Banking and International Finance MSc

Overview

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 will gain knowledge and skills that can be practically applied and you will put this to the test in real-life scenarios through practical exercises.

You will 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 Studies 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.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI). All students receive membership whilst studying, and are eligible for Chartered Banker status upon graduation.

Leeds University Business School has also been named a Centre of Excellence by the CBI.

Course content

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

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

You will 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 will 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.

Modules

_{Compulsory modules}

You’ll study seven compulsory modules including your dissertation.

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

_{Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)}

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

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

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These 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. 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. This may include formal exams, group projects, reports, computer simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations and reflective logs.

Applying, fees and funding

_{English language requirements}

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

To find out more, read Language for Economics and Finance (6 weeks) and Language for Business: Economics and Finance (10 weeks).

How to apply

Application deadline:

We operate a staged admissions process for this course with selection deadlines throughout the year.

If you do not receive an offer in a particular round, you will either be notified that your application has been unsuccessful, or we will carry your application forward to be considered in the next round.

Please see our How to Apply page for full details and the application deadlines for each stage.

APPLY 

Documents and information you'll need

• A copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
• Two academic references
• A personal statement
• An up-to-date CV
• Evidence of your English language qualifications, if English is not your first language
• A letter of sponsorship, if you need one.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students.

_Fees

• UK/EU: £14,500 (total)
• International: £27,000 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

_{Scholarships and financial support}

We award a range of scholarships to UK, EU and international students. Scholarships are available to candidates who can demonstrate an excellent academic record and show excellent professional and personal skills.

There are several scholarships available for this course that you may be eligible for, including:

• Masters in Accounting and Finance UK/EU Excellence Scholarship
• Masters in Accounting and Finance International Excellence Scholarship
• Dean's Excellence Scholarship (UK/EU and International)
• Leeds Alumni Bursary and Excellence Scholarship

Read more about Business School scholarships.

Career opportunities

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.

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