Economics and Finance
UCAS code: L1N3
COURSE OVERVIEW
*Subject to revalidation
- Establish a launchpad for a career in an area of Economics and Finance that interests you most
- Gain a wide range of transferable skills and the technical skills and confidence to operate successfully in national and global businesses
- Study management accounting, financial management, investments and risk management
- Develop some of the most in-demand skills in the global and digital economies such as quantitative and data-analysis proficiency
- Complete an optional year-long placement in industry between Year 2 and 3
- No previous study of economics is required — all are encouraged to apply
- Accredited by The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
From global recession to interest rates, the news headlines are full of stories relating to economics and finance. Exploring economic systems and how they work helps us to understand the impact they have on our society and the way in which we live.
Our Economics and Finance degree gives you a broad and deep working knowledge of these concepts from the perspectives of businesses, industries and governments and their effect on the smaller economic units of individuals, families, and communities.
Over three years, you sharpen your mathematical and statistical skills along with your ability to analyse data, construct and present strong arguments, and solve complex business problems. These are all key skills valued by employers across the business community.
The course helps you to explore current debates about the relationship between economics, finance and society, and gives you opportunities to specialise in areas of interest and career aspirations.
As well as economics, you study management accounting, financial management, investments and risk management. And you can test out your new knowledge in the Trading Room in the Winchester Business School, which offers you the latest computer-based business simulation to gain real-world experience of markets.
In Year 1, you explore large-scale general economic drivers and their influences on wealth creation at national and international levels (Macroeconomics) and how economic units make decisions and distribute goods and services (Microeconomics). There are also mandatory modules in Management Accounting, Finance and Mathematical Skills for Economists.
Year 2 builds on this foundation with a deeper study of Macro- and Microeconomics, along with Applied Management Research, and Management Accounting and Financial Management, providing you with opportunities to develop your knowledge, understanding, technical skills and confidence to operate successfully in an international and globalised work environment.
In Year 3, you study Advanced Macro- and Microeconomics, Investments, and Financial Risk Management. Choose from optional modules including Disruptive Change in Accounting and Finance, Digital Finance, Critical Economics and more.
And it’s not solely about stats and figures. Our versatile three-year programme enables you to develop your abilities in communication, computing, critical thinking, self-study and research, and collaborative teamwork. These skills are highly sought-after in today’s challenging economic environment, as organisations strive to solve increasingly complex business problems. No previous study of economics is required or assumed for this programme.
Accreditation
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) offer graduates of this programme exemptions from some professional examinations.
Careers
Economics graduates are in demand by employers, due to the recognised need in the public, private and third sectors for their expertise. Graduates of these programmes will be able to enter a wide range of careers such as banking, insurance, financial services and accounting. Careers in this field are particularly well paid, recognising the skills utilised and the technical expertise required.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degrees with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
*Subject to revalidation
This course is subject to revalidation. 'Revalidation' is the process by which the University refreshes its existing provision. Revalidation assesses the quality and standards of the programme to ensure it continues to provide a distinct, high quality academic experience for students, enabling them to acquire the necessary academic knowledge, understanding, general and subject-specific skills required to pursue a graduate level career.
Suitable for Applicants from:
UK, EU, World
Work Placements
Students are able to undertake a year-long, non-credit bearing industrial placement between year 2 and year 3 of the programme.
Study Abroad
Our BSc (Hons) Economics and Finance course provides an opportunity for you to study abroad in year 3 of the programme. For more information see our Study Abroad section.
Learning and Teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc.), you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 432 hours
Independent learning: 768 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 360 hours
Independent learning: 840 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 204 hours
Independent learning: 996 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Further detail on the learning and teaching methods employed:
Lectures provide a framework for discussion of key concepts, research, theories and models relating to the field of economics and finance, and explore relationships between these and their application in practice. Seminars and workshops provide students the opportunity to work in small groups on activities which are designed to apply theory to practice and analyse and evaluate implications. Case studies, stimulated business exercises, problem-based learning and real time problems are incorporated into seminar activities.
Presentations from guest speakers including professionals from industry and academic researchers.
- Individual and group projects to encourage collaborative working.
- Student presentations and role-play.
- Guided and supported independent study and research.
- Website technologies to include use of the learning network and students are encouraged to use virtual forums, such as blogs and discussion forums for collaborative working.
