Banking and International Finance (Taught)

Prepare for the complexities of working in modern banking and cross-border financial systems with our CBI-accredited Masters degree.
Modern banking relies on integrated financial markets and global business activity.
This course gives you a thorough understanding of the latest theories in banking and international finance, along with practical skills and real-world experience, preparing you to succeed in a competitive job market.
You’ll gain insight into how banks operate, manage risk and interact with global financial institutions. You’ll develop a well-rounded skill set in financial analysis and strategic decision-making, with optional modules giving you technical skills that are valued in the workplace.
Our highly qualified academics bring their research and consultancy expertise in credit, banking and finance to the classroom, helping you put your knowledge and skills to the test in real-life scenarios in practical exercises.
A strong research culture and excellent links with industry, commerce and professional bodies will give you a real understanding of the current challenges and issues facing the world’s international financial institutions.

Student profile: Byengsung Youn
“My experience at the Business School helped me take on challenges in global financial markets and motivated me to develop my career more broadly. The foundation of my knowledge was solidified through the lessons I learned at the Business School.”
Byengsung Youn, Banking and Finance MSc

Why study at Leeds

• Gain Chartered Banker status: Being accredited by the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI) gives you membership whilst studying and means you’re eligible for Chartered Banker status upon graduation.

• Get the latest industry developments: Our strong industry links mean you’ll benefit from high profile guest speakers, with recent visits from a non-executive board member at UBS, the Head of Securities and Fund Services at Citigroup Asia Pacific and members of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.

• Access professional financial tools and platforms: Our two on-campus trading rooms give you experience in using Bloomberg, WRDS, CSMAR, Refinitiv Eikon and Datastream.

• Global opportunities to broaden your experience: Apply for a place on a week-long international study tour, with company visits, guest lectures and networking events. Previous study tours have included visits to Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan and Zurich.

• Develop research skills, backed by the Bank of England: Get the chance to develop your research dissertations through the Research Support Programme.

• Partnered with the CQF Institute: Access industry events, networking opportunities, career support, job listings and technical workshops, supported by CQF’s community of finance professionals.

Rankings and awards
Top 40 in the world for finance, QS Business Masters Rankings 2026
Top 100 in the world, QS World University Rankings 2026

Where this degree could take you
Many graduates have pursued successful careers in commercial and investment banking, corporate finance and financial analysis. Alternatively, your course can provide an excellent grounding for a career in financial journalism.
Recent graduates are working at organisations such as:

• ByteDance

• Citi

• Deloitte

• HSBC

• Santander UK

• Worldpay

Career support
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

Assessment methods emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. This may include formal exams, group projects, reports, computer simulation exercises, essays and written assignments, group and individual presentations and reflective logs.

This diversity enables you to develop a broad range of skills as preparation for professional life.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Chartered Banker Institute