Masters Degrees (Banking)

World-ranked for Masters in Finance by the Financial Times, this degree is widely regarded as one of the leading applied finance programmes in Europe. It has been specially designed with the support of industry practitioners to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the challenging field of international securities and investment banking. It enables our graduates to acquire the practical skills and knowledge sought by employers in the sector through a unique combination of interactive, technically advanced teaching and hands-on training.

It is our longest established programme with over 2,000 alumni around the world. It is also the most flexible finance programme with a choice of over 20 elective modules, providing a broad expertise to equip those who have yet to settle on a specialism, and who look to a wider choice of potential career paths. You will benefit from exposure to advanced analysis tools and resources valued by the financial markets that aim to enhance your practical skills and market awareness. As part of the programme, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the operations of financial markets, securities trading, corporate transactions, valuation, investment strategies and quantitative techniques.

Highlights

• Ranked in the No. 7 in the UK and No.33 in the world for Masters in Finance
• 90% of students are employed within 3 months of graduation
• Experience world-class student facilities and a practice-centred delivery approach
• Benefit from professional exam exemptions from the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI)
• Work Placement & Project module available for students studying the 12-month course

Course structure

October – December: Part 1 Autumn Term

January: Part 1 Exams

January-April: Part 2 Spring Term

May – June: Part 2 Exams

June – August (12 month programme only): Part 3

August/Sep (12 month programme only): Part 3 Coursework deadlines

Course content

Part 1 compulsory modules

• Financial Markets
• Quantitative Methods for Finance
• Securities, Futures and Options
• Fixed Income and Equity Investments

Part 2 optional modules

Students on the 9-month (12-month) programme can select 100 (80) credits from the following modules:

• Portfolio Management
• Financial Econometrics
• Market Risk
• Derivatives Securities: Pricing, Hedging and Trading
• Research Project
• Topics in the History of Finance
• Corporate Finance and Investment Banking
• Commodity Derivatives
• Essentials of Financial Engineering
• Topics in Financial Regulation
• Liquidity Risk and Algorithmic Trading
• Behavioural Finance
• Fixed Income Cash and Derivative Markets
• Real Estate Finance
• Programming for Finance

Part 3 optional modules

Students on the 12-months programme should take 20 credits from the following:

• Energy Finance
• Advanced Finance Theory with Empirical Applications
• Work Placement and Project
• Stock Index Futures

Learning options

Full-time: 9 months Full-time: 12 months

Students will be resident and undertake full-time study in the UK. Under both, the 9 and 12-month programmes students take compulsory and/or elective modules in Part 2.

The 12 month option involves taking an elective 20 credit module between July and August, which would also mean a 20 credit reduction in the number of taught modules taken in the spring term.

Careers

Those who graduate in ISIB will leave us well equipped to pursue a wide range of careers in financial services. Many join investment banks to train as financial markets professionals in trading, sales and research, whilst others specialise in complex derivative products and others join brokers and commodity bankers. In addition, many graduates follow other career paths including consultancy, accountancy, operations, IT, and higher education and doctoral research.

Professional Accreditation

CISI Diploma

The ICMA Centre is a Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI) Centre of Excellence. Centres of Excellence are a select group of UK universities, recognised by the CISI as offering leadership in academic education on financial markets. Students who are on a financially-related masters course recognised by the CISI are eligible for exemptions and membership. 

ICMA Centre students who register and successfully complete two CISI Diploma in Capital Markets modules (Securities and Bonds & Fixed Interest Markets) are eligible for an exemption from the third module (Financial Markets).

ICMA Fixed Income Certificate

To obtain the requisite knowledge to pass the rigorous FIC exam, students are required to take the ICMA Centre Fixed Income Cash and Derivatives Markets module at Part 2. In order to receive the FIC certificate, students will need to register and pass the FIC exam through ICMA.

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About the course

This innovative Banking and Finance MSc programme with professional placement provides you with postgraduate training and experience designed to develop your career in the banking and financial services sector. You will gain a thorough understanding of this field through practical and theoretical application, addressing financial economics, the economics of banking, international financial markets, quantitative methods as well as financial regulation both nationally and internationally.

Graduates of the Banking and Finance Masters at Brunel will be able to pursue a wide range of careers in financial institutions, banking regulatory organisations and investment banks. Internationally, graduates of this Banking and Finance course are attractive candidates for their domestic regulators, central banks and private sector banks. In addition, many graduates will follow other career paths in the financial services sector and could undertake doctoral research.

Aims

You will be provided with a good balance between the four pillars of the programme:

Theories and debates about banking and financial regulation.
Broader financial theories and related issues.
Quantitative methodologies which are critical for economic and financial analysis.
Successful completion of a dissertation in this field.

On completion of this Banking and Finance postgraduate degree course:

You will be able to effectively manage a range of issues within banking and finance, such as recent banking regulations and successfully deal with matters arising in private banking.

You will develop the art of thinking through economic problems within structured frameworks and the course will encourage you to critically evaluate and deliver strategic solutions.

Course Content

The MSc consists of both compulsory and optional modules, a typical selection can be found below. Modules can vary from year to year, but these offer a good idea of what we teach.

Full-Time

Compulsory

Quantitative Methods for Finance and Economics
International Finance
Global Financial Markets
Banking
Bank Regulation and Macro-Prudential Policy
Banking and Finance Workshops
Dissertation

Optional

Foundations of Finance
Security Analysis and Funds Management
Financial Analysis
Business Finance

Part-time

Level 1

Essentials of Mathematics and Statistics
Banking
Quantitative Methods for Finance and Economics
Bank Regulation and Macro-Prudential Policy
Global Financial Markets

Level 2

International Finance
Banking and Finance Workshops
Dissertation

Students must choose two optional modules from the following:

Foundations of Finance
Security Analysis and Funds Management
Financial Analysis
Business Finance

The dissertation must be submitted in the spring term of the third year.

Special Features

The course is one of four specialist master's programmes developed by leading experts in the Economics and Finance Department at Brunel. As a postgraduate student here you will be part of a long standing and thriving environment for research and study with many advantages and benefits such as:

Outstanding academic expertise and research-led teaching
95% of our academics are nationally and internationally recognised for their work in economics and econometrics in the latest Research Assessment Exercise (2008).
As a result, you will benefit from up-to-the-minute research-led teaching by academic staff who regularly publish in international peer-reviewed journals, have an impact on international regulatory design and obtain significant research grants.

Professional training facilities
As a Banking and Finance Master's student, you will have access to a variety of professional databases used in business and the finance industry which include Datastream, Bloomberg, Bank Scope, Osiris, Reuters 3000 Xtra and Thomson One Banker.
We hold regular training sessions and external visits with Bloomberg, which will enhance your research and expose you to real-world factors that will be important in future banking related employment.

Postgraduate scholarships
Brunel offers a number of scholarships for UK, EU and international students.

Excellent links with leading organisations
We have excellent links with business and the finance industry, which will help you to network with organisations and get ahead in your career.

Industry talks, guest lectures and research seminars
A number of industry talks with professionals from the private sector will be invited to teach part of the Banking and Finance programme and will provide you with further practical experience.
There is a wide range of events on offer, such as guest lectures and research seminars to keep you up-to-date on the latest developments and help you build your contacts.

Teaching

The modules on the Banking and Finance postgraduate programme incorporate a diverse range of teaching methods which reflect the module learning outcomes and the demands of the subject material.

Effective learning is achieved through a combination of lectures, seminars, directed independent study, workshops, oral presentations, and varied assessment patterns.

