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.
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.
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.
Career opportunities
In addition to positions in the domestic banking, financial and government sectors, and the accountancy and legal professions, you should be well qualified for jobs internationally, including positions with major international organisations.
Related links
Department of Economics website: www.economics.bham.ac.uk