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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

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.

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