- Peer review and feedback in relation to formative assessments develop, for example, student understanding of assessment criteria and their ability to provide constructive and developmental feedback.
- Year-long work placement and opportunities to volunteer providing opportunities to apply learning to workplace context.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
33% coursework
67% written exams
0% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
50% coursework
50% written exams
0% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
50% coursework
50% written exams
0% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2023 Entry: 104-120 UCAS tariff points
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Merit in a T Level
In addition to the above, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
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GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
Course Enquiries and Applications
Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
Send us a message
International Students
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk or calling +44 (0) 1962 827023
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester by coming to one of our Open Days.
Year 1 (Level 4)
Modules Credits
Principles of Macroeconomics | 20 | |
Macroeconomics is a major branch of economic science that studies issues and problems at the level of the national and international economy. This module introduces students to the key fundamental principles of Macroeconomics and covers: technical language, concepts and fundamental methodologies. Topics covered include: modelling, price theory, balance of payments, imports and exports, national income, unemployment, inflation, multiplier-effect, consumption, aggregate demand and supply, and government macroeconomic policy. Where relevant, alternative economic approaches will be identified and considered. Real-world data and case studies will be used to reinforce learning and insight. The module will assess the impact of economic growth on externalities using indicators from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-8 Decent Work and Economic Growth). The circular economy, the blue and green economy, climate change and resource depletion will be considered with reference to ecological economics. |
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Principles of Microeconomics | 20 | |
Microeconomics is a major branch of economic science that studies the behaviour of individuals in making decisions as buyers, sellers, business owners and government. This module introduces students to the key fundamental ideas of Microeconomics and covers the principles, technical language, concepts and fundamental methodologies. This includes the utilization and distribution of limited or scarce resources in the creation, production, supply and consumption of goods and services to meet demands. Where relevant, alternative economic approaches will be identified and considered. Real world data and case studies will be used to reinforce learning and insight. Students will be supported in tutorial seminars to build numeric competency through exercises using economic and business mathematics and statistics.
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Mathematical Skills for Economists | 20 | |
This introductory mathematical module focuses on developing the essential quantitative skills that are used in the theoretical and applied economics. This will include those concepts from mathematics, algebra and calculus that are commonly employed in microeconomics and macroeconomics. It will also include coverage of the descriptive and inferential statistical concepts that are used in applied economics. The module will focus on developing student understanding of these concepts, and their ability to use these mathematical concepts in practice, when they engage with economic theory and applications. |
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Finance | 20 | |
This module aims to introduce the core concepts and key topics areas of business finance and financial environment. It will enable students to develop knowledge and understanding of how the financial markets operate, evaluate alternative sources of finance available to a business, analyse the cost of different sources of finance used by a company and the weighted average cost of capital. Students will also learn how to apply the cost of capital in the investment appraisal process and evaluate the investment projects using the main investment appraisal methods. |
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Management Information | 20 | |
The provision and analysis of financial and operating information is a specialised service function primarily involving the collection, storage and recording of financial and operating data, its conversion to useful information and the effective communication of this information. This information assists management in a complex and dynamic business environment to make optimal business decisions. |
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Programme Focused Assessment | 20 | |
This module is an overall assessment module which requires students to demonstrate the Economics Programme level learning outcomes at Level 4 and confirm Level 4 module learning outcomes in the context of an integrated assessment. |
Year 2 (Level 5)
Modules Credits
Macroeconomic Analysis | 30 | |
The module builds on the concepts and models developed in the Level 4 Macroeconomics module. Students continue to build competency in macroeconomics using empirical data, statistics, policy analysis and macroeconomic theory. The module will encourage students to understand monetary and fiscal policy, economic growth and growth models, business cycles, Sustainable Development Goals and economic policy, global financial markets, technology and employment, game-theory, currency index and foreign exchange markets, digital economies, stock exchanges and the role of money and liquidity in the world economy. |
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Microeconomic Analysis | 30 | |
The module builds on the concepts and models developed in the Level 4 Microeconomics module. Students continue to build competency in microeconomics using empirical data, statistics, policy analysis and microeconomic theory. The module will encourage students to understand the underlying behaviour of economic markets and financial systems in the context of uncertainty and risk. |
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Research Methods for Accounting, Finance and Economics | 15 | |
