This International Banking and Finance degree is a one year top-up to enable international students to complete a BSc (Hons) International Banking and Finance. This course is ideal if you have a diploma from anywhere in the world and wish to convert it into an honours degree as well as understand more about the industry.
The one year top-up covers the key concepts of banking and finance and provides students with an understanding of the importance of this area in a practical and theoretical context. The course will equip students with the tools and analytical capabilities to identify and resolve complex problems in a dynamic and strategic way. In addition, this programme will provide students with highly transferable skills as well as a deep knowledge of a broad range of financial software.
This programme will enhance your understanding of Finance in an international context and in particular the development and importance of financial institutions within the world economy. The first semester will be shared with the International Accounting and Finance top-up and the second semester will be more focused on the banking industry, investment management and risk.
The teaching will involve lecturers, workshops and seminars which will have both academic knowledge and practical experience. The practical experience will include the use of financial software to teach you the skills you need for the workplace after graduation.
Course Content
This degree programme is comprised of a number of core modules totalling 120 credits.
All modules listed are core and are 20 credits.
- Global Financial Institutions
- Financial Management for Decision Making
- International Finance
- Portfolio Management
- Investment Market Concepts
- Corporate Finance and Risk
Learning & Teaching
A student-centred approach to learning and teaching will be encouraged through the use of specific teaching strategies, case studies, projects, tutorials, practical exercises, supplemented by the use of appropriate support materials, lectures from business experts, videos and computer software. Active engagement with the subject material enhances learning and many of the learning strategies used attempt to promote this.
Lectures
Lectures are a major part of the teaching strategy for the programme. Lectures are an effective way of delivering core material and establishing a framework for a module against which other material can be set.
Seminars
Seminars involve a student or students presenting previously prepared work to peers and a lecturer. This strategy is used to extend specific theoretical or practical concepts as well as introducing problem solving exercises. Seminars are used in most modules and provide students with valuable experience in presentational skills as well as providing staff with a method or assessing student-centred learning.
Practical Workshops
Practical workshops are used extensively in a number of modules throughout the programme. In these classes students are able to practise and refine their skills in a supportive environment where they can get feedback from a member of academic staff. Practical workshops represent a valuable transition between theory and practice.
Case Studies
Case studies are a teaching and learning strategy, which are employed in a range of modules; they also are a useful assessment tool. Students are presented with or asked to develop real or simulated complex problems which they are required to analyse in detail and then synthesise/present their own solution in writing or orally.
Business Experts
A key component of the learning experience is the intention to invite business experts, academic and in practice, to provide insights into their research work or business activity. A network of such experts will help provide specialist knowledge as well as bolster and promote the credentials of the programme. Such experts might be invited as guest speakers or requested to provide a more interactive workshop experience where appropriate.
Modular Subject Tutorials
Tutorials are meetings of a student or group of students with a lecturer or lecturers and are used in two ways within the programme:
• Expanding upon material covered in lectures through an enquiry-driven problem solving approach
• To offer extra support to improve background knowledge.
Assessment
The assessment strategy for the programme varies to ensure the most appropriate method for each specific module and subject area. This will be a combination of formal examinations, practical assignments, written assignments, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, peer assessments and work-based placements. Thus, in addition to formal examinations and assessments at the end of the academic year, you will be continuously assessed and given feedback on your progress and development throughout the year i.e. through both formative and summative assessment. Many modules are assessed through a combination of practical coursework assignments and unseen written exams at the end of the term or year.
Employability & Careers
The primary aim of this degree programme is to develop theoretical understanding of the key concepts of banking and finance. It will showcase the wider impact and importance of the banking sector the world economy. Graduates will find a wide variety of career opportunities within the banking and finance sector, as well as the majority of the other industrial sectors (both public and private), including the credit analysis sector, financial and professional services, risk analysis, and institutional investment opportunities.
On successful completion of this degree programme, there are also further taught postgraduate study options across Accounting, Banking, Economics and Finance here at Cardiff Met, as well as research and PhD programmes.
Entry Requirements & How to Apply
The major criteria for selection of candidates is that they must demonstrate they are capable of succeeding on a degree programme in International Banking and Finance.
The normal minimum entry requirement for BSc (Hons) International Banking and Finance is 240 relevant UK Credits equivalent to a Diploma Level (5) Qualification. An example would be an SQA HND in Financial Services.
International Applicants
Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of fluency to at least an IELTS 6.0 standard or equivalent. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the
International pages on the website.
The admission process is controlled by Cardiff Metropolitan University International Admissions in consultation with the Programme Director.
The programme welcomes applications from students from all backgrounds. Those applying with non-standard entry profiles will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants who do not possess normal minimum entry qualifications are considered on an individual basis by members of the course team.
How to Apply:
Applications for this course should be made direct to the University. For further information please visit our
International How to Apply pages.
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