Course Overview
Course summary
Our MSc Finance (International Finance pathway) will equip you with the practical and technical skills needed to work anywhere in the world, as a self-employed financial consultant, financial analyst/manager or venture capitalist in a multinational company, financial institution or government setting.
With its strong analytical focus and emphasis on financial institutions and their markets, this course will be of interest if you already work in the financial markets and are seeking career progression, or if you don’t have a traditional background in finance but wish to change careers. You'll study a common first semester, allowing you to make a more informed choice about your specialist pathway (in International Finance or Banking) for the second semester.
In our state-of-the-art Financial Markets Suite (FMS), you'll receive hands-on training and have access to live and historical news and data, experiencing the same Bloomberg platform used by leading global investment banks. You’ll gain a real-world understanding of assets, indices, currencies, derivatives, stocks, shares and interest rates, better preparing you for the business and finance world that awaits.
Our graduates have gone on to work for large banks, including Standard Chartered, Citibank, Société Générale and Paribas, and governmental agencies, such as the World Economic Forum and Taiwanese government
Top reasons to study with us
- Flexibility to choose your specialist pathway after the first semester
- Access to one of the largest financial databases in our state-of-the-art Bloomberg virtual trading room
- Opportunity to undertake an internship – one student recently spent a summer at Santander in Madrid
- Guest lectures from industry practitioners – recent talks featured a senior business manager from Barclays and a seasoned entrepreneur
- Field trips to financial institutions – students recently had a guided tour of the new Bloomberg HQ in London
- Structured orientation programme to meet students and staff and find your way around campus
Programme recognition
Our course was designed with input from a range of industry professionals with expertise in financial markets, institutions and financial regulation.
To retain currency and relevance, we receive ongoing feedback from the Business School’s Departmental Employability Board, whose members include representatives from Vanguard, JPMorgan and Global Structured Finance.
Course structure
The innovative structure of our MSc Finance degree, with its shared first semester curriculum of core financial knowledge, is intended to provide you with a deep and systematic understanding of general financial markets.
You’ll be introduced to the latest financial theories, learn how to analyse financial matters, and consider the current challenges and issues facing financial institutions, markets and multinational corporations, such as the changing ethical and corporate responsibility issues or need for continuous improvement in a digital age, where omni-channel service and operational strategies are now essential.
Depending on your area of interest, you will then choose whether to pursue a Banking or International Finance pathway specialisation.
The program is designed to build a strong foundation of knowledge of financial modelling, decision-making and risk management in contemporary business enterprises. You will start by taking part in an orientation programme with sessions including introductions to Bloomberg and Excel for Finance, postgraduate research skills, current issues in finance, financial markets, a revision of statistics and probability.
Essential finance topics covered include: capital structure; investment appraisal methods; dividend policy; modern portfolio theory; valuation of financial securities; foreign exchange, interest rate and credit risk; and the existing regulatory framework.
You will learn to use mathematical and statistical analytical methods, such as matrix algebra, differential calculus, probability theory, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, forecasting and modelling volatility.
The International Finance pathway will deepen your understanding of the challenges associated with global business finance strategies, international transactions, available financing options, the management and hedging of key risks, and how to efficiently manage assets and liabilities of multinationals.
With the launch of the inaugural Finance and Accounting Annual Research Symposium in June 2020, we are committed to sharing new insights. Three members of the course team are currently conducting research into cryptocurrencies and machine learning, as part of a project funded by the Quintin Hogg Trust.
Your studies culminate with the final Project, an intensive piece of research and 8,000 to 10,000-word dissertation. As a guide, previous students have considered topics as diverse as the effect of issuing green securities on a firm’s financial performance, the impact of trade openness or the effect of mergers and acquisitions on economic growth, and the relationship between profitability and capital structure.
Modules
The modules listed below are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules (Both Banking and International Finance Pathways)
Contemporary Finance provides a detailed understanding of the main theoretical and empirical principles of financial decision-making in contemporary business enterprises. Financial theory is combined with practice to understand essential topics in the field, including capital structure, investment appraisal methods, dividend policy, modern portfolio theory and valuation of financial securities.
Financial Modelling is designed to provide you with the required skills in financial mathematics and statistics to pursue a career in either banking or international finance. We will cover such topics as matrix algebra, differential calculus, probability theory, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, forecasting and modelling volatility.
