International Finance and Banking MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

The MSc International Finance and Banking at the University of Portsmouth is designed for anyone looking to build a strong career in global finance and banking. You’ll gain practical skills to understand international markets, manage corporate finance, and analyse real-world financial data using industry-standard tools.

Curriculum structure

Master’s Year
During the year, you’ll start with core modules like Corporate Finance and Foreign Exchange Market Analysis, learning how companies manage their finances globally and how currency markets operate. Then you’ll move into banking-focused modules such as International Banking: Efficiency, Competition and Regulation and International Money and Capital Markets, where you’ll explore how banks operate across countries and how global money and capital markets function. Modules like Statistics and Data Modelling I and Financial Econometrics sharpen your analytical skills, helping you make sense of real financial data. The programme finishes with the Research Methods and Dissertation, giving you the chance to carry out your own research and apply what you’ve learned in a practical, hands-on way.

Optional modules like Digital Economy: Society, Culture and Policy and Financial Technology: Micro Perspectives let you explore emerging trends in fintech and the digital transformation of banking.

Focus areas

“Multinational corporate finance, international banking and capital markets, global money and exchange markets, financial econometrics, and data-driven market analysis.”

Learning outcomes

“You’ll finish the course able to critically analyse international financial markets, manage corporate or banking finance globally, use professional tools like Bloomberg and Capital IQ, conduct independent research, and apply both theory and practice in real-world finance roles.”

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The course aligns with professional standards and is supported by the University’s AACSB-accredited Business School. Modules match requirements of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI).

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Portsmouth is recognized for producing graduates ready for roles in banking, corporate finance, investment banking, and capital markets. Its strong finance focus and accreditation help students stand out to employers worldwide.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Portsmouth, this MSc is all about learning by doing. You won’t just read about financial markets — you’ll get to work with the same tools and data that finance professionals use every day. From analysing live market trends to completing a hands-on research project, you’ll develop practical skills that prepare you for a global finance career.

Here’s how you’ll gain real-world experience:

Bloomberg Suite Access – Work on 20 Bloomberg terminals to track live markets, run trading simulations, and analyse equities, bonds, currencies, and ESG data.
Financial Databases – Use S&P Capital IQ, Refinitiv Eikon, and other industry-standard databases to access company data, credit ratings, market histories, and financial news.
Independent Research & Dissertation – Conduct your own research using real-world data, applying econometric and statistical tools to solve finance problems, all under expert supervision.
Practical Seminars & Workshops – Modules like International Banking, Corporate Finance, and Financial Markets include problem-solving tasks, real-world case studies, and data-driven assignments.
Library & IT Support – Enjoy 24-hour library access and full support for financial software and data analysis tools, helping you complete coursework and research efficiently.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with an MSc in International Finance and Banking from Portsmouth opens doors to an exciting range of global finance careers. Many graduates move into roles such as financial analyst, investment banker, securities trader, or corporate finance manager, using the skills they’ve gained to make real-world financial decisions and drive business success. The programme equips you with practical experience, industry knowledge, and professional credentials that employers value:

Career support services: The University’s Careers and Employability Service offers personalised guidance, CV and interview help, networking opportunities, and support even up to five years after graduation.
Strong employability outcomes: Around 93% of business graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their course.
Industry-aligned curriculum and accreditation: Training on Bloomberg terminals and other professional tools, plus recognition by professional bodies like CISI, makes your CV stand out to employers.
Networking & employer connections: Access career fairs, workshops, and project collaborations to meet potential employers and secure internships or graduate roles.
Global career flexibility: The knowledge and skills you gain are valued worldwide, allowing you to pursue finance roles in different countries and sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, you could continue your studies with a research-focused master’s or a doctoral degree in finance, economics, or banking. Alternatively, pursuing professional qualifications through bodies like the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment can further strengthen your career prospects, whether in high-level finance roles or specialised sectors.