Banking and Finance MSc

Overview

The financial services sector has grown worldwide. There is greater demand for professionals with specialist skills and competencies in banking and finance. This course responds to trends and issues in global financial services industries.

Our Banking and Finance MSc degree will:

• give you a deeper understanding of how retail and investment banks operate within global financial markets
• broaden your insight into the roles and functions of key institutions in the financial system
• equip you with the essential analytical and quantitative tools required to evaluate financial instruments and managing risk

You'll develop the skills and expertise for a career in the banking and financial market industries.

This course will suit you if you're interested in the following careers:

• banker in retail and investment banks
• financial trader, financial analyst or risk manager
• wealth manager or investment analyst

You'll analyse real-world banking and finance challenges using advanced theoretical frameworks. The curriculum addresses contemporary issues including:

• fintech
• climate and sustainable finance
• the changing role of central banks in global markets

Throughout your study, you'll meet experts from the financial industry. You'll gain insight into the world of finance and advice on your future career.

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2025-26.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

 

What you'll learn

We will teach you how retail and investment banks function within financial markets. You'll also understand the role of other financial intermediaries.

You'll bridge theory and practice by investigating banking and finance industry issues using rigorous analytical methods. The course covers emerging trends such as financial technology, climate-conscious investing, and central banks' expanding influence in modern economies.

We will provide you with the opportunity to understand and critically analyse:

• the role of commercial and investment banks within international financial markets
• the impact of financial technology and sustainability in financial markets
• a wide range of investment management topics

Advanced statistical software

Where possible you'll have access to advanced statistical software including:

• Python
• STATA
• Matlab
• R
• Eviews
• SPSS
• Stata
• Gauss
• SAS
• Maple
• Minitab

Financial databases

You'll also have access to a number of financial databases including:

• Bloomberg
• LSEG (formerly Refinitiv Workspace)
• WRDS
• Compustat
• CRSP
• China Stock Market & Accounting Research (CSMAR)
• Fame
• Amadeus
• Oriana
• OptionMetrics
• ORBIS (cross-border investment)

You'll use these for your empirical projects in applied econometrics as well as your final dissertation.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Course content changes

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

 

Banking and Finance MSc modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Banking and Finance Programme Community	0
Dissertation	60
Retail and Investment Banking	10
Central Banking	10
Applied Econometrics	10
Research Methods in Economics and Finance	10
Introductory Econometrics	10
Financial Theory	20
Financial Technology	10
Green Finance and Sustainability	10
Critical Skills for Finance	0

Optional Modules	Credits
Money Laundering and Corporate Misconduct	20
International Money and Banking	10
Marketing	10
Programming for Finance	10
Behavioural Finance	10
Financial Risk Management	10
International Finance	10
Financial Derivatives	20
Corporate Finance	10
Portfolio Management	10
Company Financial Reporting	10
International Marketing	10

Qualifications explained

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

MSc - Master of Science

An MSc is a taught Master’s degree. It usually involves the study of a science-related subject. It typically includes:

• subject-specific taught modules
• a dissertation or research project of approximately 15,000 – 18,000 words

You'll usually study an MSc full-time over 12 months.

A Master of Science is typically awarded for the successful completion of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation or research project.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

Delivery methods

The course is modular, with:

• taught modules from October to May
• a final dissertation project from June to September

We offer you a stimulating curriculum and a supportive teaching and learning environment.

Additional guest lectures

Guest lectures on the course complement the study of theoretical frameworks. These lectures:

• analyse the most recent trends in financial markets and banking industries
• provide an overview of the available opportunities within the financial sector

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Dissertation
• Essay
• PC examination
• Portfolio
• Problem-solving exercises
• Research proposal
• Written examination
• Written exercise

Student support

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• academic staff
• personal tutors and research supervisors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives
• peers

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

 

Our staff

This course builds on our established research strengths in finance and economics.

It is delivered by a mix of highly experienced and prominent academics. View profiles of the module leaders for this course:

• Dr Periklis Boumparis (Degree Programme Director)
• Dr Nikolaos Papanikolaou
• Dr Andrei Stancu
• Dr Ian Corrick
• Dr Bahadir Dursun
• Dr Jose Liu
• Professor Bartosz Gebka
• Dr Minh Nguyen
• Dr Xueqi Dong
• Philip Morey
• Dr Iftekhar Ahmed
• Dr Zhonghao Jiang
• Dr Jiayu Jin
• Dr Xiaojing Song
• Dr Francesco Fusari

Your development

You'll develop relevant skills and a practical understanding of:

• the role of retail and investment banks in modern economies
• the operational behaviour of banks, financial markets and investors
• the impact of financial technology in the banking and financial markets industries
• the role of the banking and finance sector in the transition to the green economy
• contemporary debates in international financial markets
• empirical modelling techniques in the areas of economics and finance
• how to synthesise and present relevant data, conclusions and recommendations

Professional development

You'll benefit from our status as a Bloomberg Experiential Learning Partner. Through self-study, you'll complete the Bloomberg Market Concepts certificate. This gives you an interactive introduction to the financial markets.

