Banking and Finance

This programme has been designed to prepare students for advanced level employment or doctoral research in the fields of Banking and Finance. The quantitative orientation of the programme will provide students with the technical skills needed to undertake independent empirical research and achieve a critical understanding of current theories in banking and finance. The core and option modules cover a very wide range of specialisation areas from which students will gain a thorough knowledge of the most current developments in the global financial markets.

This MSc programme provides advanced training in elements of Banking and Finance which are required to undertake studies at PhD level. It also provides a practical approach for students contemplating a career in the financial sector. As many financial firms and government agencies require an in-depth knowledge of the functioning of financial markets and institutions, this programme opens to students a wide range of new and exciting career opportunities.
The programme is studied full-time over one year. Students will learn in a dynamic environment supported by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials and independent study.

Course structure

Entry requirements

The MSc Banking and Finance would be suitable for students possessing appropriate entry qualifications from a wide range of business disciplines such as finance, accounting and economics - specifically, academic programmes that provide their students with strong quantitative skills. The programme will also be attractive to academically-qualified students with relevant industry experience who intend to enhance further their knowledge and skills in banking or finance related issues.

Applicants are expected to possess a first degree at 2.1 Honours or better or its equivalent. For instance, acceptable grades according to the US system would be B+ or better. Applicants are not required to take a GMAT or GRE test or to have studied any additional languages. Non-native English speaker applicants are required to have an IELTS score of 7 with no element lower than 6.5.

Applicants with business experience are welcome and we will take work experience into account in the evaluation of applications. Please note that, where applicants have experience, we would recommend an additional work reference is provided (in addition to the two academic references normally required for application to our programmes) to include information about any business related experience.

Postgraduate candidates will be expected to hold a Russian Bachelor’s degree - Diplom Bakalavra/ Bakalavr Diploma or a Specialist Degree issued by the Russian Federation -  Specialist Diploma / Diplom Specialista.  In either case, students should have completed their degree with an average mark (grade) of 4 or higher on the Russian 5-point marking scale.  Students with higher level qualifications such as Magistr, the Kandidat Nauk, would also be considered for postgraduate study.

School of Management International Scholarships Scheme

There are five scholarships worth £2,000 each in the International Scholarships Scheme. Each is awarded as a discount in tuition fees and is for one year only. Scholarships cannot be deferred to a later year. 

Recent Graduate Discount

The University of St Andrews offers a 10% reduction in postgraduate tuition fees for students who have graduated during the last three years and are now starting a postgraduate programme.

Accommodation Award

For all new postgraduate students, based on financial need. This scholarship can only be used to reduce the cost of University accommodation. Postgraduate awards of £3,000 per annum for the first 2 years of study will be available from September 2016. The award will be means-tested, based on financial need. In order to be eligible, applicants must have a gross annual household income of under £34,000 or a gross annual personal income of under £25,000.

Thomas and Margaret Roddan Trust Bursary 

For all new and current postgraduate students; based on financial need and academic excellence.

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships are the UK government's global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations. The Scholarships are awarded to outstanding scholars with leadership potential. Awards are typically for a one-year Master’s degree.

Commonwealth Scholarships: Developing Countries

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers opportunities to citizens of Developing Commonwealth countries to study in the UK, as part of the UK's contribution to the international Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan. These awards are funded by the Department for International Development.