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 to succeed in global banking, attracted by the innovation led by Fintech and committed to become skilled in international markets. Your strong quantitative skills give you an ideal starting point as you begin to investigate the deeper levels of strategy and operations in fast-evolving banking markets. Your interest in banking is matched by your desire to establish yourself in this highly competitive marketplace where pressure and risk management accompany job satisfaction and financial rewards.
The Banking and International Finance course will give you the knowledge and skills to navigate the rapidly changing financial landscape.
Objectives
Take a step closer to your successful career in global banking and finance with this highly practical MSc in Banking and International Finance.
This postgraduate programme is tailormade to develop professional standards and competence for those wishing to pursue careers in the banking industry. Bayes offers an innovative blend of theoretical and vocational learning equipping you with the outlook, the skills and the temperament to make things happen.
You’ll be based within a stone’s throw of the City of London and Fintech hubs, giving your studies a uniquely practical and strategic orientation with regular teaching from senior bankers and finance professionals.
Ask a student
Chat to one of our MSc Banking & International Finance students now and have them answer your questions on everything from application to student life.
Have a question about student experience at Bayes?
Talk one-on-one with a student who is currently studying at Bayes.
Ask a student
Structure
What will you learn
On the Banking and International Finance MSc course, you will:
- Develop your knowledge and understanding of the banking sector
- Acquire a comprehensive grasp of the principles and applications of finance, including institutions and instruments
- Understand and critically evaluate current issues in international banking and finance, from regulatory changes, to technology and financial innovation, to stock markets
- Develop your range of technical and conceptual skills
- Gain broad experience of quantitative techniques
- Develop your understanding of a wide range of financial issues across all industry sectors.
- Network with your peers and senior finance industry professionals in the City of London
- Gain a highly valuable international, multicultural perspective
- Acquire a flexible qualification suitable for a wide range of roles in global finance.
Induction Weeks
All of our MSc courses start with two compulsory induction weeks which include relevant refresher courses, an introduction to the careers services and the annual careers fair.
Term 1
Core modules:
Commercial and Investment 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.Finance and Investments
- 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.
Quantitative Methods for Finance
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
Econometrics is essential for the empirical analysis of financial markets as well as the development of quantitative strategies for forecasting, pricing and risk management in financial markets.
This course introduces you to the key tools and methods in econometrics and applies those tools.
Research Methods for Finance Professionals (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
Core modules:
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.
Risk Management
- 15 credits
- 3 hours per week in lectures
- 12 hours per week self directed study
Risk management plays an increasingly important role in the operation of financial institutions. Fluctuations in the prices of securities or other financial assets, loan losses or other credit problems, or failures of processes can trigger failures of banks or other financial institutions. Even if failure is avoided shareholders are looking to see an appropriate trade-off of risks and return.
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.
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 2019
- Alternative Risk Transfer and Risk Securitisation
- An Introduction to Islamic Banking, Finance and Insurance
- Behavioural Finance
- Corporate Restructuring
- Ethics, Society and the Finance Sector
- Financial Statement Analysis & Valuation in Banks
- Foreign Exchange
- Hedge Funds
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Central Banks, Financial Stability & Regulation
- Private Equity Investment
- Reporting, Compliance and Risk for Portfolio Management.
- Trading and Market Microstructure
- VBA with Application for Finance
- Visual Basics in Finance
International electives
- Monetary Policy (taught in Singapore)
- Global Real Estate Markets (taught in Dubai, UAE)
- Project Finance and Infrastructure Investment: MADRID
- Investment Strategy (taught in New York, USA)
- Investment Banking in Corporate Finance (taught in Lisbon, Nova Business School Campus)
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 2021/22
- Induction: 20th September 2021 - 1st October 2021
- Term one: 4th October 2021 - 17th December
- Term one exams: 10th January 2022 - 21st January 2022
- Term two: 24th January 2022 - 8th April 2022
- Term two exams: 25th April 2022 - 6th May 2022
- Term three - international: 9th May 2022 - 20th May 2022
- Term three: 23rd May 2022 - 8th July 2022
- Term three assessments: 11th July 2022 - 22nd July 2022
- Resits: 15th August 2022 - 26th August 2022
- Additional resit week – tests only: 29th August 2022 - 2nd September 2022
- Research Project Submissions: Thursday 1st September 2022
Note: term one resit tests for the Energy / Shipping Trade and Finance degrees will normally take place in the week immediately prior to the August resit period.
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.
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
Applications for 2021 are now closed.
Applications for 2022 entry will open in November 2021.
Documents required for decision-making
- Transcript/interim transcript
- 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?
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 documents must be verified, so an original or certified copy of the degree transcript must be uploaded to the application form or e-mailed to the relevant Admissions Officer upon request
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
Unfortunately, as a result of the evolving situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we can only offer online appointments to discuss your application. To book one, please get in touch with the relevant Admission Officer.
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
- Highly recommended
- A well-balanced score in the range of 600-800 will significantly strengthen your application.
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 the test
- If you have studied a 2+2 degree with just two years in the UK you will be required to provide IELTS results and possibly to resit the tests to meet our requirements.
IELTS
- The required IELTS level is an average of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in the writing section and no less than 6.0 in any other section.
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
This degree is designed to help launch a career in the banking industry, including Fintech companies, as well as major finance, consultancy firms and foreign exchange desks. Graduates move into a variety of careers, from investment banking and commercial banks to hedge funds, private banking, asset management, credit products, financial and credit risk management consultancies.
The degree is fully accredited by the Chartered Bankers Institute (CBI), which ensures its content is kept up to date and relevant to the industry.
Our dedicated Careers Team will help you identify your ideal career path and work with you to maximise the potential of accomplishing your professional goals.
Class of 2019 profile
Recent graduates from 2019 have secured positions for organisations such as:
- Corporate Banking off cycle Analyst - Global Banking and Markets - HSBC
- Associate - Market Intelligence - S&P Global
- Chief Officer - Financial Stability - People's Bank of China
- Intern - Equity Research - Commerzbank
- Associate - Treasury & Investment Management - Lloyd's of London
- Associate - Financial Risk Management, Advisory - KPMG Malaysia
Where are they working now
- UK: 46%
- EU/EEA: 8%
- Europe (other): 4%
- Africa and Middle East: 4%
- Asia: 31%
Industry post-master's
The remaining industries are made up of 50%.
Data provided from alumni who completed the annual destination data survey 2018/19
Course information and statistics
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 Programme 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 Programme 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.
Bayes students on CFA partner courses have the option of taking some additional preparatory classes for the CFA exams. They also have access to CFA study materials (including an online Level 1 sample exam) and complimentary access to Financial Newsbrief, a daily investment brief by the CFA. In addition, there is the opportunity to take part in the CFA Global Investment Research Challenge.
Each year a number of CFA scholarships are available to Bayes students, offering financial assistance with the CFA exam registration fees.
