Course overview
Explore, network, and gain a competitive edge in the financial services industries that drive the global economy.
Banking and finance are critical to the success of the economy and the people who depend on it. In this course, you’ll become an expert on financial theory and practice, building a firm foundation on which you can specialise your learning in line with your career goals.
Explore specialist modules on topics including commercial banking, investment banking and risk management, alongside programming for finance, forensic accounting, and portfolio management. On top of that, 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.
Once you graduate, you’ll be well placed to enter one of the UK’s largest and most competitive sectors or explore international opportunities. Financial institutions, private sector businesses, accountants, public bodies – with this degree, the only limit is your aspiration.
Why study at Leeds?
- Prestigious triple accreditation: Our Business School is triple-accredited, and recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI) for the quality of our teaching.
- World-class teaching: Learn from highly qualified and experienced professional accountants and world-renowned academic researchers, as well as dedicated Academic Personal Tutors.
- Study close to industry: Leeds is a key hub for banking and finance, home to the Bank of England, Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC, First Direct, and Coutts. Our relationships with industry translate directly into opportunities for our students.
- Your course, your choice: Pathways give you the chance to hone your skillset to suit career goals in economics, enterprise and innovation, ethics and sustainability, or business management.
- A stepping stone to chartered status: 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.
- Take your learning further: Develop experience and boost your prospects with industrial placement opportunities and study abroad programmes.
I chose BSc Banking and Finance due to the hugely varied optional modules and ways to tailor the degree, giving you the opportunity to learn subjects that suit you alongside core Finance learning.
Olivia Highton, alum, Investment Banking Analyst, RBC Capital Markets
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.
This course is recognised as a University Affiliation Programme (UAP) by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute.
Course details and modules
Our degrees have a modular structure. This means that the theoretical and applied content within our compulsory modules provides 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'll 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'll 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'll 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'll 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 in investment banking, risk management, sustainable banking, and contemporary issues, such as FinTech adoption.
Through your choice of optional sector-leading banking and finance modules, you could explore topics such as behavioural finance, portfolio management, financial derivatives, 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.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Foundations of Banking (10 credits)
- Foundations of Finance (20 credits)
- Introduction to Financial Accounting (10 credits)
- Financial Analytics for Decision Making (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 (10 credits)
- 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
- 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)
- Auditing and Assurance Services (20c)
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 in Practice for Change and Impact (20 credits)
Ethics and Sustainability pathway
- Gender and Equality and Work in Comparative Perspectives (20 credits)
- Diversity Management (20 credits)
- Sustainable Business Futures: Policy and Practice (20 credits)
- Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (10 credits)
Business Management pathway
- Enterprise Consultancy (20 credits)
- Contemporary Issues in Strategy (10 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'll 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'll also have use of our state-of-the-art Bloomberg Trading Rooms, enabling you to engage with practical applications of both finance and investment decision-making.
Explore more of our facilities through our 360 virtual experience.
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA
GCSE: Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education with acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, including Mathematics grade A/7 and English Language grade B/5 or equivalent, or an appropriate English language qualification. If you have a B/5 in GCSE English Literature, we will accept a Grade C/4 in GCSE English Language.
Other course specific tests:
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications for this course.
Alternative qualifications
Access to HE Diploma
The Access to Higher Education Diploma is assessed on a case-by-case basis upon receipt of the application. We can consider this qualification from UK applicants only, who must complete a Business-related diploma of 60 credits to include 45 credits at Level 3. A minimum of 30 Level 3 credits must be awarded at Distinction and 15 at Merit.
Applicants are expected to meet the GCSE Mathematics and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree programme.
BTEC
Applicants declaring a BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business or Enterprise and Entrepreneurship or Marketing must achieve Distinction* Distinction Distinction (an A-level is not required).
For other BTEC qualifications alongside academic A-levels, please see our BTEC entry requirements.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M2 or D2, M1, M1. Please note that this requirement excludes the Cambridge Pre-U Certificate in Global Perspectives and Independent Research. We also consider applicants who offer a combination of Pre-U and A-Level qualifications. Please contact lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk for further advice.
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with 17 points from Higher Level subjects. Plus Mathematics can be met via a 5 at Standard Level or a 4 at Higher Level. English Language can be met via a 5 at Standard Level or Higher Level English A, or a 7 at Standard Level English B, or a 6 at Higher Level English B.
For those applicants who meet our Mathematics or English Language requirements through another qualification, these minimum points for Mathematics or English Language in the International Baccalaureate Diploma do not apply.
