Business with Finance and Economics

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:

Learning 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

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.