Finance and Responsible Financial Management (Core,20 Credits)

This module is designed for business students to develop a non-technical understanding of the key aspects of corporate financial theory and practice. The module covers the core aspects of raising capital and determining financing, though to investing capital in major corporate decisions, and finally returning value to shareholders.

Specifically you will study in the module; Sustainable Value Management, Stock Market Efficiency, Capital Asset Pricing Model, Portfolio Theory, International Cost of Capital, Capital Structure Decisions, Dividend Policy, Corporate Valuation and International Merger & Acquisition activity.

The module has a focus on business responsibility of all of those areas, concentrating on professional codes of conduct in areas such as the banking industry, accounting and similar finance areas, and the types of dilemmas that graduates could face in professional practice. This module will develop you as a critical and reflective practitioner. In the module you will become more aware of the issues that responsible businesses face when attempting to implement financial concepts and theories into practice.

On completion of this module you will have produced a reflective learning journal (in the form of a Blog) based on your evaluation of theory to real world scenarios. As part of that journal will have watched and reflected on appropriate financial documentaries and movies which explore responsible financial management issues. Finally you will be apply your academic knowledge to a real world case and be able to critically evaluate the tensions between the financial academic theories as a responsible business attempts to maximise shareholder wealth.
critically evaluate the tensions between the financial academic theories as a responsible business attempts to maximise shareholder wealth.

More information

AF6036 -

Risk in Financial Insitutions I (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the capital risks faced by financial institutions. These include credit risk, risks from securitisation exposure, market risk and liquidity risk. You will study the specific areas of credit, market and liquidity risk in the context of the relevant regulatory framework (The Basel Accords) and draw on case study material provided by high profile banks and financial institutions. You will be expected to develop an understanding of the nature of these interlinked risks as well as to understand how they are measured and managed in line with regulations. The module will cover topics such as:
• A typology of risk in banking and financial institutions: definitions; types; and importance.
• International banking regulation and capital adequacy.
• Credit, market and liquidity risk regulatory framework under the Basel Accords.
• Credit Risk: Consumer/commercial credit risk and credit decision making; Measuring credit risk through credit scoring models and modern advanced techniques; counterparty credit risk using examples of the loan and derivative networks, including how to calculate counterparty credit risk via the credit valuation adjustment.
• Market Risk: Measuring market risk through Value-at-Risk models (variance-covariance, historical simulation and Monte-Carlo simulation models); the move toward expected shortfall; other contemporary regulatory models.
• Liquidity Risk: Market and balance sheet sources; measurement techniques; stored vs purchase management styles.

More information

AF6037 -

Risk in Financial Insitutions II (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will focus on the specific area of treasury risk arising from interest rate and foreign exchange rate risk. You will also explore the ever-changing world of operational risk within financial institutions. You will investigate how the risks faced by financial institutions are linked via systemic risk and learn which institutions may be more susceptible to shocks. You will also learn how to measure and manage aspects of these banking risks with the help of case studies set within banking and finance institutions. Further, a key aspect of the module is to determine why an effective fraud risk assessment framework is essential to financial institutions to avoid financial Loss and reputational damage. Prominent real-life financial disasters will be examined to demonstrate how these issues can impact upon banking and financial institutions. The module will cover topics such as:
• Interest rate risk: the level and movement of interest rates; term structure theory; sources of interest rate risk to the banking book; measurement models (repricing gap, maturity and duration models); asset and liability management; Regulatory requirements.
• The impact of foreign exchange rate on financial institutions.
• Operational risk: sources; measurement models; operational risk management policies and procedure; regulatory implications.
• How to develop a Fraud risk assessment and execute it within the global and digital banking environment.
• The concept of systemic risk within the financial system and the macroprudential regulations developed to mitigate such a risk.

More information

NX9626 -

Undergraduate Consultancy Project (Optional,40 Credits)

The module aims to provide you with an opportunity to integrate the knowledge acquired during the programme and apply this to a consultancy project for a real organisation. This consultancy project provides a vehicle for participants to develop and demonstrate key employability skills, to relate theory to practice, and to undertake a significant piece of assessed work commensurate with a capstone module.