Literature and Performance or English ab initio are not accepted for English Language, and a separate English Language qualification is required.
Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level)
Applicants must achieve six H2 grades in the Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level).
Mathematics and English Language will be accepted at Ordinary level in lieu of GCSEs. A grade of O2 is required for GCSE A/7 Maths. A grade of O3 is required for English Language.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
Scottish Highers and Scottish Advanced Highers are acceptable for entry onto our degree programmes in the following combinations:
- six Highers at AAAAAA
- one Advanced Higher at A with five Highers at AAABB
- two Advanced Highers at AA with five Highers AABBB.
We will also accept three Advanced Highers at AAA.
National 5 Mathematics and English are acceptable in lieu of GCSE requirements on a grade for grade basis.
T-Levels
Applicants declaring a T-level are assessed on a case-by-case basis upon receipt of the application. We can only consider these subjects for entry to Business School courses; Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management and Administration, Digital Data Analytics, Digital Software Development, or Digital Support and Security.
An overall Distinction with grade A in the Core Component must be achieved.
Applicants are also expected to have met the GCSE Mathematics and English Language minimum requirements for their chosen degree programme.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is acceptable in place of an A level. Applicants must achieve a grade A alongside AA at A level (excluding Extended Project (EPQ), General Studies and Critical Thinking).
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.
If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.
Find out more about access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer
A level: ABB
GCSE: Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education with acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, 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: £10,050
International: £31,300 (per year)
The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.
Tuition fees for UK students
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2027/28 are £10,050.
Subsequent years
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.
From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.
Tuition fees for international students
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.
Read more about tuition fees.
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 years on our tuition fees page.
Additional cost information
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. Learn more about undergraduate funding.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
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.
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 2027
This course is taught by
Leeds University Business School
Contact us
Leeds University Business School Course Enquiries Office
Email: lubsugadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Career opportunities
Viewing in China? Watch on Bilibili.
This degree has been designed to offer excellent routes into employment. It will equip you with the knowledge, skills and experience you need to set yourself apart in competitive fields and enjoy a successful career. What’s more, the Leeds City Region is a leading centre for financial services, meaning you will find lots of opportunities for relevant work experience
Your skills will be inherently transferable too. Banking and Finance graduates are in high demand in a wide range of industries, including:
- Retail banking
- Investment banking
- Accountancy
- Wealth management
- Consultancy
- Civil service
Where this degree could take you
Our graduates have gone on to explore a wide variety of careers in the likes of PwC, Goldman Sachs, RBC Capital Markets, the NHS, and Deutsche Boerse, including roles such as:
- Electronic Sales Trader
- Income Analyst
- Banking and Capital Markets Associate
- Investment Banking Analyst
- Information Analyst.
This masters is also an excellent qualification for individuals seeking to pursue a postgraduate Masters or research degree.
Immersing myself in a new culture helped me develop confidence and adaptability, which translated directly into stronger performance during interviews.
Learn more about the careers our students have pursued – read alumni profiles from Leeds University Business School.
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK’s leading employers
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go well beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.
- Dedicated Employability Team – 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.
- Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
- Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
- MyCareer system – access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
- Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.
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 to Business School students. We’ll connect you with an industry professional who will support you on your career path, mentoring you one-to-one for one academic year.
The Careers Service works 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
Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects.
From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.
This course offers you the chance to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year, extending your studies by 12 months.
Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title, which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.
Find out more on the Study Abroad website.
Work placement
Make connections, practice skills, and build confidence in your future with an industrial placement year as part of your course.
A work placement can be a great investment in your future:
- choose from 100+ organisations in the UK and overseas.
- make industry contacts within your chosen field.
- be in direct contact with potential employers thanks to our close industry links.
- advance your experience and skills by putting course teachings into practice.
- gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in your chosen industry.
- improve your employability.
- all placements sourced by the University are paid positions
- we also offer shorter-term placement opportunities.
Our Employability Team is here to help you every step of the way. They run several placement sessions to answer your questions, discuss available opportunities, and support you with CV writing and interview preparation.
If you decide to undertake a placement year, your period of study will be extended by 12 months.
If your application is successful, during placement you'll be supported by an industrial supervisor from within the company and an academic supervisor, who will keep in touch throughout.
On successful completion of your placement year, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.
Students in our Faculty have recently completed placements at:
- Airbus
- Bank of England
- EY
- GSK
- IBM
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Microsoft
- NHS Digital
- Samsung
- Unilever
We can’t guarantee a work placement. The job market is competitive, and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation. That said, we encourage everyone to apply.
Find out more about Industrial placements.