Use of appropriate IT resources is expected (e.g. electronic resources to access data, and relevant software programmes used in research methods).

Dissertation research will give you the opportunity to integrate your knowledge of important themes, frameworks and research findings in banking and finance obtained via lectures, seminars, and workshops.

Students who successfully complete a professional placement will be invited to attend a tutorial day to give a presentation about their experience. An optional reflective journal during the placement may assist in preparation for the presentation and dissertation.

Assessment

All modules of this master's degree course are assessed by a combination of coursework and final examinations. Students who successfully complete the taught part of the course can proceed to the dissertation stage. MSc students who do not complete a placement are expected to work on their dissertation in the summer and to submit the final draft in mid-September.

Students who do complete a placement will work on their dissertation from September and submit in January.

Work Placements

All students who enrol on the full-time Banking and Finance MSc will have the opportunity to complete a placement. A placement can significantly improve your employability and expose you to real-world situations in the Banking and Finance industry, and importantly, allow you to network with industry professionals.

Students completing the work placement option will have a competitive edge in pursuing careers as high-level analysts, economists and managers in financial institutions, governments, financial regulators, business companies and central banks, as well as international organisations.

The placement option is available to full-time applicants and will last for 12-15 weeks during the summer of your course.

For students who complete the placement, their dissertation will be completed after the placement has finished. Students who do not find a placement will do their dissertation throughout the summer and submit in September.

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Course structure

This Master's will help you enhance your skills and knowledge, and advance your career. You will gain a competitive edge by acquiring an advanced and critical understanding of theoretical frameworks and applied aspects of banking, financial regulation, financial markets, bank management and corporate financial management.

Our courses focus on providing you with practical application of banking and finance knowledge and techniques. This will allow you to develop the ability to research issues, analyse and solve problems and operate effectively in the context of modern banking and finance environments.

Industry ready

Recognising that the banking industry and financial markets are highly globalised and dynamic, this Master's has been developed so that it incorporates a study of different banking systems, international financial markets and emerging global trends and developments in banking in its core content. 

Our innovative courses offer you a chance to explore in depth cutting edge developments in areas such as risk measurement and modelling, business and corporate banking and Islamic banking.

Dissertation

The dissertation element will give you an unique chance to develop your research abilities and deepen your expertise in an area of banking and finance in which you have developed a specific interest. 

Rankings

Our accounting and finance subjects at the University of Greenwich are ranked:

• Third in London for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2017
• Third in London for course satisfaction in the Guardian University Guide 2016.

Greenwich is one of the top two most globally diverse universities in the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand, by Hotcourses Diversity Index.

We have also been named as one of the "most international" universities on the planet by Times Higher Education magazine.

Outcomes

This degree aims to:

• Provide you with the key theoretical underpinnings and applied elements of banking, financial markets and financial institutions and offer opportunities to engage with related areas of specialism
• Develop your understanding and appreciation of contemporary and defining issues faced by bankers and finance professionals through reflective, critical and evaluative thinking and teaching which is enhanced by research and professional practice
• Enable you to become a competent practitioner in the field of banking and finance by equipping you with a blend of knowledge, technical skills, creativity and ethical values required to perform effectively in key management and strategic roles.

What you'll study

Full-time

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

• Business English for Academic Purposes - Level 4
• Research Methods (15 credits)
• Foundations of Scholarship (Dept ACC) (15 credits)
• Dissertation (Postgraduate Accounting and Finance Suite) (45 credits)
• Principles of Finance (30 credits)
• Financial Markets and Risk (30 credits)
• Global Banking and Financial Regulation (30 credits)

Students are required to choose 1 course from this list of options.

• Corporate Governance, Assurance and Audit (15 credits)
• Business and Corporate Banking (15 credits)
• Islamic Banking and Finance (15 credits)
• Risk Measurement and Modelling (15 credits)

Part-time

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

• Business English for Academic Purposes - Level 4

Students are required to choose 60 credits from this list of options.

• Corporate Governance, Assurance and Audit (15 credits)
• Research Methods (15 credits)
• Foundations of Scholarship (Dept ACC) (15 credits)
• Principles of Finance (30 credits)
• Financial Markets and Risk (30 credits)
• Global Banking and Financial Regulation (30 credits)
• Business and Corporate Banking (15 credits)
• Islamic Banking and Finance (15 credits)
• Risk Measurement and Modelling (15 credits)

Year 2

Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

• Dissertation (Postgraduate Accounting and Finance Suite) (45 credits)

Students are required to choose 75 credits from this list of options.

• Corporate Governance, Assurance and Audit (15 credits)
• Research Methods (15 credits)
• Foundations of Scholarship (Dept ACC) (15 credits)
• Principles of Finance (30 credits)
• Financial Markets and Risk (30 credits)
• Global Banking and Financial Regulation (30 credits)
• Business and Corporate Banking (15 credits)
• Islamic Banking and Finance (15 credits)
• Risk Measurement and Modelling (15 credits)

Assessment

Students are assessed through:

• Examinations
• Coursework
• Dissertation.

Careers

Graduates have management opportunities in the banking and finance areas. In recent years employers of our students and graduates include:

• Barclays Financial Services
• HSBC
• Interamerican Bank
• Merit Broker House
• AXA
• National Bank of Greece
• Reserve Bank of Malawi
• Vietcombank
• Bank of Africa Group.

Helping graduates into careers is a very important part of our mission as a university. Job prospects for Greenwich graduates have been improving rapidly, with 93 per cent of 2014/15 Greenwich graduates looking for work were already in jobs or further study by January 2016 (according to latest national figures).

Employability

You will have frequent networking opportunities: Industry experts provide guest lectures, career development advice and curriculum input. Sector professionals are involved in developing content and teaching on various courses.

As part of our continuing Big Picture guest seminar series, senior executives from organisations including Northern Trust and Barclays are invited to pass on their insights and experience.

We have developed strong relations with companies in London's financial centres, including in the City, Canary Wharf and Fenchurch Street. This offers you networking, mentoring and internship opportunities in a perfect location to develop your career.

You can also reach out to top employers through our dedicated Business School Employability Office (BSEO). The BSEO team develops your employment skills through CV support, careers fairs, interview skills workshops and guidance through mentors to progress in the industry. 

The BSEO team was shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards which shows its dedication to actively support your career development.

Extracurricular activities

We encourage you to join societies such as the Trading and Investment Society and take part in student competitions like the UK Trading Challenge. We are proud that our team of first year Greenwich students won the competition, beating teams from many other universities.

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Description

Study for an MBA Banking and Finance Master's Degree at one of Europe's foremost Banking and Finance Schools. At Bangor, we offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in the areas of banking and finance. The MBA Banking and Finance is designed for candidates with degrees or relevant business backgrounds, who wish to develop their expertise and further their professional careers. The MBA programme provides a more practical postgraduate course to complement our long established MA course in Banking and Finance and our distance-learning MBA with Manchester Business School.

A primary objective of the MBA Banking and Finance is to develop knowledgeable and capable executives to move quickly to key positions in the financial services sector. The programme will provide executive training at an advanced level covering the latest developments in the management of banks and financial services firms.

We have long held a strong international reputation in the study of banking and finance. Our long established and highly successful MA programme has run since 1973 and over this period we have also had a strong PhD programme where research typically focuses on banking and financial sector issues. Postgraduates have enjoyed a mix of both theoretical and practical elements covering contemporary developments in the banking and financial field. The MBA aims to extend and develop advanced training relating to the practical managerial issues faced by modern financial service firms.