The module is designed to enhance students’ conceptual understanding of current research and developments within the accounting and/or economics discipline(s) and to develop their capacity for independent critical thinking and self-managed learning. The module provides students with an appreciation of the issues involved in developing a research project, to enhance their understanding of published research and how to critique it, and to enable them to design, justify and defend their own research inquiry. |
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Management Accounting, Planning and Control | 15 | |
The module builds on the introduction to management accounting studied at Level 4, and prepares students for advanced aspects of management accounting and finance at Level 6. This module will cover the design, use, application and evaluation of management accounting systems and techniques in organisations. There will be a particular focus on the practical commercial context and the theoretical underpinnings of budgeting and the planning, control and decision-making processes in organisations. |
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Financial Management | 15 | |
The module aims to develop students’ knowledge of investment appraisal techniques, valuation techniques and dividend policy. Students will learn how financial markets operate and how to evaluate the alternative sources of finance available to a business. The module builds on students’ knowledge of finance and financial management from Level 4, as well as preparing students to study more advanced aspects of financial risk management and investing at Level 6. |
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Year 2 Optional Modules | ||
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Employment Experience | 120 | |
The aim of this module is to offer students the opportunity to undertake a meaningful and relevant employment experience. The employment experience will take the form of a work placement of approximately 30 weeks (to include a minimum of 1,050 hours work) in a role that is relevant to the named route of study. The employment experience will involve the student demonstrating competence in key professional skills, such as communication and team working, and tasks relevant to their field of study. This will necessarily require the student to apply learning from their studies to the work place, thus providing the opportunity to fully integrate their academic study with meaningful employment experience. This module is taken between Level 5 and Level 6 of the course. |
Optional Credits
Macroeconomic Analysis | 30 | |
The module builds on the concepts and models developed in the Level 4 Macroeconomics module. Students continue to build competency in macroeconomics using empirical data, statistics, policy analysis and macroeconomic theory. The module will encourage students to understand monetary and fiscal policy, economic growth and growth models, business cycles, Sustainable Development Goals and economic policy, global financial markets, technology and employment, game-theory, currency index and foreign exchange markets, digital economies, stock exchanges and the role of money and liquidity in the world economy. |
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Microeconomic Analysis | 30 | |
The module builds on the concepts and models developed in the Level 4 Microeconomics module. Students continue to build competency in microeconomics using empirical data, statistics, policy analysis and microeconomic theory. The module will encourage students to understand the underlying behaviour of economic markets and financial systems in the context of uncertainty and risk. |
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Research Methods for Accounting, Finance and Economics | 15 | |
The module is designed to enhance students’ conceptual understanding of current research and developments within the accounting and/or economics discipline(s) and to develop their capacity for independent critical thinking and self-managed learning. The module provides students with an appreciation of the issues involved in developing a research project, to enhance their understanding of published research and how to critique it, and to enable them to design, justify and defend their own research inquiry. |
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Management Accounting, Planning and Control | 15 | |
The module builds on the introduction to management accounting studied at Level 4, and prepares students for advanced aspects of management accounting and finance at Level 6. This module will cover the design, use, application and evaluation of management accounting systems and techniques in organisations. There will be a particular focus on the practical commercial context and the theoretical underpinnings of budgeting and the planning, control and decision-making processes in organisations. |
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Financial Management | 15 | |
The module aims to develop students’ knowledge of investment appraisal techniques, valuation techniques and dividend policy. Students will learn how financial markets operate and how to evaluate the alternative sources of finance available to a business. The module builds on students’ knowledge of finance and financial management from Level 4, as well as preparing students to study more advanced aspects of financial risk management and investing at Level 6. |
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Year 2 Optional Modules | ||
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Employment Experience | 120 | |
The aim of this module is to offer students the opportunity to undertake a meaningful and relevant employment experience. The employment experience will take the form of a work placement of approximately 30 weeks (to include a minimum of 1,050 hours work) in a role that is relevant to the named route of study. The employment experience will involve the student demonstrating competence in key professional skills, such as communication and team working, and tasks relevant to their field of study. This will necessarily require the student to apply learning from their studies to the work place, thus providing the opportunity to fully integrate their academic study with meaningful employment experience. This module is taken between Level 5 and Level 6 of the course. |
Optional Sandwich Year
Modules Credits
Employment Experience | 120 | |
The aim of this module is to offer students to opportunity to undertake meaningful and relevant employment experience. The employment experience will take the form of a 30 week long work placement and the student will be required to demonstrate the relevance of the work practice to the named route of study. The employment experience will involve students’ demonstrating competency in key skills, such as communication and team working, and tasks relevant to their field of study. This will necessarily require the student to apply learning from their studies to the work place, thus providing the opportunity to fully integrate their academic study with meaningful employment experience. |
