This MSc develops the knowledge and analytical skills needed for a successful career in banking, finance and related areas. It is aimed at students from a variety of backgrounds, including students with no previous training in economics or accountancy. The course is taught by Economics and Accounting & Finance in the Stirling Management School. Both have long-standing, recognised expertise in teaching, research and practice in this area.The overall objective of the course is to impart the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in banking and finance, or a related field. Developments in banking and finance are occurring rapidly, and with growing complexity. So people working in this area must be able to understand and analyse current developments, and also be able to anticipate future developments. The course is designed for students from a variety of backgrounds, and does not require any previous training in economics or accountancy. The specific objectives of the course are: * to provide knowledge and understanding of the nature of financial systems, and the particular roles of banks and the central bank * to develop the capacity to appraise and compile economic and financial reports * to understand those aspects of economics that are most relevant for a career in banking and finance * to develop an appreciation of the international dimension of financial systems * to develop the ability to apply appropriate risk management techniques * to develop the capacity to understand, assess and comment on company accounts * to develop the facility to use spreadsheets and econometric techniques to analyse corporate performance, and to identify trends in financial markets * to develop the ability to appraise investment projects with capital budgeting techniques * to develop an understanding of the key financial decisions made by corporations, and their use of the equity and bond markets to raise finance * to provide knowledge and understanding of different types of banking and financial systems, including those in emerging countries and countries in transition * to provide an understanding of the theory, methodology and techniques of research in banking and finance, and also of the potential limitations of this research Learning outcomes The general learning outcomes in terms of knowledge and understanding that apply to the course as a whole are: * a systematic understanding of knowledge in banking and finance * a critical awareness of current problems and new insights in banking and finance * a practical understanding of the techniques of enquiry and research used in banking and finance, and of how they are used to create and interpret knowledge * a conceptual understanding for evaluating current research and scholarship in banking and finance * a conceptual understanding for evaluating methodologies and (where appropriate in a dissertation) for formulating hypotheses

There is an excellent employment record among graduates, many of whom now work in financial institutions in the UK and abroad. MSc Banking & Finance graduates are currently working around the world in countries such as Kenya, Indonesia, China, India, Norway, Ghana, Turkey, Greece and Malta. They are actively contributing to the performance of the following organisations: Alpha Bank, Ministry of Finance, Greece, Citibank, Santander, Ernst & Young, HSBC, Jones, Lang LaSalle, Grant Thornton UK LLP, Bank of China, Vodaphone, CITIC Trust, Emporiki Asset Management. Graduates entering into employment in the past three years are currently working as: * Associate, David Griscti & Associates (Malta) * Banker, Bank of China * Client Services Officer, JPMC (Vietnam) * Audit Associate, Grant Thornton UK LLP Alumni of the MSc Banking & Finance degree who graduated between five and ten years ago have since advanced into some of the following positions: * Finance Manager, ActivTrades PLC (UK) * Senior Auditor, Ernst & Young (Malta) * Relationship Manager, Alpha Bank (Greece) * Audit Officer, Banking Bureau (Taiwan) * Business Development Manager, Jones Lang LaSalle (India) * Debt Management Advisor, HSBC (UK) Some of our more established alumni are currently leading and shaping the strategy of global financial organisations – here is an example of how a few former Banking & Finance students have advanced in their careers: * Head of Banking Trends, Egnatia Bank (Greece) * Principal Finance Officer, Teachers Service Commission (Kenya) * Management Associate, Citibank (UK) * Credit Partner, Santander Corporate Banking (UK) * Head BPA Region, Novartis (Switzerland) * Anti-Evasion Tax Force Officer, Ministry of Finance (Greece)