University of Leicester

Finance with Foundation Year BSc

University of LeicesterLeicester, Campus-based

Course overview

On our BSc Finance degree you will learn the main theories, concepts, and practices related to finance, as well as appreciate fundamental concepts in related disciplines. The course provides hands-on coverage of practical finance with a focus on investments, data analytics and trading. In addition you will have the opportunity to improve your professional skills.

You will gain knowledge and skills to appreciate and critique finance techniques and practices. The close relationship between research and teaching, as well as the practical focus of delivery are great advantages of studying with us. You will be taught by active and renowned researchers and academics who have professional practical experience in the accounting and finance sector.

In the first year of this course you will be working towards passing a foundation year (year 0), which will enable automatic progression onto year one of BSc in Finance. Our integrated Business Foundation year degrees are aimed at students who wish to study a business-related subject but don’t have the traditional entry requirements. The course is run on the University of Leicester campus like any other, and you will be studying alongside other students who applied for, and slightly missed out on, a place on a course similar to yours.

You will be taught by our expert academic staff from across all areas of the School of Business. The course strongly emphasises the development of essential professional and personal skills, which are necessary throughout your studies and beyond. During your foundation year you will join our student community and be able to enjoy all aspects of the University of Leicester and School of Business student experience.

You will be able to join the Students’ Union, use our academic and leisure facilities, live in our accommodation and access all our support services. You will have a dedicated personal tutor to support you through your foundation year. IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

If your first language is not

Key highlights

  • Practical finance focus on investments, data analytics and trading
  • Taught by researchers with professional accounting and finance experience
  • Foundation year leads to automatic progression onto year one
  • Strong emphasis on developing professional and personal skills
  • Dedicated personal tutor throughout the foundation year

Entry requirements

  • A-level: BCC — A-levels: BCC.
  • GCSE: B/5 — to include Mathematics, English Language
  • BTEC: DMM — BTEC Extended Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate: 26 — minimum, t
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass — Pass diploma with 24 distinctions in a business-related subject

Scholarships

  • Chancellor’s International Scholarship

    This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.

    Up to £3,000

  • Choral Scholarships at Leicester Cathedral

    Leicester Cathedral offers three Choral Scholarships of £1,000 each year to University of Leicester students (undergraduates or postgraduates).

    Up to £1,000

  • Family Loyalty Discount

    10% discount on the tuition fee for each year of your course.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • International Citizens of Change Scholarship

    A £10,000 tuition fee discount will be awarded to 10 undergraduate international fee-paying students starting an undergraduate programme in September 2026 for each year of their course for up to three years.

    Up to £10,000

  • International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

    This merit-based scholarship, worth £5,000 per year, is offered to international-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester who achieve or exceed the academic grades outlined.

  • International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver

  • Music Scholarship

    Music Scholarships of £500 are available for the academic year to cover the cost of music lessons for student musicians who are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any subject.

    Up to £500

  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Each Sanctuary Scholarship consists of a tuition fee waiver, and a support package to be confirmed following assessment with our Welfare Service.

  • Sports Scholarships - The Talented Athlete Award

    Financial contribution on agreed items up to £500 (e.g., travel expenses, equipment, specialist coaching, nutritional advice).

Careers this course leads to

  • Financial analyst
  • Investment analyst
  • Trader
  • Data analyst (finance)
  • Risk analyst
  • Financial adviser

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,760 | International: £17,750

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Leicester, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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