Economics, Banking and Finance MSc

Study level: Postgraduate
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Acquire the knowledge and develop the skills to pursue a career in the broader economics and finance sector.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

Coventry University London (City of London)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time
18 months Extended Professional Practice

Course code

LONT087, LONT088 (with Extended Professional Practice)

Start date

September 2023
January 2024

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Contact us

The information on this page is for 2022-23 entry and should be used as guidance for 2023-24 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

Acquire the knowledge and develop the skills to pursue a career in the broader economics and finance sector.

Our Economics, Banking and Finance course offers ethics-based finance education and has been designed to equip you with the level of knowledge and skills required for positions with global employers such as commercial banks, investment banks, asset managers, and many other financial services and investment companies.

  • Explore the main theories of economics and finance and work with economic and financial data to examine how different activities and external events affect the world.
  • Evaluate policy decisions by governments or central banks and other financial institutions and analyse their impact on the financial sector and the overall economy.
  • Study on a course which provides focus on practical elements of the subjects, moving away from the traditional approach of theoretical and advanced technical analysis that requires strong mathematical background.
  • Choose the option to study our Economics, Banking and Finance MSc with Extended Professional Practice route, an 18-month option aimed at individuals who are looking to attain a deeper understanding of business in a very practical way.
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Global ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

  • London location

Study in the Square Mile, the heart of London’s financial district. You’ll study on the doorstep of the industry, with opportunities for placements2/employment, and the chance to continue your development with financial market simulations that train the management of financial and investment risk.

  • Industry insight

This is a professionally focused course which has been devised in close collaboration with industry experts and informed by the advice of the highest-level practitioners in this field. There is also a strong focus on ethics and professional conduct. You’ll be taught by highly qualified industry-experienced academics who have solid career experience in banking, asset management and portfolio management, and who maintain strong connections with industry and with professional associations. Please note staff may be subject to change.

  • Industry-standard technology

Technical competence is an intrinsic requirement of a career in the financial industry, which is why we’ve embedded technological elements into every module. You’ll receive exposure to widely used financial analysis software, including R, Python, Bloomberg Terminals, and S&P Capital IQ.

  • Real-world experience

This course offers internship opportunities2 in different aspects of economics, banking, and finance, with companies in industries attractive to students and with whom the university has existing relationships. You may decide to apply for our Economics, Banking and Finance MSc course with Extended Professional Practice. This is an 18-month option and is aimed at individuals who are looking to attain a deeper understanding of business in a very practical way. You are expected to spend twenty-two weeks at one (or more) work setting(s) and will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice. Find out more about our Extended Professional Practice study option.

  • Prepare for your future

You’ll have opportunities to mix with employers and to build your CV. Should you wish to start your own business, we offer business start-up advice and support through our Enterprise Hub.

Immerse yourself in Coventry University London’s global community and emerge as a talented, career-ready graduate with an international outlook.

What you'll study

Your main study themes are:

  • Research enriched learning

You will study current and seminal academic research in the field of finance research and move towards greater independent learning through the use of our online platform.

  • Ethics

Ever since the recent global economic crisis, the financial services sector has had to respond to increasing levels of scrutiny and to develop and enforce stringent codes of ethics.

  • Professionalism

You will learn to adhere to the highest levels of professional conduct.

  • Technology

You’ll explore the importance of electronic decision-support tools in the financial services sector and use industry-standard software as part of your learning throughout your studies.

  • Critical thinking

You will develop your critical thinking enabling you to evaluate and use information to develop plans and actions to respond to the dynamic and constantly evolving global financial environment.

The course consists of a set of core modules and industry-specific specialist modules. Core modules help you to deepen your knowledge, understanding and application in economics, risk management, valuation of financial assets, regulations and ethics.

You will study the interactions between economics and finance and develop the necessary skills to understand and evaluate policy decisions applying the appropriate data analysis methods which will allow you to pursue a career in the broader economics and finance sector. Ethics-based finance required for positions with global employers such as commercial banks, investment banks, asset managers, and others.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to enhance your knowledge in the theories, tools and methods of modern economics, together with the application of these methods to the critical analysis of economic problems. Understanding economics will help you to better understand the financial markets and how economic developments (at the firm level – microeconomic, or in the overall economy – macroeconomic) affect decision making and subsequent developments in the financial markets.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to expose you to real life examples and equip you with the skills, knowledge and practices of the main finance theories, with particular emphasis on the Investment and Corporate Finance branches of modern finance. The module will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge of the key principles of modern finance and how they are applied.

