BA (Honours) International Finance and Banking

UCAS code

N390

Attendance

Full-time

Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-time

At a glance

Prepare for a career in finance on a course that emphasises risk management and responsible banking and investment practices. The course has close links with financial institutions and professional bodies. You have the opportunity to enhance your career potential and starting salary with a placement at international organisations such as the Bank of New York and Morgan Stanley.

Key points
Х Benefit from close links with professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)аand the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT).
Х Study post financial crisis case studies that illustrate how the banking industry has changed and how you can be part of a continually changing financial services industry.
Х Network with alumni who work in some of the most prestigious banks in the world.
Х Learn from academics who have published banking and finance texts or who held roles in leading organisations including HSBC and Investec.

What is international finance and banking?
Financial institutions accept and safeguard deposits owned by other individuals and entities. They use those deposits for lending activities such as mortgages and business loans in order to earn a profit. Banks face a number of risks when conducting their business, including reputational and credit risks, and it is necessary for them to understand those risks to be able to operate their business successfully.

About this course

Study on a course that was designed in collaboration with financial institutions and major professional bodies. You cover all the relevant areas of banking and benefit from links with some of the industryТs major employers such as HSBC and Morgan Stanley.

In the first year, you get a broad grounding in finance and related topics, to ensure that you have a sound platform on which to build. You also begin to develop your IT and numerical skills.

In the second and final year, you focus on banking and finance and start developing your specialisation. You study important topics such as credit analysis, financial management, investment banking and gain key skills required by employers. You also develop a greater understanding of the different financial roles within organisations.

To keep up to date with the latest industry insights you receive regular lectures from industry specialists. In the past speakers have included experts from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

In your third year, you have the opportunity to apply what you have learnt on placement in a financial services organisation or other company. We recommend this as it gives you a valuable insight into the workings of a business or service organisation and increases your career potential. You build professional relationships with potential employers that can sometimes lead to the offer of a permanent job after you graduate.

Previous placement employers have included large organisations such as the Bank of New York, Morgan Stanley, the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Bank of America and smaller organisations, such as stockbrokers and independent financial advisers.

If you complete a placement you also study theаcareer management and professional development module. This asks you to reflect on your placement experiences and plan future career moves. If you donТt go on placement you complete a period of work-based learning in your final year.

If you gain more than 60% in the financial services regulation and ethics module youаcan complete a Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) exam as part of your degree.аWe pay for your tuition material, the exam andаstudent membership of the CISI.

You can also gain professional exemptions fromаthe Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT). These industry recognised qualifications can further enhance your prospects as you prepare for a career in the sector.

Key areas of study
You cover key areas of banking and finance including Х portfolio management Х credit analysis Х global investment banking Х international financial markets Х financial regulation Х international derivatives and risk.

Enhanced study experience
We embed a wide range of extras into your course to enhance your study experience and to give you greater employability and technical skills after graduating.аVisit the enhanced study media box to view examples of our many initiatives.

Associated careers

This course is industry focused and equips you to progress quickly in banking and financial services. As a graduate you can find well-paid jobs, as others have done, in the financial services and related industries.

Previous graduates from our banking and finance courses are employed with organisations such as Royal Bank of Scotland, National Australia Bank, Clydesdale Bank, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and HSBC.

Graduates are likely to go onto further professional study with common routes being via the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and specific banking qualifications such as the Chartered Banker Institute or the Institute of Financial Services.

Employer quotes
Financial services organisations such as the P&A Partnership have spoken about the high quality of graduates from our course and their employability.

'We have always been impressed by the inclusive and proactive approach displayed by both staff and students. I am pleased to say that Sheffield Hallam University are now an integral part of our business strategy.'
The P&A Partnership

Professional recognition

Part of this course isаaccredited by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.

Course content

Year one core modules

Х business analysis Х business environment Х financial and management Information Х financial services regulation and ethics Хаcareer management in finance

Year one options

Choose one from Хаinternational business Х foreign language

Year two modules

Х credit analysis Х financial institutions and markets Х managing in a global context Х global investment banking Х principles of investment Х understanding and managing financial roles

Year three

Х optional work placement

Final year modules

Х international derivatives and risk Х international financial markets Х business ethics Х risk management and investment Х strategic issues in financial services Х career management and professional development (four year route only) or work based learning

Assessment

Х examinations Х coursework Х computer-based assignments Х group assessments Х presentations Х multiple choice tests Х case study based assessments

Entry requirements

2014 entry requirements

We expect you to demonstrate through your personal statement an interest in and awareness of finance or banking or some level of practical experience.

Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above including English language and mathematics, plus one of the following
Х 280 points including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications or one AVCE double award. We accept general studies. Key Skills qualifications are not included.

Х Access Ц an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and at least 15 at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate.

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.

If you do not have any of the qualifications above but have relevant experience, you are welcome to discuss potential opportunities with the admissions tutor.

2013 entry requirements

We expect you to demonstrate through your personal statement an interest in and awareness of finance or banking or some level of practical experience.

Fees

Home and EU students

2013/14 academic year

For 2013 entry, membership of a professional body isаincluded in the course fee.

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically г11,880 a year

2014/15 academic year

Typically г11,880 a year

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

Contact details

For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk