Banking and Finance (with Foundation Year )

This is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the degree course. Our foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence, before you advance to stage one of your honours degree.

Explore how financial institutions operate and their impact on the world economy. Learn key banking and finance concepts whilst discovering how technology has transformed the industry.

We’ll equip you with cutting-edge tools and analytical skills to tackle complex challenges with strategic insight. Through hands-on experience with unlimited remote access to industry leading software, you’ll analyse real-world financial data and master the skills to confidently invest, trade and manage risk.

Take advantage of full access to the Financial Times online, one of the world’s most trusted financial resources, to help you understand the wider economic environment. Gain a global perspective on financial markets, stay informed with expert analysis and understand how international events shape economies and industries.

Learn from our financial expert lecturers at Cardiff School of Management, who are not only academic thinkers and active researchers, but professionals sharing their own industry experience. Plus, gain valuable real-world experience through a module in year two and the option of a year in industry after successfully completing your second year.

We offer this degree with two study options. You can choose four years full-time or five years full-time which would include a one-year industry placement before your final year that will give you hands-on experience in a real-life working environment. This year in industry gives you practical skills that many employers seek, giving you a competitive edge upon graduation.

There’s still time to secure an award-winning university experience at Cardiff Met, ranked a top 3 Welsh university (Uni Compare Rankings 2026).

Whatever your goals, you’ll be supported to reach your full potential through expert teaching and a supportive environment. Gain real-world experience via placements and live briefs, and graduate with the skills to make a positive impact.

Professionally accredited courses prepare you for the world of work, alongside year-round careers support, entrepreneurship opportunities and options to study abroad.

Cardiff is also one of the UK’s most affordable cities (NatWest Student Living Index 2025), offering vibrant food, nightlife, green spaces and more on a student budget.

Into sport? Cardiff Met is a leading UK university for student sport, supporting both academic and athletic success.