Financial Services (Top-up) BSc Honours
Our Financial Services (Top-up) BSc Honours will help you develop the essential knowledge and skills necessary for success in one of the most vital industries
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Viewing course details for 2025 year of entry
- Code
- N304
- Attendance
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start
- September 2025
- Fees
- £9,250 (UK) | £16,600 (INT)
- Duration
- 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
- Course Leader
- Ann-Ngoc Nguyen
- Study mode
- On campus
- Location
- Hendon campus
- Entry Requirements
- 240 UG credits for Year 3 entry
- Placement year
- No
- School / Department
- Economics
Why choose Financial Services (Top-up) BSc at Middlesex?
The financial services industry is one of the UK’s biggest. Learn how to succeed in an international finance career with our course
This advanced course offers you the essential knowledge and skills required to excel in the financial services industry, one of the largest and most influential sectors in the global economy.
Your studies will cover the evolving needs of the global financial services market, including banks, investment management, insurance companies, building societies, and a wide range of other institutions.
The course builds on your existing knowledge to ensure that you not only meet but also surpass the rapidly escalating demands of employers and the global economy.
Our London campus provides ample opportunities for you to gain access to a premier global financial centre, home to some of the world's largest financial institutions and start-ups. This enables you to cultivate valuable professional experience even before graduating.
What you will gain
With 145 years of experience in delivering professional, creative, and technical education, we have consistently prepared our students for successful global careers. On this particular course, we ensure that you receive the best possible preparation for your future in the financial services industry.
- You will be equipped with both technical and theoretical knowledge, encompassing the latest developments and contemporary issues within the financial services industry
- You will have exclusive access to our state-of-the-art Financial Markets Lab, where you will be trained to use industry-leading tools such as the Bloomberg Terminal Platform, DataStream & Eikon financial databases.
- You will have the opportunity to earn certificates in Bloomberg, enhancing your professional credentials and signalling your proficiency in these industry-standard tools
- You will have the opportunity to acquire skills in financial data analysis and modelling software, including Excel, Minitab, SPSS, and STATA. These tools will equip you with transferable skills for a career in finance
- You will develop and enhance the critical skills demanded by financial services professionals, including analytical prowess, numerical aptitude, and proficiency in information technology. These competencies will equip you for success in the fast-paced and dynamic field of financial services
- You will acquire proficiency in business writing and effective communication techniques, enabling you to excel in professional communication within the business realm.
All this opens a lot of different career doors. Previous graduates have gone on to work as financial advisors, financial analysts, insurance brokers, and many others.
What you will learn
On this comprehensive course, you'll gain knowledge of domestic and international financial markets, exploring market instruments, financial institution operations, and asset and risk management strategies. Analysing international financial regulation, like the Basel Capital Accords, in the context of global crises, you'll develop a deep understanding of the financial industry.
Examining the impact of regulatory frameworks and market dynamics, you'll explore financial services marketing. By evaluating real-life scenarios, you'll derive effective solutions, equipping you with the skills to drive successful marketing strategies in the complex financial landscape.
You'll also acquire expertise in applying analytical quantitative techniques to diverse financial areas. Proficiency in software like Excel, Minitab, SPSS, or STATA will enable you to analyse financial data, make informed decisions, and excel in finance roles.
Furthermore, you'll have the opportunity to specialize in investment analysis, international finance, or business finance, developing advanced expertise in your chosen field.
This course provides a comprehensive education, empowering you for success in the multifaceted financial industry.
3 great reasons to pick this course
About your course
Through studying the core modules in this course you'll explore the issues involved in delivering financial services in a real-world context and examine regulatory and ethical issues. You'll also develop an understanding of the theory and practice of the marketing approaches employed in the sector and the marketing function of financial services. Further, modules will train you in quantitative and computing methods applicable to financial data analysis.
This module primarily aims to provide students with the technical and theoretical knowledge necessary to understand and critically review the global financial system and contemporary issues in the financial services industry.
The module introduces the structure of domestic and international financial markets, characteristics of market instruments, and gives students an overview of the strategies used to manage risks faced by investors and savers. Students will review the operation of financial institutions and the application of financial instruments and techniques used in managing the financial assets and risks. In addition, they will examine the role of international financial regulation, viz., the Basel Capital Accords from the perspective of global financial and banking crises.
This module aims to explore the impact of national and international regulatory and market experiences that impact financial services marketing.
Drawing on the theoretical frameworks and practical applications of both marketing and the business of financial services, the module enables the student to identify, critically evaluate and apply relevant knowledge and derive viable solutions to complex real life situations that currently impact the marketing of financial services.
Students will be introduced to a wide range of analytical, managerial and theoretical techniques and concepts which experts in the field believe to be relevant and useful for financial services marketing. They will also be introduced to new developments in the field including issues surrounding the ethics, professional practice and industry standards that affect financial services marketing.
This module aims to enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of financial data analysis techniques used in financial services.
The module uses mathematical and statistical techniques to develop an understanding of the models underlying finance, and statistical and probability methods used in analysing financial data. Throughout the module, computer software is used to develop a deeper understanding of the techniques.
The module aims to develop your knowledge of modern investment theory and practice. A detailed study of classic portfolio theory provides the basis for an appreciation of, and further investigation into, themes that are currently at the forefront of reflection and research in investment theory, including sceptical views of the classic paradigm whose status has been boosted by the international banking crisis that began in 2008.
In tandem with a critical approach to theory, the module offers insights into the quantitative methods (and supporting technology) that are used to inform the construction and management of investment portfolios. Furthermore, you will analyse institutional, product and technological innovation in the sphere of investment management, particularly in relation to a heightened concern with risk control, market liquidity and disclosure of information.