    Compulsory

  • This module involves an analysis of money, commercial banking, and central banking with an overview of policy implementation by regulatory authorities and resultant economic impacts both nationally and internationally. There will be a detailed discussion of money and the financial systems.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to provide a broader perspective of current themes and issues arising in the ever-evolving and dynamic world of economics and finance. Economics and Finance are complex and are constantly developing as the world faces new issues or to address different needs.

    Compulsory

  • This module explores issues around the process of designing and implementing economic policies from governments, central banks and other international organisations. Our approach combines theory, implementation and evidence and focuses on the process of policymaking and the differences in different regions of the world.

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    Compulsory

  • The goal of this module is for you to integrate statistical tools with your study and research that are useful in conducting empirical elements of research in finance. The focus of the module is on the use of data and econometric analysis to answer real-world questions and examine financial theory.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to provide an in-depth understanding of the function and operation of banking system, evolution of global banking supervision, current trends in regulatory standards and the role of central banks and supervisory authorities in the implementation of regulatory rules to create safe and sound financial systems.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills relating to green and sustainable finance by providing an overview of the underpinning science, principles and practice of the field, and increase awareness of the role of the finance sector in supporting the transition to a low-carbon world.

    Compulsory

  • Dissertation - 60 credits

    The aim of this module is to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a substantive piece of independent research, integrating research skills development and extending your knowledge and experience to a specialist area. The Dissertation topic may arise from the literature relating to the course of study. Alternatively, it may relate it to current/past work experience. You may be able to use the research topic that was developed in other modules and can be further developed through discussion with the Dissertation Supervisor. The topic selected will need to be appropriate to the course of study, logistically feasible, adequately resourced and will adequately address ethics, safety and any required permissions. Therefore, you and your supervisor will need to invest some time in thinking about the chosen area and topic for research.

    Internship* - 60 credits

    The internship consulting project* offers you a unique opportunity for practical, meaningful and hands-on work experience, to learn how to work collaboratively with others and obtain a better perspective of careers within the field of Accounting, Finance and Economics. The aim of this module is to develop work-related knowledge, skills and capabilities necessary to pursue further career-related opportunities related to your subject area. The internship consulting project should allow you to put into practice, in a professional environment, the skills and knowledge gained throughout your postgraduate studies. This module will also enhance your own understanding of your working practice, time management, and develop your critical and self-reflective awareness through reflecting on your own learning and personal development in a strategic, analytical and autonomous way. Academic supervisors will guide you through the process, and you will have meetings to review progress and provide a space for critical reflection and feedback. You will work independently, whilst being clearly provided with support through every stage of your journey, including through directed formative submissions. Altogether, you will be able to develop a meaningful project, demonstrating and applying skills attained during the course of your studies at Coventry University London.

    Simulation Project - 60 credits

    The Simulation module is an action-based learning module, in which you have the opportunity to act as a professional in the field of accounting, finance and economics in a simulated business environment, making business decisions and seeing the results (real time) in a highly competitive environment over several rounds of simulation representing business years. The Simulation module creates a platform that provides you with the real experience on your learning journey by introducing you to an environment where you actively engage in deep learning through anticipating outcomes and observing the effects of the decisions and business choices you make. The module helps you to learn, to reflect and refine your knowledge by actively engaging in group business review facilitated by your supervisor. This review process helps to reinforce learning derived from application of theoretical framework/models /concepts explored in earlier terms.

    Compulsory

  • Extended Professional Practice 1 - 0 credits

    This is a compulsory module on MSc courses with Extended Professional Practice. This non-credit bearing module, together with Extended Professional Practice 2 will provide students on Extended Professional Practice MSc courses with a substantive professional experience. This will take the form of either an internship* with a host organisation, or a campus-based professional experience. This experience will support the development of your personal and professional skills, such as communication, team-working, self-management, project management and critical reflection to enhance their future employability. You will be expected to augment your previous learning and experiences in order to develop your knowledge and skills of professional practice in your chosen subject area. This module will also provide you with the necessary experience and focus on completing the project report for Extended Professional Practice Project.Find out more about our Extended Professional Practice study option.

