BSc (Hons) Business Finance and Economics with a Placement Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- NL4P
- Typical Offer
- ABB General Studies not accepted.
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
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Why you should choose us
82%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020Course Overview
Unlock your potential with our BSc in Business Finance and Economics with a Placement Year, delivered in collaboration with the prestigious Norwich Business School. This programme is designed to give you the competitive edge in today’s fast-paced financial world.
This dynamic programme blends economics, corporate finance, business management, accounting, and data analysis. Taught by leading experts from both the School of Economics and the Norwich Business School, you’ll receive comprehensive training in economic analysis, focusing on corporate finance, business management, and financial markets. During your third year, you’ll undertake a full-time placement lasting 9-12 months, gaining invaluable experience to enhance your employability.
Throughout your business finance and economics degree, you’ll receive exceptional support, including guidance from an academic adviser and access to the STEPS module (Support, Training, Employability, Progression, and Skills). Our Learning Enhancement team also offer support in mathematics, writing, critical thinking, and time management - equipping you with the tools to excel.
Beyond the classroom, you’ll have the chance to shape your academic experience through the School Experience Partnership, where you can contribute to teaching and strategy development. Norwich Economic Publications - a student-run journal and podcast - provides a platform to share your passion for economics. Meanwhile, the student-led Economics Society offers fantastic networking and social opportunities, helping you connect with like-minded friends.
Designed with employability in mind, our curriculum is rich in real-world applications and industry insights. You’ll gain valuable exposure through guest lectures, networking opportunities, and employability events featuring industry professionals and alumni, preparing you for a successful career in economics, business, finance, and beyond.
Placement Year
On this course, in your third year you’ll spend 9-12 months in a full-time work placement, gaining invaluable work experience and employability skills in a relevant field of your choice.
Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you'll establish a solid grounding in economics, acquiring fundamental knowledge and skills that will support your learning in later years. You'll delve into microeconomics, examining how individuals and businesses make decisions, and macroeconomics, exploring the impact of government fiscal and monetary policies on the economy. Additionally, you'll develop the essential mathematical and statistical techniques required for analysing economic models.
Through modules provided by the Norwich Business School, you'll gain insight into accounting principles and explore how economic, political, cultural, and technological factors influence business operations.
If you don’t have an A-level in mathematics or an equivalent qualification, an introductory module will help you develop the essential mathematical skills needed for success in your other modules.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your first year, you'll take part in large group lectures designed to establish a strong academic foundation. Your learning will be enhanced through interactive technology, such as Wooclap, which helps track your progress each week. Alongside traditional textbooks, you'll have access to a wide range of supplementary resources, including lecture notes, pre-recorded videos, and online practice tools to support your independent learning.
Smaller seminar groups and workshops will create an interactive setting where you can apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. You'll also gain practical experience in data analysis within IT labs using software like Excel. Group presentations and lecturer-led discussions will develop your teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills. Additionally, Peer-Assisted Learning sessions, facilitated by students from previous years, will provide a supportive space to review key topics and reinforce your understanding.
Assessment
During your first year, assessments will be structured as a balanced mix of coursework, tests, and exams. Coursework will take various forms, including essays, presentations, and collaborative tasks, ensuring you develop a broad skill set. This diverse approach will not only enhance your academic development but also equip you with practical skills valued in the workplace, providing tangible evidence of your abilities for future employers.
To support your learning, you’ll also engage in formative assessments. Although these do not contribute to your final grade, they provide valuable feedback, helping you track your progress and refine your skills.
Structure
In your second year, you'll further develop your understanding of microeconomics and macroeconomics, while enhancing your data analysis skills through introductory econometrics, using statistical techniques to explore a wide range of economic and business-related questions.
You’ll study corporate finance and choose from a selection of optional modules from the Norwich Business School, covering topics such as financial reporting, management accounting, auditing, corporate taxation, and business law.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your second year, you'll experience a wider variety of teaching approaches and learning environments. While core modules will continue to be delivered in large-cohort settings, you'll also take smaller, specialised modules aligned with your academic interests and career aspirations. You'll develop hands-on proficiency with advanced statistical software and complete data-driven coursework, equipping you with essential analytical skills to tackle more complex economic topics.
Assessment
In your second year, assessments will continue to include coursework, tests, and exams, with coursework becoming more varied. You'll complete essays, presentations, group projects, technical exercises, and research-driven assignments involving data analysis. These assessments will further develop your analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities.
Structure
Your third year will be dedicated to gaining professional experience through a full-time work placement lasting between 9-12 months. While securing a placement is your responsibility, you’ll receive dedicated support from the school and the careers service to help you secure a position. You’ll also receive ongoing support during your placement and guidance upon your return as you prepare to complete your final year of study.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
During your work placement, you’ll gain invaluable professional experience while developing key skills that will support your future career. The Placement Team and Careers Service specialists will provide guidance to help you maximise the benefits of this year.
Assessment
During your placement year you’ll take part in a review meeting with both your employer and a university placement adviser. As part of your placement, you’ll submit a reflective report in the form of a presentation, which will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. Upon your return for the final year, you’ll also have the opportunity to share your experience with future students.
Structure
In your final year, you'll further specialise, expanding your expertise in finance through the study of financial markets. You'll also have the flexibility to explore topics such as behavioural finance, alternative investments, and financial risk management. Additional optional modules from the Norwich Business School allow you to focus on business and accountancy.
Alternatively, you can deepen your understanding of economics by studying advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics, and data analysis. You may also explore specialised areas such as competition and public policy, the economics of sport, labour economics, or programming. You'll also have the option to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice or undertake a consulting project in collaboration with an external organisation.
Your academic adviser and the module-choice fair will guide you in selecting the most suitable modules to align with your career goals.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 100)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your final year offers an even greater selection of optional modules, allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests. Your learning experience will vary based on your chosen modules - some will focus on technical training that integrates lectures with practical exercises using specialised software and programming, while others will emphasise conceptual exploration through group work, debates, and collaborative projects. You'll also refine your writing skills by producing business reports, policy briefs, and blog posts, ensuring you’re well-prepared for both academic and professional pathways.
Assessment
In your final year, assessment methods will expand further, offering increased flexibility to align with your academic interests. Alongside coursework and exams, you’ll have opportunities to engage in case studies, business reports, projects, and innovative poster presentations. Additionally, you’ll have the option to undertake a dissertation on a topic of interest or participate in a consulting project with an external organisation. Throughout the year, you’ll refine your ability to present arguments clearly and confidently across various formats, enhancing both your academic and professional communication skills.
Employability
After the Course
Your degree will equip you with a strong blend of analytical and interpersonal skills - qualities that are highly sought after by employers worldwide.
You'll also gain valuable insights from guest lectures delivered by industry professionals and have access to a wide range of employability-focused events. These include networking sessions, alumni talks, personalised meetings with leading professionals, job coaching and training, national competitions, internships, consulting projects, and mentorship from former students.
These opportunities will position you well for diverse career paths, such as economic analysis, business and financial consultancy, accountancy, auditing, and many other professional roles.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Business and Economics Consulting
- Financial Services, Accounting and Auditing
- Investment Banking and Risk Analysis
- Asset Management and Corporate Finance
- Data and Business Analytics
- International Organisations and Think-tanks
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade C or grade 4 and Mathematics at minimum grade B or grade 5.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
We do not accept General Studies A-levels.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
Contextual Offer: Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and pass in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade C or grade 4 and Mathematics at minimum grade B or grade 5.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
We do not accept General Studies A-levels.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’re eligible for reduced fees during your placement year. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee website.
There may be extra costs related to items such as your travel and accommodation, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: