MSc Money, Banking and Finance

Start your journey to a rewarding career within the ever-changing, dynamic world of finance by studying on our industry-focused Money, Banking and Finance programme.

With growing demand across the globe for experts in monetary economics and finance, this degree is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and practical experience necessary to excel as you take the next steps in your career.

Our programme places responsible business practices at its core, encouraging you to understand how to manage risks and opportunities tied to environmental, social and governance factors.

• Triple Crown accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS
• #1 most targeted university of top UK employers (High Fliers Research 2024)

Why study this course at Birmingham?

• You will be taught by leading academics in the field, learning about the economic theory of money, banking, and finance within the wider context of a global economy. From macroeconomics to financial markets to international finance, this comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum covers the key areas highly valued by top employers.
• Get ahead of the competition by gaining specialist skills, such as monetary economics, macro economy, and responsible banking, as well as vital transferable skills such as resilience and personal effectiveness.
• Gain hands-on experience within the world of economics and finance through professional training, industry workshops, external visits to top companies in the sector, as well as through your company-based dissertation project.
• Birmingham is the UK’s Second City and is known for its thriving financial sector, home to major banks, investment firms, and financial institutions. In combination with our specialist careers service and links with employers in the industry, Birmingham Business School places employability at the forefront.
• Birmingham Business School is part of an elite group of global business schools holding Triple-Crown accreditation from leading bodies AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB. This distinction ensures the highest standards in education and research excellence.

Unless indicated otherwise the modules listed for this programme are for students starting in 2024.

Core modules

The following modules must be taken:

• Monetary Economics and Macroeconomy (20 credits)
• Applied Financial Econometrics (20 credits)
• Economics of Financial Markets and Institutions (20 credits)
• Topics in Money, Banking and Finance (20 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional modules

During your Semester 2, you will choose 2 from the following list. All modules are worth 20 credits each.

• Advanced Quantitative Methods for Data Analysis (20 credits)
• International Finance and Trade (20 credits)
• Foundations of Security and Derivative Analysis (20 credits)

Please note: The modules listed on the website for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. On rare occasions, we may need to make unexpected changes to compulsory modules; in this event we will contact offer holders as soon as possible to inform or consult them as appropriate.

Assessment Methods

A number of methods of assessment are used in the Business School, including assignments, group work, presentations, and examinations. Help and guidance on other forms of assessment will be given in the module in which they are used.

Our MSc Money, Banking and Finance programme is designed to boost your employability prospects, allowing you to gain a greater understanding of the methodologies and techniques used in various economics, banking, and finance careers, helping you get ahead of the competition.

You will develop valuable real-life experience in banking and finance by having access to industry-standard software such as Python, and depending on which modules you choose, you could even have the opportunity to participate in trading simulations. You will also gain a number of transferable skills such as the importance of adaptability, resilience and personal effectiveness which will only further enhance your career prospects.

Career opportunities within Money, Banking and Finance include:

• Financial Manager
• Investment Analyst/Manager
• Asset/Fund Manager
• Trader
• Security and Fraud Specialist
• Client Adviser
• Operations Analyst
• Compliance Officer
• Associate/Risk/Investment Analyst
• Auditor
• Strategy Consultant

This postgraduate course is also a great first step towards doctoral research for those students who wish to pursue a career in academia.

BBS Careers and Careers Network

As a Birmingham Business School student, you will benefit from two award-winning Careers teams.

Careers Network is the University of Birmingham careers and employability team offering: career fairs, employer events with top firms across the UK, start-up and entrepreneurial activities, and support. Internships and bursaries are also available exclusively to University of Birmingham students.

BBS Careers is a dedicated service for Birmingham Business School students. The team provides guidance, support, and work experience opportunities, tailored to business school students, to help you succeed during and after university. We offer workshops, alumni and employer events, and 1-to-1 consultations. These will help you to develop your skills and learn how to submit high-quality internship and graduate applications. BBS Careers is one of a few, if not the only business school career service to offer life-long support.

We are here to support you! Whether you are applying for a postgraduate end-of-study internship, a graduate job, or applying for a management role five years after graduation.