MSc International Banking and Finance
The course
- Delivery
- Full-time, Part-time, Per course
- Course type
- Taught
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Entry date
- September
Contact
Got questions about this programme?
Contact our enquiries team.
Overview
Edinburgh has a long and well-established reputation in banking and finance. Heriot- Watt University has particularly close links with the financial community, this programme having been established when the Deputy Managing Director of the Royal Bank of Scotland left his post to become Professor of International Banking at Heriot-Watt.
The programme covers the core theories and concepts in international banking and finance, such as the operations of the forex market, the international money market and the international credit market. An awareness is also developed of ethical and professional issues relevant to the banking and financial industries.
The programme is designed for those seeking careers in the banking or finance divisions of national and international corporations. Previous graduates from the programme have gone on to become bankers, stockbrokers, tax consultants and financial advisors with corporations across the globe.
Programme duration
- MSc - 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
- PGDip - 9 months full-time; 21 months part-time
September 2024 entry
The deadline for applications from UK students is 30 August 2024. For EU and overseas applicants, we guarantee to consider applications submitted by 2 August 2024.
Accreditation

Heriot-Watt University is accredited as a Bloomberg Experiential Learning Partner, recognising us as a leader in experiential learning in the area of finance.
Go Global
Some of our Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes are eligible for Inter-Campus Transfer. Please contact goglobal@hw.ac.uk for further information.
Course content
Semester 1 (Sept - Dec) | Semester 2 (Jan - April) |
---|---|
International Banking 1 |
International Banking 2 |
International Finance |
Emerging Financial Markets |
Research Methods |
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Two from:
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One from:
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Between May and August students undertake their MSc dissertation.
International Finance
This course examines the FOREX market and other key issues in International Finance. Traditional and modern theories of exchange rate determination are reviewed. The problem of financial crises, why they are transmitted across countries and the policy implications of the global financial crisis are also considered.
Entry requirements
A good Honours Degree (or its equivalent) from a British or overseas university in a relevant subject.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component lower than 6.0.
If you do not have IELTS 6.5, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies:
- 20 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with no skill lower than 4.5)
- 14 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with minimum of 5.0 in writing and no skill lower than 4.5)
- 10 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.0)
- 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.5)
Fees
Status | Full-time | Part-time | Per course |
---|---|---|---|
UK | £9152 | £4576 | £1144 |
Overseas | £20376 | £10188 | £2547 |
Footnotes
- Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.
- Fee per course (module). Refer to the Course Content to see how many courses comprise the full programme.
- Overseas includes applications from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in the UK. Read more about the application process for EU nationals.
Scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.