A student in a class

Course Summary

This MSc course in Banking and Finance will enhance your professional skills and employability in the banking and finance sector.

Aligned with the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI) syllabus, this course gives you the skills you need to work in today’s banking and finance industry with a focus on concepts such as credit risk management, strategy, corporate governance and ethics, sustainability, and quantitative techniques. Through hands-on experience, you will learn the importance of innovation within banking and finance to increase your future employability.

This course prepares you for today’s banking and finance world, covering core concepts such as credit risk management, corporate governance, market, and securities alongside the information technology skills needed to enhance your employability. Our academics have both the industry and academic credentials to ensure that the application of theory into practice is at the heart of your course.

The location of Chester Business School provides a unique opportunity to add value to this course by providing expert masterclasses from local, top-ranking companies such as Bank of America, M&S Bank, Airbus and Bentley Motors.

Professional Placement

Choosing a Professional Placement MSc is a win-win for your career, giving you the chance to get real experience, apply your cutting-edge skills in the workplace and stand out to future employers.

In the first year you will have help from the University to find a placement, whilst developing your expertise.  You will then spend your second year out in industry on placement, getting the chance to work with industry professionals and grow your network of industry contacts. Bringing the latest business school insights to industry,  you will get to make a difference to the workplace and make lasting links with your employer.

Students need to find and secure their own placement, supported by the University.  A preparation module will also help you to get ready for your placement.

Professional Project

The Professional Project is your chance to get the experience you need to stand out to graduate employers and make a difference by solving real global business challenges and demonstrating practical application of your learning. Prepare for the future by reflecting on your experience and the enhanced skills that you have gained.

In the first year you will have help from the University to find a professional project whilst developing your expertise in the taught modules of your degree.  You will then spend your second year working on a client-led project, getting the chance to work with industry professionals and building your contacts.

Students need to find and secure their own project, supported by the University. A preparation module will also help you to get ready for your project and develop your professional skills.

Why you'll Love it

What you'll Study

You will take six modules to gain greater understanding in the areas of corporate governance and ethics, investment banking, operations, and technology.

Modules

  • Corporate Governance and Ethics (Compulsory)
  • Quantitative Techniques for Financial Analysis (Compulsory)
  • Credit, Lending and Risk Management (Compulsory)
  • Operations and Technology (Compulsory)
  • Personal and Private Banking (Compulsory)
  • Research Methods for Accounting and Finance (Compulsory)

In year two you will study a 20 credit module to help you prepare for the 100-credit Professional Placement.

Advanced Professional Practice

(compulsory)

Students will research potential placement opportunities, prepare for interviews and competitive selection, as well as develop the core competencies they will need whilst out on placement.  They will enhance their career and personal development through planning and gain core transferable skills in interviewing, applying and personal branding techniques.

Professional Placement

The Professional Placement is your chance to get the experience you need to stand out to graduate employers and

  • Make a difference by applying your cutting-edge skills and latest business school insights.
  • Prepare for the future by reflecting on your experience and the enhanced skills that you have gained whilst working.
  • Grow your network by making lasting links with your employer and building your contacts.

OR

Professional Project

The Professional Project is your chance to get the experience you need to stand out to graduate employers and make a difference by solving real global business challenges and demonstrating practical application of your learning. Prepare for the future by reflecting on your experience and the enhanced skills you’ve gained.

Who you'll Learn from

Michael Smith

Programme Leader for Banking and Finance MSc
Michael Smith

Dr Anna Sung

Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Finance
Anna Sung

Dr Vivian Ariguzo

Programme Leader in Banking Finance (BSc) Hons; Lecturer
Vivian Ariguzo

How you'll Learn

Beyond the Classroom

Students will have employability skills sessions offered by the University, chances to meet industry leaders, and "virtual internship" opportunities with leading banking and finance organisations.

Entry Requirements

2:2 honours degree

Students are required to have a 2:2 Honours degree, or equivalent in any discipline. 

Non-standard qualifications will be considered for entry on their own merit.

All applicants will be required to complete a standard application form and may be invited to attend an informal interview if required.

Candidates should also meet the University's requirements for English. 

2:2 honours degree

Students are required to have a 2:2 Honours degree, or equivalent in any discipline. 

Non-standard qualifications will be considered for entry on their own merit.

All applicants will be required to complete a standard application form and may be invited to attend an informal interview if required.

See below for your country specific requirements. Please note, some programmes have special entry requirements and if applicable, these are listed below.

English Language Requirements

For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Fees and Funding

£11,115 for the full course (2024/25)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses in the academic year 2024/25 are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page.

The professional placement / project year will cost an additional £2,650, due at the start of the second year of the course.

£17,400 for the full course (2024/25)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2024/25 are £17,400.

The professional placement / project year will cost an additional £2,650, due at the start of the second year of the course.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Where you'll Study Queen’s Park, Chester

Your Future Career

Job Prospects 

An MSc in Banking and Finance offers the specialised skills for those looking to set up their own business, as well as the knowledge you need for a career in general and investment banking or as a financial analyst or adviser.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.