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Banking and Finance at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Specialist knowledge of finance is increasingly valued in commercial firms, government and academia. Our MSc Banking and Finance provides you with excellent specialist training in banking and finance including basic portfolio theory, corporate finance and pricing theory applied to derivatives and government bond markets. You also learn the latest econometrics and numerical analysis skills important in the marketplace. Birkbeck's postgraduate finance courses are built around our long-running experience in research-led evening teaching. Many of our students work in the finance industry, which generates a lively atmosphere in class and ensures that you'll be studying alongside committed, enthusiastic students with a wealth of experience. You will be taught by active researchers, working at the cutting edge in their respective fields, who are also experienced professional practitioners, giving specialist advice and in-house training to government departments and banks and firms in the City of London. This Master's degree in banking and finance is challenging and demanding, so you should demonstrate strong intellectual ability in your application and be willing to work hard. If you have no prior knowledge in finance, economics or a related field, then our MSc Finance may be more suitable. Highlights

  • This course combines a high level of academic rigour with a solid grounding in practical problem-solving skills.
  • We bring together research and teaching across economics and finance, mathematics and statistics in a single department, which creates significant interdisciplinary synergies.
  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Economics and Econometrics research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
Careers and employability Graduates can pursue career paths in banking and finance, the public sector, industry, and research and analysis. Possible professions include:
  • financial risk analyst
  • economist
  • purchasing manager
  • management consultant
  • actuary.
We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Usually around 80% of the assessment is unseen examinations, typically held in June. The other 20% of your assessment is via coursework to ensure that, throughout the year, you get practice, and are given feedback, in tackling and solving problems independently, without the time pressure of examinations.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this programme is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

Usually a first- or second-class degree, or its equivalent, in either a directly relevant or a quantitative subject. In some circumstances, students will be admitted with a degree at less than second-class honours level, provided that their subsequent work experience and/or education and training is deemed to have brought them to an equivalent standard. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £14520 Year 1
Northern Ireland £14520 Year 1
Scotland £14520 Year 1
Wales £14520 Year 1
International £24600 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Banking and Finance at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS