Be ready for the global market: our Money, Banking and Finance (MBF) with Language programmes combine the rigour of an economics degree with a practical focus on banking, accounting, law and finance, plus competence in a modern European language.

Birmingham’s established MBF with Language programmes were developed in response to demand from employers in the financial services sector for informed, able graduates with a relevant degree and strong linguistic background. They are designed to provide you with the intellectual skills to work in this dynamic and fast-changing industry, whether in the UK or internationally, and should further enable you to gain exemptions from relevant professional examinations such as the ICAEW.

First year

You study core compulsory courses in Economics, Accounting, Law and Quantitative Methods, alongside study of your language option, which includes the relevant country’s social and political background.

Second year

In the second year you build on this foundation with more advanced compulsory modules in Economics, Financial Management, Quantitative Methods, Banking Law, and your relevant language option.

Third year

You spend this year taking relevant courses at a university in the appropriate European country.

Fourth year

In the final year, back in Birmingham, you move on to more advanced analysis of economics, banking and finance, and advance your chosen language to a high level of competence. Additionally, options are available in various areas of economics, accounting and finance that allow you to specialise in your preferred fields.

If you want to take advantage of a unique opportunity to be supported with a work placement opportunity as part of your final year, this course includes the opportunity to undertake a 'Professional Development' module as part of your optional module choices.

As a Birmingham student you are part of an academic elite and will learn from world-leading experts.  From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner.  We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself. 

Your learning will take place in a range of different settings, from scheduled teaching in lectures and small group tutorials, to self-study and peer group learning (for example preparing and delivering presentations with your classmates).

To begin with you may find this way of working challenging, but rest assured that we’ll enable you to make this transition.  You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors and welfare tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues, and a formal transition review during your first year to check on your progress and offer you help for any particular areas where you need support. 

Find out more about our academics' approaches to teaching and learning.

Skills gained

At the end of this degree, you should have a good appreciation of economics relating to financial markets and institutions; quantitative techniques for empirical analysis of economic and financial data; accounting concepts relevant to financial market analysis; the legal aspects of financial services; and the history, culture, political structure and economy of the relevant European country, allied to a high level of linguistic skill.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching is by lectures, small groups and computer-based exercise classes. You are assessed mainly through examinations, with some assessed assignments for more practical modules.

You will complete an essay while abroad, to be examined for both language and economics content, and you will also write an extended essay in your fourth year, allowing you to consolidate the wide range of your acquired skills.

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.  

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice.  Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you.  Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CV’s and job applications will help give you the edge.  In addition, our employer-endorsed award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects. 

If you want to take advantage of a unique opportunity to be supported with a work placement opportunity as part of your final year, this course includes the opportunity to undertake a 'Professional Development' module as part of your optional module choices.

Your Birmingham degree is evidence of your ability to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Employers target Birmingham students for their drive, diversity, communication and problem-solving skills, their team-working abilities and cultural awareness, and our graduate employment statistics have continued to climb at a rate well above national trends.  If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.