Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with concentration in Finance

Admission Criteria
For admission to the programme:

1. Proof of very good knowledge of the English language, as defined by the Cyprus Public Service Commission.
The acceptable evidence of language proficiency recognized by the Public Service Commission are:

i. G.C.E. O-Level in English Language with a grade of “C” or above.
ii. I.G.C.S.E. in English Language with a grade of “C” or above.
iii. E.L.T.S./I.E.L.T.S. with a score of 6 or above (Academic or General Training), provided that the relevant certificate was obtained before 1 January 2010.
iv. It is emphasized that if the certificate was obtained after January 2010 , it will be accepted as evidence only with a score of 6.5–7.
v. Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English with a grade of “C” or above.
vi. T.O.E.F.L. with a score of 550 or above (Paper-based), or T.O.E.F.L. with a score of 213 or above (Computer-based), or TOEFL (Internet-based) with a score of 92 or above.
vii. Certificate of Proficiency in English of the University of Cambridge with a grade of “C” or above.
viii. Certificate of Proficiency in English – University of Michigan.
ix. Anglia Examinations – Proficiency (C1).
x. ESB, Level 3 Certificate in ESOL, International All Modes – C2.

2. Applicants must have successfully completed secondary education and hold a secondary school leaving certificate or equivalent qualification that grants them access to higher education in their country of origin.

3. International, Pancyprian, or other equivalent examinations

i. Admission criteria for international examinations include the following:

• GCE/IGCSE exams
UCAS Tarrif Achieving 120 points based on 3 GCE A Levels. One of the three subjects must be Mathematics with minimum grade B (40 UCAS points).
One of the GCE A Level examinations can be replaced with a Leaving Certificate (Apolytirion) or equivalent with a minimum grade of 18.5/20.

OR

• International Baccalaureate (IB)
34 points. One of the subjects must be Mathematics at Higher Level with minimum grade 6.

OR

• French Baccalaureate
14 points. The student must have completed a course of Mathematics.

ii. Pancyprian Examinations, Panhellenic Examinations, other national or equivalent examinations
Prospective students must have taken the Advanced Mathematics course as a compulsory requirement.

Applicants must also submit:
1) Motivation Letter
2) Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Scholarships and Financial Aid
Scholarships may be awarded based on academic merit, talent, leadership, or other criteria established by the University. Financial aid programs are available to eligible students and may include grants, tuition fee reductions, or other forms of support.

The programme at a glance
Academic excellence and internationally distinguished faculty are at the heart of the Finance specialization at the University of Cyprus. The Department of Accounting and Finance is internationally recognized for its outstanding research, ranking among the top 200 universities worldwide in Finance researchaccording to the Arizona State University rankings, and among the top 230 in Accounting research according to the Brigham Young University rankings. These achievements establish the Department as a leading academic institution in Cyprus and one of the strongest research departments in Southeastern Europe. Faculty members publish in the world's most prestigious academic journals and bring extensive international experience from leading universities, financial institutions, consulting, and public policy advisory roles across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia. Their international networks and commitment to academic excellence provide students with a truly global educational experience.

Building on this academic strength, the specialization equips students with cutting-edge knowledge of investments, financial markets, derivatives, blockchain, financial technology, corporate finance, and risk management. Students with this specialization will develop the skills to undertake financial activities (in relation to capital markets, investment decisions and risk management) in a wide range of organizations, including investment companies, fintech companies, brokerage firms, portfolio management agencies, banks, insurance companies, and government agencies (such as the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance). Students will also acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to continue their studies at the postgraduate level (Master, PhD), or earn professional certifications such as the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst). Students also benefit from opportunities for internships with leading financial services and consulting firms, gaining valuable experience in investment analysis, business valuations, and financial decision-making.

Our students, who have graduated with a degree in Finance, have been admitted to graduate programs at very prominent universities, for example, the University of London School of Economics, Manchester, Warwick, University College London and Southampton, as well as doctoral programs in the United States. Our graduates have also been awarded scholarships from the CFA society to pursue their professional qualifications. Moreover, students in finance may also obtain the same exemptions from Accounting professional bodies such as ACA and ACCA, as students in the Bachelor Degree in Business Administration Concentration in Accounting.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Graduation Skills