You'll be able to take part in a live financial trading simulation. This is delivered jointly with CFA annual global investment challenge.

You'll gain insights into different roles in the financial industry and boost your employability.

Partnerships

Newcastle University Business School is an academic partner of the CQF Institute (the awarding body for the Certificate in Quantitative Finance). You can register for free membership and get access to member-only benefits, including:

• online technical talks and conferences
• networking opportunities
• career advice
• thought leadership
• finance-focused introductory workshops

Postgraduate Study Abroad

Dual Award with Grenoble École de Management

Our new Dual Award programme allows you to spend an additional academic year at Grenoble École de Management in Grenoble, France.

After completing your postgraduate studies with us, you would join the last year of their Grande École programme, Masters in Management - M2 year.

On successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded:

• your Newcastle University degree
• an MSc in Management from Grenoble

As part of the Grenoble programme, you will need to either:

• complete an internship (minimum duration 13 weeks, full time), or
• provide evidence of equivalent work experience, either in France or in another country

Please note that students who complete this scheme will not be eligible for the UK graduate work visa.

Semester abroad

The Postgraduate Semester Abroad is an opportunity to study a complementary subject for one semester at a European partner university. You would study with the partner university on an exchange basis.

The experience takes place at the end of your studies, once you have submitted your dissertation/final project. You'll develop new skills to set you apart from other graduates.

Studies undertaken at a partner university will not count towards a double/dual degree award. However, you'll receive a transcript from your host university evidencing your achievements.

Please note that students who complete this scheme will not be eligible for the UK graduate work visa.

Your future

Graduate destinations

Graduates from this course have undertaken various roles including:

• banker
• wealth manager
• investment analyst
• consultant
• entrepreneur
• fund manager
• relationship manager
• auditor
• financial risk analyst
• PhD candidate

Recent employers include:

• JP Morgan
• HSBC
• Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
• Blackrock
• Bloomberg
• EY
• KPMG
• Merrill Lynch
• China Merchants Bank
• China Construction Bank

Careers support

Career development and employability are woven throughout our teaching, learning and student experience.

The School has dedicated employability support and career spaces in the School to support our students on their career journey both during their studies and for up to three years after they finish.

Find out more about our employability offer

Business School students get access to both the wider University careers service and exclusive Business School events and resources for students. This means you'll have access to a wealth of resources and support to enhance your employability, including:

• one-to-one career support
• industry-specific career events
• online career learning tools
• career planning and information sessions
• an annual careers week, where careers activity takes place during a gap in classes
• networking opportunities
• specialist careers and business start-up support from the University's Careers Service and the Business School's careers consultants
• the chance to apply for various work experience opportunities while studying with us

We're also one of 140 business schools worldwide to be accredited by the EQUIS scheme for our managerial and entrepreneurial skills development.

Our Careers Service

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. 

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

Facilities

Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 4,000 students from over 85 countries. This valuable community extends beyond our current students to include:

• regional, national and international leaders
• over 37,000 alumni in our network, spanning 152 countries
• leading professional and academics who are experts in their field
• businesses and partners in academe

The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix -  a landmark 24 acre hybrid city quarter. It brings together researchers, business and communities with the purpose of helping families, communities and cities around the world live healthier, longer, smarter, and easier lives.

We have two buildings – the Business School and the Frederick Douglass Centre. Both offer a range of purpose-build facilities, including.

• computer clusters housing over 120 PCs, plus open IT spaces for laptops
• seven large lecture theatres, plus a 750-seat auditorium – the largest in the University
• 25 seminar and teaching spaces, many with flexible furniture to accommodate learning
• a dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a mix of space for group work, individual study, or quiet study
• study pods, some with wall mounted screens, and bookable rooms for working in groups or individually
• a contemporary café, refurbished in 2025
• two dedicated hubs for employability support and events
• a Bloomberg lab with over 20 terminals, so you can experience a real trading room floor
• Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology
• a flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city and St. James’ Park, which doubles up as a large flexible teaching space

Accessibility

The Business School values individual differences and the diversity this brings. Our buildings are accessible and user friendly. We have a range of adjustments that can support you when moving around our buildings, such as lifts and accessible toilets. We also have gender-neutral toilets in the FDC.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database. 

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Select your country

INTO International Pre-Master's - Pathway course

Our Business and Humanities Pre-Master's will prepare you for Master's study at Newcastle. If you're successful then you're guaranteed a place on this Master's course.

• Business and Humanities Pre-Master's

How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

 

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.

Apply Online  

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events