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 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.
The programme is designed to help you become confident in financial modelling, data-driven analysis, and research methods. You’ll start by developing a shared set of technical skills, then progress into one of two research pathways depending on whether you want a more industry-facing applied project or a more academically oriented dissertation.
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.
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.
- Professional certifications: Enhance your employability with a suite of professional credentials, including Microsoft Office, Bloomberg and Ethics certifications, gaining practical, industry-relevant skills to support your future career in finance.
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 units, 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.
Watch our department video
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.
Explore Leeds
Discover our campus, facilities and accommodation with our 360 virtual experience platform.
With immersive 360 experiences, image galleries, virtual tours, videos and day-in-the-life content, you can take a personalised, interactive tour of campus and explore the University's academic, social and residential environments from anywhere in the world.
You can get a feel for what it's really like to live, learn and belong at the University of Leeds – all from the comfort of home.
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.
Course details and modules
This course develops your knowledge of banking and 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, global banking and financial systems, 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, banking and financial intermediation, digital finance, and private capital.
To demonstrate the knowledge and skills you gain during the course, you’ll have the opportunity to design and carry out your own research, an applied project or academic dissertation. 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
Corporate Finance (15 credits)
This module aims to provide a critical understanding of the key theoretical principles for effective financial decision-making in a corporate enterprise and to develop a practical understanding of using financial theory in business and financial markets. The module attempts to relate theory to current corporate business practice and requires you to be able to confidently use, interpret and manipulate financial formulas and numerical data. It provides a basis for further study of more specialist modules in finance.
Global Banking and Financial Systems (15 credits)
The module provides an understanding of the operation, challenges and issues facing the world’s international financial institutions and markets, with a focus on development, reform and policy. The course assumes an international perspective with numerous cross-country comparisons in terms of regulation, institutions and policies.
Commercial Banking (15 credits)
The module Commercial Banking aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of the key theoretical and practical issues in retail banking. The module provides students with a thorough grounding in a range of commonly employed numerical tools, strategies and techniques in the day-to-day management of banks. By the end of the module the student will be knowledgeable on the main activities of retail banks, capable of recognizing common problems and applying the appropriate qualitative and quantitative tools to solve them.
Risk Measurement and Management in Financial Institutions (15 credits)
Measurement and Management in Financial Institutions gives you a rigorous foundation in the measurement and management of financial risk, combining quantitative techniques with practical frameworks used across the industry. Modern banks and financial institutions operate in an environment where risk is central to decision-making. You’ll explore the full risk landscape, from day-to-day market movements to longer-term credit exposures and operational resilience, building the analytical confidence and judgement expected in risk, treasury, and front-office support roles. The module focuses on the core risk types faced by financial institutions, including Credit risk, Market risk, Liquidity risk, and Operational risk. You’ll also consider how these risks interact because in practice, risk rarely appears in isolation. Financial institutions increasingly need professionals who can combine quantitative capability with sound risk judgement. This module helps you develop an integrated understanding of key financial and banking risks and how they’re governed, the ability to select appropriate risk measures for a given context, confidence interpreting risk metrics and translating them into decisions, and awareness of risk frameworks and the professional expectations of risk roles.
Professional Skills and Practice in Finance (15 credits)
Professional Skills and Practice in Finance bridges academic learning with the skills, judgement and behaviours required in contemporary finance careers. Using financial markets as an applied context, the module enables students to explore how finance professionals interpret information, make decisions and communicate effectively in environments shaped by uncertainty, risk and rapidly changing economic and technological conditions. Through experiential and practice-based activities, you will apply financial and analytical knowledge to realistic professional situations. The module will consider how commercial information, stakeholder interests and global developments influence decision-making, alongside the ethical and cultural considerations that finance professionals may encounter. You will also examine the implications of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, for professional practice, judgement and accountability. A central emphasis is placed on employability and continuing professional development. You will develop their ability to work collaboratively, communicate financial insights to different audiences and reflect critically on their decisions, performance and areas for improvement. By the end of the module, you will have gained practical experience of applying their knowledge within a financial market setting and a stronger understanding of the professional capabilities required to progress within finance-related careers.
Financial Modelling, Analytics, and Research (60 credits)
Financial Modelling, Analytics, and Research is designed to help you become confident in financial modelling, data-driven analysis, and research methods. You’ll start by developing a shared set of technical skills, then progress into one of two research pathways depending on whether you want a more industry-facing applied project or a more academically oriented dissertation. In Semester 1, all students complete a common methodological core. You’ll develop the skills needed to work with real financial data and to produce robust analysis, typically covering areas such as econometrics and empirical finance techniques, analytics and data handling, model building and interpretation, and communicating results clearly. After the core, you’ll choose one of two pathways in Semester 2 and continue your research during the summer period:
1) Applied Research (Project pathway) - Ideal if you’re aiming for roles in industry where you’ll need to solve practical problems using data and modelling. You’ll complete a structured applied project, for example, analysing a dataset, building a model, evaluating performance, and producing actionable insights.
2) Academic Research (Dissertation pathway) - Ideal if you’re interested in deeper academic inquiry or are considering further study. You’ll develop a dissertation-style project with a stronger emphasis on research framing, literature engagement, methodological justification, and academic writing.
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Applied Finance (15 credits)
- Python Programming for Finance (15 credits)
- Banking and Financial Intermediation (15 credits)
- International Finance and Currency Risk (15 credits)
- Digital Finance (15 credits)
- Forensic Accounting and Finance (15 credits)
- Financial Derivatives (15 credits)
- Private Capital (15 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, 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.
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, our 10 week online pre-sessional or our 16 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.
* Applicants who have not yet completed an approved English language test may apply for a Masters course prior to taking a test.
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
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Email: masters@lubs.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Fees
UK: £19,500 (Total)
International: £36,600 (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. Learn more about Masters funding.
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.
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 Professional Skills and Practice 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.
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 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
Study abroad tours
All Leeds University Business School Masters students 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.
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.