Finance and Financial Technology with Placement Year

Summary
Finance is being reshaped by technology, data and innovation. At Southampton, you will explore how financial theory and Financial Technology come together, and how they are transforming the way organisations operate.

This four-year degree places you at the intersection of finance and technology. You will build a strong understanding of financial principles while developing the technical skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving sector. From markets and investment to emerging FinTech innovations, you will learn how to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges.

In your third year, you will complete a paid industry placement. This is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience, apply your skills in a professional setting and build confidence for your future career, supported by our award-winning placements team.

You will study at a top 20 UK university and in a department ranked in the top 100 globally for Accounting and Finance (Guardian University Guide 2026 and QS World Rankings 2025), with teaching shaped by research and industry insight.

Key features of the course
• Build a strong foundation in finance - Develop your understanding of the business environment and how financial theories are applied in practice.



• Use industry-standard facilities - Learn in our Financial Laboratory (FinLab), with access to Bloomberg terminals and Refinitiv Workspace.



• Develop technical expertise - Gain skills in programming and statistical analysis using tools such as Eviews, Stata and Matlab, alongside machine learning and AI techniques.



• Explore Financial Technology - Understand the foundations of FinTech and engage with the latest developments shaping the sector.



• Strengthen your analytical thinking - Build high levels of numeracy and the ability to think critically and solve complex problems.



• Take your learning into the workplace with a paid placement year - Gain practical experience and build professional networks with support from our placements team.



Student support
Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will support you throughout your time at Southampton, offering guidance on your studies, career planning and wellbeing. You will also have access to a range of academic and pastoral support services.

Further information
We also offer a variant of this course with a study abroad year instead of a placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain international experience.
Graduates are well prepared for careers across finance, FinTech and related sectors, with the skills to adapt and succeed in a fast-moving global industry.

As a founding member of the Russell Group, the University of Southampton is renowned for their research impact. You’ll have access to top-class teaching and lecturers. You’ll be taught by the people who are solving some of the world’s most complex problems.

You'll also be put in good stead for the future, as they’ll kick start your career with incredible opportunities. They’re targeted by the top employers, with industry placements and world-class research facilities.

And they're committed to making sure you have everything you need to reach your potential, from guaranteed accommodation in Clearing to 24/7 wellbeing support, 365 days a year (*for accommodation apply by 17th August, see website).

Do you want to study in a buzzing city on the south coast? Join a dynamic global community of 26,000 students, including 9,000 international students from 140 countries.With over 370 clubs and societies to explore, you’ll find endless opportunities to connect and thrive.