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MSc Finance (Banking)

30 credit

This structure is for new students and those who registered after 1 July 2018.
Current students who registered before this date can find their programme structure here.

Programme summary
Programme convenor: Prof Laurence Harris
Duration: 2–5 years
Fee: £10,080. For full information on fees and payment options, visit our Fees page.
Programme start: October / January / April / June

The MSc Finance enables you to deepen your understanding of financial markets, banks, and their relation to economic performance. It provides a sound platform for advancing your career in finance and policy. Because finance is so wide ranging, the degree enables you to choose between four majors:

The MSc Finance programme's four alternative Major pathways enable you to select a study path best suited to your objectives and skills.

Programme description

The MSc Finance (Banking) is designed for postgraduates wanting to enter the banking sector and professionals already working in financial or neighbouring sectors who are looking to gain a competitive advantage while deepening their knowledge in financial management, particularly in core banking activities (maturity/risk mismatch management), retirement and financial planning, commercial credit and factoring, and liquidity and risk management.

If you have any further questions about the overall programme content and its suitability for you, please email dladmissionsteam1@soas.ac.uk.

Modules and programme structure

You will study six modules: three core modules and three elective modules selected from the lists below.

If you wish to complete the Dissertation you must study Research Methods.

Core modules

Elective modules

Career opportunities

As a graduate of this programme you will be well prepared for senior positions in banking, asset management, pension funds, regulators and financial institutions.

Study schedule

This programme takes a minimum of two years to complete. Each module lasts 10 weeks. You are registered for a maximum of five years.

Study calendar 2019/20

Entry requirements

Education and experience

You should have a recognised UK Bachelor's degree, or international equivalent, in finance, economics, or another appropriate discipline. Qualifications in other subjects will be assessed on their merits. Your application may be considered if you have previous education and experience, equivalent to a degree-level qualification, which includes suitable preliminary training.

Language requirements

For all of our modules you are required to have a high level of English language ability in reading and writing and in study skills.

If your first degree was not taught in English, you will need to provide evidence of language ability. You will meet the English language requirement if you have passed any of the following within the past three years:

  • (IELTS) International English Language Testing System (Academic) with an overall score of 7.0 or above, including a minimum of 7.0 on the written sub-test
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) with an overall score of 67 or above, including a minimum of 67 attained on each of the reading, writing, speaking and listening elements
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
  • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English with an overall score of 185 or above, including a minimum of 185 attained on each of the reading, writing, speaking and listening sub-tests
  • (TOEFL) iBT Test of English as a Foreign Language with an overall score of 95 or above, including a minimum of 24 attained on the reading and writing skills sub-tests and a minimum of 25 attained on the speaking sub-test and 22 attained on the listening sub-test.

You are required to have internet access to participate in this programme.

What next?

To make an application, or to find out more about fees and our admissions procedure, please visit the Apply section of this website.