Course specification and structure
Undergraduate Course Structures Postgraduate Course Structures

PMINBAFI - MSc International Banking and Finance

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Master of Science Level Masters
Possible interim awards Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
Total credits for course 180
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University, NEXT Campus Pvt Ltd
School Guildhall School of Business and Law
Subject Area Business and Management
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Part-time 2 YEARS  
Full-time 1 YEARS  
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The ‘MSc in International Banking and Finance’ course provides students with the broad range of skills required to secure and retain employment in the highly competitive labour market in international banking, finance and financial regulation. The academic depth and breadth of this postgraduate programme provide highly relevant subject specific knowledge and transferable skills. Students develop cognitive, problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills as well as quantitative and IT competence.

There are four core modules which all students will study on the course, and they will also have the opportunity of choosing two optional modules from a range of available options, making up 6 taught modules.

Thus all students will take 4 x 20 credit core modules that will cover the fundamentals of International Banking and Finance. Then in addition, students will have an option choice of 2 more modules, which will allow them to develop an in-depth knowledge in areas such as major exchange-based and over-the-counter financial derivatives, the role of translating for international organisations, and an appreciation of environmental and other issues in relation to international banking and finance.

Within the compulsory set of taught modules all students will study the 20 credit research methods module, designed to familiarise them with business research methods and to prepare them to undertake the final component of the course, the 60 credit dissertation.

Students are encouraged to choose options that are particularly suited to their individual skill development needs. Skills and expertise in various areas such as investment management, corporate finance, financial reporting, risk hedging, growth, and development are available in a range of core and optional module topics.

Opportunity for gaining work experience in the financial sector is available for students taking the ‘Business Work Placement Project’ module. This experience enhances their employability and is managed in tandem with the Faculty’s ‘Placements and Employability Unit’.

Lectures and seminars, which constitute the formal face-to-face elements of the course, are essential activities that will support the development of knowledge and understanding. These sessions will provide students with tools of analysis, outline methods for evaluation and give clear guidance on how students may best extend and apply their learning independently. An important dimension of the skills they must acquire during the programme is the capacity to work successfully with others to achieve a desired objective. A number of their assessments will use group assignments, which we believe will help them to develop their interpersonal skill and personal awareness.

All modules will include the use of the University’s virtual learning environment (Weblearn). Core materials, e.g. handbooks, presentations, reading materials etc. will be made available on Weblearn and the platform will also provide the vehicle for online collaboration and other blended learning activities.

Students will have an academic tutor / course leader, with whom they will be encouraged to discuss all relevant issues relating to their course.

Course aims

The principal aims of the MSc in International Banking and Finance are to:

1. Provide knowledge and understanding of methods, theory and application in international banking, finance, financial regulation and compliance;
2. Provide a range of cognitive and transferable skills which promote employability and/or further study;
3. Develop students’ abilities to use and evaluate forms of analysis in a variety of contexts relevant to the financial services industry;
4. Engage students in a rich and challenging course which promotes personal and academic development and prepares them for a career in banking, finance, financial regulation, compliance and related areas.
5. Apply research skills in writing a formal dissertation.

Course learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the MSc International Banking and Finance, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate conceptual understanding that enables the critical evaluation of key theories, current research and methodologies relating to the operations and strategies of international banking and finance institutions, and the nature of the international competitive environment and regulatory framework within which they operate.

2. Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge relating to international banking and finance.

3. Continue to advance their theoretical, quantitative and statistical knowledge and understanding, and to develop analytical skills to a high level to understand international banking and finance practice.

4. Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, use IT to access sources of relevant international banking, finance and economics-related information, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences

5. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level

Principle QAA benchmark statements

The MSc in International Banking and Finance degree programme conforms to the Masters’ Degree Characteristics set out by the QAA (2015) in their descriptors for a higher education qualification at level 7, and to the benchmarks for Master's degrees in business and management (QAA, 2015). Since this is a specialist programme, the benchmark statement and subsequent documents must be interpreted in the context of the banking and finance industry.

Assessment strategy

A range of assessment methods are used across each level of the course, reflecting the range of learning outcomes at each level and the diversity of learning styles amongst students. In each module the assessments methods chosen are those best-suited to measuring the achievement of that particular module’s learning outcomes. For instance, essays and reports are used in modules where learning outcomes include the development of writing skills, referencing, synthesis and critical evaluation. Group work is used in modules where co-operative skills are being developed. Case studies are employed where students are learning how to apply financial or legal analysis to particular scenarios or organisations. Methods of assessment include: individual and group presentations, coursework problem sets and mini-projects, placement employer assessment, in-class tests, seen and unseen exams.

Priority is given to methods of assessment consistent with timely formative feedback, either in the development stage of the work or as soon as possible after the assessment has been completed.

Presentations and in-class tests are examples of assessment methods where feedback can be given quickly after completion of the assessment task. The dissertation module incorporates assessment of research, planning and organising skills. Unseen examinations are seen as an important tool for assessing the achievement of learning outcomes.

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

An optional Business Work Placement module is available in the autumn and spring semesters.

The module requires students to obtain a minimum of 20 days / 140 hours in a business project role, relevant to the course discipline. The assessment strategy will encourage students to articulate their skills and knowledge gains obtained from the professional experience.

Students must have a suitable work experience project secured at the outset of the module and will be fully supported in their search for relevant employment by the University’s Placements and Employability Office.