The main aim of our full-time MBA is to introduce a much stronger practical emphasis focussing on the strategies and financial management of financial firms. Your MBA will give you practical insight and skills in a range of strategic and management areas in financial services. We invite practitioners to share their views and experiences. Case studies and contemporary issues figure highly in the programme.

The School has a lively group of staff, who are always willing to share their knowledge and expertise. Your teaching staff at Bangor are active researchers, combining high levels of expertise with a desire to extend their subject area, and, most importantly from a postgraduate viewpoint, an enthusiasm to encourage others to develop their academic, financial and business skills.

We are pleased that you are considering joining the MBA Banking and Finance programme. If you decide to do so, we are confident that we can offer you the guidance, stimulation and support that will make the next year a happy and productive time for you. I wish you every success in your MBA career.

Professor Philip Molyneux
Postgraduate Director

Why study the MBA Banking and Finance?

Financial systems and financial services firms' strategies are now involved in a fundamental, far reaching process of realignment and change. The strategic priority of banks and other financial institutions has shifted away from growth and size alone towards a greater emphasis on profitability, performance and shareholder value creation. The growing economic importance of financial sectors has also re-emphasised that bankers, fund managers, multinational companies, securities firms, regulators and financial advisers must have a clear understanding of the theory and practice relating to banking and finance.

Aims of the course

The Bangor Business School aims to build on our long-established expertise in the area of postgraduate training in banking and finance by offering a one-year modular MBA Banking and Finance, which aims to develop participants' academic and managerial skills in these areas. An important objective is to provide relevant analytical training to familiarise participants with the latest strategic, managerial and industrial developments in the financial services industry.

The MBA Banking and Finance course provides a coherent analytical framework for the study of banking and financial developments from a management perspective. The emphasis throughout the programme is on the application of contemporary, financial, managerial and strategic developments that affect real-world decision-making in the global financial industry.

We recognise that a thorough understanding of recent developments in banking and financial firm strategies, financial management, risk management, international financial markets, marketing strategies and performance evaluation are essential requirements for all those involved in financial sector activities (or those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of these important business and managerial areas).

Who should consider studying the MBA Banking and Finance?

The course will be of interest to the following people:

Graduates who have professional experience in the financial sector;
Managers and accountants in public and private organisations who wish to develop their financial management skills;
Managers employed in the financial services industry;
Graduates contemplating a career in the banking and financial services industry;
Graduates who have relevant practical experience and wish to enhance their skills in the areas of banking and finance;
Finance professionals (like corporate treasurers and accountants) who deal with the financial services industry.

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The Master of Banking and Finance is a comprehensive master's degree that will give you a thorough understanding of the banking and finance industry.

The course develops your expertise across key areas of contemporary banking, such as portfolio management, money markets, financial management, bank lending, and risk management.

By connecting research and practice, the Master of Banking and Finance enables you to develop a deep understanding of the core role of the global banking industry, and provides practical opportunities to apply your knowledge.

The course positions you for a successful career by developing your theoretical knowledge and strengthening your critical thinking, communication and market research skills.

Our flexible course delivery also allows you balance work and study commitments. The Master of Banking and Finance can be undertaken full or part time, with day and evening classes available.

Graduates typically find work in banks, insurance companies or other institutional settings, in both Australia an internationally.

Visit the website http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/banking-and-finance-b6004?domestic=true

Course Structure

The course is structured in three parts. Part A. Advanced preparatory studies, Part B. Mastery knowledge and Part C. Application studies. All students complete Part B. Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for part A or part C or a combination of the two.

PART A. Advanced preparatory
These studies will introduce you to core commerce disciplines and the impact they have within organisations. The units cover various disciplines and further your understanding of complex business environments.

PART B. Mastery knowledge
These units will provide you with a comprehensive study of banking and finance disciplines and the impact they have on decision-making in banks and institutions.

PART C. Application studies
The focus of these studies is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You will be able to demonstrate your banking and finance knowledge and be able to apply these skills in banks and business enterprises.

For more information visit the faculty website - http://www.study.monash/media/links/faculty-websites/business-and-economics

About us

The Department of Banking and Finance is a leader in the advancement of knowledge in banking and finance across the world.

We undertake high quality research, teaching and learning. We also acknowledge our role and apply serious endeavour to the preparation of future business leaders, banking and finance professionals and academics.

The Department of Banking and Finance has its roots in the David Syme Business School of Banking and Finance, which was established in 1974.

Advanced research

The Department has a vibrant research culture and an outstanding record of quality publications in quality international journals.

Research areas in the Department of Banking and Finance include:

- asset pricing
- banking
- corporate finance
- behavioural finance
- superannuation and funds management.

Our research is supported by a robust infrastructure.

We subscribe to all major international and national financial databases (including WRDS). The Department is a full member of SIRCA, a leading provider of financial data and research support to over 200 universities world-wide. Empirical research is strongly supported with a database manager and a full range of statistical analysis software.

Our resources include a simulated teaching and research laboratory (STARLab) and behavioral research laboratory.

Comprehensive teaching program

The Department of Banking and Finance has 45 full-time academic staff who contribute to:
undergraduate and postgraduate degree course offerings
our highly regarded honours and higher research degree programs.

A new PhD program has been developed, where the first year is spent undertaking coursework which focuses on core PhD level units as well as advanced training in econometrics and economics. This program is unique amongst PhD courses in Australia and is designed for prospective PhD students wanting rigorous training in empirical finance.

Strategic collaborations

The Department of Banking and Finance enjoys a rich set of professional and research-based collaborations with key individuals, networks and organisations across the world.

We organise and sponsor major global finances conferences and workshops.

We have strong links with the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) and CFA Institute, with professional accreditation options available to our students.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/banking-and-finance-b6004?domestic=true#making-the-application

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Course outline

The MSc programme in Money, Banking and Central Banking is designed to offer specialised teaching in banking and financial markets which is particularly relevant given all the changes introduced during the last global financial crisis, as well as the changes made by major central banks in the running of their monetary policies since then.

Monetary analysis has been mainly disregarded in the years running up to The Global Financial Crisis and this contributed to high rates of growth of money which ultimately led to unsustainable economic growth and financial instability. Unlike any other degree in the UK ours emphasises the importance of high quality monetary and banking analysis so we can assess those policies compatible with stable economic growth and financial stability over the long term. Expert knowledge of monetary economics and monetary policy, risk management and financial institutions is going to be of crucial important to understand the world after the recent crisis.

The degree will provide the latest research methods and tools to teach students to think analytically and critically, and apply their knowledge to practical problems faced by investment banks and central banks and other financial institutions.

Who is the programme suitable for?

This degree aims to produce graduates with this specialised knowledge and the skills required for a career in central banking and finance (in particular in investment banking), as well as monetary analysis suitable to pursue a career in consultancy businesses, research departments and specialised media. We welcome both recent graduates and those already in employment in these areas who wish to further their careers.

Structure

The bulk of the programme will consist of several modules providing the theoretical and analytical tools for the students to understand central bank operations and policies, as well as banking business, so they can identify how money is created in modern economies and analyse how changes in the amount of money affect overall prices as well as the running of the economy along the cycle. Students will also learn the statistical techniques and use specialised software to gather and analyse macroeconomic and financial data. At the end of the programme students will submit a master’s dissertation.