    Extended Professional Practice 2 - 0 credits

    This is a compulsory module on MSc courses with Extended Professional Practice. This non-credit bearing module is a continuation of Extended Professional Practice 1, providing students on an Extended Professional Practice MSc courses with a substantive professional experience. This will take the form of either a continuation of the internship with a host organisation, or the campus-based professional experience. This module aims to provide you with further professional experiences, building on knowledge and skills, previously gained, consolidating and refining your personal and professional skills, theory and practice and further enhance your future employability. You will be expected to augment your previous learning and experiences in order to develop additional knowledge and skills of professional practice in your chosen subject area. As with the Extended Professional Practice 1, this module will also provide you with the necessary experience and focus on completing the project report for Extended Professional Practice Project.

    Extended Professional Practice Project - 60 credits

    This is a compulsory module on MSc courses with Extended Professional Practice. This module aims to integrate theory and practice either through undertaking an Extended Professional Practice or campus-based project in an area relevant to the subject being studied. This will have involved you working on an organisational issue either within a host organisation or on campus addressing a project brief, as part of the Extended Professional Practice modules 1 and 2.

    The module fits with the individual courses’ aims and learning outcomes in that it helps you to integrate your learning across subject specific taught modules within a real business setting. Moreover, the knowledge and understanding gained within the organisational setting will help you to further develop your subject knowledge and understanding when writing the final report. To be successful in your studies but also in your later career, the module aims to equip you with a range of cognitive, practical and transferable skills, including self-reliance skills, interpersonal, leadership and communication skills, in particular the ability to explain complex information in a clear way, numeracy, digital literacy, a lively and enquiring mind with a logical approach to work, creative problem-solving skills and business acumen. This is in line with current expectations by employers surveyed by professional bodies and with recent research on skills requirements in the future workplace. You will further develop your skills as you undertake a reflection of your experiences during the internship as part of the final assignment. Apart from increasing your knowledge and understanding, this module also aims to develop you into an ethical, responsible individual that collaborates successfully with and leads others from diverse cultures and backgrounds to achieve shared goals, demonstrating global citizenship and social responsibility.

    Optional

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.

Strong global connections

Provide students with access to real-life work experience, so you can put your skills into practice and make connections in the world of work .

How you'll learn

To challenge you to become more effective and efficient in your time management, learn decision-making and take ownership of your learning, the course makes use of a blended approach with a mixture of asynchronous and synchronous activities. We also adopt an action learning approach that includes teamwork, finance-related simulations and real-world activities such as research projects, all of which are underpinned by analysis and synthesis.

  • Teaching methods may include live classes, textbooks, workshops, debates, case studies, consultancy projects, simulations and online collaborations.
  • Have the opportunity to use Bloomberg Terminals, S&P Capital IQ system, and statistical software (such as Gretl, Stata, R or Python) for homework tasks, assessments, and their research.
  • Access tailored talks by experts from academia, the City of London and the real world of finance and investment touching various areas of finance and leadership, held at intervals over the academic year to inspire and offer you vast networking opportunities within the community2.
  • Continue your learning outside of the classroom by joining one of our Student Union societies such as the Accounting, Finance and Economics society or the Banking and Finance society.
  • Make the most of extra free self-learning resources such as Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) - a library of e-learning courses. To earn the BMC Certificate, you must complete all online learning resources covering financial markets and familiarise yourself with over 100 Bloomberg terminal functions (around 8 hours)4.
  • Take part in extra-curricular activities such as our Student Enterprise Business society, student mentoring programmes and volunteering opportunities to develop your personal and professional skills2. You could also take part in our High Flyers programme, to help you develop the personal and professional skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world, through a suite of extra curricula, non-course specific workshops.

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please contact registry.london@coventry.ac.uk for more information about studying this course part-time.

Teaching contact hours

You will typically receive around 8 hours of contact teaching per week. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials. In addition, you will be expected to undertake a significant amount of self-directed studying and revising in your own time each week, which may include, guided study and, online activities.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include formal examinations, coursework, tests, essays, data analysis projects, group work, presentations, etc.

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

International experience opportunities

This course takes a globalised approach to the curriculum, placing your learning in the context of international challenges, opportunities and regulatory frameworks. It will prepare you for working globally, whether overseas, or for a multi-national, or for a firm which trades internationally.

You will have the opportunity for an international field trip2, and you could also arrange to do either a consultancy project or an internship (as part of your final major project) overseas. You may get the opportunity to study alongside international students, learning from the perspectives they bring while developing your own ability to work cross-culturally.

