Gain first-hand experience of the financial market, learn from real-time data and be guided by experts in the field.
The BSc (Hons) International Banking & Finance will equip you with the skills and knowledge to help you join the banking and finance industry – an industry with recruiters featuring in The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers and an average starting salary of £32,500 (The Graduate Market, 2021).
Throughout the course, you will engage in topics such as strategic management and corporate responsibility, banking risk management, international finance and financial management. You will have the opportunity to build your portfolio and employability, distinguishing yourself from your competitors with the first-hand experience of current market developments and financial data.
The programme makes use of appropriate technologies to support and enhance your learning experience. These technologies include an online learning platform that provides access and supporting learning materials, where appropriate lecture capture is used to support and review your learning. Additional materials include an online reading list and guidance and direction for your independent learning.
Upon graduation, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to join the banking and finance industry in areas such as financial services, financial advisory work, international banking, building societies, insurance companies, credit unions and other financial intermediaries.
Typical roles include:
This programme will boost your employability outcomes by providing you with a key set of sought-after skills. At Northumbria, you will develop critical reflection, self-learning, collaboration, curiosity, and the ability to apply your knowledge to solve problems in sustainable and ethical ways.
Graduates of this programme will also be ready to specialise further through postgraduate studies in Business and Management related Master’s programmes in UK or abroad.
| Academic entry criteria | English language requirements | |
| International Year One (Level 4) | Good High School Grades or equivalent | IELTS 5.5 with no element less than 5.5 |
| Year Two (Level 5) | GCSE English & Maths at minimum grade 4/C
Level 4 qualification with a pass grade in a business and management-related field |
IELTS 6.0 with no element less than 5.5 (or approved equivalent) |
| Year Three (Level 6) | GCSE English & Maths at minimum grade 4/C
BTEC HND/Foundation Degree or equivalent in a related subject. If you have taken a BTEC HND programme, we will usually expect you to have performed to an average of Merit standard. If you have taken a Foundation Degree, we will be looking for performance to Commendation level, or 60% average** |
**Applicants holding a relevant business and management qualification in addition to one of the following will also be considered: DipHE, any Level 5 award such as Certificate, Diploma or NVQ.
Please note:
For Level 5 and Level 6 entry you must provide evidence of a Level 2 Maths or equivalent. Exemptions are granted if you can evidence previous study in finance, accounting, statistics, data analysis or research modules at previous levels of study.
Non-standard entry: please note that applicants without formal qualifications yet with appropriate work experience are also encouraged to apply. Non-standard qualifications/work experience will need to be considered on an individual basis.
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Please visit our entry requirements page for country-specific qualifications.
Students with good high school grades (or equivalent), joining on Level 4 will study our International Year One.
Students joining on Level 4 will study our International Year One. Visit the International Year One course page for detailed modular content.
Students holding a Level 4 qualification in a business and management-related field, can directly join the programme on the Year Two (Level 5).
This module will support your transition into UK higher education by developing your specific skills and attributes to both manage your studies and communicate your ideas effectively within the academic community.
In this module, you will learn how to effectively manage your studies; how to find appropriate information, develop your academic voice across different communication styles and grow your critical and ethical skills.
You will examine the process of recruitment and selection, and be supported in the production of CVs, cover letters and the use of psychometric tests to ensure that you make an impactful application to any employer.
The internal business and management contexts are likely to be extremely relevant in any organisation you join.
This module will allow you to understand and explore key strategic decision-making aspects and their interface with cultural contexts, including:
In this module, you will develop a strong understanding of financial markets, the way they operate, the regulations by which they must abide and the ethical considerations that practitioners are confronted with daily.
You’ll also explore financial software data to understand how markets operate and how securities are priced. You will learn about financial transactions and have the chance to explore the role of the professional bodies.
This module introduces research methods and analysis, including topics such as study design, participant selection, data collection, data handling and storage and presentation of research findings.
You will learn how to apply quantitative and qualitative methods, covering key techniques including focus groups to collect data, supported by analysis methods including content analysis and thematic analysis. You will also learn to use a range of appropriate software tools, including Excel and SPSS.
This module will support your transition into UK higher education by developing your specific skills and attributes to both manage your studies and communicate your ideas effectively within the academic community.
In this module, you will learn how to effectively manage your studies; how to find appropriate information, develop your academic voice across different communication styles and grow your critical and ethical skills.
You will examine the process of recruitment and selection, and be supported in the production of CVs, cover letters and the use of psychometric tests to ensure that you make an impactful application to any employer.