By obtaining their degree, Students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of finance and business administration, including corporate finance, financial management, investment analysis, financial markets, financial reporting, and risk management.
• Analyze and evaluate investment opportunities across different asset classes, including equities, bonds, derivatives, and alternative investments, using established financial theories, valuation techniques, and quantitative methods.
• Understand the functioning of global financial markets and institutions, including banks, investment firms, insurance companies, central banks, and regulatory authorities, and assess their roles in the international financial system.
• Apply financial theory and analytical tools to real-world business decisions, including corporate valuations, capital budgeting, financing decisions, portfolio management, and the identification and management of financial risks.
• Develop strong critical thinking, quantitative, and problem-solving skills, enabling them to interpret financial information, evaluate complex financial situations, and make informed decisions under conditions of risk and uncertainty.
• Understand emerging financial technologies and innovations, including blockchain, digital assets, artificial intelligence, and financial technology (FinTech), and evaluate their implications for financial markets, institutions, and investment decisions.
• Recognize and address ethical, governance, and regulatory challenges in financial decision-making, applying principles of professional integrity, responsible investment, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Adapt to developments in the international financial environment, including changes in financial regulation, technological innovation, economic conditions, and evolving professional practices.
• Communicate financial analyses and recommendations effectively, through professional reports, presentations, and evidence-based arguments, while developing teamwork and interpersonal skills relevant to international professional environments.
• Integrate academic knowledge with practical professional experience, applying financial concepts and analytical methods to real-world challenges through case studies, applied projects, and opportunities for industry internships.
• Acquire the academic foundations necessary for postgraduate education in Finance, Financial Economics, Business Administration, and related disciplines at leading universities in Cyprus and internationally.
• Develop the knowledge and analytical competencies relevant to internationally recognized professional qualifications, particularly the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, as well as other relevant professional certifications in finance and accounting. Students may also receive exemptions from the ACA and ACCA qualifications through their program.

Curriculum Structure
ECTS Credit Distribution

• Core Courses 111
• Specialized Courses Depth 30
• Specialized Courses Breadth 6
• Specialized Courses 14
• Restricted Elective Depth 24
• Restricted Elective Breadth 36
• Free Elective 20

TOTAL ECTS 241

Important Information

• Department: Department of Accounting and Finance
• Faculty: Faculty of Economics and Management
• Mode of Study: Full time
• Coordinator: Professor Andreas Milidonis (milidonis.andreas@ucy.ac.cy )

Assesment and Grading
The final grade of an undergraduate student, and consequently the grade of this Degree (Excellent with Distinction (9.5-10), Excellent (8.5-9.45), Very Good (6.5-8.49), Good (5.5-6.49) and Satisfactory (5-5.49) is calculated as the weighted average of all the courses that the student has successfully completed. The weighting is based on the hours of each course)

After Graduation
Occupational Profiles of Graduates with Examples
Graduates of the Finance specialization are well equipped to pursue rewarding careers across a wide range of industries, including banking, investment management, financial services, consulting, insurance, financial technology (FinTech), and the public sector. Potential career paths include financial analyst, investment analyst, portfolio manager, risk analyst, corporate finance specialist, business valuation analyst, financial consultant, wealth management advisor, and FinTech specialist. Graduates may work for leading international financial institutions, investment banks, asset management firms, multinational corporations, professional services and consulting firms (including the Big Four), insurance companies, and innovative FinTech and blockchain businesses. Opportunities also exist in regulatory and policymaking institutions, such as central banks, financial supervisory authorities, and ministries of finance. The program's rigorous academic foundation, internationally recognized faculty, CFA-aligned curriculum, and opportunities for industry internships provide graduates with the analytical skills, professional competencies, and international perspective necessary to succeed in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven global financial environment.

Access to Further Studies
The Finance specialization provides a strong academic foundation for graduates wishing to pursue advanced studies at leading universities in Cyprus and internationally. Graduates are well prepared for a wide range of specialized Master's programs (MSc), including MSc Finance, MSc Finance and Investment, MSc Financial Economics, MSc Corporate Finance, MSc Investment Management, MSc Banking and Risk Management, MSc Financial Technology (FinTech), MSc Financial Engineering, and MSc Quantitative Finance. Those interested in broader management careers may pursue an MBA, while academically oriented graduates can progress to research-based Master's degrees (MRes/MPhil) and PhD programs in Finance, Financial Economics, Accounting, or related fields, preparing for careers in academic research, university teaching, and economic policymaking. Our graduates have successfully gained admission to prestigious institutions, including the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University College London (UCL), the University of Warwick, the University of Manchester, and the University of Southampton, as well as doctoral programs in the United States. The specialization's rigorous training in financial theory, quantitative methods, investment analysis, and financial markets, combined with close interaction with internationally recognized, research-active faculty, equips students with the analytical competencies and academic preparation required for competitive postgraduate programs worldwide.