You will work on behalf of an external organisation, which has identified a business problem or question, requiring a solution, working in small group of typically 4 individuals (you will select their own team members), participating in group and individual activities. The host organisation will provide a project briefing, and review; students will be supported by appropriate academic input and guidance from Newcastle Business School in the form of a mentor and via the Business Clinic.

More information

NX9634 -

Management Dissertation (Optional,40 Credits)

The Dissertation module will equip you with the necessary intellectual and practical skills for undertaking an individual student-led, responsible, ethical in-depth investigation into an HRM or Management-related problem or issue of interest to you. Concurrently you will further develop key transferable, employability and enterprise skills including: problem-solving and analysis, creative-thinking, time and project management, negotiation, communication (written, aural and verbal), persuasion and influence, discovery, initiative.
The learning on this module is student-led, experiential and research-based with a focus upon you discovering, probing and questioning key issues. Initial lectures will though provide a refresher of the underpinning knowledge you developed at Level 5, necessary for undertaking individual student-led research. Associated workshops support you in putting this knowledge into practice for your own proposed research project. These lecture/workshop sessions cover the following topics: critically reviewing the literature, researching ethically, quantitative and qualitative research techniques, quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. You will study on the same taught sessions as students taking the Management Enquiry module

Upon completion of the Dissertation module you will be able to:
• Conduct independent and responsible, ethical research involving the application and critical evaluation of appropriate theories and models
• Engage critically with relevant literature to establish a framework in which to analyse and synthesise the findings of your primary or secondary research
• Generate / collect relevant primary or secondary data using an appropriate and justified method
• Analyse your data using appropriate and justified method/s of analysis
• Recognise the ethical implications of your work
• Critically evaluate the source/s of your data and the method you adopted

More information

NX9635 -

Management Enquiry (Optional,40 Credits)

The Management Enquiry module is a student-led individual project that enables you to undertake a significant piece of assessed work commensurate with a capstone module. The module aims to provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate an authentic engagement with managers and/or professionals from within HRM or Management more generally, and to integrate the knowledge you have developed during your programme to explore theory in practice.

The learning on this module is experiential and research-based with a focus upon you discovering, probing and questioning key practice-based issues. Through the module you will be offered the opportunity to develop and enhance key transferable employability/enterprise skills including: problem-solving and analysis, creative-thinking, time and project management, negotiation, communication (written, aural and verbal), persuasion and influence, discovery, initiative.

The module has five thematic areas; explore, review, engage, reflect and connect. These form the key elements of the assessed submission.

Part A (35%, 3,500 Words)
• Explore: Initial discussion a manager or HR professional explore with them the key issues that they feel they are facing in practice. It is expected that you will consider how you approach this conversation, drawing upon suitable forms of questioning and that you will provide evidence of the conversation, typically in a visual format, within the submitted enquiry report. From this conversation you will discern a specific area of focus for your Enquiry
• Review: Critical examination of appropriate literature to support your exploration. You will display your ability to critically assess and appraise the HR and/or management knowledge related to a specific key issue arising from your exploration.

Part B (65%, 6,500 Words)
• Engage: You will display your authentic engagement with the discipline problem/issue you identified in Part A, by collecting/generating and analysing live data regarding your identified problem/issue. This live data may be primary data (e.g. further interviews with, or questionnaire to, managers and/or professionals in practice) or secondary data (e.g. industry data). You will apply appropriate, ethically-considered, research methods and appropriate qualitative or quantitative data analysis.
• Reflect and Connect: You will demonstrate your ability to critically evaluate and reflect on the issues arising from your Management Enquiry. You will use the conclusions you have derived from your findings to develop clear contextualised, prioritised, well-justified, practical and actionable recommendations for change/enhancement/improvement to existing practice. This will include you demonstrating how the recommendations would potentially affect workplace professional decision making. You will demonstrate how you have connected and fed-back your key findings and recommendations to the participants of the Enquiry (usually the manager and/or participants).

A supporting reading list provides you with key references to enable you to undertake a more detailed and in-depth review of your enquiry. You will be expected to keep up-to-date with your project tasks.