Modules taught on this degree include:

Central Banking (1), History, Strategies and Operations
Empirical Technique in Economics 1 & 2
Banking Risk Management
The Central Bank, The Banking System and the Macroeconomy
Financial Analysis and Portfolio Modelling
Central Banking (2), Monetary Policy and Financial Stability
PRMIA certificate (optional)
We offer two entry points, in September and January. We also offer a part-time programme for those professionals already working and looking forward to furthering their education and careers in money and banking.

Professional accreditation in risk management

Students will be offered the option to take an examination and get the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA) accreditation in financial risk management. In particular the students will be able to get the Associate Professional Risk Manager Certificate (Associate PRM Certificate), which is a PRMIA programme offered online for staff entering the risk management industry.

The programme covers fundamental concepts of the risk management profession and has become a well-known benchmark in this market both in the UK and in the rest of the world. The materials for preparing for the exams are fully available on the PRMIA’s website and include scheduled readings and webinars series. In addition, the teaching staff of our master’s programme will offer extra academic support to the students willing to take the exam.

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Banking and financial services represents a highly competitive and rapidly changing sector in every modern economy. Changes in customer requirements, technology, competitive conditions and regulation create the need for managers, traders and analysts to make rapid and often far-reaching decisions about their short term operations and long term strategies. The MSc and MA in Banking and Finance degree courses at Bangor offer you a unique opportunity to study advanced theory and practice relating to financial services, and to develop an appreciation of the causes and significance of current developments in this vitally important and dynamic sector of the economy.

Issues you will tackle as part of your MA/MSc Banking and Finance degree programme include:

Why are the banking systems in different countries (such as the UK, Germany, Japan and the US) so diverse?

What determines the structure, performance and efficiency of banking and financial markets?

Why do banks and financial intermediaries exist?

What are the main theories of the banking firm?

How relevant are financial intermediaries in a world of increasing securitization and with the evolution of virtual banking?

How do banks optimally allocate capital?

Does bank regulation increase or decrease risks?

How do we measure the risks undertaken by banks?

Can regulators reduce the likelihood of systemic (system-wide) risk?

What are the relationships between risk and return governing investment in company shares and other derivative instruments?

Can market risk be priced accurately? Can credit risk be priced accurately?

How should institutional investors go about constructing a portfolio of assets to maximise returns on behalf of investors?

How can we assess the investment performance of pension funds, insurance companies and unit trusts?

How do banks use futures, options, derivatives and swaps to manage their balance sheet and off-balance sheet risks?

What are the key principles of international portfolio management in a world of fast and unpredictable movements in exchange rates?

How do banks manage their business so as to maintain customer relationships, improve operational efficiency and add shareholder value?

With these needs in mind, the MSc and MA Banking and Finance programmes at Bangor are designed to develop participants' existing skills through a scheme of specialist advanced study. An important objective is to provide participants with relevant analytical training, so that they are familiar with the latest theoretical and practical developments relating to banking, finance and capital markets. These programmes provide a coherent theoretical framework for the various subject areas, but the emphasis throughout is on advanced practical application of financial techniques in a real-world setting.

The availability of parallel MSc and MA degrees in Banking and Finance allows you to choose between registering for a more technical MSc degree (including a compulsory element in Financial Econometrics), and a less technical MA degree (for which Financial Econometrics is optional). The MSc degree may be more suitable for applicants with some previous background in mathematics, statistics or econometrics, while the MA degree is more suitable for applicants who prefer to adopt a predominantly non-quantitative approach to their studies. However, both degrees include a compulsory module in Research Methods, which includes coverage of both quantitative and non-quantitative research techniques.

ESRC Recognition

The MA Banking and Finance is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as the first year of a 1+3 PhD training programme.

Course Structure

January intake: Taught modules are undertaken in the period of January to June and September to January and will involve the study of 120 credits. The dissertation (or equivalent) is valued at 60 credits and is undertaken during the period of June to September.

September intake: Taught modules are undertaken in the period of September to June and will involve the study of 120 credits. The dissertation (or equivalent) is valued at 60 credits and is undertaken during the period of June to September.

Compulsory modules

Research Methods: This module develops knowledge of intermediate and advanced research methods, and provides a basis in research methodology for those who may eventually wish to pursue research degrees.

Bank Financial Management: This module provides a grounding in the nature, strategic context and managerial functions of financial management in banks, and other financial services firms.

International Financial Markets: This module provides an overview of financial instruments in a multi-currency world, taking account of insights from portfolio theory concerning the relationship between risk and return, the diversification of risk, and the pricing of assets.

International Banking: This module examines the origins of international banking, the activities of international banks, the markets in which they participate, and the sources of risk.

Financial Crises and Bank Regulation: This module examines why banks and financial markets are inherently vulnerable to crises, and analyses the role of policy makers and institutions. The roles of monetary policy, bank supervision and regulation, corporate governance and ratings agencies in mitigating or exacerbating crises are considered.

International Financial Management: In this module the financial management of multinational companies and the influence of macroeconomic, fiscal, currency and political environments on business and financial decision-making are examined in an international and global context.

Optional modules

Islamic Finance: This course provides an insight into topical issues relating to Islamic financial instruments and related risk management issues.

Corporate Risk Management: This module provides an analysis of pure risk and its management.

Financial Institutions Strategic Management: This module examines the main theoretical and practical issues concerning banking business. You will develop a critical awareness of the theory of the banking firm, the motives for international banking, and regulatory and structural issues impacting on bank behaviour.

Financial Analysis: This module analyses the techniques that are used to evaluate a company’s financial position and performance.

Investment Strategy and Portfolio Management: This module evaluates the development of investment strategies for bonds, equities and derivatives that are designed to achieve optimal risk-return outcomes, and examines the measurement and evaluation of the performance of a portfolio of investments.

Islamic Banking: This module provides an insight into the key features of Islamic banking business.

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The programme at Dundee is academically rigorous, drawing on current theory in banking and finance, and is practically relevant by helping students apply knowledge and develop generally transferable skills such as problem solving, team-working and collaboration. Our students acquire a solid foundation and are equipped with the most advanced tools and theories. Teaching is research-led, which is the approach taken to learning by the university.

Who should study this course?

The course is aimed at students who are interested in central, investment and retail banking as well as the broader financial sector. The programme caters to both business and non-business graduates and the foundation module at the start of the programme will bring all students to a common minimum standard in banking, finance and business statistics.

- Off-Campus Learning Events

The MSc Banking and Finance programme includes off campus learning events embedded in the modules of some of the pathways. These events aim to extend your leaning skills in ways that are directly relevant to the pathway and your personal development. These off campus events are one or two days in length and the cost of the transport, event and any necessary accommodation is covered by the MSc programme. At present there are off campus events embedded in the marketing pathway and the finance and banking pathways. More off campus events are being arranged and further events are being developed to begin this year.

- Urban Experience Event

The MSc programme places considerable importance on ‘team building’ and understanding the role that international and domestic cultural variation plays in the workings of firms, and product and employment markets. These issues are addressed through a unique ‘Urban Experience’ event that helps team building and the development of learning skills. Business themes are also explored in the event.

Students can commence their studies either in September or January of each year. For this programme, several new Banking and Finance modules have been developed. In addition, students will have the opportunity to choose from existing postgraduate modules related to Banking and Finance and which are allied to their own particular interests.