Management in the international business environment that contemporary companies face involves a fundamental knowledge of the key financial issues of raising capital, exchange rate management and how these impact the world of banking.
The module is designed to teach you from a real-world relevant point of view to examine practical situations and use real-world cases in seminars to bring the subject alive, highlight and contextualise the issues.
You will explore these topics from a corporate and social responsibility perspective, and ethical considerations will be a running issue throughout the course.
This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
Students with HND merit standard or Foundation Degree in a related field can join the programme directly on Level 6 and top-up their qualification to an honours degree in one year.
Please note continuing students and direct entry students will study a different set of modules.
Continuing students
You will study one of three optional modules plus common modules.
The module aims to provide you with an opportunity to integrate the knowledge acquired during the programme and apply this to a consultancy project for a real organisation. This consultancy project provides a vehicle for participants to develop and demonstrate key employability skills, relate theory to practice, and undertake a significant piece of assessed work commensurate with a capstone module.
You will work on behalf of an external organisation, which has identified a business problem or question, requiring a solution, working in a small group of typically 4 individuals (you will select their own team members), participating in group and individual activities. The host organisation will provide a project briefing and review; students will be supported by appropriate academic input and guidance from Newcastle Business School in the form of a mentor and via the Business Clinic.
The Dissertation takes an enquiry research-based approach, providing you with the opportunity to examine, in-depth, a Management-related problem or issue of direct interest and/or that faces you from with your working life or work placement. Initial weekly lectures build from Level 5 ‘Management Research and Analysis. You then work guided by your supervisor to confirm your research area, generate empirical (primary) or secondary data, analyse this data and draw theoretically informed conclusions.
The module aims to equip you with the necessary intellectual and practical skills for undertaking your individual learner-led, responsible, ethical investigation, while concurrently you will further develop key transferable, employability and enterprise skills including problem-solving and analysis, creative-thinking, time and project management, negotiation, communication (written, aural and verbal), persuasion and influence, discovery, initiative.
The Management Enquiry module is your chance to undertake your own independent investigation into an applied business problem or issue. It builds on the knowledge you’ve already developed in the Management programmes, with initial lectures introducing you to the underpinning knowledge and theories needed to get you started. Associated workshops then support you in putting this knowledge into practice, covering such topics as critically reviewing the literature, ethical research, and quantitative and qualitative research and analysis techniques.
Once you’ve submitted your enquiry proposal, you’ll work through one-to-one or small-group supervision with your allocated supervisor. They’ll provide you with ongoing formative feedback on your progress as you engage with the Management Enquiry process.
Direct entry students
Students directly joining on Level 6 will study the below modules plus the common modules listed below.
This module equips you with the necessary knowledge and transferable skills to enhance your employability, future career development and academic studies for your final year of undergraduate study.
The module has been designed to develop your academic skills to support your current studies and ensure your transition into higher education. You will enhance your academic writing skills, develop your critical thinking ability, understand the role and value of research and understand how to effectively use academic journals, all within the context of business and management.
This module will also support your future employability and career development, exploring and reflecting upon your knowledge, skills, personality, values and interests to support you in making well-informed career choices.
This module will help you draw on your range of knowledge and skills developed during your studies to review research literature and evaluate business and management responses to a contemporary issue. You will undertake an individual investigation into an applied business problem related to your programme specialism.
Upon successful completion of the module, you will have an advanced understanding of a business topic of contemporary interest and a practical understanding of how to use research in evidence-based decision-making in a global business world. This module will make you aware of current issues and areas of importance within your chosen academic discipline, thus giving you an advantage in the employment market.
The focus on the contemporary knowledge base, supported by investigative study skills, will be useful for those students aspiring to higher-level studies such as Masters’ programme.
This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
Common modules (all students)
In this module, you will learn about the context of responsible strategic thinking and how to identify and explore sustainable business opportunities as a source of competitive advantage.
Working together with your academic tutor and your peers, you will engage in theoretical debates and challenge current business thinking and practices to further advance the application of responsible strategy within the complexities of the global business environment. You will gain an insight into responsible decision making and how it impacts internal and external stakeholders.
The module will make use of digital learning tools to support the students’ learning and skills development.
In this module, you will learn about capital risks faced by financial institutions. These include credit risk, risks from securitisation exposure, market risk and liquidity risk.
You will study the specific areas of credit, market and liquidity risk in the context of the relevant regulatory framework (The Basel Accords) and draw on case study material provided by high-profile banks and financial institutions. You will develop an understanding of the nature of these interlinked risks and of how they are measured and managed in line with regulations.