More information

SM9689 -

Responsible Strategy (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the context of responsible strategic thinking, how to identify and explore sustainable business opportunities as a source of competitive advantage. You will gain an appreciation of the overarching principles of setting and executing a responsible and sustainable organisational strategy. Within the setting of these strategic objectives, you will understand how the associated responsible decision making will impact on both internal and external stakeholders. Your learning will span across private and public sector organisations, MNEs and SMEs and how each of different organisations and industries interact with the responsible and sustainable business opportunities and challenges.

More information

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

AF5030 -

Financial Markets and Institutions (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn the key aspects of the regulations, ethics and professional body requirements that define the ‘rules’ for the financial sector. You will draw from a range of historical case studies to see how regulation within the financial system has transformed. You will be encouraged to discuss and critique the latest regulation changes using academic literature to back up your arguments. You will explore the main financial instruments that are issued and traded including: money market instruments; bonds; equities; foreign exchange; and Insurance. You will learn about these instruments in the context of risk taking and the worldwide markets in which they are traded as well as the principal institutions that use these instruments. To apply the knowledge acquired in this module, you will be using real-time financial information. Therefore, throughout the module you will be required to keep up to date with the latest developments within the financial markets and sector commercial awareness to enable you to contribute to this module.

More information

AF5043 -

Decision Making in the Financial Environment (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn how different types of financial decisions are made in the business environment. You will cover three main areas; how financial statements are used in financial decision making; how managers can use cost and revenue information to make short terms decisions; and strategic investment decision making based on investment appraisal techniques. Specific topic areas will include:


Financial statements for decision making:
The reporting frameworks and ethical principles that underpin financial reporting and the importance of international reporting standards
The informational content of financial statements using ratio analysis – an introduction to fundamental analysis.

Short term decision making:
The nature of cost behaviour and an introduction to Cost, volume, profit analysis
Relevant costs for decision making
Budgeting and control (including the use of big data and AI)
Dealing with risk and uncertainty

Strategic decision making
Investment appraisal techniques (payback, accounting rate of return, net present value and internal rate of return) including how to treat taxation and inflation
Practical aspects of investment appraisal (capital rationing, repeated investment decisions and lease v buy decisions)
Managing investment in working capital
Introduction to cost of capital.

The indicative schedule will be
1. Introduction to the module – decision making in the financial environment (to include introduction to financial statements)
2. Using financial statements to make decisions
3. Short term decision making – The nature of cost behaviour and introduction to CVP
4. Short term decision making – Relevant costing
5. Short term decision making – Budgeting and control (Big data, AI)
6. Short term decision making – Risk and Uncertainty
7. Strategic decision making – Investment appraisal – basic techniques
8. Strategic decision making – Investment appraisal incorporation of taxation and inflation
9. Strategic decision making – Specific investment decisions including how to treat risk and uncertainty.
10. Strategic decision making – Managing investment in working capital
11. Strategic decision making – Introduction to the cost of capital
12. Review of module

More information

AF5045 -

International Finance, Trade and the Banking Sector (Core,20 Credits)

On this module you will consider the management issues faced within the international business environment that many contemporary companies face on a day-to-day basis. It is designed from a real-world relevant point of view, and examines practical situations, with real world cases being used in seminars to highlight issues. As a result of the real world focus you will also be introduced to the key documents that are needed for international trade as well as consider how these issues impact the world of banking.

In particular you will study:

• Financial goals and corporate governance
• Raising international finance
• International investment decisions
• International business currency
• Financing international trade
• Guest lectures to explore International finance and the role of banking
• Professional and business ethical behaviour in an international context.

You will learn through lecturers, seminars, guided learning, and independent study. There will be two hours of lectures per week which will cover theories and concepts that will enable you to benefit from the experiential learning aspects of the seminars. There will be one hour of seminars per week which will be facilitated by group tasks, team working, communication and interpersonal skills and will allow you to reflect on your learning.

Use of the modules e-learning portal will be essential as this will support the work you will be undertaking in the lectures and seminars.

More information

HR9537 -

Management Research and Analysis (Core,20 Credits)

In this research-based module you will experience a comprehensive coverage of research methods and analysis that will prepare you both for work placement or study abroad opportunities alongside preparation for your final-year “capstone” research module of either Dissertation, Management Enquiry or Consultancy Project and for your future employment, enterprise or entrepreneurial activity.