[[Teaching & Assessment}}

- How you will be taught

Modules are taught using a variety of teaching methods such as lectures, workshops, group-work and student presentations. A variety of teaching and learning methods are used to address subject-specific knowledge and skills, with the balance between methods in each module determined by the learning outcomes of the module. Lectures provide the main vehicle to communicate information and exemplify the use of abstract subject specific skills. One-to-one and small group supervision is used for direction of students whilst undertaking the report. Additionally, specialised lectures are given by the organiser of the report module on how to prepare and execute a satisfactory report.

Students are introduced to IT and Library facilities in lectures, workshops and tutorials. Module material is made available through the VLE and refers to websites of particular interest. Instruction on specific learning skills is given in lectures, and workshops as relevant. Guidance on learning related skills is provided at a suitable level in all modules and students are expected to use IT facilities for their coursework as appropriate.

Independent learning is a feature of all modules and is an increasingly important element of ‘good’ MSc programmes. Directed reading is an integral part of all modules with credit given for evidence of wide reading in assessments.

The communication, practice and, where appropriate, assessment of specific transferable skills are embedded in most modules. All modules provide opportunities for students to acquire and practise applicable skills (e.g. problem solving, case study analysis, group working).

How you will be assessed

All modules are assessed through a combination of coursework and final assessment held at the end of each Semester with re-sit opportunity shortly thereafter. Coursework may account for as much as 40-50% of the overall degree. Coursework is an integral part of the assessment process. By forming part of the total mark it encourages students to excel throughout the degree.

What you will study

Students can commence their studies either in September or January of each year. For this programme, several new Banking and Finance modules have been developed. In addition, students will have the opportunity to choose from existing postgraduate modules related to Banking and Finance and which are allied to their own particular interests.

The programme begins with The Foundation Module (20 credits). This is a two week module which will bring all students up to a common minimum standard in banking, finance and business statistics. The foundation module also introduces students to important learning resources within the University (e.g. the library and study skills support) and starts the process of encouraging student to work in ‘teams’ and to see their fellow students as an important learning resource over and above the resources available at the University.

- Compulsory Modules. There are four core modules including a report (total 90 credits) that are compulsory.

(i) International Banking (20 credits)

(ii) Global Financial Markets (20 credits)

(iii) Banking and Financial Services Law (30 credits)

(iv)*Project Report (20 credits)

*The banking and finance based Project Report is aimed at teaching students how to write a sharp focused report rather than a more discursive conventional MSc dissertation.

- Optional Modules. Students choose five optional modules (20 credits) from three groups of modules (total 100 credits)

- One module from:

Quantitative Methods
Forecasting for Business and Finance
Econometrics for Finance
Two modules from:

Financial Management of Banks
Emerging Financial Markets and Investment
International Business Finance
Corporate Governance
Business Accounting for Non-Specialists

- Two modules from:

Current Issues in Banking and Finance
Global Risk Analysis
Derivatives and Risk Management

Employability

Graduates will be equipped with key financial knowledge and skills that enhance their employability in banking and financial organisations. The programme will equip students with specialist skills and competencies in banking and finance. It is aimed at students who are interested in central, investment and retail banking as well as the broader financial sector.

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IN BRIEF:

• Gain the essential skills required to work in Islamic banking, one of the fastest-growing sectors in the financial world
• Strengthen your knowledge with modules focused on banking, finance and Islamic banking
• Put management theory into real practice with an exciting Business Innovation Project
• Part-time study option
• Overseas study available
• Work/industrial placement opportunity
• International students can apply

COURSE SUMMARY

You will gain the necessary skills and knowledge required to work in this growing and sophisticated banking and finance sector.

On completion of your programme you will be able to effectively perform relevant banking and finance tasks, including specific requirements of Islamic banking, financial products and services.

You will also learn to be effective, working independently and as part of a team, while critically evaluating and developing good practice in the planning and management of general, commercial and Islamic banking and financial products and services.

COURSE DETAILS

The programme is block delivered and there are six entry points per year.

This course has been designed to provide you with necessary skills and in-depth knowledge required to work in this growing and sophisticated Islamic banking and finance sector. Specifically the course will:

• Provide a rigorous, academically challenging and vocationally relevant programme of postgraduate study, and provide graduates with the appropriate advanced level skills and knowledge which will enable them to contribute to the needs of the growing and sophisticated Islamic banking and finance sector.
• Enable graduates to apply general banking requirements and the specific requirements in providing Islamic Banking and Finance products and services.
• Equip graduates with advanced level skills and understanding necessary to effectively and efficiently perform tasks relevant to the organisation or organisations involved with Islamic banking and finance services.
• Develop the intellectual ability to work effectively in teams and independently, to evaluate critically, think creatively and communicate effectively with respect to issues in general, commercial and Islamic banking and finance; and to recognize good practice in the analysis, planning and management of general, commercial and Islamic banking and finance products and services.
• Develop an advanced level understanding of research methods and an effective capability of applying advanced Islamic banking and finance concepts and techniques to a wide range of general, commercial and Islamic banking and finance problems.

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

• Develop knowledge and critical understanding of essential components of Islamic finance theory and associated current research, and develop the capability of applying both general and Islamic financial concepts and principles to the analysis of corporate circumstances;
• Develop the capability of critical evaluation of the impact of market behaviour on bank performance and organisational behaviour with reference to Islamic bank products and services.
• Synthesise and critically evaluate recent and current literature on a wide range of MSc Investment and Finance theories and issues in order to develop and apply conceptual frameworks.
• Develop and apply a strategy for the collection, analysis, critical evaluation and interpretation of data.
• Work with others in making effective strategic and operational decisions related to the management of an enterprise in a globally competitive, diverse and dynamic environment.

TEACHING

The course is delivered in four blocks of three day intensive study periods, followed by independent study and online support through the University’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard. Each module is taken and assessed over a six week block. Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials, using a wide range of learning activities.

ASSESSMENT

Over the duration of your course a range of assessment techniques will be used.

Types of assessment include:

• Essays
• Assignments
• Exams
• Multiple choice tests
• Online tests
• Group reports
• Portfolio work

The weighting between exams and coursework varies between modules and years, but exams still play a major role.

FACILITIES

Salford Business School is located at the heart of the University’s Peel campus in the newly refurbished Lady Hale Building, and the Chapman Building, offering state-of-the-art facilities for the Business School’s student learning community and just minutes from Manchester city centre. Chapman is a stylish modern space with six lecture theatres equipped with the very latest technology and large screen displays, a series of communal learning and breakout spaces, plus a Fairtrade café with panoramic views across the campus.

Lady Hale is the home to all dedicated business school student support including the school office, an employability hub, a base for the Business School society, and several open study spaces.

All University of Salford students also have access to the MediaCityUK campus including its study facilities.  MediaCityUK is home to major BBC and ITV departments and over 80 businesses across the creative and digital sectors.  It is recognised as one of the most innovative developments in Britain and is a vibrant place in which to live, work, socialise and study.

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Acquire the skills and tools you need for successful international banking management based on a critical understanding of theories and research in banking and finance.

Whether you're contemplating a career in business or currently working and looking to upgrade your qualifications, this course will give you the tools you need for successful banking institution management.

Covering issues that range from creativity in business to the global economic environment and organisational behaviour, this course addresses the essentials of modern business and opens doors to increased employment opportunities at a postgraduate level.

See the website http://www.napier.ac.uk/en/Courses/MSc-International-Banking--Finance-Postgraduate-FullTime

What you'll learn

The MSc in International Banking & Finance will familiarise you with the most current developments in global financial markets from the unique perspective of banking institutions.

The programme aims to prepare you for a career in banking and finance by enabling you to develop expertise in key areas of international banking institutions management.

