Banking and Finance MSc

Postgraduate
Conversion course

This course aims to deepen your analytical expertise in banking and finance through a rigorous examination of corporate finance, risk management, governance, ethics, sustainability, and international banking regulation.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

CBLT010

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

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Course overview

Our Banking and Finance MSc provides a comprehensive understanding of global banking and sustainability issues, emphasising the interpretation, evaluation, and communication of financial information, along with insights into the strategic and managerial roles within banking and financial institutions.

Members of the course team will combine their sector and research experience to bring real-life case studies and examples into your learning.
Specialist banking and finance modules are designed to develop your expertise, research and analytical skills to prepare you to work in a range of roles.
Analyse banking structures, roles and mechanisms, and learn to examine the resilience of financial systems against credit, interest rate and climate risks.
You will study authentic banking challenges, developing robust insights into sustainable banking strategies for institutional and economic stability.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Practice simulated trading and other finance-related activities using a wide range of industry-standard demo software on our Bloomberg terminals⁴.
Access advanced learning facilities with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the Bloomberg Trading Floor and the EconLab⁴.
There will be opportunities for you to obtain Bloomberg Market Concept (BMC) and Environmental Social Governance (ESG) certifications at no additional cost.
Learn from professionals with industry and research experience and interact with expert guest practitioners and scholars of banking and finance (opportunities not guaranteed)².

Memberships

CABS - Chartered Association of Business Schools

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, which has a membership of over 120 business schools and higher education providers, and supports its members in maintaining world-class standards of teaching and research.

EFMD - European Foundation for Management Development

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the European Foundation for Management Development, a global membership organisation dedicated to management development, covering over 900 members across 91 countries.

PRME - The Principles for Responsible Management Education

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). PRME is a United Nations-supported initiative founded in 2007 that aims to raise the profile of sustainability in their classrooms through seven principles focused on serving society and safeguarding our planet.

AACSB- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB is the world’s largest network of business schools and organisations committed to advancing business education and making a lasting, positive impact on society to create next generation of great leaders.

BGA - Business Graduates Association

Coventry Business School is currently an active member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA). BGA’s student and graduate benefits have been crafted to enhance your learning experience, providing a range of tools to support professional and personal development. SBC - Small Business Charter Coventry Business School is a recipient of the Small Business Charter (SBC) Award. The award is a mark of excellence for business schools, recognising their expertise in supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship, and effective engagement in the local economy.

What you'll study

This course aims to equip you with the advanced skills and knowledge required to navigate complex banking and financial environments. Content focuses on critical areas such as international banking operations, regulatory frameworks, corporate finance and risk management, governance, ethics and sustainability, and data analysis.

Modules

International Bank Management – 30 credits

This module illustrates the need for bank existence and functionality in an increasingly competitive global environment, illustrating their characteristics and roles concerning financial intermediation and depository purpose. Using public banking events and scandals that have transformed the international banking landscape, you will be actively engaged in critiquing theories and models to assess the consequences of actions and draw conclusions about the integrity of management strategies.

Compulsory

The Regulatory Environment of Banking – 30 credits

Elevate your anticipatory competence and learn to understand and evaluate multiple scenarios and consequences of regulatory actions. Through interrogation of banks’ regulatory frameworks and environments, module content covers the interconnected role of regulation in upholding the integrity and stability of the financial sector. The module covers evidence-led and practice-based regulatory issues in modern banking environments to recognise the impact of regulatory mechanisms, and their associated costs and benefits. Through critical analysis of contemporary regulatory developments across markets and economies, you will interpret banks’ capabilities to test the resilience of financial systems to climate risks.

Compulsory

Data Analysis and Research Methods – 30 credits

The module aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake independent research. It will cover key quantitative techniques commonly used by financial analysts, economists, accountants and investors to give you a grounding in fundamental econometric methods for data analysis. Using global economic and financial data, the module explores statistical techniques of descriptive analysis, estimation, hypothesis testing and modelling. Emphasis is placed on the understanding and interpretation of quantitative results for economic and financial decision-making. You will formulate fitting research objectives and select appropriate methodologies to develop your competence in designing and evaluating successful qualitative and quantitative research projects.

Compulsory

Corporate Finance and Risk Management – 30 credits

The module facilitates a critical examination of pivotal issues in the global corporate finance landscape. From finance, accounting and economic perspectives, you will explore the relevance of issues such as financial management, asset pricing, capital structure and pay-out policies. The module emphasises the implications of risk exposure and management in dynamic political, economic, financial, operational and regulatory environments.

Compulsory

Governance, Ethics and Sustainability – 30 credits

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal issues concerning sustainability, ethics and governance for the global financial and economic landscape. You will examine the influence of national and global regulations, corporate governance frameworks and ethical principles that drive sustainable and responsible business practices. You will critically analyse the prevailing corporate governance norms, the allocation of decision-making powers, and their implications for businesses, economies, financial markets and society. Module content is designed to teach you the importance of balancing the needs of shareholders with the needs of society. It will use the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to help you become a responsible leader who considers the ethical, social, and environmental impact of your decisions.

Compulsory

Postgraduate Project – 30 credits

Apply knowledge and insights from across the course to develop into independent and ethical researchers. You will conduct a substantive research project related to your choice of topics in economics or finance to evidence intellectual, technical and analytical skills. You will receive personalised support and guidance from a dedicated supervisor and benefit from critical discussions and cross-fertilisation in group supervision sessions.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects
workshops
practical laboratory sessions.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

reports
tests
essays
exams
practical coursework
assignments
presentations.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Honours degree 2:2 or above from any discipline or appropriate work experience in the financial sector together with relevant professional qualifications.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international pre-master's. Upon successful completion our International Pre-Master's - Business will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this postgraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

Honours degree 2:2 or above from any discipline or appropriate work experience in the financial sector together with relevant professional qualifications.

English language requirements

IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent with no component less than 6.0.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,350	Not available
EU	£9,350 per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The Trading Floor allows you to get hands-on with industry-standard software. Featuring contemporary dual-screen Bloomberg terminals, Fitch Connect and LSEG Workspace, the facility adds a dynamic practical element to your course.

Our Digital Economics lab (EconLab) is designed to model decision-making, market dynamics and policy impacts to teach core principles such as resource allocation, opportunity cost, and cooperation. It houses economics games which are used in education, research and policy testing, and provides you with specialist econometrics support.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 36 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

demonstrate a critical understanding of financial theories and principles, and the ability to constructively challenge their assumptions
appraise financial risk and associated risk management strategies, and identify appropriate applications and limitations of portfolios and derivative instruments to manage risk exposure
apply advanced mathematical and statistical methods for financial analysis, interpretation and decision-making
demonstrate critical awareness of the role and importance of effective corporate governance, ethical responsibility, professional accountability, civic contribution and sustainability
execute research using critical judgement in the selection of methodological approaches, financial frameworks, research techniques and tools, and apply procedures to real-world finance scenarios
understand financing arrangements, structures, strategies, and governance frameworks of banks and financial institutions
explore the complex operation and function of global banks under different regulatory and economic settings
exercise judgement in the selection of different methods and approaches to measuring and managing risk in banking operations.

Successful graduates may seek positions in:

banking
financial services
corporate treasury
risk management
compliance
wealth management
insurance and pension services.
financial data analytics
consulting.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Full-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.