MSc Banking and Finance
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time
September start – typically 12 months
January start – typically 15 months but it can be completed in 12 months
At a glance
About this course
This course is ideal if you are graduate wanting to develop a career in banking and insurance, financial consulting and regulation, and supervision and compliance. It gives you a broad foundation for career advancement and prepares you for further study with key professional bodies.
We aim this course at
• recent graduates in business, management, accounting law, economics, finance, and the natural sciences, wishing to differentiate themselves in the job market
• those already employed in the field who wish to strengthen their career prospects
• those who wish to follow a career in research and education
• those employed or seeking a career in financial regulation, supervision and compliance
• those employed or seeking a career in financial journalism
The immediate value of this course to present or potential employers is its relevance in the job market.
Designed with input from financial institutions, a distinctive feature of the course is its focus on present-day national and global developments in banking and financial markets. You study these developments alongside financial practice and theory based on current research.
This course is linked with the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT). During the course you study the ACT International Treasury Management certificate as part of the international treasury management module. The Certificate in International Treasury Management (CertITM) provides a fundamental understanding of the core elements of treasury and financial risk management. It combines the technical and practical skills necessary for professionals working in international finance. If you successfully complete the CertITM and this course you are eligible for direct entry onto the MCT advanced diploma, subject to work experience.
You can find careers in retail or corporate banking, fund management, financial markets and financial regulation and compliance.
Associated careers
Previous graduates have gained employment in organisations such as • SKNA National Bank • Emiko SA • Chinatrust Commercial Bank • HSBC • Barclays • JPMorgan Chase • Deloitte.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Association of Corporate Treasurers.
Course content
Semester one – postgraduate certificate
Finance
You develop your knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of finance and the way in which financial decisions are reflected in financial statements. You develop the ability to critically evaluate and choose between alternative sources of finance, and to enhance your appreciation of the role and application of investment appraisal techniques for companies making investment decisions.
Methods of enquiry
During this module you gain analytical and technical research and consultancy skills. You develop knowledge and a reflective understanding of methodological and philosophical issues in research and consultancy with specific reference to finance.
Banking and financial markets
This module develops your understanding of the main categories of domestic and international banking institutions and financial markets. You evaluate contemporary theories and empirical findings about the existence, distinctive characteristics and efficiency of banks, non-bank financial intermediaries and financial markets.
Financial risk management
For any organisation, risk is any potential factor that might prevent the achievement of objectives. Risk management has become more and more significant, especially in the light of the current difficult economic circumstances. This module gives you an insight into a number of theoretical and practical approaches regarding identification, measurement and management of risk in organisations.
Semester two – postgraduate diploma
International treasury management
You explore theoretical and practical issues, such as liquidity risk and foreign exchange risk, in the financial management of listed non-bank corporates. You undertake a critical analysis of internal control and performance measurement of the treasury function. You also explore recent developments in which the role of the corporate treasurer is linked to the overall risk management function in the organisation.
Risk management of financial institutions
This module explores the types of risk faced by financial institutions. You develop an understanding of the problems and issues faced by financial institutions and the techniques used to analyse and manage them.
Financial regulation and supervision
This module gives you an insight into the practical operation of the regulation and supervision of a range of financial institutions and markets. You perform critical analysis of the impact of financial regulation and supervision on the business operations of financial institutions. You also examine the broad nature and underlying principles of financial regulation and supervision in respect of sector-specific regimes.
Options
One from • corporate finance • Islamic banking • fund management • consultancy project 1 • global business strategy
Semester three – MSc
Research methods
This module develops your abilities to critically evaluate and appraise published research and develop your own research skills. It provides the key steps in developing your understanding of the nature of the postgraduate dissertation and approaches to undertaking one. On completion of the module you formulate and undertake your own research project.
Dissertation
The dissertation provides an invaluable opportunity for you to undertake a major research-based project on a topic relevant to your future career development or your academic interest. It gives you the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you have gained on your masters course and to develop research skills.
Assessment
• coursework • examinations • dissertation
Entry requirements
You typically need one of the following
• a good honours degree (2.1) in accounting, banking, business, IT and computing, economics, finance or law
• a recognised postgraduate qualification
• an equivalent recognised professional qualification in a relevant subject field.
Relevant subjects include • business management • finance • accounting • economics • banking • law • the natural sciences • IT and computing.
We consider applicants without relevant academic qualifications based on their personal, professional and work experience and other formal qualifications.
Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English must normally produce evidence of competence in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 with 5.5 in all skills is the standard for non-native speakers of English. If your English language skill is currently below an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English.
If you do not meet the above criteria you can apply for the Graduate Diploma in Business and English. After passing this diploma we automatically offer you a place on one of our business-related masters degrees.
Fees
Home and EU students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £5,955 including Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) professional membership and exam fee
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £12,060 for the course, plus an additional £600 to cover the mandatory Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) professional membership and exam fee.
2014/15 academic year
Typically £12,150 for the course, plus an additional £600 to cover the mandatory Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) professional membership and exam fee.
How to apply
Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form
Contact details
For more information contact Sheffield Business School, Sheffield Hallam University, Stoddart Building, City Campus, Sheffield S1 1WB. Phone +44 (0)114 225 2820, fax +44 (0)114 225 5268, e-mail sbs@shu.ac.uk