You’ll acquire a critical understanding of current theories and research in the fields of banking, finance and law and develop the practical skills to apply this knowledge within an institutional framework.

You’ll learn to evaluate alternative theories and methodologies in international banking and finance and to make critical judgements on their applicability to complex issues where there is incomplete information.

This is a one year full-time course starting in September and is split up into three trimesters. You will learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials and independent study.

Modules

• Financial Management
• Financial Markets, Institutions and Banking
• International Economic Law
• International Banking and Insurance
• Strategic Management in Global Banking
• Research Methods
• Dissertation
• One option

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Careers

Graduates with an MSc in International Banking & Finance would normally seek to further their career in the areas of international banking, including:

• international banks and financial institutions
• international, regional and national regulatory agencies
• government agencies and policy think-tanks
• journalism and financial news
• academics and research
• consultancy
• industry and commerce
• non-profit development agencies

If you're already working in banking, you can expect to advance your personal development.

How to apply

http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/how-to-apply

SAAS Funding

Nothing should get in the way of furthering your education. Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) awards funding for postgraduate courses, and could provide the help you need to continue your studies. Find out more: http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/saas-funded-courses

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Introduction

This MSc develops the knowledge and analytical skills needed for a successful career in banking, finance and related areas. It is aimed at students from a variety of backgrounds, including students with no previous training in economics or accountancy.
The course is taught by Economics and Accounting & Finance in the Stirling Management School.

Key information

- Degree type: MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
- Study methods: Full-time
- Start date: September
- Course Director: Dr Siobhán Lucey

Course objectives

The overall objective of the course is to impart the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in banking and finance, or a related field. Developments in banking and finance are occurring rapidly, and with growing complexity. So people working in this area must be able to understand and analyse current developments, and also be able to anticipate future developments. The course is designed for students from a variety of backgrounds, and does not require any previous training in economics or accountancy.

The specific objectives of the course are:
- to provide knowledge and understanding of the nature of financial systems, and the particular roles of banks and the central bank
- to develop the capacity to appraise and compile economic and financial reports
- to understand those aspects of economics that are most relevant for a career in banking and finance
- to develop an appreciation of the international dimension of financial systems
- to develop the ability to apply appropriate risk management techniques
- to develop the capacity to understand, assess and comment on company accounts
- to develop the facility to use spreadsheets and econometric techniques to analyse corporate performance, and to identify trends in financial markets
- to develop the ability to appraise investment projects with capital budgeting techniques
- to develop an understanding of the key financial decisions made by corporations, and their use of the equity and bond markets to raise finance
- to provide knowledge and understanding of different types of banking and financial systems, including those in emerging countries and countries in transition
- to provide an understanding of the theory, methodology and techniques of research in banking and finance, and also of the potential limitations of this research

Learning outcomes:
The general learning outcomes in terms of knowledge and understanding that apply to the course as a whole are:
- a systematic understanding of knowledge in banking and finance
- a critical awareness of current problems and new insights in banking and finance
- a practical understanding of the techniques of enquiry and research used in banking and finance, and of how they are used to - create and interpret knowledge
- a conceptual understanding for evaluating current research and scholarship in banking and finance
- a conceptual understanding for evaluating methodologies and (where appropriate in a dissertation) for formulating hypotheses

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS: 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Grade C
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): Grade C
- Pearson Test of English (Academic): 54 with 51 in each component
- IBT TOEFL: 80 with no subtest less than 17

For more information go to English language requirements https://www.stir.ac.uk/study-in-the-uk/entry-requirements/english/

If you don’t meet the required score you may be able to register for one of our pre-sessional English courses. To register you must hold a conditional offer for your course and have an IELTS score 0.5 or 1.0 below the required standard. View the range of pre-sessional courses http://www.intohigher.com/uk/en-gb/our-centres/into-university-of-stirling/studying/our-courses/course-list/pre-sessional-english.aspx .

Delivery and assessment

Modules are taught by a combination of lectures and small group teaching, in the form of seminars, workshops or computing labs. Assessment in most modules includes coursework, often a mid-semester test, and an end-of-semester examination. Resit examinations are available.
Successful completion of the taught element of the course leads to the award of the Diploma or allows you to continue for the award of the MSc by completing dissertation based on an original research question agreed by yourself and your supervisor. The project should reflect your own understanding and knowledge of selected topics learnt during taught modules.

Career opportunities

There is an excellent employment record among graduates, many of whom now work in financial institutions in the UK and abroad.
MSc Banking & Finance graduates are currently working around the world in countries such as Kenya, Indonesia, China, India, Norway, Ghana, Turkey, Greece and Malta. They are actively contributing to the performance of the following organisations: Alpha Bank, Ministry of Finance, Greece, Citibank, Santander, Ernst & Young, HSBC, Jones, Lang LaSalle, Grant Thornton UK LLP, Bank of China, Vodaphone, CITIC Trust, Emporiki Asset Management.

Graduates entering into employment in the past three years are currently working as:
- Associate, David Griscti & Associates (Malta)
- Banker, Bank of China
- Client Services Officer, JPMC (Vietnam)
- Audit Associate, Grant Thornton UK LLP

Alumni of the MSc Banking & Finance degree who graduated between five and ten years ago have since advanced into some of the following positions:
- Finance Manager, ActivTrades PLC (UK)
- Senior Auditor, Ernst & Young (Malta)
- Relationship Manager, Alpha Bank (Greece)
- Audit Officer, Banking Bureau (Taiwan)
- Business Development Manager, Jones Lang LaSalle (India)
- Debt Management Advisor, HSBC (UK)

Some of our more established alumni are currently leading and shaping the strategy of global financial organisations – here is an example of how a few former Banking & Finance students have advanced in their careers:
- Head of Banking Trends, Egnatia Bank (Greece)
- Principal Finance Officer, Teachers Service Commission (Kenya)
- Management Associate, Citibank (UK)
- Credit Partner, Santander Corporate Banking (UK)
- Head BPA Region, Novartis (Switzerland)
- Anti-Evasion Tax Force Officer, Ministry of Finance (Greece)

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Why take this course?

Focusing on international finance, this course has particular emphasis on multinational corporate finance and international banking. It is particularly suited to graduates looking to pursue careers in corporate finance in large financial and non-financial companies, corporate financial services in banking and investment banking, and central banking. On this course you will gain in-depth knowledge of corporate finance, financial markets and institutions, financial investments, and international banking.

What will I experience?

You will be taught by academically qualified and enthusiastic staff with research and consultancy experience and links to industry.

Access to extensive financial databases including Bloomberg, DataStream and Bank Scope is available along with excellent library facilities and with 24-hour internet access to leading databases.

On successful completion of your Bloomberg training you will be awarded the Bloomberg Certificate, an essential qualification for all city professionals.

What opportunities might it lead to?

Our graduates in finance and financial economics have gained employment in a wide range of roles and industrial sectors, including investment analysis, securities trading, banking and investment banking, accountancy and financial management.

The University of Portsmouth is recognised as a centre of excellence for finance teaching by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI). You will be eligible for student membership and this provides access to a range of networking and career opportunities. During the programme you will be prepared for CISI's Integrity Matters and Corporate Finance Technical Foundation examinations. Successfully completing these examinations allows you to achieve an industry-recognised professional qualification alongside your degree.

