The Master of Science in Finance with Banking at the University of Bath is a one-year postgraduate master's course for students seeking higher-level knowledge in the banking and financial markets. It is conducted by professors from Bath's prestigious School of Management and includes both theoretical instruction and practical emphasis. It's perfect for those who want to build the skills and knowledge required for a career in banking, investment analysis, or financial regulation. The programme also offers the freedom to shape your own learning through a variety of optional modules, depending on your interests and career aspirations.
Curriculum Structure:
The programme combines rigorous academic content with practical relevance. Here is what students can expect:
Core Modules: These include Financial Derivatives, Corporate Finance, and Bank Risk Management, and give students strong foundations in financial decision-making and regulatory understanding.
Optional Units: Students can opt to study specialist subjects such as Sustainable Finance, Behavioural Finance, or Big Data and Machine Learning in Finance.
Dissertation or Practice Track: Students in their final semester can either go for a traditional dissertation or follow the Practice Track by pursuing a consultancy-style project with a real company.
Integrated Tools: Financial technology and real-world data are used throughout the course, and students have access to tools like Bloomberg, Refinitiv Eikon, and Morningstar Direct for hands-on experience in financial analysis and research.
Accreditation:
The MSc Finance with Banking has strong links to CFA Institute standards and is ideal preparation for those wishing to obtain the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter. This close connection means that the syllabus is kept current with modern industry requirements.
Campus Location:
The course is delivered in the School of Management at the University of Bath, which is located in a new, purpose-built building opened in 2022. The campus combines state-of-the-art learning facilities and scenic views of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath. Students benefit from both intellectual excellence and a vibrant, friendly environment.
What truly sets this course apart is its strong emphasis on hands-on, career-focused learning:
Real Consulting Experience (Practice Track): Instead of a dissertation, students can choose to work with an external business partner, solving real strategic or financial problems. It's a practical opportunity to apply theory straight into practice.
Access to Financial Data Platforms: Students receive direct training on financial platforms that are used in the industry, including Bloomberg and Refinitiv Workspace. These are industry essentials and render students market-ready.
Industry Speakers & Networking Events: The School of Management hosts banking practitioners, asset managers, and fintech entrepreneurs throughout the year, and students can learn about different sectors and network.
Student-led Finance Societies: There are also numerous opportunities for extracurricular involvement with Bath's student-led finance and investment societies, where students can get involved in case competitions, debates, and simulation trading games.
The University of Bath is renowned for its outstanding career support and connections with global employers:
Dedicated Careers Team: The School of Management boasts a tailor-made career service for postgraduate students, such as career coaching, CV/cover letter sessions, employer panels, and mock interviews.
Job Market Readiness: Thanks to the practical focus of the course and exposure to industry-standard software, graduates are prepared for commercial and investment banking, corporate finance, financial consulting, and risk management careers.
Global Opportunities: The majority of students go on to work for London-based, European, or major financial center-based organizations globally. Top employers include Barclays, HSBC, Deloitte, PwC, and Bank of England.
Future Study: Despite being a master's-level module, graduates who wish to pursue academia or specialist roles can proceed to undertake PhDs in Finance or Banking, or professional qualifications like the CFA or FRM.
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