Banking and Finance - MSc
Financial services are hugely influential in shaping our global economy. The sector’s fast-paced nature requires professionals with advanced analytical and technical expertise and the skills to thrive in the digital age. Our Banking and Finance MSc offers opportunities for real-world industry collaboration, and in-depth learning in areas such as banking operations, risk assessment, and digital finance innovations, ensuring you develop the strategic skills to excel in your chosen field.
Month of entry
- September, January
Mode of study
- Full time
Fees for 2025/26 academic year
- UK - Full time £12,700 per year.
International - £17,700 per year.
Duration of study
- 1 year
This programme is available with a Placement - an opportunity to complete a 6-12 month placement after the taught element of the course. Apply for the 'with Placement' option below.
Why study Banking and Finance at Keele University?
Course summary
Technological innovations are revolutionising the financial services industry, making careers in this field more exciting and rewarding than ever. This opens a wealth of opportunities, including roles such as banking analyst, risk manager, and compliance officer.
Our Banking and Finance MSc is designed to equip you with the transferable skills needed to navigate and succeed in the sector’s evolving landscape. You’ll study modern banking operations and bank risk management to gain insights into banking processes and financial risk assessment. Key ethical and regulatory complexities faced by the financial services industry are explored using real-world case studies to enhance your understanding. You’ll examine the evolving landscape of digital finance including cryptocurrencies, decentralised finance and the valuation of complex debt instruments. You’ll develop advanced econometric skills and gain hands-on experience using Bloomberg terminals to analyse financial data and inform strategic decision making.
Central to this programme is a strong focus on advancing your professional development and providing practical industry engagement opportunities, strategically enhancing your employability. You’ll connect with experienced professionals, gain insights into the latest trends in your chosen field and have the opportunity to work directly with an organisation to develop solutions for a current business issue, gaining valuable real-world skills.
Our programme provides the flexibility to align your studies to your career aspirations through a core Professional Project. You can choose to undertake a research project, consultancy project, or a strategic business proposal.
Sustainability, ethics and responsible business practices are embedded throughout and by completing Keele Business School’s Sustainability Passport you’ll demonstrate your ability to incorporate sustainability practices in a professional context.
Located in an innovation park that fosters collaboration between academia and industry, Keele’s campus offers a supportive learning environment designed to prepare you to excel in the dynamic world of global business.
Other courses you may be interested in:
Next steps
Course structure
If you choose the 'with Placement' route, you will complete a 6-12 month placement module after the taught element of your programme.
Modules
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Banking and Finance module structure
Compulsory modules
Business Consultancy Project
In the Business Consultancy Project, you will build foundational skills and gain practical experience by working directly with a real organisation to develop solutions to real-world challenges. You will learn to engage with businesses, frame organisational issues, and apply creativity and innovation. This module develops core skills in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving, preparing you for the Professional Project and Placement. It provides a strong foundation for success in other areas of the programme.
Professional Development and Industry Insights
This module helps you explore the industry you want to work in, including its structure, recruitment practices, and key trends. You will assess your own skills and experiences, identifying how you align with the industry’s needs and expectations. Through active learning, reflective activities, and guest speaker insights, you will develop practical knowledge and career planning skills. The module supports your progression into the Business Consultancy Project, Professional Project, and Placement, preparing you for future opportunities.
Bank Operations and Bank Risk Management
You will study modern risk management techniques essential for meeting regulatory requirements in contemporary banks. You will explore methodologies such as Value at Risk (VaR) and Expected Shortfalls (ES). A significant focus lies on data analysis, leveraging information from the Bloomberg terminal. Additionally, this module explores limitations inherent in risk management techniques. Real-world examples of bank failures are considered, with an extensive study of the 2008 financial crisis.
Financial Ethics and Regulations
This module examines ethical and regulatory challenges in the finance sector, analysing historical breaches and their impact on industry standards. You will explore modern regulatory frameworks and the complexities of maintaining ethical practices in financial services. Using case studies, the module provides a practical understanding of real-world ethical dilemmas, helping you develop critical insights into decision-making processes and compliance strategies. This module equips you with the knowledge to address ethical and regulatory issues effectively in professional finance roles.
Digital Assets and Currencies
Through completing this module you will gain insights into the current digital revolution and how it is radically changing financial services of the future. You will first learn about the underlying technology that is at the forefront of this revolution - the Blockchain and how this is used for digital currencies and digital banking. You will also appreciate how cybersecurity challenges lies at the heart of the digital financial services sector and digital finance.
Research Methods for Finance
This module provides a comprehensive foundation in modern financial econometrics, focusing on the application and interpretation of econometric models rather than their theoretical derivation. You will explore both regression analysis and time series in depth, using Bloomberg Trading machines, statistical software, and Excel spreadsheets for practical analysis. The module is designed to develop your analytical skills and prepare you to complete a professional project to a high standard.
Professional Project
In the Professional Project, you will undertake an independent piece of work that builds on academic and practical skills developed throughout the programme. You can choose from three routes: a research project, a consultancy project, or a strategic business proposal, aligned to your career aspirations. We will support you in preparing for your chosen path with essential research or consultancy skills. The module culminates in a detailed write-up and reflective analysis, showcasing your expertise and professional growth.
Next steps
Innovative Postgraduate Courses at Keele Business School
Entry requirements
Pre-Master's in Business
The Keele University International College offer a one semester Pre-Master's in Business programme for international students who do not meet the traditional entry requirements for a postgraduate business degree at Keele University.