Module Details

You will study the following four units and complete your studies with a dissertation:

Financial Econometrics:

Econometrics is a core tool used in the study of finance. This unit gives you a strong practical understanding of the econometric tools you will be using throughout your study of finance. The teaching philosophy of this unit is to take an applied approach, to provide you with a strong intuitive understanding of a range of econometric techniques and their applications to a wide variety of problem-solving situations in finance. You will gain extensive experience with econometric and statistical packages such as Eviews and SPSS. Your work in this unit is supported by lectures, tutorials and workshops. Many of the econometric techniques covered in this unit are used and applied in other units in the course, to help you gain a good understanding of how to apply them successfully to the theory and practice of financial management.

Multinational Corporate Financial Management:

In this unit you will study international finance from the corporate perspective. The first half of the unit focuses on the primary financial decisions of the firm, working capital management, advanced capital budgeting techniques, the strategic analysis of capital investment decisions, capital structure theories, and the financing and dividend decisions. Corporate financial management in a multinational context introduces many new problems, challenges and opportunities. In the second half of the unit the focus will be on corporate financial management from the global and international perspective. Topics you will study include the measurement and management of currency and interest rate risks, taxation, regulatory and political risks, mergers and acquisitions, and the international capital investment, financing and dividend decisions.

International Money and Capital Markets:

This unit covers international finance from the securities and markets perspective, and complements the unit on Multinational Corporate Financial Management. You will study the currency and Eurocurrency markets, the international equity, fixed income and derivatives markets, financial institutions, financial regulation, and the models used to price the financial securities trading in these markets. The topics in the International Money and Capital Markets unit are developed with a strong emphasis on their applications to multinational corporate financial management.

International Banking:

In this unit you will study commercial and investment banking at national, international and global levels. Topics covered include, money and the banking system, banking structures and regulations, risk management in banking, scale and scope economies and the measurement of competition in banking, determinants of bank crashes and failures, global banking and regulation, global financial markets and instruments, and derivatives related financial crises.

Research Methods and Dissertation:

This is a scheme of independent research. We offer comprehensive training via lectures and workshops throughout the year to develop skills commensurate with standards of good research practice. You will be assigned a Dissertation supervisor who will provide feedback, guidance and support on an individual basis.

Programme Assessment

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, computer-based workshops, invited speakers and live case studies. Student participation is encouraged and classes are challenging but informal and friendly, which promotes discussion and debate. The course tutors are available to support your studies and you will also have a personal tutor to provide help and guidance.

You are assessed in a variety of ways to reflect the individual topics. Our approaches to learning, assessment and feedback are varied and constructive, to help you build the personal management and employability skills that are essential for a fulfilling career.

Student Destinations

This course will provide you with powerful analytical tools and methods to understand the complexities of modern financial markets. These skills are in high demand and you’ll be strongly placed to enter industry in the finance and industrial sectors. Previous graduates have gone on to secure roles in accountancy and general management as well as investment analysis, banking and investment banking in financial institutions. Alternatively, this course is also beneficial if you are aiming for careers in corporate financial management in large non-financial companies.

Roles our graduates have taken on include:

Commercial Finance Analyst
Bid Pricing Executive
Finance Internship
Graduate Econometrician
Hedge Fund Manager

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Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study International Banking and Finance at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).

The Master's (MSc) in International Banking and Finance is aimed at candidates who wish to acquire a solid foundation in international banking and finance which will equip them for careers in banking, trading or financial analysis.

Key Features of MSc in International Banking and Finance

- An enhanced specialist programme that maybe completed in a single year

- All modules on the International Banking and Finance course are taught by our world-class faculty who have a breadth of industrial and academic knowledge

- Swansea is joint 1st in Wales for international ranked research (REF 2014)

- A wide range of professional accreditations to accelerate your career depending on the optional modules you take

- 93% of Swansea students in employment six months after graduating

- Access to the School of Management investment and trading simulation room to support in-depth understanding of finance in practice

- High contact time – our modules come with a lecture (in class sizes capped at approximately 150 students) and seminar/tutorial (in class sizes capped at 30) every single week

- Fully refurbished facilities – we have invested half a million pounds in a recent refurbishment to our student facilities

- Scholarships available for outstanding students

- Swansea is 1st in Wales for world-leading impact - 60% at 4-star level (REF 2014)

The International Banking and Finance course will equip graduates with an advanced understanding of the principles and techniques of international finance, development, trade and banking, a knowledge of the activities of financial markets and financial institutions in advanced and emerging economies, and an appreciation of the role of risk management in complex organisations.

Modules

Modules on the International Banking and Finance programme may include:

Corporate Finance

Financial Econometrics

International Financial Markets and Institutions

Financial Reporting and Statement Analysis

International Financial Crises and Bank Regulation

Risk Management in Banking

Economics of Banking

Market Micro-structures

Derivatives and Risk Management

Equities & Fixed Income Securities

Corporate Governance & Ethics

Asset Management

Empirical Finance

Contemporary Issues in Finance

Advanced Corporate Finance

Financial Market Efficiency & Behavioural Finance

Development Finance

Careers and Employability

We have an excellent track record of placing our graduates including those from the International Banking and Finance programme with major multinational companies and our graduate employment rate is 92%.

From the moment you arrive at the School of Management as a student on the MSc in International Banking and Finance programme we will work with you to help you build your skills and experience to enhance your career prospects. During your time with us you’ll have the chance to:

- Undertake a work placement or internship through the Swansea Paid Internship Network (SPIN) or ‘Week of Work’ initiative

- Work and network with employers from a range of national and multi-national companies through our visiting speaker programme

- In conjunction with the International Development Office, undertake an Internship in India, with a company such as GE, Thomson Reuters, 3M, Private Equity or Kanvic Consulting

- Boost your skills and meet employers during our biannual Employability Week

- Complete the Swansea Employability Award

- Participate in one of our student challenges and competitions, such as the Branding Challenge, and CIM student competition ‘The Pitch’

Location and Facilities

International Banking and Finance students will be based in a state-of-the-art building and will benefit from the applied research, innovation and employment opportunities offered by this exceptional working environment on the Bay Campus.

International Banking and Finance students will have access to high-tech teaching and research spaces, that together with collaborative working and practice areas will ensue the School is able to deliver its commitment to offer an engaging and innovative student experience.

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With the banking industry undergoing major changes, there has never been a more exciting or challenging time to join the profession.

Our Finance and Banking MSc programme will prepare you for a wide range of careers in finance, designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to help organisations understand complex financial issues and develop practical solutions.

The course explores the changing environment within which financial institutions operate, the globalisation of finance, changes in technology, and the regulatory environment. You will also gain an appreciation of the evolution of finance and banking theory, as well as contemporary debates and controversies.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for this course. Please click the link below for more information.
https://www.brighton.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-finance/postgraduate/index.aspx

Course structure

The course is composed of three phases:

Phase 1 - teaches the core subjects of finance, economics and research methods
Phase 2 - introduces specialist modules in finance and banking
Phase 3 - is the dissertation that draws together the learning from the whole of the programme, allowing you to develop your research skills and capacity for critical analysis while creating a specialisation in a particular field of finance and banking

All modules on the course involve both taught sessions and guided independent study. For a typical module, approximately 30% of the total hours comprise taught activity, 10% is guided study and supervision, and the remainder is independent study.

Syllabus

Core modules will give you practical background knowledge in key finance subjects. From term 2 you will be able to tailor your course through a choice of specialisms and option modules. The specialisms currently offered are banking, accounting, investment, economics and risk management.