Course specific regulations

The course conforms with the Regulations of the University Postgraduate Scheme and there are no additional regulations.

Modules required for interim awards

Modules are required to be taken as indicated in section 22 above.

A student who has passed modules equivalent to 120 credits including any two core modules will be entitled to the award of a Postgraduate Diploma.

A student who has passed modules equivalent to 60 credits including any one core module will be entitled to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate.

A Master’s degree shall be awarded to a student who has passed modules equivalent to 180 credits including a dissertation.

Arrangements for promoting reflective learning and personal development

Students are introduced to reflective learning in an induction programme which is designed to promote active learning and development from the outset. This will include the principles of individual and team learning and development and preparation for academic study at master’s level. This, it is believed, will lead to an understanding of the students learning to work independently and in collaboration with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Students are encouraged to reflect on their personal development throughout the course. All core and option modules require students to reflect and formative feedback on this activity is provided by the course team

The final dissertation module requires students to undertake reflection in carrying out an independent research project, and will include a statement of personal learning achieved through undertaking the report.

Other external links providing expertise and experience

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) (2014)

Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development

Students will be encouraged to attend meetings with the University’s Careers Service.
Additional activities including networking events, master classes, workshops, guest lectures and other events will also support career development and employability. Continuous support is also provided via academic mentors, academic tutors, and course leaders. All students are advised of the services available via our Placements and Employability Office and encouraged to seek advice from them.

This course is designed for students wishing to pursue a career in commercial and investment banking and finance as well as in financial regulation, compliance and related areas in the financial services industry. The course is highly relevant in the post financial crisis era where there is an enhanced awareness of the need for effective financial regulation and meticulous compliance with regulatory requirements. The course integrates work experience into academic study by offering an optional half-year work placement in the autumn or spring semester. The course content and embedded skills development provide students an excellent platform for entry into the employment market in financial services.

By the end of the course students will have developed knowledge and transferable skills that will enhance their employability internationally. Engagement with the alumni network and events that enable students to meet with employers will support their capacity to progress their careers.

Students are also reminded that they have access to our Careers and Employability service for careers and employability related advice guidance for three years after graduation.

Career opportunities

Our academic programme allows you to tailor your learning to future career plans. If you want to progress into a senior role within the banking and finance industry, a master's degree is increasingly becoming a requirement.

Our postgraduate students were able to progress on to senior roles in global organisations such as HSBC, JP Morgan, Barclays, Deloitte and Google.

Entry requirements

You’ll be required to have:

  • a minimum of a lower second class (2.2) honours degree, or equivalent undergraduate degree from overseas, or an equivalent professional qualification, or relevant work experience.

Credit transfer (where a student has completed units of study contributing towards a degree or a diploma) is possible if there is evidence that the material covered in any module has been satisfactorily assessed to the appropriate level. Credit can also be awarded for prior experiential learning that broadly matches modules within the curriculum and, where appropriate, evidence of attainment is available.

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Tier 4 student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2019/20 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 22 May 2019 Last validation date 22 May 2019  
Sources of funding
JACS codes
Route code INBAFI

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 07 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
FE7052 International Corporate Finance Core 20 NORTH AUT WED EV
FE7062 Commercial and Investment Banking Core 20 NORTH AUT THU EV
FE7063 Financial Regulation and Compliance Core 20 NORTH SPR THU EV
FE7065 Research Methods for Global Business Core 20        
FE7P64 Dissertation Core 60 NORTH SUM WED EV
          NORTH AUT FRI EV
          NORTH SPR WED EV
AC7052 Accounting and Finance for Managers Option 20        
FE7053 Financial Derivatives and Risk Management Option 20 NORTH SPR MON EV
FE7055 Growth, Trade and Development Option 20 NORTH AUT MON EV
FE7060 Environmental Economics and Investment Option 20 NORTH AUT TUE EV
FE7061 International Logistics Option 20 NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
          NORTH SUM MON AM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
          NORTH SUM MON PM
MN7161 Human and Ethical Perspectives in Organisations Option 20 NORTH SPR MON EV
MN7181 People and Organisations: Principles and Practi... Option 20        
MN7W89 Business Work Placement Project Option 20        
TR7084 Translating for International Organisations Option 20 NORTH SPR WED EV

Stage 1 Level 07 January start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
FE7052 International Corporate Finance Core 20        
FE7062 Commercial and Investment Banking Core 20        
FE7063 Financial Regulation and Compliance Core 20 NORTH SPR THU EV
FE7065 Research Methods for Global Business Core 20        
FE7P64 Dissertation Core 60 NORTH SUM WED EV
          NORTH SPR WED EV
AC7052 Accounting and Finance for Managers Option 20        
FE7053 Financial Derivatives and Risk Management Option 20 NORTH SPR MON EV
FE7055 Growth, Trade and Development Option 20        
FE7060 Environmental Economics and Investment Option 20        
FE7061 International Logistics Option 20 NORTH SPR THU PM
          NORTH SPR THU AM
          NORTH SUM MON PM
          NORTH SPR MON PM
          NORTH SUM MON AM
          NORTH SPR MON AM
MN7161 Human and Ethical Perspectives in Organisations Option 20 NORTH SPR MON EV
MN7181 People and Organisations: Principles and Practi... Option 20        
MN7W89 Business Work Placement Project Option 20        
TR7084 Translating for International Organisations Option 20 NORTH SPR WED EV