You will learn how to develop a research question, and linked to this, be able to choose an appropriate method of research, dovetailing both learning experiences to the development of a critical assessment of the academic literature. You will gain a basic understanding of research philosophy, whilst the coverage and importance given to research ethics will play an important part of your learning within the module and you will appreciate as part of your learning how this underpins research of quality and integrity. The role of Ethics in research will cover study design, participant selection, data collection, data handling and storage and presentation of research findings.

You will learn how to apply quantitative and qualitative methods. In the quantitative applications, you will learn about questionnaire design, sampling, presenting and summarising data, statistical inference and hypothesis testing. You will have the opportunity to use a range of appropriate software tools, including Excel and SPSS. In the qualitative part of the module, techniques covered will include interviewing and focus groups to collect data, supported by analysis methods including content analysis and thematic analysis. You will learn how to execute a critical and effective analysis of your research data for both approaches, as well as appreciating the importance of piloting.

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HR9588 -

Academic Skills and Employability (Core,20 Credits)

This module has twin aims, firstly supporting your transition into UK higher education by developing your specific skills and attributes to both manage your studies, and to communicate your ideas effectively within the academic community and give you an insight on how these skills contribute to your professional development. The second aim is to equip you with the necessary knowledge and transferable skills to maximise your chances of finding a placement or entering a graduate level role on completion of your degree.

This module will provide you with the skills to manage your studies effectively at level 5. It develops your skills in effective communication, independent and critical thinking, and explores how these can be applied to independent research projects. You will consider how to effectively manage yourself and your studies, how to find appropriate information and use this in your academic writing, develop your academic voice across different communication styles, as well as developing your critical and ethical skills in your studies.

The module evolves through group work and independent study, exploring the concept of employability and career development. You will examine the process of recruitment and selection, and be supported in the production of CVs, cover letters and the use of psychometric tests in order to ensure that you make an impactful application to any employer.

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MK9525 -

Digital Business: Models, Marketing and Operations (Core,20 Credits)

Throughout this module you will be introduced to the opportunities and challenges posed by doing business in an increasingly digital domain. This module is designed to give you an understanding of how using online channels impacts upon different parts of the organisation, and will focus upon 3 core areas of business:

• Digital Business Models: You will develop an understanding of the cost structures associated with using digital channels and different business models (including omnichannel business strategies)
• Digital Marketing: In this part of the module you will consider how consumer behaviour has changed in the digital era, and evaluate the ever-increasing range of digital tools available for marketers online. This will include understanding Google search rankings, social media and mobile marketing.
• Supply Chain Management and Information Systems: You will also develop an appreciation of the role of supply chains in serving global markets, addressing issues such as the application of various systems to facilitate digital transactions (e.g. ERP, CRM) and issues related to web performance.

You will be encouraged to think about digital business as a cross-disciplinary issue that requires the buy-in and contribution of various business functions to truly succeed.

More information

NX9527 -

Newcastle Business School Study Abroad Semester (Optional,60 Credits)

The Study Abroad Semester module is a semester long 60 credit module which is available on degree courses which include the option to study abroad in Semester 2 of Year 2. You will undertake a semester abroad at a partner university equivalent to 60 UK credits.

The study abroad placement is an important element of your course structure and gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning.

When taken and passed the study abroad semester will be recognised in your transcript as a 60 credit Study Abroad Module. The learning and teaching on your study abroad placement will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded in the learning agreement signed by you, the host University, and the University.

More information

NX9525 -

Newcastle Business School Work Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)

The Work Placement Year module is a full year 120 credit module available on degree courses which include a work placement year which is taken as an additional year of study between levels 5 and 6. The placement consists of 48 weeks of full time work experience in a host organisation which is relevant to your studies.

The placement is an important element of your course structure and it will provide you with the opportunity to:

• Experience the environment of a real workplace which will help you decide the type of career you would like to follow after graduation
• Develop your organisational and interpersonal skills required to enable you to work efficiently as a member of a team
• Acquire and develop relevant technical skills associated with the nature of your work
• Identify, analyse and discuss with experienced practitioners how theoretical concepts are adapted and applied to suit practical requirements
• Apply knowledge that will help you to plan and evaluate future study and career development.


