School of Humanities and Social Sciences
MSc Money, Banking and Central Banking
- Full-time, Part-time
- Entry requirements: First or second class honours degree
Course overview
The MSc programme in Money, Banking and Central Banking focuses on the changes in the banking and financial markets during and since the Global Financial Crisis, as well as the changes made by major central banks in the running of their monetary policies since then.
Banks and central banks play a pivotal role in the sound functioning of modern monetary economies. The 2008-09 Global Financial Crisis was a powerful reminder of how important it is to understand their functioning and operations, and the relationship between the quantity of money and the overall economy.
Unlike any other programme in the UK, ours emphasises the importance of high quality monetary and banking analysis, allowing our students to assess which policies are compatible with stable economic growth and long term financial stability.
Our students will leave with expert knowledge of monetary economics, monetary policy, risk assessment and how financial institutions operate. They will be equipped with the specialised knowledge and skills required for a career in central banking, as well as monetary analysis suitable to pursue a career in consultancy businesses, research departments and specialised media.
Course Structure
We offer two entry points, one in September and one in January, as well as a part-time programme, ideal for those seeking a flexible way to further their education and careers in money and banking.
The majority of the programme consists of the following modules:
- Central Banking (1): History, Strategies and Operations (15 credits) – Learning the theoretical and analytical tools required to understand central bank operations and policies
- Central Banking (2): Monetary Policy and Financial Stability (15 credits) – Identifying how money is created in modern economies
- The Central Bank, The Banking System and the Macroeconomy (15 credits) – Analysing how changes in the amount of money affect overall prices
- Banking Risk Management (15 credits) – Learning about the running of the economy along the cycle
- Empirical Techniques and Research Methods (30 credits) – Becoming proficient in statistical techniques
- Financial Analysis and Portfolio Modelling (30 credits) – Using specialised software to gather and analyse macroeconomic and financial data
- MSc Dissertation (60 credits) – At the end of the programme students will submit a master’s dissertation with comprehensive research work on one of the topics addressed in the programme.
A full timetable for the course is available here
Professional accreditation in risk management
Students will have the option to study for an accreditation in financial risk management with the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA), ideal for those interested in entering the risk managment industry.
The programme covers fundamental concepts of the risk management profession and has become a well-known benchmark in this market both in the UK and in the rest of the world.
The teaching staff of our master’s programme will offer extra academic support to the students who opt to take the exam. The cost of the PRM certificate course is covered, however the exam fee needs to be covered by those taking the exam.
This certificate will put students seeking a career in the financial and banking services industries at a considerable advantage.
The Institute of International Monetary Research
Established in 2014, in the aftermath of the Great Financial Crisis of 2007-2009, the Institute of International Monetary Research (IIMR) is an educational charity that aims to bring to public attention the strong relationship between the quantity of money on the one hand, and inflation and the levels of national income and expenditure on the other.
The Institute is heavily involved in the teaching of the programme. It offers its facilities to students to help them engage in a professional environment where they can focus on analysis into trends in money and banking. The Institute also produces research in the form of edited volumes and research papers that will inform students about the key debates in academia and financial markets.
In addition, the Institute of International Monetary Research organises research seminars in Buckingham and an annual monetary conference in the UK. At these events, students have the opportunity to learn from top academics, regulators and practitioners of monetary economics, both from the UK and overseas.
Find out more
If you would like to find out more about the course and / or discuss your eligibility, please complete the short form below and we’ll contact you as soon as we can:
Entry requirements
The minimum entry level required for this course is as follows:
- a first or second-class honours degree from a recognised university
- a recognised professional qualification with relevant work experience
Mature students
Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.
International students
We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.
The University is a UKVI Tier 4 Sponsor.
English levels
If English is not your first language, please check our postgraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.
Selection process
Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be conducted by skype, email or phone.
Initial enquiries and face-to-face appointments are also welcomed by the Directors of the degree, Dr Juan Castaneda juan.castaneda@buckingham.ac.uk and Dr Ali Kabiri ali.kabiri@buckingham.ac.uk.
The Admissions Team for Business Humanities would be happy to answer any questions you may have:
Terms and conditions for prospective students
When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the terms and conditions between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting any offer. Read the admissions terms and conditions > >
High calibre staff
The Money, Banking and Central Banking programme is taught by leading monetary and banking academics and market practitioners.
Amongst other members of the staff, students will benefit from having Professors Geoffrey Wood and Tim Congdon as members of the teaching team, both with a recognised career in this field and with experience in providing consultancy and expert advice at the highest governmental policy level in the UK.
In addition, students will benefit from guest lectures by international experts in the field.
Assessment methods
The assessment of individual modules within each course varies according to the subject. Assessment is usually by examination, assessed coursework, or a combination of the two. At the end of the programme students will submit a master’s dissertation with comprehensive research work on one of the topics addressed in the programme.
See the Humanities Curriculum Handbook for further course details.
Graduate employment
Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London (UCL and LSE and Imperial College), Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Students will be able to benefit from career opportunities in various financial institutions, consultancy businesses and research institutes, including the Institute of International Monetary Research that will be offering several internships to our graduates.
“When studying Money, Banking and Central Banking at the University of Buckingham, students receive constant guidance and support. Proof of that is the continued support I have received after graduating to obtain my certificate as an Associate Professional Risk Manager” – David Orozco
Discounts
Students who graduate from the University and plan to continue their studies with a postgraduate degree at Buckingham can benefit from a very generous automatic discount on their fees:
- 33%, those with a first class honours degree from Buckingham
- 25%, those with a Second Class Honours, Upper Division (2:1) degree from Buckingham
Postgraduate loan scheme
A new system of postgraduate loans for Masters degrees in the UK was introduced in August 2016 with support from the UK Government. The loan will provide up to £10,609 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. The loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both. Find out more >>
Scholarship opportunities: Santander Universities
Scholarships, travel bursaries and internships are among the benefits that the University of Buckingham students and staff receive as part of a partnership agreement with Santander Universities.
- Santander Mobility Awards: available by application for use towards travel expenses.
The agreement focuses on international exchange, entrepreneurial activities and international travel grants for students and researchers to go to universities in any of the 20 countries where Santander has higher education partners.
You may also find it useful to visit our External Funding page.
On-campus accommodation
We guarantee on-campus accommodation to all new students for their first four terms of study, as long as it is booked and paid for in good time, so you’re assured of a safe and secure home from home when you arrive at the University. Most new students choose this option.
Living on campus enables you to become involved in University activities, make friends, and integrate with the University community. For some of you this will be your first time in the UK; for others it will be the first time living away from home – and independence brings its challenges as well as its excitements. Whatever your circumstances, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your accommodation.
What’s included?
All our study bedrooms are fully furnished, centrally heated, and connected to the internet. With few exceptions they have a wash basin and small refrigerator. We have a large number of ensuite rooms, and are upgrading more rooms each year. There are shared kitchens for when you wish to cook for yourself.
Find out more
If you’d like to find out more, visit our Accommodation pages or get in touch with our Accommodation Team.
We recommend that all prospective students visit our campus if they are able to, and campus tours include a typical student room. Arrange a tour via your Admissions Officer.
Apply directly
You can apply directly using our online application form – all you need to do is click the ‘apply’ button at the top of this page.
Help and support
If you need any help making your application or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the form below, or by phone on +44 (0)1280 820227. We are available between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday.
You may find it useful to download these great tips from Which University? on writing your personal statement.
If you would like to make any changes to your current application, please contact Admissions using the form below.