The BA (Hons) Business with Finance and Economics course at RGU will provide you with a comprehensive grounding across the key business disciplines. In addition, you will gain specialist understanding of how to interpret communicate and apply financial and economic information to improve strategic decision making in business.
The course will provide you with the tools and techniques to predict and respond to global economic shifts such as those seen during the financial crisis or the more recent COVID-19 pandemic. The finance aspects of the course will prepare you to work in areas such as financial services, insurance or within a range of business or public sector organisations.
The course is part of the BA (Hons) Business and Management programme delivered at Aberdeen Business School.
Aberdeen Business School is Business School of the Year 2020 (Times Higher Education 2020 Awards)
Year 1
You will be introduced to the key business functions of marketing, finance and human resource management in Year 1. In addition, you will tackle specialist modules in economics, the digital business environment and the emerging area of sustainability management. Through studying a range of modules you will develop the intellectual and practical skills to form the foundation for your degree.
Year 2
You can continue your studies in Aberdeen or can opt to spend one semester studying abroad. Modules undertaken provide more focus on your chosen specialism with personal and business finance and business economics all featuring. You will also build on the foundations introduced in year 1 with a focus on entrepreneurship and business law.
Year 3
In year 3 you have four options: a year-long placement, an academic year at one of our partner institution abroad, a taught route or the ‘Connect to Business’ route offering you the flexibility to tailor your study to your own interests and career aspirations.
Year 4
Year 4 is the pinnacle of your course. Your learning will take on a more strategic and global focus. You will examine the purpose of key international organisations and will explore corporate financial decision making. You will also undertake a significant piece of independent research in the form of a thesis. For this you will receive guidance and support from a dedicated Thesis Supervisor.
Student stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
Throughout this course, approximately a quarter of your time will be spent learning in large groups and three quarters of the time you will be taught in a small group tutorial or computer lab environment.
In Year 2 you will have the opportunity to build on your business creativity, exploring how to generate and develop viable commercial ideas in the Business Ideas and Opportunities module. You will work in multidisciplinary teams, develop your creativity skills and showcase your ideas as part of an annual Trade Fair held on-campus.
Our Year 3, Connect to Business option allows you to undertake short term financial/economic projects with a range of different organisations, developing your employability skills through an exciting and flexible programme of work-related experiences.
Your course resources will be available on CampusMoodle, our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and will enhance your learning experience and keep you up-to-date with coursework and assignments.
How long is a BA (Hons) Business with Finance & Economics course?
The duration of the Business with Finance & Economics degree is 4 years.
Activity Summary
- Lectures - 80 students per group, 3 -6 hours per week
- Seminars - 25 students per group, 4 hours per week
- Tutorial - 25 students per group, 6 hours per week
- Project Supervision - 1-to-1 working with a supervisor, up to 2 hours per week (in year 4)
Independent Study
In addition to lectures and tutorials, you will spend approximately 24 hours per week outside of the class working on your own. This involves undertaking prescribed reading, preparing for tutorial assignments, team meetings and researching and writing course reports.
Staff delivering on this course
Academic staff who teach on this course have worked in a range of professional backgrounds, are ‘business-connected’ and use professional networks and their academic research to ensure teaching is professionally relevant and cutting edge.
Our staff have either achieved Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, or are working towards this. This is a professional recognition of lecturer practice, impact and leadership in teaching and learning. In addition, many have featured in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union.
Other staff members include local business owners and industry professionals who offer you the opportunity to learn through business-led workshops, guest lectures and masterclasses.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- 6 written exams, typically for 2 hours
- 4 written assignments, including essays
Year 2
- 4 written exams, typically for 2 hours
- 5 written assignments, including essays
Year 3
Taught Route
- 6 written exams, typically for 2 hours
- 3 written assignments, including essays
- 1 oral assessment
Connect to Business Route
- 2 portfolios
Placement Route
- 1 written assignment, including essays
Year 4
- 2 written exams, typically for 2 hours
- 5 written assignments, including essays
- 1 dissertation
- 1 oral assessment
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to undertake a one-year salaried work placement or 12 week unpaid placement on ‘Connect to Business’ route.
It is an opportunity to consolidate and apply the learning you have gained in Years 1 and 2, and to acquire real world business experience that further develops your professional skills and business acumen. During your placement you can expect to work in the UK or abroad and report to a Manager who will assess your performance on a regular basis. You also continue your academic learning by compiling a portfolio to provide evidence of your employability.
Study Abroad
You may choose to study abroad either for one term of Year 2 or both terms of Year 3 which will offer additional educational and cultural experiences and provide international business insights. Study abroad destinations include Europe, USA and Canada.
Job Prospects
This course will prepare you for a career in any business environment albeit with a focus on financial and economic decision making. The breadth of the course is such that you may wish to apply your skills in a more broad based managerial position or in a specific role within a finance or commercial team.
Is Business with Finance & Economics a good career choice?
This course is part of the Business and Management Programme. Previous graduates of the programme have gone on to pursue the following careers:
- Business Analyst
- Chartered Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Management Consultant,
- International Broker
- Stockbroker
What is needed for a BA (Hons) Business with Finance & Economics degree?
Standard Entry Requirements
Entry to Year 1
- SQA Higher: BBBC
- GCE A Level: BCC
- Irish Leaving Certificate: H2H3H3H3
- IB Diploma: 27
Entry to Year 2
- SQA Advanced Higher: BBC
- GCE A Level: ABB
- IB Diploma: 31
Minimum Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
Entry to Year 1
- SQA Higher: BBC/BCC
Alternative Qualifications
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes, Foundation Apprenticeships and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants from Partner Colleges
A relevant HNC or HND from one of our partner colleges may be considered for entry into Year 2.
Applicants from Foundation Pathway Providers
Entry to year 1 or year 2 may be possible for students who have completed a Foundation Certificate or Foundation Undergraduate Pathway programme, from an approved UK provider, at 60% or above. For courses which require a specific subjects match, such as English or Maths, these would need to provided in addition to the Pathway Programme Certificate or result.
Advanced Entry
All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6860 |
| Year 2 | £6860 | |
| Year 3 | £6860 | |
| Year 4 | £6860 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6860 |
| Year 2 | £6860 | |
| Year 3 | £6860 | |
| Year 4 | £6860 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £17670 |
| Year 2 | £17670 | |
| Year 3 | £17670 | |
| Year 4 | £17670 | |
Academic Year 2023-2024
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £1820 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6600 |
| Year 2 | £6600 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £6600 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £6600 | |
| Year 4 | £6600 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6600 |
| Year 2 | £6600 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £6600 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £6600 | |
| Year 4 | £6600 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £16990 |
| Year 2 | £16990 | |
| Year 3 (Full placement year) | £16990 | |
| Year 3 (Full academic year) | £16990 | |
| Year 4 | £16990 | |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.