This is a Pass/Fail module and so does not contribute to your degree classification. When taken and passed, however, the Placement Year is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Work Placement Module and on your degree certificate in the format “Degree title (with Work Placement Year)”. The learning and teaching on your placement will be recorded in the training agreement signed by you, the placement provider, and the University.

More information

NX9526 -

Newcastle Business School Study Abroad Year (Optional,120 Credits)

The Study Abroad Year module is a full year 120 credit module which is available on degree courses which include a study abroad year which is taken as an additional year of study between levels 5 and 6. You will undertake a year abroad at a partner university equivalent to 120 UK credits.

The study abroad placement is an important element of your course structure and gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. At the end of the module you will have adapted to and appreciated a different cultural and learning environment and developed ability. You will have developed your interpersonal and intercultural communication skills as a result of your learning in an international environment.

This is a Pass/Fail module and so does not contribute to your degree classification. When taken and passed, however, the Study Abroad Year is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Study Abroad Module and on your degree certificate in the format “Degree title (with Study Abroad Year)”. The learning and teaching on your study abroad placement will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded in the learning agreement signed by you, the host University, and the University.

More information

NX9528 -

Newcastle Business School Blended Placement Year: Work Placement Semester (Optional,60 Credits)

The Work Placement Semester module is a semester long 60 credit module which is available on degree courses which include the option to take a blended placement year of Work and Study Abroad which is taken as an additional year of study between levels 5 and 6.

On this module you will undertake a semester long work placement. The placement consists of a period of full time work experience in a host organisation equivalent to a full semester of study which is relevant to your studies.

The placement is an important element of your course structure and it will provide you with the opportunity to:

• Experience the environment of a real workplace which will help you decide the type of career you would like to follow after graduation
• Develop your organisational and interpersonal skills required to enable you to work efficiently as a member of a team
• Acquire and develop relevant technical skills associated with the nature of your work
• Identify, analyse and discuss with experienced practitioners how theoretical concepts are adapted and applied to suit practical requirements
• Apply knowledge that will help you to plan and evaluate future study and career development.


This is a Pass/Fail module and so does not contribute to your degree classification. When taken and passed, however, the Placement Year is recognised in your transcript as a 60 credit Work Placement Module. The learning and teaching on your placement will be recorded in the training agreement signed by you, the placement provider, and the University. Combining this with the study abroad semester as part of the third year out of the University, this will be recognised on your degree certificate in the format “Degree title (with Study Abroad and Work Placement Year)”.

More information

NX9529 -

Newcastle Business School Blended Placement Year: Study Abroad Semester (Optional,60 Credits)

The Study Abroad Semester module is a semester long 60 credit module which is available on degree courses which include the option to take a blended placement year of Work and Study Abroad which is taken as an additional year of study between levels 5 and 6.

You will undertake a semester abroad at a partner university equivalent to 60 UK credits.

The study abroad placement is an important element of your course structure and gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. When taken and passed the study abroad semester will be recognised in your transcript as a 60 credit Study Abroad Module. The learning and teaching on your study abroad placement will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded in the learning agreement signed by you, the host University, and the University. Combining this with the work placement semester as part of the third year out of the University, this will be recognised on your degree certificate in the format “Degree title (with Study Abroad and Work Placement Year)”.

More information

AF6002 -

International Finance and Responsible Financial Management (Core,20 Credits)

This module is designed for business students to develop a non-technical understanding of the key aspects of corporate financial theory and practice. The module covers the core aspects of raising capital and determining financing, though to investing capital in major corporate decisions, and finally returning value to shareholders.

Specifically you will study in the module; Sustainable Value Management, Stock Market Efficiency, Capital Asset Pricing Model, Portfolio Theory, International Cost of Capital, Capital Structure Decisions, Dividend Policy, Corporate Valuation and International Merger & Acquisition activity.

The module has a focus on business responsibility of all of those areas, concentrating on professional codes of conduct in areas such as the banking industry, accounting and similar finance areas, and the types of dilemmas that graduates could face in professional practice. This module will develop you as a critical and reflective practitioner. In the module you will become more aware of the issues that responsible businesses face when attempting to implement financial concepts and theories into practice.

