Banking and Finance BSc

Course overview

You'll study your Banking and Finance degree at Leeds University Business School. Here you'll graduate with the eligibility to gain full Chartered Banker status, giving you a head start for your career.

You’ll be taught by experts in our renowned Business School, recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI) for the quality of our teaching.

The course provides a thorough grounding in both theory and current practice, including specialist modules in commercial banking, investment banking and risk management in banking.

You’ll also develop the analytical, quantitative, research and communication skills required by leading employers in retail and investment banking, the City and financial services more generally.

Leeds is one of the largest city regions for financial and business services in the UK, which makes it an ideal place to study banking and finance. You'll also have a range of opportunities to gain relevant work experience within the sector.

Shape your learning with pathways

This course offers pathways from year 2, which allow you to tailor your course to your specific interests or professional aspirations. The pathways provide modules that can be taken in particular areas and can be followed through to your final year. This unique level of personalisation and self-direction provides you with the flexibility to meet your career goals, whilst helping you stand out from the crowd when you graduate.

The pathways available on this course are: 

• Economics
• Enterprise and Innovation
• Ethics and Sustainability
• Business Management

Course highlights

Choose to take an optional year in industry to gain practical experience, or immerse yourself in a new culture by spending a year studying in a different country at one of our many partner universities across the world.

• You’ll have access to our two state-of-the-art trading rooms, helping you develop practical skills for your career. You'll have the chance to gain certification for taking part in Bloomberg Core Concepts training in your first year, and to participate in a live trading simulation in your third year.
• Learn from highly qualified and experienced professional accountants and world-renowned academic researchers.
• Graduate with eligibility to gain full Chartered Banker status from the Chartered Banker Institute, distinguishing you as a highly qualified professional with detailed knowledge of the modern banking sector and its ethical and professional requirements.

Supporting your personal development

Throughout your studies, you'll benefit from the support of your Academic Personal Tutor who will work in partnership with you to maximise your personal and professional development.

You’ll also have access to support from the Business School’s Employability and Opportunity team who will help you explore opportunities to develop your professional network and gain work experience.

Read more about personal development support within the Business School.

Accreditation

Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from the three leading bodies AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS

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.

This course is recognised as a University Affiliation Programme (UAP) by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute.

Course details

Our degrees have a modular structure. This means that the theoretical and applied content within our compulsory modules provide you with the core knowledge and skills that you need. 

Alongside these compulsory modules, you’ll also have the opportunity to shape your course through optional, pathway and discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out in a competitive graduate job market. 

• Optional modules are related to the field of banking and finance enabling you to deepen your knowledge and skills within this area. 
• Pathways are optional modules themed around key business disciplines, designed to complement your core knowledge and skills in banking and finance and broaden your expertise. Pathway modules are available in your second and final year. You can choose to study modules from up to two pathways during each year, with the opportunity to continue, choose a different pathway* or return your focus to optional banking and finance modules as you progress between years. 
• Discovery modules give you opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside your subject area. They are categorised into Discovery Themes ranging from arts to sciences, and from theory to practice.  

Whether you choose optional, pathway or discovery modules, you’ll be shaping your course to suit your personal interests and career aspirations. In all years, you will be able to choose from a selection of modules that reflect the research interests and expertise of staff at Leeds.

*Subject to prerequisites in year 2.

Year 1

In your first year, you will be introduced to the basics of banking and finance and the way financial information is reported and used in decision making. In addition, you'll study mathematics and economics to broaden your knowledge and skills base.

You will choose an optional module based on your current level of mathematics and statistics knowledge and be offered discovery module(s) from a broad range of university-wide disciplines.

Year 2

In your second year you'll consolidate your understanding of core course topics with compulsory modules in banking systems and commercial banking whilst developing your commercial awareness and group-working skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to study specialist banking and finance optional modules including credit analytics and Python programming for finance.

Pathway modules will enable you to explore topics closely related to banking and finance, such as entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, business economics and managing small businesses. You will also have the option to study discovery modules.

Final year

Your final year will include either a research dissertation on a topic of your choice or a piece of financial analysis. You’ll also study compulsory modules on investment banking, risk management, international banking and financial derivatives.

