Overview

This programme will equip you with the specialist skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of careers in the banking and financial services industry and it will also help you start a career in banking regulation and supervision. It has been developed with the needs of the sector in mind and reflects the industry's growing demand for individuals with an extensive knowledge of regulation, supervision, and compliance.

Our programme has a distinctive focus on banking regulation, supervision, compliance and risk management. It goes beyond traditional banking and finance courses by exploring the regulatory demands within banking and examining the role of central banks and international organisations in achieving and maintaining financial stability.

The MSc is designed for graduates of economics or finance who aspire to a career in banking. It will also appeal to recent graduates who are already working in financial services and wish to specialise in banking and financial regulation, as well as those who intend to continue to PhD research in this area. Successful students will be in demand and can expect to excel in careers in banks and regulatory bodies, or advisory roles in accounting, auditing and consulting firms. We also often have early or mid-level stage career central bankers participating in the degree programme which allows fantastic interaction with people who already have some work experience in the area.

You will be part of a dynamic and diverse body of staff and students, and will be taught by world-renowned experts. We pride ourselves on our highly interactive and innovative style of teaching, and take a case study approach to learning, utilising the sector experience of our teaching team. Our academics enjoy internationally-recognised research profiles in banking and beyond, and bring experience and insight from working at a senior level within the sector. The academic staff on this programme enjoy strong links with central banks (Bank of England, European Central Bank, Deutsche Bundesbank) and international organisations (International Monetary Fund and the World Bank).

You will also be able to develop your professional skills by taking part in the extensive programme of careers events and workshops offered by the school and the University's Careers Service.

Programme structure

You will take eight 15-credit units: six core units, which are compulsory for all students, and two elective specialist units.

The final part of the MSc is a project-based dissertation; you will research a current theme or topic relevant to banking. You will be able to tailor your investigation to a setting that reflects your personal interests and future career aspirations, while being advised by a member of academic staff with a research interest in your chosen topic. The dissertation provides an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge you have acquired and is a powerful way of showcasing your expertise and transferable skills to future employers.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Banking, Regulation and Financial Stability.

Entry requirements

A strong upper second-class honours degree (65% or higher) or international equivalent in Finance or Economics. This degree must include three units of Economics e.g. Microeconomics, Econometrics, Macroeconomics, or Banking related modules

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

  • a minimum of 6 months relevant work experience within a banking or a regulatory industry.
  • a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level G.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£19,000 per year
UK: part-time (two years)
£9,500 per year
Overseas: full-time
£39,000 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

The programme is excellent preparation for careers in banking and financial services. Given the increasing regulatory demands being faced by the sector, our programme will make you especially attractive to central banks and regulatory bodies, but equally so for a career in the financial services industry.

Recent graduates have gone on to work with a variety of employers across the sector, including Deloitte, HSBC, Citi Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, JP Morgan and PwC, and some also have had opportunities to start PhD study at some of the most respected continental European PhD programmes in finance.

Our careers service regularly runs recruitment events specifically for the banking sector.