Financial Risk Management will introduce you to the structure of financial markets and institutions. The module examines the different types of risk faced by organisations and how these risks are managed. Topics covered include the identification and management of foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and the existing regulatory frameworks. The module also addresses current challenges facing banks and multinational corporations.
The Project involves undertaking intensive research in an area of Banking or International Finance (depending on your chosen pathway). Under the guidance of an academic supervisor, you will prepare an 8,000-10,000-word dissertation based on a topic of interest.
This module aims to develop your knowledge and competence of the research process. It covers qualitative and quantitative research methods, and how they should be applied in practice. There is a strong focus on research design, data collection and analysis, and the presentation of findings.
International Finance Pathway modules
Financial statements provide the most widely available data on public corporation’s economic performance to investors, debtholders and others. This module is designed to provide you with a thorough insight of how financial statements can be better understood when corporations’ business strategies and motives are taken into account.
Conducting business internationally involves many challenges. This module is designed to provide you with a robust understanding of challenges associated with international transactions, available financing options, the management and hedging of key risks, and how to efficiently manage assets and liabilities of multinationals.
Optional modules (International Finance Pathway)
This increasingly popular field provides explanations for people’s economic decisions by combining behavioural and cognitive psychology theories with conventional economics and finance. Behavioural finance explains how people make financial decisions, and also enriches existing models and theories by offering new insights on the behaviour of investors.
Global banking examines the role, structure and operations of domestic and global banks. This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the key risks to which banks are exposed, as well as how to manage these risks.
This module will provide you with a robust understanding of entrepreneurial finance in an international context. You will learn about the life cycle of a firm, fundamentals of entrepreneurial planning, risks and rewards involved in start-ups, financial models for new businesses, venture capital valuation, and how to attract funds.
This module examines the steps involved in the financing of international trade. It looks at the risks associated with trade and the assessment of these risks, as well as different methods companies can use to pay for this trade, such as bonds, guarantees and standby letters of credit.
This module provides you with a thorough understanding of short-term financial risks, such as capital, liquidity, interest rate, and management of these risks. The module also examines short-term financing options, the function of the corporate treasury, and the macroeconomic and regulatory environment.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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Careers
This degree can lead to a global career in banking, finance, insurance, investments and a variety of other roles in financial analysis, management, public administration and accountancy. You may even decide to start your own business venture.
Recent graduates have gone to work for Amazon, Banco Santander and family businesses that operate internationally. You'll also have the knowledge and skills to study an MPhil/PhD degree or seek further professional qualifications.
With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
Develop your CQ
Develop your cultural intelligence – or ‘CQ’ – studying alongside students and staff representing more than 100 nationalities
Kickstart your career
Learn how to use social media in your job hunt or LinkedIn to kickstart your career
Careers support
Postgraduate students have access to the University’s Careers and Employability Service for up to three years after graduation
Industry links
We have excellent industry links with some of the top firms in the financial services, along with leading financial technology and data vendor services providers such as Bloomberg.
Staff who currently teach on this course also have extensive professional experience, having worked in a range of roles and areas including:
- Credit risk analyst
- Financial analyst
- Financial consultant
- Global entrepreneur
- Lending specialist in the banking sector
- Research consultant
- Risk management
- Software development and management
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Financial consultant
- International financial analyst
- International financial manager
- Investment advisor
- Market analyst
- Venture capitalist
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- Amazon
- Citibank
- Financial Conduct Authority
- Paribas
- Santander
- Sberbank
- Société Générale
- Standard Chartered
- World Economic Forum
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
Course Leader
Dr Masar Hadla
Senior Lecturer
Dr. Masar Hadla is a lecturer in Finance at Westminster Business School. He holds a BSc in Economics, an MSc in Economics and a PhD in Finance from Essex Business School. He taught a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate course. These have included the following specialty areas of Finance: Corporate Financial Management, Banking Risk and Operations, and Risk Management.
Masar's research interests have mainly focused on the field of international finance, focusing on issues such as testing the validity of the purchasing power parity using panel unit root and panel cointegration tests. Recent and ongoing work includes forecasting exchange rates using a factor approach.
Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think – Albert Einstein
Course Team
Teaching and assessment
Your learning experience is designed to provide both a practical and theoretical understanding of the structure, function and management of international finance.
