Banking and Finance MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

The MSc Banking and Finance at Queen Mary University of London is designed to give you a strong, practical understanding of how modern banks and financial institutions really work. It’s a great fit for students who want to build a career in banking, finance, or risk management and are looking for a programme that combines academic depth with real-world financial skills.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation and Core Knowledge
From the start, you’ll develop a solid grounding in banking and finance through core modules such as Commercial and Investment Banking, Risk Management for Banking, and Applied Corporate Finance. These modules help you understand how financial institutions operate, how risk is measured and controlled, and how major financial decisions are made in corporate and banking environments.

Specialisation and Elective Learning
As the programme progresses, you’ll have the flexibility to shape your studies by choosing optional modules that match your interests and career goals. Options such as International Finance, Asset Management, Fintech, Bond Market Strategies, and ESG Investing allow you to explore emerging trends and specialised areas within global finance.

Independent Project and Application
Towards the end of the course, you’ll complete a dissertation or applied research project, giving you the opportunity to investigate a finance or banking topic in depth. This project allows you to apply everything you’ve learned and demonstrate your analytical and research skills to future employers.

Focus Areas (in a string)

Banking operations, investment and commercial banking, risk management, corporate finance, financial markets, fintech and sustainable finance

Learning Outcomes (in a string)

Strong analytical and quantitative skills, practical understanding of banking and finance, ability to manage financial risk, applied financial modelling skills, confidence in solving real-world financial problems

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is aligned with professional standards in risk and finance and supports pathways towards industry-recognised qualifications such as the Financial Risk Manager (FRM), enhancing your professional credibility.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Queen Mary University of London is a Russell Group university with a strong reputation in economics and finance, recognised internationally for research quality and graduate employability, helping graduates stand out in competitive global finance markets.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen Mary, learning banking and finance goes far beyond textbooks. Throughout the MSc Banking and Finance programme, you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience using the same tools, data and simulations used by professionals in the financial industry. Teaching is closely linked to real market practice, supported by specialist finance facilities, industry software, group-based projects and applied research opportunities that help you build confidence and job-ready skills from day one:

Finance and Trading Labs: You’ll have access to dedicated finance labs equipped with Bloomberg terminals, allowing you to analyse real-time market data, explore financial instruments and understand how global markets operate in practice.
Industry-standard software: The programme integrates quantitative and technical tools such as MATLAB, Excel-based financial modelling, and programming applications commonly used in banking and risk analysis roles.
AmplifyME Pathways simulations: You can take part in immersive market and banking simulations that replicate the pressures and decision-making environments of real financial institutions, helping you develop practical judgement and commercial awareness.
Group-based coursework and applied projects: Many modules involve collaborative assignments, case studies and data-driven projects, reflecting how finance professionals work in teams to solve complex problems.
Student-managed investment experience: Eligible students can engage with the Queen Mary MSc Investment Fund, gaining exposure to portfolio analysis, asset allocation and investment decision-making under academic and industry guidance.
Research-led dissertation: Your final project allows you to apply theory to real financial issues, with opportunities to work on applied topics using live or industry-relevant data.
Libraries and research institutes: You’ll benefit from Queen Mary’s extensive academic libraries and the research environment of the School of Economics and Finance, supporting advanced study in banking, finance and financial markets.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Banking and Finance have gone on to exciting careers across the financial sector, from investment banking to risk management and financial analysis. Many alumni step into roles like Financial Analyst, Risk Manager, Investment Banking Associate, and Banking Consultant, equipped with the practical skills, industry knowledge, and confidence they gained during the programme:

Personalised careers support: Queen Mary offers one-to-one guidance, CV and interview workshops, psychometric test preparation, and networking events with finance professionals — helping you prepare for your first job and beyond.
Internship opportunities: You can take part in micro-internships or short paid placements arranged through the School of Economics and Finance, giving you valuable hands-on experience while studying.
Employment outcomes: Graduates from this programme are well-regarded by employers, with many moving quickly into positions at top banks, financial institutions, and consultancy firms.
Professional accreditation: The course aligns with recognised industry standards, including preparation for the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification, boosting your credibility in banking and risk roles.
Industry connections: Through events, workshops, and simulations like AmplifyME Pathways, you gain direct exposure to employers and the day-to-day realities of finance careers.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, this MSc provides a strong foundation for research-led programmes such as MPhil or PhD in Finance, Economics, or Financial Economics. The analytical and research skills you develop here make it easier to move into academic research, policy roles, or specialised quantitative finance positions in the future.