(Full time) 2019 start
Banking and International Finance MSc
Overview
Integrated financial markets and global businesses contribute significantly to modern banking, which is inseparable from international finance.
This course gives you a comprehensive overview of central issues in banking and international finance, with an understanding of the forces that sway financial markets as well as the theories underlying commercial and international banking. You will gain knowledge and skills that can be practically applied and you will put this to the test in real-life scenarios through practical exercises.
You will learn from highly qualified tutors 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.
Academic Excellence
As a student, you will be able to access the knowledge of our advanced specialist research units, which also have strong links with leading institutions in the US, Europe and Asia. These include the Centre for Advanced Studies in Finance (CASIF), the International Banking Institute (IBI) and the Credit Management Research Centre (CMRC). This research makes an important contribution to your learning on the MSc Banking and International Finance; you will benefit from a curriculum that is informed by the latest knowledge and critical thinking.
You will also benefit from our strong relationships with the finance, credit and accounting professions. This provides a connection to the latest practitioner and policy developments, giving you a Masters degree that is relevant to the contemporary environment.
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.
Course content
This course develops your knowledge of international finance and business to an advanced level.
You will develop your existing skills in quantitative data analysis, applying financial methods and theories to solve complex business problems. You will examine the global financial sector as you study corporate finance, international business finance and commercial banking.
You will be able to gain specialist knowledge with your choice of optional modules in a range of subject areas, including international investment, economics of globalisation and risk and insurance.
To demonstrate the knowledge and skills you gain during the programme, you will 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.
Throughout the course we support you to develop the professional skills that will be 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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
You’ll study seven compulsory modules including your dissertation.
- Quantitative Methods 15 credits
- Corporate Finance 15 credits
- Applied Finance 15 credits
- Commercial Banking 15 credits
- International Banking and Finance 15 credits
- Dissertation 60 credits
- Critical Skills for the Finance Professional 15 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
You'll also take two options, one of which must be either International Investment or Economics of Globalisation and the International Economy.
- International Investment 15 credits
- Economics of Globalisation and the International Economy 15 credits
- Information and Organisation Design 15 credits
- International Business Finance 15 credits
- Forensic Accounting and Finance 15 credits
- Corporate Governance 15 credits
- Financial Reporting and Analysis 15 credits
Learning and teaching
We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you make the most of your studies. These include lectures, seminars, workshops, online learning and tutorials.
In addition to the assessed modules and research dissertation, you benefit from professional training activities and employability workshops. For example, students have developed their knowledge of financial markets through a one-week trading simulation delivered in partnership with Amplify Trading. Read more about professional development activities for finance students.
Independent study is also vital for this course allowing you to prepare for taught classes and sharpen your own research and critical skills.
Assessment
Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. 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, fees and funding
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).
If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.
How to apply
Application deadline:
We operate a staged admissions process for this course with selection deadlines throughout the year.
If you do not receive an offer in a particular round, you will either be notified that your application has been unsuccessful, or we will carry your application forward to be considered in the next round.
Please see our How to Apply page for full details and the application deadlines for each stage.
Documents and information you'll need
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying
- 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
Leeds University Business School Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy
Fees
- UK/EU: £14,500 (total)
- International: £27,000 (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 about additional costs
Scholarships and financial support
We award a range of scholarships to UK, EU and international students. Scholarships are available to candidates who can demonstrate an excellent academic record and show excellent professional and personal skills.
There are several scholarships available for this course that you may be eligible for, including:
- Masters in Accounting and Finance UK/EU Excellence Scholarship
- Masters in Accounting and Finance International Excellence Scholarship
- Dean's Excellence Scholarship (UK/EU and International)
- Leeds Alumni Bursary and Excellence Scholarship
Career opportunities
Graduates of the MSc Banking and International Finance can expect to have worldwide appeal to employers in finance, investment banking and financial services.
Many of our graduates have gone on to pursue 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.
This Masters is also an excellent qualification for individuals seeking to pursue a postgraduate research degree.
Careers Support
We help you to achieve your career ambitions by providing professional development support and training as part of the Masters programme.
We are committed to offering a wide range of development and training opportunities. Recent activities have included CV building and interview sessions, professional risk management workshops and commercial awareness networking events.
Read more about our careers and professional development support.
The University of Leeds Careers Centre also provides a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate.