Basma Akbar came to Bayes Business School from Kuwait to study on the MSc in Banking and International Finance. In this video she tells us why she loved studying in London and learning from renowned professors.
Overview
Who is it for?
You are ambitious for success in global banking, attracted by technology-driven innovation and committed to become skilled in international markets.
This master’s course is the ideal kick-start for your international career, enabling you to position yourself in this highly competitive and rapidly changing marketplace with the required theoretical and practical skills.
Your interest in banking is matched by your desire to develop a bespoke career plan focusing on both the hard and soft skills (networking, teamwork, communication, leadership skills) needed to ensure job satisfaction and financial rewards in the business world.
Objectives
Take a step closer to your successful career in global banking and finance with our highly practical MSc in Banking and International Finance.
If your ambition is a career in the banking industry this postgraduate programme is tailormade to develop your professional standards and competence. Bayes offers an innovative blend of theoretical and vocational learning to equip you with the outlook, the skills and the temperament to make things happen.
You will learn from excellent scholars at the Centre for Banking Research and, thanks to our base within a stone’s throw of the City of London and Fintech hubs, your studies will have a uniquely practical and strategic orientation with regular teaching from senior bankers and finance professionals.
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Structure
What will you learn
On the Banking and International Finance MSc course, you will:
- Study on an MSc course that’s tailor-made to prepare you for a successful career in banking and finance, and certified by the CBI (Chartered Bankers Institute) and ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)
- Learn at one the world’s largest and most highly-respected finance faculties on a course that evolves as fast the banking industry
- Work with leading researchers within the academic banking field at our Centre for Banking Research, who often host events, seminars and workshops with industry partners and policy-makers
- Choose Term 3 options to meet your career goals, with a wide choice of electives, including international study, and research projects
- Start to create your own professional network, through our well-established links in the City of London’s financial institutions.
Induction Weeks
All of our MSc courses start with two induction weeks which include relevant refresher courses, an introduction to the careers services and the annual careers fair.
Term 1
Core modules:
Global Banking
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
This module aims to provide students with an insight into the major features of the banking business and to provide a framework for the understanding of the different types of banks and banking activities.
Financial Statements Analysis
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
The ability to understand and analyse financial statement information is a key skill in a wide range of business activities, from managing a corporation to investing in securities.
The overall aim of this module is to help students learn and practice a variety of financial statement analysis techniques which can support business decision-making processes.Principles of Finance and Valuation
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
The module is fundamental to financial decision-making in an uncertain and risk-averse world, from which important branches of finance are developed.
To develop a coherent understanding of the functioning of financial markets and instruments, in conjunction with in-depth examinations of investor behaviour and the valuation principles for major categories of financial securities.
The module covers major topics and addresses fundamental issues in finance, with regard to investors, behaviour, asset pricing, fixed income securities and equity valuation.
Data Analytics for Banking and Finance
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
This module provides an overview of analytical methods used in the financial industry for understanding the interdependencies of financial, commodity and macroeconomic data, the random wandering behaviour of asset prices, the rapidly changing volatility in financial returns.
Research Methods in Modern Finance (runs over terms 1 & 2)
Strong research is a key element of development strategy for companies and institutions large and small. This module aims to provide a grounding in financial research, particularly financial modelling and information gathering which you will be able to use to support your learning on the rest of your course.
The module will utilise specific training in a financial modelling package in order to provide a strong foundation for the in-depth and specialist teaching and learning of terms two and three of your course.
You will also learn how to gather information through database research, which you will be able to use to support your learning, substantiate your arguments and make assessments about the nature of the evidence you are using.
Term 2
You'll take two core and two elective modules
Core modules:
Bank Risk Management
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
This module provides the conceptual framework necessary to understand the risk management problems confronting banks and financial regulators. These topics are discussed in relation to the 2008/09 financial crisis, key regulatory reforms following the financial crisis, and ongoing global changes such as opportunities and threads to the banking industry and the broader financial sector from FinTech/BigTech entrants.
International Finance
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
In recent years there has been a trend towards globalisation. That has impacted on all financial decisions and has necessitated the understanding of international financial markets.
Elective modules, choose from:
Corporate Finance
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
Building on term one’s finance modules, this module provides an in-depth analysis of the theory and international practice of capital structure decisions, dividend and cash policy, valuation, and mergers and acquisitions.
