Banking and Finance with Integrated Pre-Masters MSc

24 Months On Campus Masters Program

Queen Mary University of London

Program Overview

The Banking and Finance with Integrated Pre‑Masters MSc at Queen Mary is designed to give you a strong start before jumping into postgraduate finance study. It’s ideal for students who want to build confidence in academic skills, economics, and finance, while also sharpening their English, so you’re fully prepared to succeed in the MSc and in your future career.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Integrated Pre‑Masters Foundation
In your first year, you’ll focus on building the essential tools to thrive in a master’s programme. You’ll improve your English and study skills, explore the basics of economics and finance, and get hands-on with quantitative methods like statistics — all aimed at giving you the confidence and foundation you need for Year 2.

Year 2 – MSc in Banking and Finance
The second year is where you dive into the full MSc. You’ll tackle advanced modules like Commercial and Investment Banking, Risk Management for Banking, and Applied Corporate Finance, while also choosing electives such as Fintech, International Finance, or ESG Investing to match your interests. Plus, you’ll complete a dissertation or applied project, giving you real-world analytical and research experience to shine in your career.

Focus areas (in a string):

Commercial & investment banking, risk management, corporate finance, quantitative finance, fintech, ESG investing.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Gain solid academic and practical finance skills, master analytical tools, and learn to apply finance knowledge to real-world banking and investment challenges.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Curriculum aligns with professional finance standards; gain practical experience with tools like Bloomberg Market Concepts and student investment funds.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Queen Mary’s School of Economics and Finance is top-ranked in the UK for research in economics and among the top 100 globally for finance and economics, giving graduates a strong edge in the job market.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Queen Mary, your learning isn’t just about lectures and textbooks — it’s about doing, exploring, and applying your knowledge in real-world finance. From day one, you’ll get hands-on experience using the same tools professionals rely on, like Bloomberg terminals and Reuters, helping you understand markets as they actually operate. You’ll work in teams on projects, make investment decisions, and develop skills that make you career-ready — all while supported by expert faculty and modern facilities:

Bloomberg Terminals & Market Tools: Analyse live financial data, simulate trading, and learn financial modelling just like industry professionals.
Student Investment Fund (QUMMIF): Collaborate in teams to manage real portfolios and make investment decisions under faculty guidance.
Advanced Computer Labs: Gain experience with software like MATLAB, Stata, and Eviews, building strong quantitative and analytical skills.
Professional Development Modules: Practice trading simulations, programming, and data analytics in modules designed to prepare you for real finance careers.
Career Support & Networking: Connect with financial firms, attend workshops, and develop professional skills that open doors to banking, investment, and finance roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this programme opens doors to exciting careers across the financial sector. You could step into roles such as a Financial Analyst, Risk Manager, Investment Banking Associate, or Compliance Officer, equipped with practical skills and industry-ready experience. With Queen Mary’s dedicated support and strong connections to employers, you’ll have the guidance and confidence to take that first big step into your finance career:

Dedicated career support: Work closely with Queen Mary’s Careers & Enterprise Centre and the School of Economics and Finance’s career advisors through one-to-one sessions, workshops, CV support, and interview practice — available for three years after graduation to help you secure internships and graduate roles.
Internships and practical experience: Access micro-internships, paid placements, online job simulations, and a rich job board to try out your skills in real work settings before you graduate.
Industry networking and employer connections: Meet professionals through employer events, alumni panels, and initiatives like Focus on Finance, helping you build valuable relationships that could lead to summer schemes, internships, or graduate positions.
Employment outcomes: Many graduates go straight into highly skilled roles in finance, business, and management, with around 80% securing professional positions within 15 months of finishing their course.
Long-term degree value: A master’s from a Russell Group university like Queen Mary offers lasting credibility, especially as you grow your experience and network in London, one of the world’s top financial hubs.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this programme, you could take your studies even further:

Enrol in a research-focused MPhil or PhD in finance, economics, or financial econometrics, opening doors to advanced academic or research careers.
Pursue professional finance qualifications like the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or other industry certifications, giving you an extra edge in competitive finance careers.