Banking and International Finance MSc

Course overview

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

This course provides you with a comprehensive overview of central issues in banking and international finance. You’ll acquire 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 which you'll put to the test in real-life scenarios through practical exercises.

You'll learn from highly qualified academics 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.

Course Highlights

• This course is shaped by the latest knowledge and critical thinking through the work of our advanced specialist research units, which have strong links with leading institutions in the US, Europe and Asia. These include the Centre for Advanced Studies in Finance, the International Banking Institute and the Credit Management Research Centre.

• You'll benefit from our strong relationships with the finance, credit and accounting professions, connecting you to the latest practitioner and policy developments.
• Gain skills for real-world application in the financial labour market through ‘Applied Finance’ and ‘Critical Skills for the Finance Professional’ modules.
• You’ll have access to our two, on-campus trading rooms and the world’s top financial databases, such as Bloomberg, WRDS, CSMAR, Orbis, Refinitiv Eikon, and Datastream.
• High-profile speakers, from industry and regulatory bodies, share current trends and valuable real-world insight in guest lectures. Recent speakers have included 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, including a Deputy Governor.
• On all Masters courses at Leeds University Business School you’ll have an opportunity to apply for a place on a week-long international study tour which will include company visits, guest lectures and networking events, as well as an opportunity to visit local places of interest. Previous study tours have included visits to Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich.

Find out more about studying your Masters at Leeds University 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.

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.

Course details

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.

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

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

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 Economics and Finance (6 weeks) and Language for Business: Economics and Finance (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

International applicants: Thursday 26 June 2025

UK applicants: Friday 15 August 2025

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 2025

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: £37,000 (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

We’re offering up to 50 Business School Excellence Scholarships to UK and International students starting one of our Masters courses in 2025. These scholarships offer a 50% fee reduction and will be awarded to particularly deserving applicants who demonstrate excellent academic, professional and personal achievements.

You do not have to submit a separate application for our Excellence Scholarships – you will be automatically considered when your course application is reviewed.

International Excellence Scholarships (International applicants)

Masters Excellence Scholarships (UK applicants)

Read more about Masters Funding and Scholarships.

Career opportunities

Careers support

Professional development activities are built into your course from day one.

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.

As part of the Accounting and Finance Department you can benefit from commercial awareness, networking events, and guest lectures from high profile speakers from industry or regulatory bodies. Students have had the opportunity to develop their knowledge of financial markets through a one-week trading simulation with Amplify Trading.

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.

Read more about our careers and professional development support.