You’ll be encouraged to keep up to date with market trends and regularly review current events, using trade publications such as the Financial Times and the live news streams available in the FMS. Where possible, we also take you to visit and learn first-hand from various financial institutions and businesses – most recently, students enjoyed a guided tour of the new Bloomberg Headquarters in London.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to gain valuable insight from current practitioners, which in the past have included guest lectures about current topics in finance and opportunities in the entrepreneurial finance landscape.
To assist the learning experience, we provide reading lists, and lecture and seminar materials in advance via Blackboard, our virtual learning environment. Lectures are recorded using specialist software and tools to make sure you can really listen to what is said in class and don’t miss a thing.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, as well as group work. Teaching will be informed by our research, giving you the benefit of the knowledge of current theories and, where appropriate, their practical application.
In our Finance (International Finance) MSc, we aim to bring study to life by incorporating real-world experience through a variety of teaching methods – from lectures and seminars to case study analysis, project work and pop quizzes. When studying financial modelling in weekly computer labs, for example, you'll apply the econometric and time series theory you learn, including regression analysis and volatility modelling, using real data such as housing prices or stock returns.
We use case studies and real data in many of our modules. For example, in financial statement analysis and valuation, you'll compare the business strategies of two multinational firms, applying financial statement analysis techniques to actual corporate governance data.
In the following graph you'll find examples of how study time has been distributed in the past (data from the academic year 2023/24). Changes to division of study time may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Assessment methods across our postgraduate courses may include essays, reports, presentations, case studies, videos, podcasts and posters, as well as time-constrained in-class tests and exams.
In our Finance (International Finance) MSc, we use a wide range of assessment techniques, including time-constrained exams, and individual and team-based coursework and presentations.
We try to make assessments as practical and relevant as possible, incorporating the type of work required by future employers, for example, writing strategic reports or collecting, analysing and presenting financial data.
In the following graph you'll find an indication of what you can expect (data from the academic year 2023/24). Changes to assessment weights may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions. Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Why study this course?
Fantastic facilities
State-of-the-art Bloomberg-powered Financial Markets Suite (FMS) featuring industry-leading technology and software
Combine theory and practice
Link theory to global practice through real-life case studies, guest lectures, field trips and insight from one of the world’s largest financial databases
Professional software
Free access to professional software including Bloomberg, Datastream, Fame, Factiva, EViews, Matlab, Nvivo, SPSS, Sage, Statista, EIU Viewswire, Mintel, Passport (Euromonitor), and LinkedIn Learning
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Relevant degree disciplines include finance, economics, business studies or management. Applicants may be accepted based on their professional qualifications or extensive work experience in the global financial services sector.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
Applicants are required to submit one reference.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Relevant degree disciplines include finance, economics, business studies or management. Applicants may be accepted based on their professional qualifications or extensive work experience in the global financial services sector.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
Applicants are required to submit one reference.
More information
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
Student work
Students apply financial statement analysis and valuation techniques to real-world data, comparing the business strategies of two multinational firms. Preparing you for a financial analyst role, as part of assessment, you’ll write a professional report intended for current and potential investors.
Using data from Bloomberg, you will conduct an in-depth case study of a business of your choice, for example analysing the relationship of a listed firm's financial performance with its sustainable business practices.
Learn new skills
Build analytical and statistical skills
Develop the strong analytical and statistical skills needed in the world of finance and banking
Enhance your digital literacy
Enhance your digital literacy, learning how to collect and use data from Bloomberg, Datastream and Fame
Improve your problem-solving skills
Improve your problem-solving skills to better understand and tackle issues facing the global financial markets
Westminster Business School blog
Read our blog and get an insight into life and studies at Westminster Business School.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £14,700 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £15,500 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Facilities
The Learning Platform
Lecture theatres
Library
Bloomberg Financial Market Suite
Digital Marketing Lab
Meeting spaces
Cafe
Bloomberg Suite
Our purpose-built Financial Markets Suite uses the Bloomberg platform to provide a state-of-the-art teaching and research resource.
You'll get firsthand exposure to the technology used by leading investment banks across the world – from the City of London to New York's Wall Street and Tokyo's Citibanks.
Read more about our Bloomberg Suite.
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
Our Marylebone Campus has benefitted from a multi-million-pound refurbishment resulting in new workshops, digital studios and development of the Marylebone Library. The campus is home to Westminster Business School and our award-winning Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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