Fixed Income
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
This module will look at forward rates and par rates, swap rates and interest rate swaps, duration, convexity, and hedging, hedging with interest rate derivatives, a brief introduction to term structure models.
Alternatvive Investments
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
This course will give you the tools necessary to understand these alternative asset classes and to understand how they can be integrated into more traditional portfolios.
Topics in M&A
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
This module will provide an understanding of the main drivers of the market for corporate control, as well as an understanding of the importance of this market within the context of the overall economy. It looks at pre and post acquisition, financial analysis and regulatory framework
Term 3
In term three you will choose from either
- A Business Research Project (40 credits) and one elective (10 credits)
- An Applied Research Project (20 credits) and three electives (10 credits each)
- Five electives (10 credits each).
Electives offered in 2021
- Behavioural Finance
- Ethics, Society and the Finance Sector
- Financial Crime
- Financial Statement Analysis & Valuation in Banks
- Hedge Funds
- Investment Banking in Corporate Finance
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Private Equity Investment
- Trading and Market Microstructure.
International electives
- FinTech (taught in Italy)
- Investment Strategy (taught in New York, USA)
Please note that electives are subject to change and availability.
Business Research Project
Business Research Project
It is important for aspiring professionals to demonstrate, on an individual basis, their ability to apply concepts and techniques they have learned in an in-depth study of a topic of their choice and to organise their findings in a report, all conducted within a given time limit.
To train you to undertake individual research and provide you with an opportunity to specialise in a contemporary business or finance topic related to your future career aspirations.
You are required to submit a project of approximately 10,000 words on any subject area covered in the rest of the programme.Typical projects can involve any of the following: extracting data from electronic databases or by hand; statistical analysis of large or small populations; interviews; case studies of an industry or a sector or of a business / finance issue in a particular country setting.
Applied Research Project
The aim of this module is to enable you to demonstrate how to integrate your learning in core and elective modules and then apply this to the formulation and completion of an applied research project. You will be required to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that you have acquired throughout your MSc study.
You will undertake a short piece of applied research on a question of academic and/or practical relevance. Guidelines will be provided in order to help you identify the research question. Based on your chosen topic, you must write a report of around 3,000–5,000 words that summarises and critically evaluates your method and your findings.
See the MSc in Banking and International Finance programme specification.
Assessment methods
Assessment
We review all our courses regularly to keep them up-to-date on issues of both theory and practice.
To satisfy the requirements of the degree course students must complete:
- nine core courses (15 credits each)
and either
- five electives (10 credits each)
- three electives (10 credits each) and an Applied Research Project (20 credits)
- one elective (10 credits) and a Business Research Project (40 credits).
Assessment of modules on the MSc in Banking & International Finance, in most cases, is by means of coursework and unseen examination. Coursework may consist of standard essays, individual and group presentations, group reports, classwork, unseen tests and problem sets. Please note that any group work may include an element of peer assessment.
Term dates
Term dates 2023/24
- Induction: 11th September 2023 - 22nd September 2023
- Term one: 25th September 2023 - 8th December 2023
- Term one exams: 8th January 2024 - 19th January 2024
- Term two: 22nd January 2024 - 5th April 2024
- Term two exams: 22nd April 2024 - 3rd May 2024
- Term three - international electives: 6th May 2024 - 17th May 2024
- Term three: 20th May 2024 - 5th July 2024
- Term three exams: 8th July 2024 - 19th July 2024
- Resits: 12th August 2024 - 23rd August 2024
- Additional resit week - tests only: 26th August 2024 - 30th August 2024.
Timetables
Course timetables are normally available from July and can be accessed from our timetabling pages. These pages also provide timetables for the current academic year, though this information should be viewed as indicative and details may vary from year to year.
View academic timetables (add timetable and search for your programme)
Please note that all academic timetables are subject to change.
Teaching staff
Course Director
Lecturer in Finance
The teaching staff on the MSc in Banking & International Finance includes a variety of faculty members with established track-record of outstanding research in banking and finance and highly-trained professionals with many years of experience working in the financial services sector who are also active researchers and consultants.
This knowledge and experience inform the highly interactive lectures that make up the MSc in Banking & International Finance.
