BSc (Hons) Finance (Industry) Bachelor's degree at Lancaster University

This module provides a solid foundation in the essential mathematical knowledge and skills that form the basis for the material covered in subsequent finance modules. You will explore key functions, sum and series expansions, and gain a deeper understanding of their properties and applications in finance. You will be taught core techniques such as differentiation and integration, equipping you with the tools to analyse and solve dynamic problems. You will also dive into optimisation methods, learning to find the best solutions in constrained and unconstrained situations. This module also covers multiple equation systems and matrix algebra, helping you solve complex problems efficiently. With

Discover how various stakeholders utilise accounting information for decision-making. This module provides a foundation in financial and management accounting. You will begin by exploring the fundamental principles of financial accounting along with the regulatory environment in which accountants operate. You will develop essential skills in preparing basic financial statements and applying key techniques that support financial reporting. You will learn how to interpret financial statements and understand the significance and the limitations of financial reporting, particularly its external focus. The module then introduces key concepts in management accounting. You will explore how strategi

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to economic principles with a more mathematical approach. It explores the workings of modern economies at both the microeconomic and macroeconomic levels. At the microeconomic level, you will examine the decision-making processes of individuals and firms, investigating concepts such as supply and demand, market structures, and consumer behaviour. At the macroeconomic level, you will explore key national economic indicators, including national income, unemployment rates, inflation, and the implications of economic policy.

Learn important statistical skills and tools for analysing and visualising data. In this module, you will learn about random variables, distributions, and hypothesis testing, which will give you a solid foundation in probability and statistical inference. You will learn how to prepare, present and visualise data effectively using a blend of traditional descriptive statistics and modern data analytics techniques. You will gain practical skills in SQL, Excel, and databases along with hands-on programming experience in Python and R. This will allow you to handle, manipulate and visualise large datasets, as well as producing descriptive statistics to summarise and interpret data. By the end of t

This module provides an engaging introduction to the world of financial markets and trading. You will explore the role of financial institutions and gain an understanding of key markets, including stock, options, futures, and foreign exchange (FX) markets. You will cover fixed income securities, such as bonds, and examine the growing sectors of crypto and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), offering insights into their impact on modern finance. We will discuss commodities and their significance in global trade and investment. Additionally, you will explore how financial institutions and markets are regulated to maintain stability and ensure their proper functioning. Through a practical approach and

The Management School is committed to your professional development. We provide study skills to equip you to learn effectively from day one, along with employability skills to help you in securing placements and jobs during and after your degree. The module is tailored to the needs of Accounting and/or Finance students. In this module, you will develop core academic skills that are important for your success. This module will introduce you to the broader business environment in which accounting and finance professionals operate. You will explore core business functions such as marketing, human resources, and management. This module also emphasises the development of important professional sk

In this module, you will be introduced to essential statistical and econometric techniques for data analysis. You will learn how to model relationships between variables and make predictions using the established linear regression model framework. Additionally, you will explore discrete choice models, which are useful for decision-making scenarios with two outcomes, such as yes/no or success/failure. You will also explore two important estimation methods: Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) for estimating linear regression and discrete choice models. We will highlight the importance of statistical and diagnostic testing in the context of econometrics applicat

Explore advanced topics in financial markets and develop a deeper understanding of the complexities that shape today’s financial landscape. You will explore private equity and gain insights into different investor classes, from retail to institutional investors, including mutual and hedge funds. You will also study how behavioural factors affect financial decisions and the principles of rational decision-making. Market microstructure will be covered, giving you an understanding of how markets operate at a granular level. In addition, you will explore the transformative world of Fintech (Financial technology), DeFi (Decentralised Finance), and blockchain technology, highlighting their impact

This module introduces you to corporate finance. It focuses on key concepts that drive decision-making in businesses. You will explore the roles and interests of key stakeholders and understand their influence on decision-making within an organisation. You will also explore the core functions of a company, examining how governance structures shape company strategies and support growth and stability. Key topics we will cover in the module include capital structure, investment and financing decisions, and dividend policy, all of which are essential for a company’s financial health. By the end of this module, you will have a solid foundation in corporate finance, preparing you to tackle more co

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the analysis and modelling of financial time series data, which is crucial for forecasting and decision-making in finance. You will begin by exploring univariate time series and learn how to analyse and forecast a single variable over time using models such as ARIMA. You then move to multivariate time series, studying and modelling the interrelationships between multiple variables in systems using techniques such as vector autoregression and vector error correction models. A key focus will be volatility modelling. You will learn techniques such as GARCH and realised volatility to model and forecast the volatility of asset returns, and their use

Discover the tools and models used in asset pricing. You will learn how financial markets value assets, starting by exploring time value of money, risk and return, risk aversion and utility functions. These concepts are crucial for understanding how individuals make decisions when faced with uncertainty. Next, you will learn about portfolio theory, mean-variance frontiers, and the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). CAPM is one of the most widely used models in finance for estimating the expected return of an asset. Furthermore, you will learn how modern investment decisions are driven by sustainability considerations. You will explore topics such as contingent claims, discount factors and c

This module improves your employability skills within the accounting and finance sector. You will learn about the requirements and expectations of accounting, finance, and audit professionals, such as codes of conduct. You will also gain hands-on experience with practitioner software and financial databases such as Bloomberg, WRDS, CRSP and Compustat. The module's content and delivery format will be tailored to your career aspirations, for example, through opportunities for internships or placements, or study abroad at one of our international partners (subject to availability). Throughout the module, you will reflect on, consolidate, and evaluate your professional development. You will cont

Your placement takes place in the third year of your four-year degree. You will spend this year working in a graduate-level placement role. You will be able to connect your academic learning with professional practice by using the workplace as a setting for experiential learning. You will be employed and will apply your theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. You will actively engage in workplace activities, observing and participating in actual processes. The LUMS Placements and Internships team will support and monitor you while you are on placement.

Learn how to apply corporate finance theory to real-world situations, with a focus on the decision-making processes that drive business success. You will explore optimal decision-making strategies, gaining insight into how companies make critical choices to maximise value. The module covers mergers and acquisitions, teaching you the fundamentals of how businesses expand and grow through strategic deals. We will also cover rational decision-making, examining how companies weigh risks and rewards in their financial strategies. You will discover the increasing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and how Natural Language Processing (NLP) plays a role in financial de

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the principles and strategies involved in modern investment and portfolio management. You will begin by exploring Arbitrage Pricing Theory and the Fama-French model, two foundational approaches to understanding asset pricing. The module also covers the "Factor Zoo" and factor construction, guiding you in identifying and building factors that explain market returns. Additionally, it emphasises the role of Natural Language Processing (NLP) in financial analysis. You will dive into portfolio optimisation and allocation strategies, helping you design portfolios that balance risk and return effectively. You will also learn how to back-test your stra

Discover advanced techniques in data analysis and forecasting using AI and machine learning. Building on key techniques learnt in previous modules such as linear regression and time series models, you will learn advanced AI and machine learning tools such as Decision Trees, Random Forests, Support Vector Machines and Artificial Neural Networks. These techniques can help you gain additional insights from the data and produce more accurate predictions. The module also covers variable selection methods. You will learn you how to identify and focus on the key factors that influence outcomes. With a mix of theory, practical applications, and modelling in Python and R, this module gives you essent

This module offers an exciting deep dive into modern investment management using the latest techniques such as machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) methods. You will learn about advanced portfolio strategies such as Risk Parity and Insurance Strategies. These will provide you with a solid foundation for planning, constructing and managing diversified portfolios. You will explore how advanced techniques, including machine learning and variable selection methods can optimise portfolio performance and enhance decision-making. We will introduce you to practical, hands-on tools using Python and R, empowering you to implement sophisticated portfolio strategies. By blending theory with

This capstone module provides you with the opportunity to apply everything you have learned throughout your accounting and finance journey to a real-world project and enhance your employability profile further. You will choose a topic from key areas such as control systems and accountability, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), financial markets, corporate finance, and investments. You will conduct an in-depth analysis that reflects current trends and challenges in the fields of accounting and finance. You will be encouraged to think critically, research, and apply accounting and finance theories to contemporary issues. Guided by expert lecturers, you will develop your analytical ski

This module provides a solid foundation in banking and behavioural finance. You will explore the fundamentals of banking, including the role of financial institutions in the economy and the complexities of their business activities, such as lending and risk management. The module highlights the role of regulation and supervision in the banking industry, highlighting how these aspects differentiate banking from other industries, and how crises reshape regulation in banking. You will be introduced to the fascinating world of behavioural finance, where you will discover how psychological factors and cognitive biases such as overconfidence, loss aversion and herding behaviour influence decision-

This Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 1 preparation module is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully tackle the CFA Level 1 exam. It focuses on key topics such as: financial reporting and analysis ethical standards quantitative methods economics corporate finance portfolio management This module provides a solid foundation in the core areas of the CFA curriculum. Through structured lessons, practice questions, and exam strategies, you will develop a thorough understanding of the material and the analytical skills necessary for the exam. You will also learn time management techniques and test-taking strategies to optimise your performance on the exam

This module provides a solid foundation in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), climate and energy finance by exploring the financial aspects of transitioning to a sustainable future. You will explore how businesses integrate ESG factors into strategy and operations, addressing investor expectations, regulatory demands, and societal pressures. The module covers: ESG data collection measurement reporting frameworks, including TCFD, GRI, and national regulations It also examines the challenges of incorporating ESG into risk management, supply chains, and corporate performance assessments. Additionally, you will study how financial markets, investment strategies, and policy decisions al

This module is designed to equip you with a deep understanding of the evolving financial landscape. You will explore the dynamic world of financial technology (Fintech), focusing on innovations such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and algorithmic and high-frequency trading. Simultaneously, you will dive into the intricacies of market microstructure, learning how financial markets operate at a granular level and how factors like liquidity, order types, and trading mechanisms influence market behaviour. This module provides practical insights into how technology and market structures impact trading strategies, risk management, and regulatory frameworks. With real-world applications and cuttin