On completion of this module you will have produced a reflective learning journal (in the form of a Blog) based on your evaluation of theory to real world scenarios. As part of that journal will have watched and reflected on appropriate financial documentaries and movies which explore responsible financial management issues. Finally you will be apply your academic knowledge to a real world case and be able to critically evaluate the tensions between the financial academic theories as a responsible business attempts to maximise shareholder wealth.
critically evaluate the tensions between the financial academic theories as a responsible business attempts to maximise shareholder wealth.

More information

AF6036 -

Risk in Financial Insitutions I (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the capital risks faced by financial institutions. These include credit risk, risks from securitisation exposure, market risk and liquidity risk. You will study the specific areas of credit, market and liquidity risk in the context of the relevant regulatory framework (The Basel Accords) and draw on case study material provided by high profile banks and financial institutions. You will be expected to develop an understanding of the nature of these interlinked risks as well as to understand how they are measured and managed in line with regulations. The module will cover topics such as:
• A typology of risk in banking and financial institutions: definitions; types; and importance.
• International banking regulation and capital adequacy.
• Credit, market and liquidity risk regulatory framework under the Basel Accords.
• Credit Risk: Consumer/commercial credit risk and credit decision making; Measuring credit risk through credit scoring models and modern advanced techniques; counterparty credit risk using examples of the loan and derivative networks, including how to calculate counterparty credit risk via the credit valuation adjustment.
• Market Risk: Measuring market risk through Value-at-Risk models (variance-covariance, historical simulation and Monte-Carlo simulation models); the move toward expected shortfall; other contemporary regulatory models.
• Liquidity Risk: Market and balance sheet sources; measurement techniques; stored vs purchase management styles.

More information

AF6037 -

Risk in Financial Insitutions II (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will focus on the specific area of treasury risk arising from interest rate and foreign exchange rate risk. You will also explore the ever-changing world of operational risk within financial institutions. You will investigate how the risks faced by financial institutions are linked via systemic risk and learn which institutions may be more susceptible to shocks. You will also learn how to measure and manage aspects of these banking risks with the help of case studies set within banking and finance institutions. Further, a key aspect of the module is to determine why an effective fraud risk assessment framework is essential to financial institutions to avoid financial Loss and reputational damage. Prominent real-life financial disasters will be examined to demonstrate how these issues can impact upon banking and financial institutions. The module will cover topics such as:
• Interest rate risk: the level and movement of interest rates; term structure theory; sources of interest rate risk to the banking book; measurement models (repricing gap, maturity and duration models); asset and liability management; Regulatory requirements.
• The impact of foreign exchange rate on financial institutions.
• Operational risk: sources; measurement models; operational risk management policies and procedure; regulatory implications.
• How to develop a Fraud risk assessment and execute it within the global and digital banking environment.
• The concept of systemic risk within the financial system and the macroprudential regulations developed to mitigate such a risk.

More information

NX9626 -

Undergraduate Consultancy Project (Optional,40 Credits)

The module aims to provide you with an opportunity to integrate the knowledge acquired during the programme and apply this to a consultancy project for a real organisation. This consultancy project provides a vehicle for participants to develop and demonstrate key employability skills, to relate theory to practice, and to undertake a significant piece of assessed work commensurate with a capstone module.

You will work on behalf of an external organisation, which has identified a business problem or question, requiring a solution, working in small group of typically 4 individuals (you will select their own team members), participating in group and individual activities. The host organisation will provide a project briefing, and review; students will be supported by appropriate academic input and guidance from Newcastle Business School in the form of a mentor and via the Business Clinic.

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NX9634 -

Management Dissertation (Optional,40 Credits)

The Dissertation module will equip you with the necessary intellectual and practical skills for undertaking an individual student-led, responsible, ethical in-depth investigation into an HRM or Management-related problem or issue of interest to you. Concurrently you will further develop key transferable, employability and enterprise skills including: problem-solving and analysis, creative-thinking, time and project management, negotiation, communication (written, aural and verbal), persuasion and influence, discovery, initiative.
The learning on this module is student-led, experiential and research-based with a focus upon you discovering, probing and questioning key issues. Initial lectures will though provide a refresher of the underpinning knowledge you developed at Level 5, necessary for undertaking individual student-led research. Associated workshops support you in putting this knowledge into practice for your own proposed research project. These lecture/workshop sessions cover the following topics: critically reviewing the literature, researching ethically, quantitative and qualitative research techniques, quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. You will study on the same taught sessions as students taking the Management Enquiry module

Upon completion of the Dissertation module you will be able to:
• Conduct independent and responsible, ethical research involving the application and critical evaluation of appropriate theories and models
• Engage critically with relevant literature to establish a framework in which to analyse and synthesise the findings of your primary or secondary research
• Generate / collect relevant primary or secondary data using an appropriate and justified method
• Analyse your data using appropriate and justified method/s of analysis
• Recognise the ethical implications of your work
• Critically evaluate the source/s of your data and the method you adopted

More information

NX9635 -

Management Enquiry (Optional,40 Credits)

The Management Enquiry module is a student-led individual project that enables you to undertake a significant piece of assessed work commensurate with a capstone module. The module aims to provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate an authentic engagement with managers and/or professionals from within HRM or Management more generally, and to integrate the knowledge you have developed during your programme to explore theory in practice.

The learning on this module is experiential and research-based with a focus upon you discovering, probing and questioning key practice-based issues. Through the module you will be offered the opportunity to develop and enhance key transferable employability/enterprise skills including: problem-solving and analysis, creative-thinking, time and project management, negotiation, communication (written, aural and verbal), persuasion and influence, discovery, initiative.

The module has five thematic areas; explore, review, engage, reflect and connect. These form the key elements of the assessed submission.

Part A (35%, 3,500 Words)
• Explore: Initial discussion a manager or HR professional explore with them the key issues that they feel they are facing in practice. It is expected that you will consider how you approach this conversation, drawing upon suitable forms of questioning and that you will provide evidence of the conversation, typically in a visual format, within the submitted enquiry report. From this conversation you will discern a specific area of focus for your Enquiry
• Review: Critical examination of appropriate literature to support your exploration. You will display your ability to critically assess and appraise the HR and/or management knowledge related to a specific key issue arising from your exploration.

Part B (65%, 6,500 Words)
• Engage: You will display your authentic engagement with the discipline problem/issue you identified in Part A, by collecting/generating and analysing live data regarding your identified problem/issue. This live data may be primary data (e.g. further interviews with, or questionnaire to, managers and/or professionals in practice) or secondary data (e.g. industry data). You will apply appropriate, ethically-considered, research methods and appropriate qualitative or quantitative data analysis.
• Reflect and Connect: You will demonstrate your ability to critically evaluate and reflect on the issues arising from your Management Enquiry. You will use the conclusions you have derived from your findings to develop clear contextualised, prioritised, well-justified, practical and actionable recommendations for change/enhancement/improvement to existing practice. This will include you demonstrating how the recommendations would potentially affect workplace professional decision making. You will demonstrate how you have connected and fed-back your key findings and recommendations to the participants of the Enquiry (usually the manager and/or participants).

A supporting reading list provides you with key references to enable you to undertake a more detailed and in-depth review of your enquiry. You will be expected to keep up-to-date with your project tasks.

More information

SM9689 -

Responsible Strategy (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the context of responsible strategic thinking, how to identify and explore sustainable business opportunities as a source of competitive advantage. You will gain an appreciation of the overarching principles of setting and executing a responsible and sustainable organisational strategy. Within the setting of these strategic objectives, you will understand how the associated responsible decision making will impact on both internal and external stakeholders. Your learning will span across private and public sector organisations, MNEs and SMEs and how each of different organisations and industries interact with the responsible and sustainable business opportunities and challenges.

More information

To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.

International Banking and Finance BSc (Hons) - Completion Award

Home or EU applicants please apply through UCAS

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All information on this course page is accurate at the time of viewing.

Our Campus based courses starting in 2022 and 2023 will be delivered on-campus with supporting online learning content. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to adjust the delivery of our education accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.

On-campus contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with any additional restrictions, which may be imposed by the Government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors. This could potentially mean increased or fully online delivery, should such restrictions on in-person contact time be required.

 

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