Year 3 (Level 6)
Modules Credits
Monetary and Financial Economics | 15 | |
The module will cover advanced topics in macroeconomics. This includes studies in international economics, financial engineering (hedge funds, derivatives and currency swaps) and a critical appraisal of forecasting techniques. The content of the module will cover economic welfare, trade cycles and sustainable growth. The module will encourage critical thinking, logic and reflection in assessing experimental and behavioural economics, and techniques for exploring issues such as ethics, responsible management and professional codes of practice. Macroeconomic theory will be used to critically consider issues such as orthodoxy versus heterodoxy. Statistics, numeric competency, models in macroeconomics and graphs will be prevalent in the module – this will include materials on GDP, measuring national income and output, and assessing money supply and policy. Topics such as governance and law will be linked to macroeconomic frameworks, regulation and compliance. |
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Development Economics | 15 | |
This module presents a wide range of topics about economic development. This will include conceptual questions, such as the different theories of economic growth, but also the key empirical issues that are relevant to the reality of developing countries, such as the role of institutions, agriculture, finance and trade in promoting economic progress. The module will explore these issues with a range of theoretical perspectives, as well as highlight the key policy debates. The overall goal is for students to engage critically with the field of development economics to be able to answer the key issues that are relevant for the historical and contemporary reality of developing countries. The module requires a degree of familiarity with basic economic concepts. |
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Contemporary Challenges in Microeconomics | 15 | |
Applying knowledge, skills and understanding developed in previous study modules, this advanced module will consider the wider aspects of contemporary microeconomic challenges. The modules will cover growth, scarcity, change, stability, social choice and long term impacts in the context of the economic challenges described by the Economic World Forum. Students’ work will be based on real world economic and financial data, and case studies. At the end of the module, students will be able evaluate critically the microeconomic challenges in the context of global social responsibility; and explain the impact of microeconomic challenges at UK National, European Regional and Global levels. |
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Behavioural Economics and Finance | 15 | |
Economic and financial activities are products of human behaviour. Therefore, these activities are subject to the range of factors which influence predictable and unpredictable human behaviour. The purpose of this module is to develop a well-balanced and insightful approach to understanding economic and financial behaviour with contributions from other disciplines (e.g. psychology). The module covers formal and informal behaviours, and explores in some detail the impact of individual and institutional behaviours. Students’ work will be based on real world economic and financial data, and case studies. |
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Investments | 15 | |
This module aims to develop an understanding of the key concepts of investments. It introduces the core investment principles and techniques which will enable students to make informed investment decision. It will also enable students to evaluate the fair price of financial assets and the usefulness of technical analysis. |
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Financial Risk Management | 15 | |
This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the various types and nature of financial risk. It covers the main frameworks and techniques concerning the management of financial risk and will also enable students to understand the practical aspects of financial risk management. |
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Optional modules | ||
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Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions.
The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above.
Progression from one level of the programme to the next is subject to meeting the University’s academic regulations.
2023 Course Tuition Fees
UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International | |
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Year 1 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
Year 2 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
Year 3 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
Total | £27,750 | £44,100 |
Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,385 | £1,440 |
Total with Sandwich Year | £29,135 | £45,540 |
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2023, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
Remember, you don't have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year. If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £122.50 and a 15 credit module is £1,837.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year. To find out whether this course offers a sandwich year, please contact the programme leader for further information.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Optional
Core Texts
It is recommended that students purchase the latest editions of all of the core textbooks. Some of these texts relate to extensive online material for which you require an access code supplied with a textbook. It is possible for students to purchase second-hand copies where applicable. Indicative cost: £50 - £200 per year
Volunteering and Placements
Students may incur travel costs on optional volunteering placements in the second or third year of study. Indicative cost: £5 - £30 per day
Smart Wear
Students may be expected to dress formally for oral assessments. Costs will vary depending on the students existing wardrobe. Indicatice cost: £0 - £50
Mandatory
Printing and Binding
The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.
Key course details
- UCAS code
- L1N3
- Duration
- 3 years full-time; 4 years full-time (sandwich); 6 years part-time
- Typical offer
- 104-120 points
- Location
- On campus, Winchester