Banking and International Finance MSc
Year of entry 2026
- Start date
- September 2026
- Delivery type
- On campus
- Duration
- 12 Months (Full time)
- Entry requirements
- A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a related subject
Full entry requirements - English language requirements
- IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component
- UK fees
- £18,750 (Total)
- International fees
- £35,500 (Total)
- Accredited
- Yes
- Contact
- masters@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
Prepare for the complexities of working in modern banking and cross-border financial systems with our CBI-accredited masters degree.
Banking and international finance are intrinsically linked, with modern banking relying on the integrated financial markets and global business activity. This course gives you a thorough understanding of the latest theories along with practical skills and real-world experience, preparing you to succeed in a competitive job market.
You’ll gain insight into how banks operate, manage risk and interact with global financial institutions. You’ll develop a well-rounded skill set in financial analysis and strategic decision-making, with optional modules giving you technical skills that are valued in the workplace.
Our highly qualified academics bring their research and consultancy expertise in credit, banking and finance to the classroom, helping you put your knowledge and skills to the test in real-life scenarios in practical exercises.
A strong research culture and excellent links with industry, commerce and professional bodies will give you a real understanding of the current challenges and issues facing the world’s international financial institutions
Course Highlights
- This course is accredited by the Chartered Banking Institiute (CBI), the UK’s largest professional banking organisation, which recognises Leeds University Business School as a Centre of Excellence.
- Examine the global banking sector, studying corporate finance, international banking and finance, and commercial banking.
- Selected students can develop their research dissertation by taking in the Bank of England’s Research Support Programme.
- Get the skills for success with the latest highly sought-after quantitative skills training, including machine learning and data analytics.
- Our strong relationships with the finance, credit and accounting professions give you the latest practitioner and policy developments. This includes high-profile guest speakers, with recent visits from a non-executive board member at UBS, the Head of Securities and Fund Services at Citigroup Asia Pacific and members of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.
- Our two on-campus trading rooms give you access to the tools and platforms used by financial professionals, such as Bloomberg, WRDS, CSMAR, Refinitiv Eikon and Datastream – deepening your understanding of real-time financial analysis, data interpretation and investment decision-making.
- On all masters courses at Leeds University Business School, you can apply for a place on a week-long international study tour which includes company visits, guest lectures and networking events. Previous study tours have included visits to Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich.
Accounting and Finance at Leeds University Business School
As a student in the Accounting and Finance department, you’ll engage with innovative ideas and the latest real-world challenges through teaching that’s connected to our advanced specialist research centres, which have strong links with leading institutions in the US, Europe and Asia; the Centre for Advanced Studies in Finance, the International Banking Institute and the Credit Management Research Centre.
Guaranteed work experience
While studying at Leeds, you’ll have the chance to work with a business and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week virtual Global Industry Programme.
As well as giving you the opportunity to build key industry connections, you’ll also develop invaluable professional and practical skills that are highly valued by employers.
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.
As part of the CFA® University Affiliation, eligible students can apply for CFA® scholarships that cover the cost of registration for the CFA examination.
Leeds University Business School has triple accreditation from the three leading bodies: AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.
This means you'll join one of the UK's most prestigious business schools with a global reputation for high-quality teaching and research. We’ll introduce you to a culture of new ideas and different perspectives. Our diverse, international learning community will offer you new experiences and global connections for life.
Course details and modules
This course develops your knowledge of banking and international finance to an advanced level.
You'll develop your existing skills in quantitative data analysis, applying financial methods and theories to solve complex business problems. Throughout the year, you'll examine the global financial sector as you study corporate finance, international banking and finance, and commercial banking.
You’ll develop specialist knowledge with a choice of optional modules in a range of subject areas, including Python programming for finance, international investment, international business finance, organisation, and accounting.
To demonstrate the knowledge and skills you gain during the course, you’ll have the opportunity to 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.
Selected students enrolled in this course have also had the opportunity to develop their research dissertations by participating in the Research Support Programme promoted by the Bank of England.
Throughout the course we’ll support you to develop the professional skills that are critical for a successful career in the financial services.
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
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Methods | 15 |
| Corporate Finance | 15 |
| Applied Finance | 15 |
| Commercial Banking | 15 |
| International Banking and Finance | 15 |
| Accounting and Finance Dissertation | 60 |
| Critical Skills for the Finance Professional | 15 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Information and Organisation Design | 15 |
| International Business Finance | 15 |
| Forensic Accounting and Finance | 15 |
| International Investment | 15 |
| Financial Reporting and Analysis | 15 |
| Portfolio Risk Management | 15 |
| Python Programming for Finance | 15 |
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, allowing you to develop your skills in research and analysis.
Our Virtual Learning Environment will help support your studies. This is a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your course 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
Assessment methods emphasise both knowledge and essential skills development. This may 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.
Applying
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a related subject, such as accounting, finance or mathematics, and normally a background in economics.
International qualifications
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.
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.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Business (6 weeks) and Language for Business (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Documents and information you'll need
- a copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
- contact details for two academic references
- a personal statement
- an up-to-date CV
- your approved English Language test* (if applicable)
- a letter of sponsorship, if you need one.
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 2026
This course is taught by
Leeds University Business School
Contact us
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Email: masters@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Fees
UK: £18,750 (Total)
International: £35,500 (Total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
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 may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Career opportunities
From day one, we encourage you to look beyond your time at Leeds and reflect on a meaningful career.
Graduates can expect to have a worldwide appeal to employers in finance, investment banking and financial services. Typical roles include:
- commercial banking – such as a corporate banking officer, small business banker or credit analyst
- investment banking – including equity capital markets (ECM) specialist, debt capital markets (DCM) specialist and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) associate
- international banking analysis – for example, trade finance analyst, global cash management analyst, international loan analyst)
- international financial management – such as regional finance manager, international budgeting and forecasting manager, global treasury manager.
Many graduates have pursued 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.
Recent graduates are working at organisations such as Bytedance, Citi, Deloitte, HSBC, Santander UK and Worldpay.
This masters is also an excellent qualification for individuals seeking to pursue a postgraduate research degree.
We'll work with you to develop the knowledge, skills and experiences you need to accelerate your professional development, set yourself apart in the job market and achieve your goals.
Skills for your future
This course equips you with a 360° Finance Professional Skillset, meaning you’ll gain vital work-ready skills and graduate prepared to lead and innovate across diverse sectors.
Through a curriculum designed to foster critical thinking, ethical awareness and global and cultural insight, you develop the intellectual agility to navigate complex challenges.
You’ll develop strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, alongside skills that are in-demand in the workplace, including:
- financial analysis
- problem solving and strategic decision-making
- leadership and teamworking
- commercial and ethical awareness
- digital literacy
- presentation and written communication skills
- enterprise acumen
- sustainability awareness.
As part of our dedicated Critical Skills module, you’ll take part in a Professional Experience Week where you can test your skills in a supported environment. You’ll identify problems, analyse financial and non-financial data, and exercise your professional and ethical judgement to develop real-world recommendations.
Links with industry
As a student of the Accounting and Finance Department, you can benefit from commercial awareness networking events and guest lectures from high profile industry speakers or regulatory bodies. In addition, you'll experience an intensive five-day trading bootcamp with Amplify ME– an interactive, real-world learning experience with immersive simulations of various financial services sector roles.
Guaranteed industry experience
The Global Industry Programme gives Masters students a great opportunity to gain real-world experience through live industry projects. You’ll connect with leading companies across the globe to work on impactful, hands-on consultancy projects, enhancing your employability skills and enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge to practical business challenges.
Careers support
Professional development activities are built into your course. You can access advice and guidance on your career choices, help in identifying and applying for jobs, support to boost your employability, and opportunities to develop the professional skills you'll need to start a successful career – and how to evidence these to prospective employers.
Employability workshops provide practical guidance and support to help you prepare for the job market with confidence. These workshops cover essential skills such as CV writing, interview techniques, networking and personal branding, all of which are crucial for standing out to employers. They also offer insights into recruitment processes and industry expectations, helping you make informed career choices and improve your chances of securing internships or graduate roles.
Leeds University Business School provides dedicated support to help you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to make a real impact in your chosen career.
You’ll also benefit from the University’s award-winning Careers Service, where you can access a range of support to help secure the career you want, even after you graduate.
Work placements
As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.
You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.
This experience will enhance your CV, helping you to stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.
Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:
- Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
- Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and artificial intelligence.
- Build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation.
- Gain invaluable insight into working as a consultant on a time-limited brief.
- Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
- Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
- Improve your employability prospects.