Banking and International Finance MSc

Integrated financial markets and global businesses contribute significantly to modern banking, which is inseparable from international finance.

This course gives you a comprehensive overview of central issues in banking and international finance, with an understanding of the forces that sway financial markets as well as the theories underlying commercial and international banking. You’ll gain knowledge and skills that can be practically applied, and put them to the test in real-life scenarios through practical exercises.

You’ll learn from highly qualified tutors with research and consultancy expertise in credit, banking and finance. A strong research culture and excellent links with industry, commerce and professional bodies will give you the rare opportunity to gain a real understanding of the current challenges and issues facing the world’s international financial institutions.

Academic excellence

As a student, you will be able to access the knowledge of our advanced specialist research units, which also have strong links with leading institutions in the US, Europe and Asia. These include the Centre for Advanced Study in Finance (CASIF), the Institute of Banking and Investment (IBI) and the Credit Management Research Centre (CMRC). This research makes an important contribution to your learning on the MSc Banking and International Finance; you will benefit from a curriculum that is informed by the latest knowledge and critical thinking.

You will also benefit from our strong relationships with the finance, credit and accounting professions. This provides a connection to the latest practitioner and policy developments, giving you a masters degree that is relevant to the contemporary environment.

Course content

This course develops your knowledge of international finance and business to an advanced level.

You’ll develop your existing skills in quantitative data analysis, applying financial methods and theories to solve complex business problems. You’ll examine the global financial sector as you study corporate finance, international business finance and commercial banking.

You’ll be able to gain specialist knowledge with your choice of optional modules in a range of subject areas, including International Investment, Economics of Globalisation and Risk and Insurance.

To demonstrate the knowledge and skills you gain during the programme, you’ll design and carry out your own research dissertation in the final semester. This allows you to focus on a topic of your choice, developing your ability to tackle the most pressing challenges currently facing the industry.

Throughout the course we support you to develop the professional skills that will be critical for a successful career in the financial services.

Course structure

Compulsory modules

You’ll study eight compulsory modules including your dissertation.

• Quantitative Methods 15 credits
• Corporate Finance 15 credits
• Applied Finance 15 credits
• Commercial Banking 15 credits
• International Banking and Finance 15 credits
• Accounting and Finance Dissertation 60 credits
• Critical Skills for the Finance Professional 15 credits

Optional modules

You'll also take two options, one of which must be either International Investment or Economics of Globalisation and the International Economy.

• Information and Organisation Design 15 credits
• International Business Finance 15 credits
• Forensic Accounting and Finance 15 credits
• International Investment 15 credits
• Corporate Governance 15 credits
• Economics of Globalisation and the International Economy 15 credits
• Financial Reporting and Analysis 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Banking and International Finance MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These will include lectures, seminars, workshops, online learning and tutorials.

In addition to the assessed modules and research dissertation, you benefit from professional training activities and employability workshops. Thanks to our links with major companies across the business world, you can also gain a practical understanding of key issues.

For example, students have developed their knowledge of financial markets through a one-week trading simulation delivered in partnership with Amplify Trading. Read more about professional development activities for finance students.

Independent study is also vital for this course allowing you to prepare for taught classes and sharpen your own research and critical skills.

Assessment

Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. They include formal exams, group projects, reports, computer simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations and reflective logs.

This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Banking and International Finance can expect to have worldwide appeal to employers in finance, investment banking and financial services.

Many of our graduates have gone on to pursue successful careers in commercial and investment banking, corporate finance and financial analysis. Alternatively, the course can provide an excellent grounding for a career in financial journalism.

This masters is also an excellent qualification for individuals seeking to pursue a postgraduate research degree.

Careers support

We help you to achieve your career ambitions by providing professional development support and training as part of the Masters programme. You benefit from the support of a Professional Development Tutor, who will work with you to develop the important professional skills that employers value.

We’re committed to offering a wide range of development and training opportunities. Recent activities have included CV building and interview sessions, professional risk management workshops and commercial awareness networking events.

Read more about our careers and professional development support.

The University of Leeds Careers Centre also provides a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate.

Visit the Banking and International Finance MSc page on the University of Leeds website for more details!