The banking and financial services industry operates in a risk structured environment. Financial institutions are required to measure, manage and transfer risk, under the constant eye of financial regulators.
This module focuses on treasury risk connected to interest rates and foreign exchange rate risk. You will also explore the dynamic world of operational risk and fraud risk assessment within financial institutions. You will have the chance to investigate how financial institutions risks are linked via systemic risk, and what makes institutions more susceptible to shocks.
Responsible financial management is at the heart of business decision making. How much should we spend? How much should raise the money? What sustainable value are we creating? These are all crucial international corporate finance questions. This module takes a holistic and reflective approach to your learning, with you developing a portfolio of your consideration of financial topics. You will engage with financial news stories in the Financial Times or Bloomberg and apply your learning on the module to them, as well as your reflections on financial documentaries, movies and leading applied research in the area which is available on the modules eLP. This module will develop you to have an awareness of contemporary financial events and the underpinning academic literature surrounding them so that when you go for an interview with an employer you are able to display a reflective, evaluative and critical understanding of the financial challenges modern business face.
All modules on this course are core and 20 credits unless otherwise stated.
This course is eligible for student finance through Student Finance England (for eligible home students). For more information, please visit our dates & fees page.
Please note that your tuition fees do not include the cost of course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing and photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities. As a Northumbria University London Campus student, you will have full access to our online digital library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.
The modules you will study do not require you to purchase additional textbooks although we recommend you allow an additional £250 for the duration of your studies should you choose to purchase any additional reading materials.
Information for international students
Northumbria University is committed to providing the best possible experience to all our students. To ensure you secure your place with us, we require our international students to pay a deposit towards their fees. More information can be found here.
Your tuition fees cover far more than your time in class with our expert academics, it covers the cost of providing you with excellent services and student experience.
Depending on the country you are from, you may be eligible for a country bursary and/or scholarship when studying this undergraduate programme.
All of our scholarships and bursaries are automatically applied when we process your application and one of our team will be able to confirm your eligibility.
London Cost of Living Bursary
Eligible international students will receive an automatic bursary for £1,334, covering one month’s living costs in London*, applied at the Conditional Offer as a fee discount. This bursary is effective for intakes in January 2025 and May 2025. This offer excludes Pre-sessional English, standalone Graduate Certificate programmes and sponsored applicants.
If you receive this bursary, you may still be eligible for additional bursaries and scholarships, these will be confirmed at the Unconditional Offer stage. Full maintenance costs still need to be evidenced when applying for your visa.
This bursary is only available for international students from specific countries. Please visit our Scholarships page for more information.
*As defined by UKVI
If you need support to spread the cost of your tuition, you may be eligible for our payment plan.
Enquire now to find more information about the course, studying with us, the application process, and to ask any other questions you may have.
Once you’re ready to apply, if you are a UK or a Home student, you will need to apply via UCAS. If you are an international student, you can apply to us directly following the below instructions.
UCAS applications – UK/ Home students
To apply through UCAS, you will need to use the following codes:
Institute UCAS code: N77
Course UCAS code: N4N1 (level 6), N4N3 (level 5)
Campus code: L
Find out more about applying through UCAS here
Direct applications – international students
We strongly recommend that you submit your application as early as possible to allow you to complete all of the preparations needed to study in the UK. After receiving an offer it can take time to arrange your finances and apply for your visa and it is important that you arrive in good time to enrol on your course. Please refer to the Dates and Fees page.
You can apply online to study the BSc (Hons) International Banking and Finance. This method allows you to upload your supporting documents at the time of application and automatically receive your student application number.
*Please note: to join the first year of this programme you’ll need to apply to the International Year One in Business.
Please note: For 2025 applications you will be redirected to the Northumbria website to select which intake you would like to apply for.
| Apply for 2025 |
|---|
| Year One entry* |
*Please note: to join the first year of this programme you’ll need to apply to the International Year One in Business.
For us to assess your application in a timely manner, it is important that you provide us with the following documents:
You can check more information on how to apply here, including guidelines for the application forms.
At Northumbria University London we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.
Undergraduate degrees
UK/Home Fee: £9,250 per year
International Fee: £19,750 per year
Multiple entry points directly onto Year 1, 2 and 3 available
From IELTS 5.5 with no single element below 5.5, or equivalent
Full-time classroom
1-2 years (depending on entry point)
Coursework
Available
Available
Available
January, September