Banking and Finance (Taught)

This MSc Banking and Finance is designed to empower you with theoretical expertise and practical skills which will advance your career in banking and finance.

Why choose this course?

• It offers you the chance to learn from leading researchers and practitioners who bring their expertise and real-world insights from consulting for government departments, banks and City of London firms.

• It provides you with a rigorous exploration of financial markets, banking techniques and regulation, built on a strong quantitative foundation. You can also choose from a range of option modules, depending on your interests or career aspirations, that allow you to tailor your focus on different aspects of finance.

• This course places a special emphasis on advanced econometric and numerical analysis techniques to equip you with analytical skills that are highly valued by banks, financial institutions and government agencies.

What you will learn

This course offers you a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world application, so you are well-prepared to excel in a competitive industry. You will gain an in-depth expertise in financial markets and institutions, covering fundamental finance topics such as portfolio theory and pricing theory, alongside specialised subjects related to banking and financial intermediaries, including:

• bank supervision

• regulation

• policy responses to financial crises.

With a strong emphasis on advanced econometric and quantitative analysis techniques, this course equips you with highly sought-after skills valued by banks, financial institutions and government entities. You will then be able to deepen your knowledge by choosing from option modules in topics such as asset management, corporate finance, accounting, the economics of financial markets and economic policy.

How you will learn

Teaching on this MSc Banking and Finance includes formal lectures to provide you with an overview of key topics to stimulate further exploration, complemented by practical classes that focus on problem-solving. Seminars allow for in-depth discussion and exchange of ideas, and independent study, including project work, plays a vital role in enhancing your learning experience.

This course is available to study full- or part-time. It has an evening timetable with classes in the evening to help you balance study, work and other commitments.

If you have no prior knowledge in finance, economics or a related field, then our MSc Finance may be more suitable.

Highlights

• The course offers you a collaborative study environment with a diverse group of adult learners from various professional backgrounds. It encourages discussions and peer learning, enhanced by the practical experience of our students.

• Birkbeck is ranked in the top 25 UK universities for Economics and Econometrics in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, ensuring that course content is informed by the latest research.

• Our academic team is friendly and approachable, helping provide you with opportunities for individual support and discussion of ideas.

Careers and employability

On graduating successfully from this MSc, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including in:

• financial modelling and valuation

• banking and financial regulation

• portfolio and risk management

• assessing capital structure, funding strategies and corporate decision-making for long-term growth.

Studying this course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields and professions including:

• investment banking and corporate finance analyst

• portfolio manager

• investment analyst

• financial adviser

• risk, compliance and regulatory role

• trading or sales broker

• consultant or management consultant

• public sector or policy analyst.