Through your choice of optional sector leading banking and finance modules, you could explore topics such as behavioural finance, forensic accounting and finance, and international business finance. You’ll also have the option to continue to study topics via pathways in strategic management, macroeconomics, diversity management and enterprise consultancy. Discovery modules will also be offered in your final year.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Banking and Finance BSc in the course catalogue

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Foundations of Banking (10 credits)
• Foundations of Finance (20 credits)
• Introduction to Financial Accounting (10 credits)
• Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1B (10 credits)
• Economic Theory and Applications for Finance (20 credits)
• Academic and Professional Development for Studies in Finance (20 credits)

Optional modules

• Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1A (10 credits)
• Introduction to Management Accounting (10 credits)

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Banks and Banking Systems (10 credits)
• Commercial Banking (10 credits)
• Corporate Finance (20 credits)
• Financial Econometrics (10 credits)
• Intermediate Financial Accounting (20 credits)
• Financial Analytics for Decision Making (10 credits)   

Optional modules

• Python Programming for Finance
• From Study to Work (10 credits)
• Applied Credit Analytics (10 credits)
• Intermediate Management Accounting (20 credits)
• Business and the Legal Environment (20 credits)
• Experiencing the World of Work (10 credits)

Pathway modules

Economics pathway

• Intermediate Microeconomics (10 credits)
• Intermediate Macroeconomics (10 credits)
• Business Economics (10 credits)
• Mathematics for Business and Economics 2 (10 credits)
• Industrial Economics (10 credits)

Enterprise and Innovation pathway

• Leading and Managing Small Business (10 credits)
• Entrepreneurship in Theory and Practice (10 credits)
• Managing Innovation in Business (10 credits)
• New Enterprise Planning (20 credits)

Ethics and Sustainability pathway

• Leadership Ethics (10 credits)
• Contemporary Industrial Relations (10 credits)
• Corporate Social Responsibility (10 credits)

Business Management pathway

• Leading and Managing Small Business (10 credits)
• Organisational Behaviour in Practice (10 credits)
• How Managers Make Decisions (10 credits)
• Evidence Based Consultancy (10 credits)

Final year

Compulsory modules

• Investment Banking (10 credits)
• Risk Management in Banking (10 credits)
• Contemporary Issues in Banking (10 credits)
• Sustainable Banking (20 credits)
• Dissertation for Accounting, Banking and Finance (40 credits) OR Financial Analysis (40 credits)

Optional modules

• Private Equity (10 credits)
• Forensic Accounting and Finance (10 credits)
• Behavioural Finance (10 credits)
• Financial Derivatives (10 credits)
• Advanced Financial Accounting (10 credits)
• Advanced Finance (10 credits)
• International Business Finance (10 credits)
• Advanced Portfolio Management (10 credits)
• Principles of Taxation (20 credits)

Pathway modules

Economics pathway

• Advanced Microeconomics (10 credits)
• Advanced Macroeconomics (10 credits)
• Environmental Economics (10 credits)
• Modern Theories of Money and Monetary Policy (10 credits)
• The Political Economy of Work (10 credits)
• Economics of Business and Corporate Strategy (20 credits)

Enterprise and Innovation pathway

• Enterprise Consultancy (20 credits)
• Critical Perspectives in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
• Innovation Thinking and Practice (10 credits)

Ethics and Sustainability pathway

• Gender and Equality and Work in Comparative Perspectives (20 credits)
• Diversity Management (20 credits)

Business Management pathway

• Enterprise Consultancy (20 credits)
• Strategic Management (20 credits)
• International Business Management (20 credits)
• Leadership in Organisations (10 credits)

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught using a range of methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops. The rest of your time will be spent in independent learning, which allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis.

You will benefit from access to our Bloomberg Trading Rooms, including two brand new 24-seat suites. The trading rooms allow you to apply your finance theories to decision making in a safe environment using real time information.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a range of transferable skills that you’ll need in professional life. These are likely to include coursework, exams, oral presentations, group reports and dissertations.

