MSc Banking and Finance

The MSc Banking and Finance will provide you with the in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge techniques you need to succeed in the global financial and banking sector. It will also equip you with the necessary research skills for pursuing academic research at PhD level.

The course is suitable for students with a background in Accounting, Finance, Business and Economics or in a quantitative subject, such as Science or Engineering.

UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS:

Applied: A part of the course is taught in computer labs offering a first-hand experience of the information and decision tools used by leading traders, financial analysts and investment bankers today. The course will also give the opportunity and support to students to train and obtain during their studies, at no additional cost, valuable qualifications by Thomson Reuters (Eikon and Datastream) and Bloomberg (BAT).

First-class learning experience: Teaching and assessment in the MSc Banking and Finance is based on the NBS 2x3 Learning Method. This systematic approach advocates the use of interesting questions that challenge incorrect assumptions/conventional wisdom and the employment of technology in order to improve the student learning experience. Assessment is designed on the basis of clear evaluation criteria, and offers early feedback from formative assessment and feed-forward advice to allow the students to enhance their performance. Case studies and assessment through coursework will allow the students to improve their analytical and critical thinking and improve their communication, writing and presentation skills.

Research-oriented: Students will gain a sound theoretical grounding in banking and finance, building a strong research-oriented background in investment and risk management, banking, corporate finance and governance and international accounting. The MSc Banking and Finance gives emphasis on the most important recent developments in academic research and focuses on the cutting-edge quantitative techniques necessary to pursue empirical investigations in the areas of banking and finance.

Taught by experts: The design, content and delivery of teaching for the MSc Banking and Finance are provided by the leading academics of the Accounting, Finance and Governance (AFG) Group. AFG aims at producing and disseminating world class academic research with high application impact. During their studies at Norwich Business School, students will have the opportunity to attend research seminars by distinguished academics from prominent institutions in the context of the AFG seminar series.

International: All theories, examples, case studies and simulations taught in the course have an international context and applicability, enabling graduates to work in any country.

COURSE STRUCTURE

In the first semester, the students will gain a rigorous understanding of the most important theories and practices in the areas of Corporate Finance, International Accounting, Corporate Governance and Business Regulation. In that way, the students will build a solid base which will help them delve into the more specialised modules of the second semester. In the second semester, the students will be specialised in Investments, Banking and Risk Management. Moreover, a module in Empirical Finance will equip the students with the skills and techniques required to conduct effective research in banking and finance. In the third semester the students will apply the knowledge and research skills developed in the first two semesters to carry out research in the form of a dissertation in banking and finance.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Graduates of the MSc Banking and Finance can launch a successful career across a wide variety of sectors internationally, such as financial institutions, banks, consulting and accounting firms, academic institutions and government bodies. Indicative job titles include fund managers, investment bankers, brokers, traders, financial managers, financial analysts, credit and risk managers, wealth and asset managers, financial advisors, data analysts, manager consultants, financial accountants, auditors, among others. Finally, graduates will be able to pursue a PhD in Banking and Finance, building on the research skills they have developed through the course.

COURSE MODULES

Semester 1

• Advances in Financial Management (20 credits)
• International Accounting (20 credits)
• Business Regulation and Corporate Governance (20 credits)

Semester 2

• Empirical Finance (20 credits)
• Investment and Risk Management (20 credits)
• Banking and Financial Markets (20 credits)

Semester 3

Banking and Finance Dissertation (60 credits)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Degree Subject Accounting, Finance, Business, Economics, Management or a degree in a quantitative subject (such as Science or Engineering). NB: There is a numerical content in a range of modules on the course, students need a competent level of numeracy to complete the course. Degree Classification 2:1 or above or the international equivalent.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

• IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)
• PTE (Pearson): 62 (minimum 55 in all components)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.