This programme in Banking and Finance will allow you to develop specialist knowledge of the financial intermediaries, markets and institutions which lie at the heart of modern economies. You will learn about the roles that banks and central banks fulfil in providing credit and liquidity to the economy and in mitigating and managing risks. You will also learn about the ability of financial markets to satisfy similar roles. You will develop knowledge and skills which are highly valued by employers within the financial sector, which will provide a firm foundation for your future career.

Bangor Business School is one of the longest established providers of banking and finance teaching in the world. The Banking and Finance programme has been evolving since 1969. We have a global reputation for research in banking and are currently ranked highest of all UK universities (RePEc, August 2021).

Banks and financial markets play a crucial role intermediating between savers and investors with excess funds and individuals, firms or governments with needs for those funds. Money markets, bond markets, equity markets and derivatives markets involve different forms of intermediation, based on a variety of financial instruments which distribute risks and returns differently between lenders and borrowers.

Our highly qualified and experienced academics have interests in a wide variety of topics, including: market structure/competition; bank performance; bank regulation and bank risk-taking; financial deregulation; regulatory initiatives like European Banking Union; negative interest rate policy; fintech; climate change; executive compensation; financial ethics; and credit ratings. Our team is engaged in world class research in banking and finance, and regularly works with international institutions such as the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), alongside policymakers in government, regulators, and financial sector practitioners. They are dedicated to bringing their insights from the worlds of policy, practice and research to help you to develop your knowledge and understanding of banking and finance.

This course is available with a Placement Year option where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.

The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.

You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Skills and Employability Services.

You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto this pathway at the appropriate time. Read more about the work experience opportunities that may be available to you or, if you have any questions, please get in touch.

This course is available with an International Experience Year option where you will study or work abroad for 1 additional year. You will have ‘with International Experience’ added to your degree title on graduating.

Studying abroad is a great opportunity to see a different way of life, learn about new cultures and broaden your horizons. With international experience of this kind, you’ll really improve your career prospects. There are a wide variety of destinations and partner universities to choose from. If you plan to study in a country where English is not spoken natively, there may be language courses available for you at Bangor and in your host university to improve your language skills.

You will have the opportunity to fully consider this option at any time during your degree at Bangor and make your application. If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch.

Read more about the International Experience Year programme and see the studying or working abroad options on the Student Exchanges section of our website.