Specialist facilities

At Leeds University Business School, you’ll have access to specialist facilities including state-of-the-art lecture theatres, collaborative learning and teaching spaces with the latest interactive technology and modern study spaces with dedicated computer clusters. Read more about our Business School facilities.

As a banking and finance student, you will also have use our state-of-the-art Bloomberg Trading Rooms, enabling you to engage with practical applications of both finance and investment decision-making.

Explore our virtual campus tour.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA

GCSE: 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher including Mathematics grade A/7 and English Language grade B/6 or equivalent, or an appropriate English language qualification.* *If you have a B/6 in GCSE English Literature we will accept a Grade B/5 or C/4 in GCSE English Language.

Other course specific tests:

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications for this course.

Alternative qualification

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

A level: ABB

GCSE: 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher including Mathematics grade A/7 and English Language or English Literature grade C/4

Access to Leeds: Pass

Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students

If you are a mature applicant (over 21) and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information. lifelonglearning@leeds.ac.uk

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Read more about International Entry Requirements for Leeds University Business School on our Entry Requirements page.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

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
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.

The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
•    Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
•    Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
•    Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
•    Social Science (foundation year) BA
 

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
 

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Leeds University Business School awards a generous range of scholarships.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

The deadline for international students to apply to Leeds University Business School courses is 30 June.

Courses at Leeds University Business School receive a high volume of applications relative to the places available and this means that we cannot extend an offer to all applicants. We look for enthusiastic and talented students who have the potential to succeed in their studies and contribute to our community and make our offer decisions based on an overall review of your application. This includes predicted or achieved grades as well as the breadth of knowledge demonstrated through qualifications, the personal statement, extra-curricular and work experience, and contextual information.

We aim to make offer decisions as quickly as we can but sometimes we may need to put applications for a course on hold until after the UCAS January deadline. This ensures that we recruit a balanced student population with the greatest potential.

If we put your application on hold for review after the UCAS application deadline, we will let you know. Although in this case you may have to wait a little longer than usual to receive a decision, this does not impact on your other applications and other university offers will not change simply because you are waiting for our offer.

Please see our How to Apply page, under “Application decisions” for details.

International applicants

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

Leeds University Business School

Contact us

Leeds University Business School Course Enquiries Office

Email: lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

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Our Banking and Finance degree offers an excellent route into employment. 

Leeds City Region is a leading centre for financial services meaning you will find lots of opportunities for relevant work experience. Plus, the University of Leeds is the 4th most targeted UK university by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report, meaning our graduates are highly sought-after. 

Where will your Banking and Finance degree take you?

The majority of our graduates will go on to pursue a successful career in retail or investment banking, or a more general finance role in the city or banking industry. However, graduates will also be well prepared for a career in accountancy or a more general management role.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers. Leeds University Business School is one of the few universities in the UK with a dedicated Employability and Opportunity team. You’ll be supported throughout your studies with one-to-one support, workshops and events from graduate employers, helping you develop the professional skills and experience that top employers are looking for.  

Find out more about the Business School’s Employability and Opportunity support.   

Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme 

You’ll also have the opportunity to apply for our competitive Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme, exclusive for Business School students. We’ll connect you with an industry professional who will support you on your career path as you are mentored on a one-to-one basis for one academic year.   

The Careers Service work with a large network of experienced professionals from companies such as Santander, M&S and KPMG, who volunteer as mentors on our Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme.    

During your time at Leeds, you’ll have full access to the University Careers Service and Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Studies.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend an additional academic year studying abroad. The University has partnerships with more than 300 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include the USA, Canada, Australia, countries in Asia and countries in Europe.

You can also apply to take part in a short-course summer school at one of our overseas partner institutions. A summer school can be taken as part of a three-year degree, or in addition to a study year abroad or year in industry.

Read more about studying abroad.

Work placement

Work placements can help you decide on your career and improve your employability prospects. You’ll have the opportunity to put theory from your course into practice whilst gaining practical work experience and transferable skills sought after by graduate employers. 

On this course you have the option to apply to spend a year in industry working within an organisation in either the public, private or voluntary sector, in the UK or overseas. If you take this option, your degree will be extended to a four-year course with the third year spent on placement. 

Support to find shorter summer internships and part-time or voluntary work is also available. 

Learn more about work placements.