This module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of contemporary corporate finance and the tools to solve the financial problems confronting business today. Students will develop their understanding of the main aspects of corporate finance, including investment decision, financing choices, and dividend decision. It will enable a critical appreciation of the interaction between financial decision-making and capital market behaviour.
Students will be able to rationalise and apply their financial skills to practical problems solving, case studies and coursework to develop their understanding of corporate finance within business environments and prepare themselves for a future career.
This module aims to provide level 6 students with knowledge of theories of exchange rate and balance of payments, and skills of managing international financial assets and exchange rate risks in a global environment.
Students have the opportunity to study the operations of the world capital markets, grasp the principles essential to understanding of global financial issues and policies, and apply tools to effectively evaluate and manage foreign exchange risks in order to succeed in international financial environment.
To find out more about this course, please download the Financial Services Top Up course specification (PDF).
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Teaching
You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience. You will learn by attending lectures, seminars and practical workshops. Seminars and workshops are a great opportunity to discuss what you have learnt in lectures and through independent study with your peers and tutors. Most seminar groups have about 30–35 students. Work is divided into credits of approximately 10 hours of study time. You will need to complete 120 credits per year, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits.
You will be studying at our north London campus in Hendon.
Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.
We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.
Weekly timetable
During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:
- 6 hours of lectures
- 6 hours of seminars.
Teaching vs independent learning
Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.
Here is an indication of how you will split your time.
| Percentage | Hours | Typical activity |
|---|---|---|
| 23% | 276 | Teaching, learning and assessment |
| 77% | 924 | Independent learning |
Academic support
Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop the skills relevant to your degree from research and practical skills to critical thinking. Our Sheppard Library is open 24 hours a day during term time. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus, even over the weekend.
We'll test your understanding and progress with informal and formal tests.
The informal tests usually take place at least once per module, from which you’ll receive feedback from your tutor. The grades from these tests don’t count towards your final marks.
There are formal assessments for each module, usually at the end, which will count towards your module and your final marks.
Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback or feedback from an external examiner.
To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback.
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North London campus
Our north London campus is 23 minutes away by underground train, travelling from London Kings Cross.
Learn moreFacilities and support
Our Sheppard Library provides a wide range of resources and support to help you to succeed in your studies.
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Over 1,000 study spaces including rooms for group study and over 500 computers available.
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We have one of London's biggest and best university campuses with everything you need in one place.
Our facilitiesStudent support
We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.
Additional needs
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.
Wellness
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
Work while you study
Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.
Financial support
You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.
We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.
How can our BSc Financial Services (Top-up) BSc Honours support your career?
This course provides a strong academic foundation if you're looking to pursue a career in the financial services sector, or in quantitative aspects of consultancy, government or NGOs.
To support you, we run a comprehensive series of weekly employability and skills sessions, which have been recognised as excellent by one of our professional bodies and we have been awarded a CIMA Employability Global Silver Excellence award.
Graduate job roles
Graduates have gone on to jobs such as financial adviser, insurance broker, investment analyst, investment banker and financial manager.
Graduate employers
You could go on to work for organisations like:
- Goldman Sachs
- JP Morgan
- HSBC
- Citibank
- Deloitte
- Barclay capital
- Bank of England or any other central bank
- Hedge funds or investment management companies
- Insurance companies.
You can also study further on courses such as MSc in Investment and Finance, MSc Banking & Finance, MSc Financial Management, MSc in International Banking & Development, and MSc Technology & Innovation Management.
MDXworks
Our Careers & Employability Service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.
Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognised with the following awards:
- The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023
- A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023.
MDXcelerator student start-up support
Want to be your own boss? You'll have the chance to pitch your business to gain mentoring and grants of up to £15,000.
Global network
You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.
Entry requirements
At Middlesex, we're proud of how we recognise the potential of future students like you. We make fair and aspirational offers because we want you to aim high, and we’ll support you all the way.
Qualifications
- Credits
- 240 UG credits for Year 3 entry
- Other
- Students with other HND or equivalent qualifications will be considered for admission, provided that they have a minimum of 15 credits in Economics
We’ll always be as flexible as possible and take into consideration any barriers you may have faced in your learning. And, if you don’t quite get the grades you hoped for, we’ll also look at more than your qualifications. Things like your work experience, other achievements and your personal statement.
We accept students with a wide range of qualifications, including combinations of qualifications.
If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.
Mature students (over 21)
We welcome applications from mature candidates, including those without formal qualifications, provided you can demonstrate relevant experience and ability.
Join students from over 122 countries and discover why so many international students call our campus home:
- Quality teaching in our top facilities plus flexible online learning
- Welcoming north London campus that's only 30 minutes from central London
- Work placements and networking with top London employers
- Career support to get you where you want to go after university.
Qualifications
If you are unsure of the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest regional office.
English language
You'll need good English language skills to study with us. That's usually an IELTS 6.0 qualification (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sections). And, if you need help, we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.
Visas
To study with us in the UK, you will need a student route visa.
Please apply via UCAS using the UCAS code N304.
Need help with your application? Check out our undergraduate application page.
Interviews
You won’t be required to attend an interview for this course.
Fees and funding
The fees below are for the 2025/26 academic year:
UK students1
Full-time: £9,250
Part-time: £77 per taught credit
International students2
Full-time students: £16,600
Part-time students: £138 per taught credit
Additional costs
The following study tools are included in your fees:
- Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
- Free access to everything on your reading list
- Free specialist software for your course
- Free printing for academic paperwork
- Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.
Scholarships and bursaries
To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:
- MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
- Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
- Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.
Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.
Fees disclaimers
1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
Speak directly with one of our Unibuddy student ambassadors
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We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.