Please visit the Keele University International College for more information on how to apply, entry requirements and course details.
Next steps
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a public university or CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a private university
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in any subject or 65% in a degree in any subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in any degree of three years or longer
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information
or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in any subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pre-Master's in Business
The Keele University International College offer a one semester Pre-Master's in Business programme for international students who do not meet the traditional entry requirements for a postgraduate business degree at Keele University.
Please visit the Keele University International College for more information on how to apply, entry requirements and course details.
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group B.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
Professional qualifications and work experience
The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.
Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
PRME Champions
Keele Business School (KBS) has been selected for the 2024-2025 cohort of PRME Champions. Consisting of 47 businesses and management schools from around the world, The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) is an initiative of the United Nations Global Compact, focused on raising the bar for sustainable business education. More information about PRME Champions can be found here.
Funding
Some travel costs may be incurred if an external project or placement is undertaken; any such costs will be discussed with you before a project is confirmed. It will be possible for you to select an internal project and that would not incur any additional travel costs. There may be additional costs for textbooks and inter-library loans.
Living costs
Keele University is located on a beautiful, extensive and secure campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2025 start date falls in the 2024/25 academic year. Please see the January 2025 fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2025
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.
Scholarships
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage for more information.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Next steps
Your career
This master's degree will deepen your knowledge and understanding of the banking and finance industry and the complex challenges facing the global financial sector. Upon graduation you will be thoroughly prepared for senior positions in banking, asset management, pension funds, regulators and financial institutions, or well placed to pursue further study at MPhil or PhD level.
Graduates from Keele Business School have gone on to roles for major employers including the Bank of England, Campus Group, Grant Thornton and Eastern International University Vietnam.
Jobs that a graduate of this programme could progress to include:
- Accounting Director
- Audit Manager
- Chartered Accountant
- Chief Financial Officer
- Finance Manager
- Financial Advisor
- Financial Analysts
- Financial Controller
- Professional Banker
Enhance your employability
Keele Careers and Employability offers comprehensive support for careers and placements, including workshops, personalised guidance, and access to job opportunities. Their services include CV development, interview preparation, and career planning to help you succeed with confidence in your professional journey.
Next steps
Placements
This programme is available with a Placement - an opportunity to undertake a 6-12 month industry placement after the taught element of the programme.
This practical experience enhances employability, strengthens transferable skills, and demonstrates professional capability in the competitive jobs market.
Whilst placements are competitive and therefore not guaranteed, our dedicated Placements and Projects Team will support you in finding a suitable opportunity, and will provide guidance throughout the process. We strongly encourage students to actively engage with these services as soon as possible to maximise the chances of securing a placement.
To apply for this programme with a Postgraduate Placement, use the Apply Now button above.
For eligibility criteria, information on transferring onto the Postgraduate Placement route, fees and additional costs, visa information and support available, please see our dedicated Postgraduate Placements web page.
For key information about the programme, including the structure of modules, assessment methods and awards, please see the relevant programme specifications.
Teaching, learning and assessment
How you'll be taught
Teaching on our Banking and Finance MSc combines interactive and applied learning methods to create a dynamic and engaging experience. You’ll benefit from interactive, in person lectures, small group tutorials, and web-based learning via the Keele Learning Environment (KLE). Independent study is encouraged, allowing you to explore your interests in greater depth, while reflective practice helps you evaluate and enhance your learning journey. Communication and teamwork skills are developed through peer-assisted learning and collaborative projects. Additionally, you’ll engage with real-world scenarios through live business challenges, company visits, and guest lectures, gaining valuable insights directly from industry professionals.
How you'll be assessed
You will be assessed using a wide variety of methods which reflect the breadth of the knowledge and skills you will have developed on the programme, including essays, group presentations, exercises, research paper summaries, portfolios and reports.
Next steps
Our expertise
Teaching staff
KBS staff have extensive teaching, research and industrial experience in a variety of fields both in the UK and internationally. The School maintains a strong commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching and research. Our staff members have substantial teaching experience and are committed to continuing professional development; some are members (Fellows/Senior Fellows) of the Higher Education Academy. All of our lecturers have PhDs or equivalent, and hold professional qualifications.
The programme team maintains a strong commitment to excellence, innovation and multi-culture in teaching and research. Teaching is informed by research with all teaching staff presenting and publishing academic papers at national and international conferences, in books and in internationally ranked accounting, economics, finance and management journals.
Teaching team
Next steps
Co-located with businesses
As a Keele Business School student, you will study alongside innovative companies that are based in the Business School building, a hub for fostering networks and linking with industry.
Keele Business School is located at the heart of the Keele University Science & Innovation Park, one of the leading developments of its kind in the UK. The Park offers companies a business environment that provides an innovative research culture, combined with academic expertise and the University’s specialist resources, with a variety of opportunities for students to get involved, from internships, knowledge exchange partnerships, and student enterprise initiatives.
Supporting you
Throughout your studies, you’ll be fully supported and have access to a variety of resources. The programme begins with a comprehensive induction, designed to help you transition smoothly and confidently into your academic journey. An academic mentor will be assigned to you, offering guidance and advice on academic challenges and general support. You’ll also have regular opportunities to engage with the programme team to provide feedback on learning and teaching. Additional support is available from our Student Experience and Support Team based within our Faculty, who work closely with teams across Keele ensuring you have easy access to comprehensive advice and support, including services for Disability Support and Inclusion, Student Financial Support, Counselling and Mental Health, Residence Life and Chaplaincy, and International Student Support.
Next steps
