Economics and Finance with Foundation Year

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

- Gain a solid foundation in economic theory.

- Apply this vital knowledge to diverse challenges in financial services.

- Learn skills in financial risk management, investment analysis and financial regulation.

- Develop analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in financial decision-making.

- Gain work-ready experience with real-life projects and placements every year.

You’ll explore microeconomics, macroeconomics and behavioural economics in state-of-the-art facilities. The turbulent economic landscape has introduced new challenges worldwide. We’ll equip you with the vital knowledge, skills and mindset to navigate diverse scenarios – preparing you for a career in the financial services sector, including, banking, insurance, investment analysis and financial management.

If you don't meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) course, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation course – which has been designed to encourage exploration and experimentation.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

You’ll study BSc (Hons) Economics and Finance in our Sheffield Business School, rated in the top 5% globally for excellence in teaching and research. Here, you’ll join a global community where business leaders, researchers and 7,000 students all come together to solve problems and make things better.

Key Themes

The course starts by helping you develop a strong understanding of economics and finance – plus the practical skills for evaluating the impact of economic policies on financial markets and businesses.

As you progress, you’ll refine these fundamentals through real-world projects, collaborating in teams to create reports, presentations, and recommendations inspired by real industry challenges. This hands-on approach prepares you for careers in professional accountancy, business and finance within a supportive learning environment.

Towards the end of the course, you'll undertake a consultancy project for a real organisation, guided by a dedicated project supervisor. In this capstone project, you'll conduct research and apply the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired throughout your studies.

Applied learning

Live Projects

This course enhances the communication and teamwork skills you’ll need in the finance profession – providing a strong foundation for careers in finance, consulting and public policy. You’ll develop these skills through live projects and placements.

In the first and second years of your course, you’ll have opportunities to work for real client-based projects. You’ll carry out research and analysis to generate findings and recommendations that address clients’ business problems – which in the past has included product development for Marks and Spencer. You’ll be required to present to the clients, gaining valuable experience of professional practice.

Students often find placements with their host company as a result of the excellent work they do for these live projects.

Work Placements

Between your third and fourth years of the course, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a sandwich placement. This hands-on experience will equip you with valuable workplace insights to enhance your readiness for your future career – as well as an Applied Professional Diploma for your CV.

Previous students have secured positions at organisations such as Investec, Lloyds Bank, PwC, HSBC and Santander.