Module Leaders include:
Application
How to apply
Apply for MSc Banking and International Finance
Documents required for decision-making
- Transcript/interim transcript
- Grading system used by your university
- Current module list if still studying
- CV
- Personal statement - this should be around 500 words in length and answer the following:
- Why have you selected this course? What are your motivating factors?
- What are your areas of interest within the course?
- What contributions do you feel you can make to the course?
- How do you see the course affecting your career plans?
GMAT
GMAT is not required for application, but may be requested as a condition of offer at the discretion of the Admissions Panel.
Documents which may follow at a later date
- English language test result if applicable
- GMAT result if applicable
- Confirmation of professional qualification examinations/exemptions/passes, if applicable
- Two references
- For a successful application to receive an unconditional status, all award documents must be verified, and should be provided to the relevant Admissions Officer via one of the methods stated in your offer.
We cannot comment on individual eligibility before you apply and we can only process your application once it is fully complete, with all requested information received.
Individual Appointments
If you would like to arrange an individual appointment to discuss the application process and be given a tour of the facilities, please complete this form.
Please note - these are subject to availability.
Terms and conditions
Students applying to study at Bayes Business School are subject to City, University of London's terms and conditions.
Entry requirements
- A UK upper second class degree or above, or the equivalent from an overseas institution.
- Some level of previous study or evidence of skills in finance or quantitative methods is essential
- Work experience is not a requirement of this course.
GMAT
- GMAT is not required for application, but may be requested as a condition of offer at the discretion of the Admissions Panel.
English language requirements
If you have been studying in the UK for the last three years it is unlikely that you will have to take an English language test.
If you have studied in the UK at degree level for less than three years (e.g. 3+1, 2+1, 2+2, etc.) you will be required to provide the results of an approved English language test and possibly resit the test to meet our academic entry requirements.
Full list of approved English language tests/qualifications and minimum requirements.
Fees
Fees in each subsequent year of study (where applicable) will be subject to an annual increase of 2%. We will confirm any change to the annual tuition fee to you in writing prior to you commencing each subsequent year of study for continuing students (where applicable).
Deposit: £2,000 (usually paid within 1 month of receiving offer and non-refundable unless conditions of offer are not met)
First installment: Half fees less deposit (payable during on-line registration which should be completed at least 5 days before the start of the induction period)
Second installment: Half fees (paid in January following start of course)
Career pathways
Career destinations for MSc Banking and International Finance
The MSc in Banking and International Finance prepares you for a successful career in the banking industry, including Fintech companies, major finance and consultancy firms and foreign exchange desks. Recent graduates work in a variety of roles including as analysts, consultants and advisors, in investment banking, commercial banks and private banking, and at asset management, credit products, financial and credit risk management consultancies.
Our careers team will support you in your job search, and you’ll also benefit from our strong links to major players in the global finance industry.
Class of 2021 profile
Recent graduates from 2020 have secured positions for organisations such as:
- Investor Relations Analyst - Ardian
- Data Specialist, Global Data - Bloomberg
- Graduate Analyst, Global Liquidity and Cash Management - HSBC
- Rate Sales Analyst - MUFG Securities
- Assoiciate, Financial Advisory - Deloitte
Course information and statistics (2022/23 cohort)
Accreditation
The degree is fully accredited by the Chartered Bankers Institute (CBI) and the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)
*Please note that all accreditations and exemptions are subject to change. Please check if you have specific requirements.
See accreditation details
ICAEW
The MSc in Banking & International Finance is accredited by Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW).
CFA Program Partner
The CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, recognises the rigour and the relevance of the MSc in Banking and International Finance and has awarded this course partner status. CFA Program Partner status is awarded to a select number of universities around the world whose degree courses incorporate at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge. The CFA Program is the essential qualification for those wishing to pursue a career in the finance sector and the CFA Institute recognises the MSc in Banking and International Finance as strong preparation for their professional exams.
Each year a number of CFA scholarships are available to Bayes students, offering financial assistance with the CFA exam registration fees.
Chartered Banker Institute
The MSc in Banking and International Finance is accredited by the Chartered Banker Institute.
Individuals who complete the MSc in Banking and International Finance become eligible to apply for Chartered Banker status by applying for membership with the Chartered Banker Institute.
