Banking and International Finance MSc

Course overview

Prepare for the complexities of working in modern banking and cross-border financial systems with our CBI-accredited Masters degree.

Modern banking relies on integrated financial markets and global business activity.

This course gives you a thorough understanding of the latest theories in banking and international finance, 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.

“My experience at the Business School helped me take on challenges in global financial markets and motivated me to develop my career more broadly. The foundation of my knowledge was solidified through the lessons I learned at the Business School.”

Byengsung Youn, Banking and Finance MSc

Why study at Leeds

• Gain Chartered Banker status: Being accredited by the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI) gives you membership whilst studying and means you’re eligible for Chartered Banker status upon graduation.
• Get the latest industry developments: Our strong industry links mean you’ll benefit from 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.
• Access professional financial tools and platforms: Our two on-campus trading rooms give you experience in using Bloomberg, WRDS, CSMAR, Refinitiv Eikon and Datastream.
• Global opportunities to broaden your experience: Apply for a place on a week-long international study tour, with company visits, guest lectures and networking events. Previous study tours have included visits to Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich. 
• Develop research skills, backed by the Bank of England: Get the chance to develop your research dissertations through the Research Support Programme.
• Partnered with the CQF Institute: Access industry events, networking opportunities, career support, job listings and technical workshops, supported by CQF’s community of finance professionals.

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. This is 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 industry experience

While studying at Leeds, you’ll have the chance to work with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week online 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 three leading bodies:

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• Association of MBAs (AMBA)
• European Quality Improvement System (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.

AACSB

The Association of MBAs (AMBA)

EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System)

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.

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 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: 

• Scholarships for International students 
• Scholarships and funding for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Career opportunities

From day one, we encourage you to look beyond your time at Leeds and reflect on a meaningful career.

You 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 specialist, debt capital markets specialist and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) associate
• International banking analysis – for example, trade finance analyst, global cash management analyst and international loan analyst
• International financial management – such as regional finance manager, international budgeting and forecasting manager, or global treasury manager

Where this degree could take you

Many graduates have pursued successful careers in commercial and investment banking, corporate finance and financial analysis. Alternatively, your 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 
• 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.

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 way 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 – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
• 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.

Work placements and industry experience

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 funding strategy.
• Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working 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.
• Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.