Coventry University Group aims to give you the global opportunities needed to become a truly global graduate, enhancing your employability on a global scale. Choose from language classes, studying or working abroad, international field trips, summer schools, leadership development or work experience2. Opportunities such as these have enabled previous students to obtain higher starting salaries and develop the global skills employers require and achieve better career progression.

MSc in Economics Banking and Finance has been developed to provide students with a rigorous training necessary to pursue a career in the relevant fields. Students will get the opportunity to learn from a team of academics and industry specialists and study in one of the world’s largest financial hubs.

Nikos Tzivanakis, MSc Economics Banking and Finance course director, quoted in 2021
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Entry requirements

An honours undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2). 

Other applications, where the entry requirements have not been met but professional qualifications (equivalent to level 6) can be evidenced, will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Economics, Finance and Banking related work experience in private, public or third sectors will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English as a Foreign Language: This course requires IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5. Pre-sessional English is available if required.

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

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

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

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.

An honours undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent in a relevant academic discipline. Applicants with a degree in another discipline may be admitted after consideration on a case-by-case basis.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 Tuition fees

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £15,400 | £21,250 (extended prof. practice) per year Not available
International £20,050 | £21,250 (extended prof. practice) per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.

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

  • 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 government's 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

Our Economics, Banking and Finance MSc students have access to a wide range of facilities4 to help you become proficient with some of the leading technology in the financial industry and prepare for the world of work.

Take a virtual tour of our campus to explore all the facilities available to you.

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Bloomberg Trading Floor

Our Trading Floor has been created to reflect the environment where traders work on the London Stock Exchange. It contains Bloomberg Terminals, which provide access to real-time global financial data, which students learn how to use through teaching and simulated projects.

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Standard & Poor Market Intelligence Suite (S&P) 

The S&P Suite contains some of the same software used by Wall Street. Its databases and tools can help you track performance, identify investment ideas, and keep up with industry news and insights.

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The Talent Team

Need employability support? Our dedicated Talent Team are on hand to help. They can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate level jobs and offer skills development workshops. They also organise networking events to introduce you to potential employers and industry contacts.

Careers and opportunities

Our MSc Economics, Banking and Finance course aims to equip graduates with a set of highly employable behaviours, attitudes and competencies (technical skills: quantitative, analytical, regulatory and soft skills: problem-solving, creativity, communication, team-working, agile) which are in high demand among employers and are indispensable qualities within the financial industry, not only in the UK, but worldwide.

On successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Critically assess the core issues in Economics and Finance and how these affect the decision-making process in banking and the broader finance sector.
  • Analyse and evaluate the impact of the economic, political, legal, and regulatory decisions on the economic environment, sustainability, and the financial industry.
  • Assess and synthesise models to evaluate theories, analyse financial markets operations and global issues in the banking industry, the sustainability of financial operations and provide sound solutions to current issues.
  • Apply advanced knowledge to evaluate the sources of risk in financial markets and develop strategies to mitigate those risks in investments for individuals and/or institutions.
  • Critically understand and evaluate the role of banks in the financial system and the broader economy in enhancing economic welfare and influence economic growth.
  • Critically evaluate the impact of financial activities on the world and design and propose policies that promote sustainable growth.
  • Critically analyse a range of issues with the use of quantitative and qualitative research and techniques in a systematic, creative and innovative manner to generate sound judgements and recommendations that are communicated effectively to both a specialist and non-specialist audience in the areas of Economics, Banking and Finance.
  • Develop critical and creative thinking, rigorous and reflective skills of self-management and independence in terms of planning, behaviour, motivation, and individual initiative, communicate effectively to meet the demands of the field of study in Economics and Finance while taking responsibility for personal learning and continuous professional development against clearly identified personal career-related goals.

Where our graduates work

Typical career routes for graduates for this course include banking professionals, finance consultants, investment consultants,  financial  analysts,  risk  management,  data scientists  working  for  international  financial  and government institutions, and academia, including further PhD study.

Further study

As part of the journey of professional and role development, students are encouraged to continue on their academic journey through access to a range of higher degrees, including PhD and other taught doctorates.

Our students are at the heart of everything we do here at Coventry University London. Hear about Hitanshu, Shaikh, Amrin, Hani and Philippine’s experiences of studying with us in the City of London.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, 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

    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). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    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 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 COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the 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 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

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. 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.

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