Core modules:

Economics of Financial Markets
Financial Theory and Practice
Research Methods for Finance and Economics
Dissertation

Mandatory specialism module (Term 2):

Banking and Financial Institutions
Money, Interest Rates and Banking

Option modules (choose one):

Advanced Financial Mathematics
Applied Econometrics and Financial Time Series Analysis
Banking and Financial Institutions
Emerging Financial Markets
Financial Derivatives
Financial Regulation: Economic Principles and Institutional Frameworks
Financial Risk Management
International Portfolio Management
Issues in Financial Accounting
Issues in Management Accounting
Market-making and Investment Strategies

Completion of your final project (dissertation) takes place throughout the summer after teaching finishes. You submit your project in October and receive your MSc award in December.

Dissertation

In the final phase of the course, you will complete a dissertation relating to finance and banking.

The dissertation will be 10,000–15,000 words long. It will address an accounting problem that requires you to undertake research leading to practicable recommendations based on sound analysis and judgement. You will finalise the topic in consultation with the course leader and other specialists in banking research.

You will receive help from your dissertation supervisor, who will monitor and support your progress. The dissertation is submitted in October.

Real-time trading room

As part of your course you will have access to modern computing facilities and specialist computing packages, for students on the Market-making and Investment Strategies module this includes access to our real-time trading room, fed by up-to-the-minute data from Reuters.

One of a handful of such facilities across the UK, our trading room sessions are supervised by guest traders and provide you with the opportunity to apply your skills to real markets and real data, and make use of simulation software to recreate the pressure of a trading floor.

We also invite guest traders to discuss curriculum topics, pass on their trading experience and supervise trading sessions.

Student trading society

We highly recommend students join our thriving Student Investment and Trading Society, which is established and run by students for the purpose of organising social and networking events, arranging talks by visiting industry experts and facilitating annual trading competitions against other universities.

Learning support

Experienced, professionally qualified lecturers and small class sizes will ensure your learning needs are supported. Online learning tools and libraries also ensure academic journals, e-books, business articles and other resources are available to you 24/7, both for use at the university and at home.

You will also have access to our Careers Service, including CV checking, mock interviews and advice on setting up your own business.

Careers and employability

Banking is a profession that offers a huge variety of opportunities, the possibility of rapid career progression, and good pay and benefits.

The course prepares you for a range of careers in central banks, finance departments of industrial and service companies, regulatory bodies, government agencies, financial consultancies and auditors. Such companies are actively looking to recruit postgraduate-level professionals.

According to Michael Page’s 2015 annual Banking & Financial Services Survey, employment is expected to grow across the sector, with 45% of respondents expecting an increase in their team’s headcount.

There is a particularly strong demand for banking graduates in developing economies where financial organisations are seeking postgraduate-level professionals with a sophisticated understanding of banking.

The course is also ideal preparation for continuing your studies at MPhil or PhD level, or working as a professional researcher in finance.

• Careers advice and support

Careers Service provides help and advice from the very start of your studies, on subjects including careers counselling sessions, CV checking, mock interviews and advice on setting up your own business.

• Careers counsellor

The Business School's career development advisor, Christina Keiller is available to help you to write your CV, prepare for interviews and plan your career. She also works closely with tutors to ensure that our courses teach vocational skills as well as academic ones.

• Entrepreneurship network

Beepurple is the university’s entrepreneurship support network. They offer free support for any student or graduate with their business ideas, freelance plan or social enterprise project. Beepurple run events throughout the academic year, designed to equip you with skills that will improve your employability and help you grow a successful business. By taking part in beepurple activities, you will meet like-minded people, hear how other recent graduates have set up their own businesses and gain key enterprise skills that will help you stand out from the crowd.

• Mentoring scheme

Momentum is our award-winning mentoring scheme. It pairs students with professionals who wish to share their experience. Students and their mentors meet regularly to exchange ideas. The scheme helps students to develop new skills and enhance their career prospects.

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Over the past two or three decades or so, Islamic banking and finance has emerged as another viable way of financial intermediation. It has gained credibility and has spread worldwide and is the preferred way of banking for one fifth of the world’s population. This taught MA offers an opportunity to study the structure of the Islamic banking and finance industry, including its theoretical foundations, products, performance, Islamic financial instruments and risk management issues. These and other topics will be studied within the wider context of the banking and finance industry worldwide. There is also an MSc version of this MA programme, and whilst the MSc is more suitable for candidates with some previous background in mathematics, statistics or econometrics, this MA is more suitable for candidates who prefer a less quantitative approach to their studies.

Course structure

January intake: Taught modules are undertaken in the period of January to June and September to January and will involve the study of 120 credits. The dissertation (or equivalent) is valued at 60 credits and is undertaken during the period of June to September.

September intake: Taught modules are undertaken in the period of September to June and will involve the study of 120 credits. The dissertation (or equivalent) is valued at 60 credits and is undertaken during the period of June to September.

Compulsory modules:

Research Methods: This module develops knowledge of intermediate and advanced research methods, and provides a basis in research methodology for those who may eventually wish to pursue research degrees.

International Financial Markets: This module provides an overview of financial instruments in a multi-currency world, taking account of insights from portfolio theory concerning the relationship between risk and return, the diversification of risk, and the pricing of assets.

Islamic Finance: This module provides an insight into topical issues relating to Islamic financial instruments and related risk management issues. The first part of the module examines issues relating to financial contracting, instruments and various intermediation issues. The second part focuses on the role of the capital market in providing Islamic financing, and highlights financial engineering and risk management features of this type of business.

Islamic Banking: This module provides an insight into the key features of Islamic banking business. The first part of the course outlines the theoretical foundations and development of Islamic banking practices. In particular, the main characteristics of various types of Islamic banking products are discussed. The second part of the course examines the operational features of Islamic banks, focusing on their performance and how they compete with conventional interest-based banks. The final part of the course outlines contemporary challenges to Islamic banking business.

International Banking: This module examines the origins of international banking, the activities of international banks, the markets in which they participate, and the sources of risk. You will investigate the determinants of the efficiency of international banks, and evaluate the implications for banks’ strategic decision-making.

Financial Crises and Bank Regulation: This module examines why banks and financial markets are inherently vulnerable to crises, and analyses the role of policy makers and institutions. The roles of monetary policy, bank supervision and regulation, corporate governance and ratings agencies in mitigating or exacerbating crises are considered.

Optional modules (choose 2):

Islamic Accounting and Financial Reporting: This module develops a critical awareness of theoretical and practical approaches to Islamic accounting and financial reporting. Islamic accounting standards are compared with IFRS, and the content and impact of academic research in this area is examined.

Corporate Risk Management: This module provides an analysis of pure risk and its management.

Bank Financial Management: This module provides a grounding in the nature, strategic context and managerial functions of financial management in banks and other financial services firms. Three key themes are: identification and management of the trade-off between risk and return; improvement of a bank’s value using market models; and external market-based tests of bank performance.

Financial Institutions Strategic Management: This module examines the main theoretical and practical issues concerning banking business. You will develop a critical awareness of the theory of the banking firm, the motives for international banking, and regulatory and structural issues impacting on bank behaviour.

Investment Strategy and Portfolio Management: This module evaluates the development of investment strategies for bonds, equities and derivatives that are designed to achieve optimal risk-return outcomes, and examines the measurement and evaluation of the performance of a portfolio of investments.

Islamic Insurance: This module analyses the nature and principles of Islamic insurance, and examines the operational modes and practice of Islamic insurance. The structure of Islamic insurance markets is described, and constraints and opportunities are highlighted.

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