MSc Banking and Finance

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

1. Academic Qualifications: Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent with a minimum overall average of 55% or above. The specific entry requirements may vary depending on the chosen program. 

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.5, with no sub-score below 6
• TOEFL: Overall score of 88, with a minimum score of 17 in each section
• PTE Academic: Overall score of 59, with no sub-score below 51

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Keele University offers a range of scholarships and financial support options to attract and assist international students in pursuing their studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and provide financial assistance to deserving students.

1. Keele International Student Scholarship: The Keele International Student Scholarship is available to international students enrolling in a postgraduate taught master's degree program. The scholarship provides a tuition fee discount of up to £3,000. Eligibility is based on academic achievement, and applicants are automatically considered when they apply for their chosen postgraduate program.

2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme: Keele University participates in the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, which is funded by the UK government. The scheme provides full tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses for students from developing Commonwealth countries. The scholarship is available for selected master's degree programs in specific fields of study.

3. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is awarded to international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and contribute to the global community. The scholarship provides a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for the first year of study. Eligibility is based on academic merit, and applicants are automatically considered when they apply for an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate program.

4. Country-Specific Scholarships: Keele University also offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts. Examples include the Keele Nigeria Scholarship and the Keele ASEAN Scholarships, which provide financial support to students from Nigeria and Southeast Asia, respectively.

It's important to note that scholarship availability and eligibility criteria may vary each year.

Keele University's MSc Banking and Finance course prepares graduates for a wide range of rewarding careers in the banking, finance, and related sectors. The practical focus, industry connections, and emphasis on developing analytical and critical thinking skills enable graduates to excel in the competitive job market. The global nature of the finance industry provides graduates with opportunities for international careers, while further education options allow for specialization and research opportunities.

1. Banking Industry: Graduates of the MSc Banking and Finance course have excellent career prospects in the banking industry. They can pursue various roles within banks, including positions in retail banking, corporate banking, investment banking, and financial management. Graduates may work as bank officers, relationship managers, credit analysts, or branch managers, handling client portfolios, assessing loan applications, managing financial products, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

2. Investment and Asset Management: The course equips students with the knowledge and skills required for careers in investment and asset management. Graduates can explore opportunities in investment firms, asset management companies, hedge funds, and private equity firms. They may work as investment analysts, portfolio managers, risk analysts, or fund managers, responsible for analyzing investment opportunities, managing portfolios, and optimizing returns for clients or institutional investors.

3. Risk Management: With a focus on risk management, graduates of the MSc Banking and Finance course are well-equipped to pursue careers in risk management departments of financial institutions. They can work as risk managers, risk analysts, or compliance officers, responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks such as credit risk, market risk, and operational risk. Graduates play a crucial role in ensuring the stability and security of financial institutions.

4. Financial Analysis and Consulting: The course provides strong financial analysis skills, enabling graduates to pursue careers as financial analysts or consultants. They can work for consulting firms, advisory companies, or financial institutions, providing financial analysis, investment advice, and strategic recommendations to clients. Graduates may be involved in financial modeling, valuation analysis, industry research, and due diligence activities.

5. Regulatory and Compliance: The knowledge of regulatory frameworks gained from the course opens up opportunities in regulatory bodies and compliance departments of financial institutions. Graduates can work as compliance officers, regulatory analysts, or risk and compliance consultants, ensuring adherence to financial regulations, developing compliance frameworks, and implementing policies and procedures to mitigate regulatory risks.

6. Financial Technology (FinTech): The MSc Banking and Finance course also prepares graduates for careers in the evolving field of financial technology. They can work in FinTech startups, technology firms, or innovation labs within financial institutions, focusing on areas such as digital banking, payment systems, blockchain technology, and data analytics. Graduates may be involved in developing innovative financial products, implementing digital solutions, or driving technological advancements in the financial industry.

7. International Opportunities: The skills and knowledge gained from the MSc Banking and Finance course are transferable globally, opening up opportunities for international careers. Graduates can explore positions in multinational banks, financial institutions, or consultancies with a global presence. They may work in financial centers such as London, New York, Singapore, or Hong Kong, leveraging their expertise in international finance and banking operations.

8. Further Education: The MSc Banking and Finance course also provides a solid foundation for those wishing to pursue further education, such as a Ph.D. in Finance or related fields. This pathway can lead to careers in academia, research institutions, or policy-making organizations, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of banking and finance.